46—Electronic Magic
He entered right here.
I’ll flank him this way.
Canyon bolted into the forest past where the guy in coveralls had disappeared, listening and scenting intently. He caught the scent and followed it, ready for anything.
“Oh shi—,” Timber said from his right, the word being pointedly cut off.
What?
There was no response. Canyon course-corrected, heading for Timber’s voice.
What happened?
Still no response.
“Timber!”
With no warning, the ground spun under Canyon’s feet. Forest fell away from all sides and was replaced with more forest. Timber’s voice blared almost right next to him.
“…hear me?”
Canyon went around a bush, found his brother there, and punched him in the arm.
I can hear you, where’d you go?
I’m right here?Timber patted himself down.Aren’t I?
We’re in the magic forest again.
Shit.
You’re dry though.
Canyon was dry, too. He scraped at his uniform. There was some white film or powder left but it came off easily.
I lost that guy’s scent.
He’s long gone—warning Abigail White I bet.
Now we’ve got to get out again.
Right over here—
They walked around the bush back to where they’d started, Canyon pointing that he was going right and Timber should go left. They found the burnt popcorn smell. Canyon covered his face with both hands and pushed through the membrane, eyes squinched shut.
POP.
They were out.
“Gross.”
Timber ran for the truck. He grabbed a bottle of water and dumped it on his head. Canyon shook at high speed and ghost jizz flew every which way.
Timber lifted his head, growling. “I got his scent again. I’m gonna find that fucker.”
Empty water bottle in hand, goo dripping from him, he walked down the road sideways, facing the forest. Canyon dumped a bottle of water over his own head, grabbed some towels and lined his truck seats with them. He grabbed Predator, closed up the back, and climbed into his truck. He started it, turned it around, then drove to his brother, staying just behind him.
