"I heard from my attorney today," Janet said. In the aftermath of the accident her dad introduced her to his personal attorney. "The suit has been filed. He says my case is very strong and expects the company to seek a settlement."
The basic facts are undisputable: The truck driver ran a stop sign, hitting Tom's car which had the right of way. The driver was 'impaired' while on the job and the company was aware of previous drug usage. That made them culpable. Tom was only twenty-five, his whole life ahead of him and the accident left his equally young wife a widow.
Her attorney was asking for a jury trial. The circumstances would gain much sympathy. A month later a big settlement was reached. Janet was paying her law firm by the hour, not contingency, so she netted almost the full amount.
"I would give it all up to have Tom back," she said with tears in her eyes. "We need to go somewhere, get away from all this for a little while."
"Unfortunately, I've used up all my vacation this year but when the new year starts, I get four weeks again," I explained.
"And I could take a leave of absence," Susan added.
"A couple of months from now? Where should we go? I've certainly got enough money."
We searched the internet for resorts and cruises and decided we didn't want the crush of a cruise or some big resort.
"Here's something that catches my eye," I announced. "Backpacking in the Andes. This company arranges everything, the equipment and guide. It will be summertime there. Listen to this: '
Discover the enchanting world of the cloud forest, the ancient haciendas of Ecuador's highlands, hike on Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth! Explore the high trails of Ecuador's vine-draped forests
.'
"What do you think?"
"I like it! We are athletic and that gets us away from the crowds." Janet responded.
"I agree. As you say, something different. Definite possibility."
We continued to research and kept coming back to the Andes idea.
"Oh, I am so looking forward to this," Janet gushed after we booked the tour. It was her first spark of enthusiasm since the accident.
Our flight to Quito was uneventful and we were met by a representative of the tour company. After checking into the hotel, we napped and then out for a sumptuous dinner. We ended the night with three-way loving. The next two days were spent touring the area and making final arrangements.
"Jorge here will be your guide. He is one of our most experienced employees," the company representative introduced us. Jorge was taller than most at six feet and spoke quite acceptable English. Both girls approved: he was also quite handsome.
"I am so pleased to be your guide. The company provides all of the equipment we need and a pack horse for the heavy items. Please forgive but a question regarding the tents. For three of you I will arrange two tents?"
"Susan is my wife and Janet is her sister. Hopefully you have a tent that can accommodate the three of us?
"Oh, yes, that won't be a problem," he blushed as he considered the implications.
We were taken by van to the trailhead where we were met by the wrangler with our pack horse. Our bulky and heavier gear was loaded on the horse, making our personal loads much lighter. Our first day we followed a gentle trail and settled into our hiking routine. The next afternoon we crossed a small steam that led to a beautiful lake.
"If you like, we can stay here overnight and you can do some swimming."
Once Jorge set up our tent we changed into swim suits. The girls giggled as they anticipated showing off to our guide.
"You guys are so bad, flaunting your sexy bodies in your tiny bikinis."
"Yeah, we know and love it. Don't we, Janet?"
Poor Jorge tried to act professional and not stare at the two girls. He looked at me, worried as to my reaction. "Don't worry, Jorge, they love to tease. I don't mind."
We ran to the stream. The air was warm and I jumped into the water. God, it was cold.
"How is it, Bob?"
"Perfect," I lied.
A moment later the girls found out otherwise. "Oh god, it's so cold! Bob, you are an ass." A quick dip and we had enough. Once dry, however, the sun felt warm and we propped ourselves against some trees and relaxed.
"We made a good choice, don't you think? Janet asked.
"Yeah, this is great. Just the three of us."
