Page 113 of Love Me Dangerous

“What were you surveying?” I ask Dustin.

A staticky voice crackles over the radio. “We’ve got her.”

Surprise and relief split open inside me.

Sofie raises the radio. “Where? Is she okay?”

“Her bike lost traction in the snow,” the man continues.

I want to go to Sofie and throw my arms around her in celebration, but terrifying details are chewing through my thoughts, and I’m frozen in place.

Rowdy cuts in. “How is she?”

“A little cold, but ABC’s check out.” Static breaks up the rest.

Sofie closes her eyes for an instant and rests her hand on her heart. “She’s okay.”

Dustin turns to glance down the slope, the motion drawing my attention to the cuff of his jacket riding over the tool attached to his belt.

It’s my Leatherman. The one taken from my pack that night outside The Limelight. The gift from my father—the one possession I value.

More of the puzzle pieces shift and lock into place. Dustin is the one who attacked me. Him and Kai. Trying to threaten me. And when that failed, Dustin followed me into the high country.

Is he looking for Kai right now, who must have bailed when he heard us coming?

I didn’t recognize his voice from the work party, but it’s not like we had a lengthy conversation, nor was I paying attention. I was having too much fun with Sofie to think about anything else.

I remember the map I plucked from the grass. It makes sense now what drew me to it, and what my brain was trying to reconcile. Also why Dustin was quick to snatch it from my hands.

Because that map tells the whole story.There’s a way. We just haven’t found it yet.

“…do a full assessment,” blares from the radio.

Sofie starts walking toward the edge of the trees, probably for better reception. “Can you repeat that?” she says into the radio. I’m momentarily grateful she’s unaware of what’s going on inside my mind. I will her to stay in that state long enough for me to figure out how to get us both out of here in one piece.

As if sensing my growing disgust, Dustin flicks his gaze my way. His eyes go cold.

“My truck’s not far,” he says.

Another detail locks down. The forest service roads that crisscross the backcountry, accessible for anyone with a key. And because of The Winter Range Project, he likely can get any key he wants.

Dustin’s been using The Winter Range Project as cover and benefitting from the easy passage through the landscape.

Right under everyone’s nose.

And right now he’s got a backpack full of contraband and a broken link in his supply chain. One he needs to remedy quickly.

Dread pools in my gut.

Another blast of icy wind slams into us, sending the snow from the treetops cascading down in thick clumps. I turn away from it just as Dustin comes for me. I grunt in surprise as I’m knocked off my feet. For one terrifying second, I’m one with the brutal wind. I land on my shoulder as snowflakes burn like hot needles on my neck, and the wind roars in my ears. My tender rib flares hot, pain shooting into my spine and hip as I tumble over rocks and frozen ground, finally coming to a stop against the trunk of a giant tree.

Breathing hard, I lurch to my feet. The wall of snow is a thick cloud, burning my eyes.

“Sofie!” I hurry up the slope, frantic. I listen for a reply but there’s only the screaming wind.

The snow clears, but the slope is empty.

Dustin’s gone.

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