A Man in the High Castle story
Technically this isn’t Vancouver, and I was going to save these photos for last because it was the final part of my journey, but I was inspired to write a #HighCastle mini story, so here we are! I took the photos at Snoqualmie Falls in Washington State.
The Bird in the Woods
The morning chill stung his nose, but his heart was racing so fast that he did not feel it. A breeze rustled through the giant pine trees, creating an eerie whir. As he walked beside the man who had orchestrated the assassination attempt on his life, John thought about Helen and the children. If anything should happen to them…
Helen was a strong woman, a good woman. She knew what to do.
He was tempted to suck in a sharp breath, but that would reveal the fear threatening to consume him. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of what is right.
As their boots padded along the silent trail, a steady roar began to permeate through the morning mist. A bird chirped overhead, and John slowed his pace. His nemeses shot him a sideways glance.
“Have you seen the waterfall?” he asked.
“I have no desire to,” Heydrich replied. “It’s best to stay on the trail. We have much to discuss. It’s time to end the silence between us.”
“Indeed,” John replied. The trail wrapped around a tree, and John knew that, like it or not, Heydrich would get a view of the falls. The roar grew louder, and the moisture in the air began to stick to his face.
The trail wove them around an ancient tree as wide as a vehicle. The waterfall burst through the foliage, and John shot his nemeses a look.
“You get your wish, Smith,” Heydrich said, his tone even. Another bird chirped overhead, its cries muffled by the power of the water. It chirped three times before John began walking again. Heydrich issued a wry laugh.
“For a second there, Smith…”
John did not answer. He did not need to. His man was in place. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, prickling the hairs on the back of his neck.
Whatever happens, Helen, I love you.
