Page 23 of Seeking Shelter

“Where’s Denny?” I ask.

Angel approaches, standing well back from Abel.

“Fucking dumbass left me to die. I got my foot caught in a bear trap some asshole poacher left and he took off.”

“You got your foot caught in a bear trap?” Angel gapes at him. “Oh my god, the irony.” Our gazes meet. She covers her mouth, laughing so hard tears stream from her eyes.

“What the fuck’s so funny?”

“You’re one clueless bastard, Pedroza,” I comment before turning my attention to Angel. “Keep an eye out in case Denny has an attack of conscience and returns for his pal.”

I check my radio. I might have enough charge for one call.

“Give me some water, man.”

Angel takes her canteen from her belt and moves forward. I hold up my hand. “Not a chance, you don’t go near him. I’ll give him water after I contact the team.” I point. “Stand here, rifle sighted on him center mass. I’m getting our packs.”

She does as directed, and I return with the backpacks. I find my topo map and spread it against a boulder, then orient it to my compass to pinpoint our location.

I key the radio. “Team Two, this is LEO Jonah Cooper. I’m with Evangeline Beaumont. We’re approximately a mile and a half north of the South Fork crossing.” I give the coordinates relative to the fire lookout that’s west of us.

Static, then relief when there’s a response. “Copy that, Cooper. Team’s approaching your location now.”

“I have one in custody, injured, severity unknown. Need a medic and air evac. Still looking for the second subject.”

“Copy that. Team One has custody of second subject. See you in five.” I catch Angel’s gaze. It’s over.

I get my water bottle and unscrew the lid to pour water into Abel’s mouth. A few short minutes later, Angel’s voice rings with excitement. “There they are. I see them.”

***

The next hour passes in a blur of activity. Abel’s foot is a mangled mess but the bleeding’s stopped and he’s stable so the chopper sets down at the ranch. Backpacks slung over our shoulders, Angel and I disembark. Minutes later, we’re fighting the downdraft as the chopper rises back in the air again, an officer on board accompanying Abel to the hospital in South Tahoe.

Then her brothers are there and Angel’s being hugged by every one of them.

Brooks releases her but holds on to her shoulders. “What the hell were you thinking to take off into the mountains like that?”

“My job, Brooks.”

Elias gives me a back slap. “Thanks, man, for riding to the rescue. We worried a lot less knowing you were with her.”

I glance at Evangeline. “She didn’t need rescuing. She had the situation under control and had a plan.” Her gaze warms. “But yeah. I’m glad I was there.”

“Jonah and I are together now,” she announces.

“The hell you are.” Wes steps into my space, brows lowered in a scowl. “You make a move on her?”

“That’s none of your fucking business.” I’m getting a clearer idea of Angel’s challenge with her brothers.

I hold my ground when all four of them advance on me in a solid wall of pissed-off Beaumonts.

Angel darts between us, pointing a finger at each in turn. “Back off. Every one of you. It’s time you give me some respect instead of treating me like an impulsive child.” They keep coming and I grab Angel and shove her behind me. From over my shoulder, she pipes up, “I’ve been in love with Jonah for years and he loves me back. You’re just gonna have to get over yourselves.”

“You love him?” Wes asks.

“Yes.”

“Well then,” he says, giving me a stern look. “Make sure you deserve her.”