“Dead ends at Miller’s Creek,” I said. “Old storage barns and one busted sawmill. Been shut down for years.”
Russ looked up from his notes. “Then they’re either checking the bait or planning to clean it.”
Aaron stood. “We move now. Miles, stay on comms. Jace, you’re with me. Hawk, take your team and flank west of the creek road.”
Julia straightened. “I’m going too.”
Aaron hesitated. “You’re wounded.”
She lifted her chin. “Barely. And I know every road out there. You need me.”
He studied her a moment, then nodded once. “Stay with Hawk.”
She looked like she wanted to argue—until she saw the way I was watching her.
We left in two vehicles,headlights off, rolling down the old back road that wound through Copper Ridge’s forest like a secret.
The silence inside the truck was heavy. Julia rode shotgun, rifle across her lap, scanning the treeline. Every so often, her eyes flicked toward me.
“Don’t start,” she said finally.
“Didn’t say anything.”
“You were thinking it.”
“Probably.”
She blew out a breath. “I can handle myself, Hawk.”
“I know.”
“Then stop hovering.”
I glanced at her. “Not hovering. Observing.”
“Same thing.”
“Difference is,” I said quietly, “when I hover, people stay alive.”
She looked away, but I saw the corner of her mouth twitch.
The forest thinned. Ahead, through the dusk, I could see the turnoff to Miller’s Creek—a narrow dirt track half-hidden by undergrowth.
Boone’s voice crackled through the comm. “Thermal picks up two vehicles parked by the barns. Looks like a black SUV and a white van. No movement yet.”
Aaron’s voice followed. “Delta Five’s in position on the ridge. Brave Team, you’re clear to advance.”
“Roger that,” I said, killing the engine.
Julia checked her weapon. “What’s the plan?”
“Simple,” I said. “Find our leak, don’t get shot.”
She gave me a look. “You really missed your calling as a motivational speaker.”
I smiled. “Come on, Detective.”
We moved through the brush, keeping low. The barnsloomed ahead, old tin siding rusted and bowed, a perfect place for bad men to hide.
