What is a young man to do when he accidentally stumbles upon the secret hideaway of three refugees from the law, who will do anything to keep their whereabouts unknown?<br><br>Young, rich, spoiled, and naive George Lattimer sets out to hitchhike Route 66 across the country in the summer of 1964. After a bad experience getting a ride, he finds himself lost in the Ozark wilderness and stumbles upon the lair of three large, hairy outdoorsmen, hiding from the U.S. Marshals. They are determined to keep their hideaway a secret at all costs.

The Three Bears

George tiptoed to the first door and opened it as slowly as he could. It swung inward without a sound, revealing a small bedroom. A large king-sized bed almost filled the entire space with a chest of drawers as the only other piece of furniture.


Despite its outward appearance, the cabin was clean and tidy inside. George turned to the kitchen, suddenly aware of how hungry he was. The refrigerator held a half-gallon carton of milk, a stick of butter, two porcelain dishes with glass covers and a six-pack of beer, a brand George had never heard of. He grabbed the carton and finished the remaining milk, dropping the empty container on the floor. The porcelain dishes had vegetables in them. George never normally liked vegetables but in his famished state these looked delicious. He devoured the cold contents and set the empty dishes on the table.


Chapter 5