He inched closer. “That’s not how we operate. Rowan. Besides, I’m wearing my deputy hat now, so…”
“Sorry, Page, but inside the park, my badge outweighs yours, which means, it’s my call.”
Bodie grunted, then took off, faster than before, the tangle of brush and bramble raking across his legs. They wove through the next series of switchbacks, then hit the final push — a steep scramble over broken rock with only occasional tree coverage.
Footfalls echoed from below, the odd muffled word carrying along the ridge. Bodie pulled up short, scanned the terrain as Rowan checked her supplies.
He motioned for his buddies to lower the SKED, closing the short distance between them. “They’re catching up.”
She nodded. “I’ve got a full mag for my Sig, but only a few shots left in the rifle.” She bumped her fist against her thigh. “Last time I leave without a ridiculous amount of backup power.”
“We’ve still got some resources?—”
“I think you’ve all done enough. Get behind that pocket of salal. I’ll go have a chat with our fan club.”
“Rowan…” He snagged her elbow as she went to turn. “I realize you might have more intel on what we’re facing, and I know now’s not the time to get into it, but these men don’t strike me as the kind who listen to reason or respect a badge.”
“I agree, but I don’t make a habit out of killing strangers.” She clapped him on the shoulder. “Not my first rodeo. Stay put. I’ll be right back.”
She didn’t wait for him to reply, just scrambled down the last section of the trail, took cover behind a large Douglas fir. Wind rustled the needles, a coyote calling in the distance.
Footsteps.
Soft. Low.
Moving up the rocky trail, just the occasional scuff sounding in the breeze. She counted it down, judging when they’d round the last bend — were exposed — before firing off a warning shot as she inched partway out.
“National Park Service Special Agent Scott. One more step and the next round’s not going wide.”
The two men froze, each decked out in black tactical gear, bandanas covering all but their eyes, rifles resting against their chests. Ready but not directed at her.
She motioned to the guns. “Put down the weapons, then clasp your hands behind your heads.”
The men exchanged a look.
She tsked. “Your buddies aren’t close enough to back you up, yet, so…”
Their shoulders stiffened, the guy on the left twisting slightly toward her.
Rowan read their intentions before they got off a shot, hitting one guy twice in the chest before darting behind the tree — cursing the blast of semi-automatic fire that chipped away the bark. She pressed against the trunk, listening for movement when a single shot boomed down the path.
A grunt, then Bodie ghosting out of the fog, weapon sweeping the trail, looking every inch the warrior she’d imagined. He waved her out, then ran to the mercenaries. He patted the men down — took the SBR she assumed still had some ammo along with a couple other items — then hoofed it back, keeping his body between her and any possible sightline.
More footsteps sounded behind them, additional forces rounding the bend sooner than she’d hoped. Rowan snagged a smoke grenade out of her pocket and tossed it, a plume of blue vapor pouring out as it clicked across the rocks. The men dove for cover, opening up a narrow window. She ran up the short slope, grabbed one corner of the litter as Bodie reclaimed his — scrambled up the rocky incline.
The wind picked up as they crossed onto the open face, slick grass dotting the gray stone. They crested the top as the men regrouped, lining up along the edge of the open section, nothing more than dark shapes moving within the fog. Rowan unpacked her rifle — set up an overwatch on a slight overhang.
Bodie crouched beside her. “Dalton’s got the other favorable sightline. Guy’s crazy good.”
“Let’s hope they decide we aren’t worth dying over.” She adjusted her scope, the familiar movement calming the jumpy feeling in her gut. She just wasn’t sure if it was the threat of another attack or the fact Bodie had likely saved her life — his sheer presence projecting all that intensity on her. “Thanks for the save back there.”
“Trust me, I still owe you.”
“You get enough of a signal to call in the cavalry yet?”
“SAR’s on their way. They know the area’s hot so, they’ll be coming in hard and fast. ETA’s fifteen minutes.”
“Which is about fourteen more than I’d like but…” She looked up at him. “You a sniper like your buddy Dalton?” She arched a brow. “That was him before, right? The other shots I heard.”
