“Yeah.” He starts to sit, bangs his forehead, and moans on the way down.
“Shush. I’m going to run, draw him away.” Nearby branches wiggle and a rifle cracks.
Mother fucker. I’m hit.My thigh on fire, I crab scuttle down a cellar hole. The bullet took a bite out of muscle tissue but missed major blood vessels. With any luck, my wool scarf will do the job and prevent me from leaving a red neon trail for the assassin to follow.
Done triaging, I climb out of my hiding spot and limp up the hill, pissed as hell. A marine does not go down without a fight and payback is a bitch, asshole.With righteous anger as my driving force, I power on.
Behind me, leaves rustle and branches snap closer than before. My plan to draw the killer away from Jeff is working but I’m not sure if I’ll live to celebrate. It remains to be seen.
Goddammit, I did not survive the war to die a few miles from my house.
Danni’s pretty face comes to mind. She said she loved me. Why didn’t I ask her to move in with me, to share my life? I should’ve confessed. I never settled down because every woman I dated seemed dull in comparison to her. No kiss was good enough and no sex came close to that summer night.
I am a fucking idiot.
Revelations unfold as I struggle for a foothold in the deep carpet of musty foliage. My right leg cries out, begging me to end the ascent but a stronger self emerges.
“Get your ass in gear.” Back in boot camp, my sergeant’s voice rings in my head. “What? You some kind of pussy?”
“No, sir.” Increasing my pace, I reach the top of the ridge and fall to the ground behind a thick trunk.
Snow starts falling, both good news and bad. The coating will cover my recent tracks but make me easy to follow if I take off toward the road.
With my wound bleeding heavily, there’s no time. Either I stay or get help. A shot to my left decides for me. Bolting off the trail, I dash into the woods and pray Jeff stays hidden. It’s my fault he’s out here but which of us is the target?
Confusion is the first sign of hyperthermia, made worse by loss of blood. The sweat on my body will turn to ice if I don’t keep moving but my feet are lead. Shivering, I climb under a pine tree, dig into the needles until I’ve created a bit of a blanket, and pray someone will find me before I freeze to death.
Chapter 19
Danni
“Hey, Danni. Let’s see if we can find your purse.” Smelling of cow dung and milk vat disinfectant, Greg meets me in front of Cole’s house. With his ear flaps down and plaid wool jacket, he reminds me of a Norman Rockwell magazine cover.
His gloves come off, he overturns a piece of slate in the garden, and retrieves a key. Once we’re in, he stomps his boots on the mat, squats, and pats Toby on the head.
“Woof.” The dog sniffs, wags his tail, and stares up at a leash.
“Sorry boy. Maybe later.” While Greg waits by the door, I pretend to search the whole house, and return empty handed.
“Huh. I guess it’s not here. Maybe Cole has it in his truck. I do apologize for bothering you.”
His scowl looks an awful lot like his brother’s. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, why?” I would tell him of my premonition, but it’s so irrational, I don’t dare.
The man tucks my chin, forcing my reticent glance to his. “Don’t give me that. I’ve been married long enough to know when a woman is being evasive.”
I shake my head back and forth, coming out of his grasp. “You won’t believe me.”
“Try me.”
He already thinks I’m a nutcase.What have I got to lose?“Fine. I got this really, really bad feeling this morning. I tried to call your brother but it went to voice mail.”
Greg rolls his eyes, his brows furrow, and his hands go to his hips. “You called me here because you were worried? Listen, I get how you’re a city girl now, but you shouldn’t worry. Our favorite hunting spot has no cell coverage. He’ll be back in a couple hours. I promise.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry.” Despite his assurances, my pulse races, even after he tussles my hat over my eyes.
“Why don’t you guys stop by the farm tonight? We’ll have dinner and laugh it off.”
