One of the photographers shouted, „Flash me that winner’s smile, Josh.“
„No problem.“ Josh leaned a hip against the skis propped up against the Swiss chalet and tipped down his sunglasses.
Though this session had run hours longer than anticipated, he managed, through discipline, to keep his smile intact.
A photographer leaned in and adjusted his lens. „Show us the gloves, Josh. The ones you always wear for luck.“
It was a familiar request, and one Josh had fielded a hundred times or more. Still, each time someone mentioned the gloves, he felt the familiar jolt to his heart.
He reached into his back pocket and held them up.
„Is it true that they belonged to your father?“
„Yeah.“ His eyes narrowed as he slipped them on. „That’s right.“
„Now that’s the look I wanted. Dark. Dangerous. A little bit introspective.“ The photographer grinned as he snapped off several quick shots before lowering his camera. „Thanks, Josh.“
A short time later, while the photographers hurried away to file their reports and meet their deadlines, Josh made his way inside the lodge and up the lift to his suite, where yet another crowd had assembled.
His agent, Martin Phillips, was holding court before a cluster of reporters and publicity people who were peppering him with questions.
„What’s next for Fearless Josh Cramer?“
Josh looked over the crowd, recognized the speaker as a reporter from World Sports, and promptly closed himself in his bedroom. Once there he ripped off his ski gear and pulled on comfortable jeans and a T-shirt before sinking onto the edge of the bed.
His head came up sharply when the door was opened. Martin Phillips paused on the threshold. „Good news. World Sports is calling the article ‘Man on the Run.’ They assured me that you’ll be their lead story and have the cover of their October issue.“
„That’s great.“ Josh lowered his voice. „Can we talk, Marty?“
„Yeah. In a minute. There’re some people out here you need to meet.“ His agent caught him by the arm and hauled him to the parlor while calling out to a reporter, „The timing of this photo spread couldn’t be better. You’ll want to end the article by mentioning Josh’s next adventure, which he doesn’t even know about yet.“
At his words, Josh arched a brow.
„How could he possibly top what he’s already done? Don’t tell me he’s about to leap tall buildings and catch bullets in his teeth before spitting them out.“
The reporter’s remarks had the entire room full of people laughing.
Martin Phillips joined in the laughter. „You’ve just described Josh perfectly. He’s always up for something different and challenging. Tomorrow he’s leaving for the ultimate wilderness trek. No electronics gear. No space-age gadgets. He’ll carry a mini-cam and a few basic necessities, but he’ll have to survive on what he can catch or kill along the way, until he joins a camera crew at the end of his journey.“
Suddenly all business, the reporter’s smile faded. „Sounds like something out of a reality television show, without the lifeline of a safety net.“
„Exactly.“ Martin nodded. „I’ve just finalized the last of the details with SNN, the all-sports news network. If the public likes it, they’re hoping to make it a regular series, with Josh in a different dangerous location every month.“
One of the photographers turned to Josh. „You don’t give yourself much time to relax, do you?“
Josh remained mute while his agent answered for him. „Got to make hay while the sun shines. You didn’t call Josh the Man on the Run for nothing. Besides, they made an offer he couldn’t refuse. Now gentlemen, if you don’t mind, it’s been a long day, requiring some superhuman activity. I think it’s time we give Josh some space.“
As the others set down their empty glasses and began filing from the room, one of them paused to ask, „Want to meet us in the bar, Marty? Maybe you could fill in a few more details about this latest adventure.“
„Sure thing. Publicity is my middle name.“ While the others chuckled, he glanced at his watch. „I’ll see you in an hour.“
When the room had emptied, Martin picked up a chilled bottle of water and twisted the cap, draining it in one long swallow before turning to his client.
Josh was sitting on the sofa, staring broodingly into the flames of the fire.
„Okay.“ Martin sat on the opposite end of the sofa. „Tell me what’s wrong.“
„A trek through the wilderness?“
Martin grinned. „Look, I know it’s not as glamorous as skiing the Alps, but the offer was too good to pass up.“ He studied Josh’s face. „I don’t think that’s what’s bothering you. What is it?“
„I told you not to book anything more. I said I needed some time.“
„Time for what?“
„Time for me. Just for me.“
„You see? That’s the whole idea. That’s why I fought so hard to get this for you. After you land in the wilderness tomorrow, you’ll have all the time in the world to yourself.“
„Yeah. With a camera recording my every move. You know what I mean, Marty. I’ve been at this for years now, without a break. I’m losing my edge. I need to recharge my batteries.“
„Recharge your batteries? Josh, these people are throwing millions of dollars at you for doing what you love.“
„I know but…“
His agent held up a hand. „If you’d like, stay in your room for the rest of the day. I’ll handle the press. Here we are in one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world. Pamper yourself with room service in front of the fire while you watch the skiers coming down those glorious slopes. Will that give you enough time to get back your edge?“
„You’re talking hours.“ Josh ran a hand through his hair in frustration. „Get serious, Marty. You know what I mean. I need some real time off. I’d like enough time to just be lazy. You know. Doing fun, relaxing things like real people.“
„Real people.“ Martin stood and began to pace. „Listen to me, Josh. The reason you’re such a hot property is because you don’t live like real people. I don’t know anybody else who could take on your adventures and make them look like a walk in the park.“ He paused, his voice lowering for emphasis. „Don’t you get it? People love seeing you sailing solo across the Atlantic, or watching you drop from a helicopter to ski down the Alps, because it’s something they couldn’t possibly do on their best day. That’s the basis of this planned television special. The director is hoping to turn it into a series that will make us both more money than we ever dreamed of. And do you know why? It’s because you’re what the average Joe will never be. Absolutely fearless.“
Josh gave a dry laugh. „Yeah, that’s me. Fearless Josh Cramer.“
Martin’s eyes narrowed. „Are you telling me you’re not? That somehow, between yesterday and today you’ve lost your confidence?“
„Of course not.“ Josh gave a shake of his head. „It’s not fear, Marty.“ In truth, he couldn’t recall the last time he’d experienced real, gut-wrenching fear. He’d always lived for the adrenaline rush that came from placing himself in danger. „I’m just tired. I need a break. Think about it. When was the last time I went out on a date?“
„You want women?“ Martin started toward the door. „I can go down to the bar right now and bring you half a dozen gorgeous models who’d like nothing better than to spend the night with Josh Cramer.“
„Thanks.“ His frown was back. „That’s not what I mean and you know it.“
„Listen.“ Martin started back to the sofa, using his most persuasive tone. „You just get through this next adventure, and I promise you, I’ll pencil in a nice long break.“
„Pencil in?“