Episode 2

She works hard for the money.

So hard for it, honey.

She works hard for the money.

So you better treat her right.

Singing to myself, I tilt my head to the side as I do a final check of my outfit in the mirror. The tan leather boots, black skinny jeans, white blouse, and red tartan jacked is the perfect ensemble for traveling, and also compliments my light skin and wild dark blonde hair.

Checking my Fitbit, and confirming that I am still on time, I do a final check of my house, making sure that the windows and doors are locked, the oven and any light switches are off and my plant is thoroughly watered and now potentially drowned. Satisfied that everything is in order, I move through the front door, locking it behind me, and make my way to the front porch. Biting my bottom lip and checking the time again I smile, my upcoming adventure making my giddy with excitement. I just need to make a quick stop at the office to drop off some files, then it's only another 3 hours and 30 minutes until I hit the main town.

Walking down the white wooden steps, I go over everything I need in my head before jumping into my car.

Luggage packed, front door locked, phone, wallet, keys in my bag, hot coffee in the cup holder, and glasses on. CHECK!

Sighing, my body tingling with nervous energy, I press the ignition and place my car into drive. Waiting for my heating to kick in, I allow my thought to drift to my destination. It has been so long since I have been back to the Spur, and to the cabin, the place from my childhood, and also a place that holds both good and bad memories.

Checking my mirrors, and making sure I am clear, I release the brake and make my way into town.

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Tapping my hands on the steering wheel of my silver Ford Edge, I drive into the parking garage of Protech Industries and pull into my usual spot.

Dusting invisible dirt off my jacket, I take the elevator up to the 5th-floor of our large building complex, and make my way to Erin's office, placing the files she requested of the L'obscurité acquisition on top of her desk.

"Morning." I greet, a massive smile plastered on my face.

"Ava, bitch," Erin's husky voice fills the room as she stands. "Congratulations on a job well done, the whole office is buzzing, and thanks for bringing these in." She exclaims pointing her red-tipped, manicured fingers toward the pile and grinning. "Anyway tell me, what are your plans when you arrive and do not leave anything out."

Blowing a raspberry at my work colleague and best friend, I shrug.

"Erin you know my plans, we have spoken about this, like several times," I chuckle, watching as she places a hand on her hip and pouts. Humoring her I deliver the same response I gave her last 5 or 6 times, "I plan to get to the cabin and sleep, then maybe eat and sleep some more, oh, and did I mention to you that I plan to sleep?"

"I guess, I assume you will need to sleep, you know, in-between getting down and dirty with the local delicacy," Erin suggests raising her dark eyebrows comically. "I mean, that is what I would be doing if I was off to a romantic cabin in the woods, surrounded by handsome, rugged, mountain men, that are looking for just the right woman to sweep them off their feet."

I choke out a laugh at her response, most people would think to correct Erin and tell her that it is the man's job to sweep a woman off their feet. But I have known her for far too long to know that she meant exactly what she said. Erin is no damsel and when she sees something she likes, she goes for it.

"You never know," she continues, "you might meet a tall, dark, and massively hung stranger that will knock your socks off, amongst other things!"

Sighing, I shake my head at her. Men are so not in the forefront of my mind, all I want to do is arrive, pay my respects and turn off reality for a while, maybe have a few wines in the process.

This trip was planned as a celebration present for myself ever since my company won the Hansen contract.

It was perfect timing actually when I received the email 8 months ago from one of my customers, who also happens to be old friends of the family, offering me the use of their cabin, and it was available anytime I wanted.

Now, 6 months down the track, the Hansen project complete, making a lot of people richer, and only a few days away from the anniversary, this is the perfect time to go.

"I mean, Ava, you are smoking hot, you are like 28, single, successful and have some pretty decent assets," Erin emphasizes, pointing to her own well-endowed chest, her voice dropping to a lower octave. "You just need to get laid, a nice cock or 2 will do that for you, and then the relaxation will come naturally."

I can not help but roll my eyes. "Look Erin, firstly the cabin is remote, NOT romantic, and secondly, if I do happen to meet a nice local, I will not rule anything out, but no promises."

"Good, I swear, the only person to visit your vagina in the past few years, has been the Grim Reaper, checking to see if it was still alive or ready for collection."

I laugh again, she is not the far off the mark, if it was not for my little tool chest, I would also wonder if my special place below still had a heartbeat. Thankfully, I can confirm that it is very alive and well, it is just not that interested in any other third party right now.

"It will be good for you Ava, take the edge off a little. It is not as if you have to bring them back home with you. Just enjoy your time and don't turn down an opportunity if it presents itself." Erin continues, her steel-black eyes pleading.

"Okay mum, I won't," placing my hand over my heart to emphasize, "I promise, but only if YOU promise to keep my office safe from the vultures."

"Done, now I expect regular updates from you, young lady."

Shaking my head, my curls flying about, I sigh, "Fine, I will message you once I arrive, but don't get all grumpy if I forget to message you when I need to go to the bathroom."

"Ma'am, yes ma'am," she salutes, before checking her diamond-encrusted, stainless steel, Tiffany watch for the time. A gift from one of her many admirers, "anywho, ciao bitch, get your ass out of here, otherwise you won't arrive until after dark, and DO NOT forget to message!"

"I won't mum. Love you." I chuckle moving towards her.

Pulling her in for an embrace, her arms wrapping around me, giving me an extra hard squeeze. "I will miss you girl," Erin whispers before releasing me.

"Likewise."

Not one for pleasantries, Erin turns back to her desk to retrieve her phone which is vibrating silently, "gotta tack this."

Nodding, I blow her a kiss and leave the office, my boots clicking on the marble tiles as I walk to the elevator.

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Taking the exit off the motorway to the town of Black Mountain, I tune the radio to a local station, the crackling voice of a female broadcaster coming through.

"No updates on the missing men but we remain positive that they will be found safely and returned to their loved ones soon."

Switching over to another station I stop on The Weekends, Blinding Lights, and make my way into town.

I am hit with a wave of nostalgia as I move through the main street, unchanged with time and looking the same way it did the last time I was here. Smiling to myself I take in the same brightly-colored weatherboard shops, positioned between brick and stone buildings and showcasing their ornate black and cast iron signs.

Finding an empty car space, I pull in and placing my vehicle in park, and step out. Food time!

Heading to the local butchers, which still has its bright red and white awning out front, I take in the mountain air which is crisp with an undertone of a wood fire, making me tingle with delight. I have always loved the outdoors, the smell of fire, of nature.

5 stores later and a car full of fresh produce, I manage to stumble across a quaint little café/bakery called Nan's, just off the main drag and must be a new addition to this already picturesque town. Sitting out the front and placed on the cobblestone path, is a little kids chalkboard displaying the message, 'Despresso; the feeling you get when you've run out of coffee... Get your fix here'

Chuckling and ready for my caffeine refill, I open the door nearly bumping into a man with dark brown hair as he exits, the smell freshly cut grass hitting me. Looking up at the tall figure I apologize before moving aside and letting him pass. Seeing him smile in response, dimples forming in his cheeks, my tummy does a little flip. Breaking eye contact I move inside and am immediately hit with the aromas of fresh pastries making my tummy rumble.

"What can I get you, love?" A middle-aged woman in a black apron, displaying "NORA" on her name-tag asks, a slight Irish lilt to her voice, as I make my way over to the black antique-looking register. Erin would love this place.

"Hi," I greet, moving closer, "large Latte, and whatever I can smell, to go please."

Laughing, her hazel eyes twinkling, "Now that would be the almond croissants, just came out of the oven."

Placing freshly ground beans into the machine Nora continues. "You here for the Halloween festival love, or just passing through?"

"Um," I pause, seeing no harm in sharing my plans, I am most likely going to be back here before I go home, "I am here for the next two weeks actually, staying at a friend's cabin about 15 mins up the Spur. I don't know anything about a festival though."

"Oh, that wouldn't be Olivia and Paul's place? They did mention a lovely young lady would be visiting, oh and the festival is this weekend, the whole town gets involved, it is actually quite a lovely event." Nora adds, passing over my coffee and pastry, "In the meantime love," she continues, "might I suggest, that if you are looking for a bite to eat after hours I would recommend Brady's. It is just on the corner over there, they make a mean burger and are reasonably priced too."

Remembering the old pub that I used to visit with my parents, I nod, handing over cash.

"Just be careful though love, the roads up the Spur can be tricky to navigate at night, the last thing a young lady like yourself needs to be is stranded out there," she warns.

"Will do, thanks". I reply taking my coffee and brown paper bag of yummies, before exiting, once again hit by the mountain air.

Making my way back towards my car, and thinking over her words, I blink several times and take a deep breath. I know first-hand the dangers of the Spur, I have got 10 years of nightmares and the scars to show just how BAD those roads can get.

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