Page 32 of The Trail Boss

“Ambush,” Gavin growled, his mind snapping into action. “Stay down.”

Before Roxie could respond, a loudcrackechoed through the night. The truck jolted as a bullet pinged off the hood, and Gavin yanked the wheel hard, veering off the road and into the ditch.

“Gavin!” Roxie cried, gripping the seat as the truck bounced and lurched.

“Keep your head down!” Gavin barked, his voice steady despite the chaos.

The attackers fired again, the sound of gunshots shattering the night as the truck skidded to a stop behind a cluster of trees. Gavin killed the engine and turned to Roxie, his eyes locking onto hers.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice urgent.

“Yeah,” she breathed, though her heart was pounding. “What now?”

Gavin reached into the backseat, pulling out a tactical bag. He opened it quickly, retrieving a handgun and an extra magazine. “We’re not sitting ducks,” he said, his tone firm. “Stay low, follow my lead, and don’t stop unless I tell you.”

Roxie nodded, swallowing hard. “Got it.”

They slipped out of the truck, using the trees for cover as Gavin surveyed their attackers. Two men had approached the truck’s front end, their flashlights sweeping through the grass. A third man remained by the SUV, his weapon trained in their general direction.

Gavin’s mind worked quickly, formulating a plan. He motioned for Roxie to stay put, crouching low as he moved silently through the shadows. His SEAL training kicked in, every step deliberate, every breath controlled.

The first attacker rounded the front of the truck, his flashlight beam slicing through the darkness. Gavin waited until the man was close, then sprang forward, grabbing the barrel of the rifle and yanking it upward. The attacker grunted in surprise,but Gavin didn’t hesitate. A swift blow to the man’s jaw sent him crumpling to the ground.

The second man turned at the noise, his flashlight swinging wildly. Gavin ducked behind the truck, his movements fluid as he fired a single shot. The bullet struck the man’s shoulder, causing him to drop his weapon with a pained shout.

“Gavin!” Roxie’s voice rang out, her tone sharp with warning.

The third attacker had closed in, his rifle aimed directly at Gavin. But before he could fire, Roxie grabbed a fallen branch and swung it with all her strength, hitting the man’s arm. His shot went wide, and Gavin seized the opening, firing a clean shot that disarmed him.

“Nice swing,” Gavin said, a flicker of pride in his voice as he grabbed Roxie’s arm and pulled her behind the truck.

“Thanks,” Roxie panted, her hands trembling. “What now?”

Gavin glanced toward the SUV, where the driver’s door had opened. A fourth man appeared, this one holding a shotgun. “We take the fight to them,” he said, his voice steady.

“Are you serious?” Roxie asked, her eyes wide.

“Dead serious,” Gavin replied. “Stay close.”

Gavin moved with precision, using the trees for cover as he closed the distance between them and the SUV. The shotgun-wielding man spotted them and fired, the blast shredding bark inches from Gavin’s shoulder.

“Stay here,” Gavin ordered, leaving Roxie behind a thick tree trunk as he flanked the shooter.

Gavin’s boots crunched softly against the dirt as he circled around. The attacker didn’t see him coming until it was too late. Gavin tackled him from the side, the shotgun flying out of his grasp as they hit the ground. With a swift, practiced motion, Gavin subdued the man, securing his hands with a zip tie from his bag.

“Clear,” Gavin called out, breathing hard as he looked back toward Roxie.

She emerged from behind the tree, her eyes scanning the scene with a mix of awe and disbelief. “You really are something,” she said, her voice tinged with both relief and admiration.

Gavin grinned, standing and dusting himself off. “Did you doubt it?”

Roxie’s lips curved into a faint smile, but the stress in her eyes remained. “Not really. What now?”

“We finish the job,” Gavin said, his tone resolute. “But first, we get you back to the ranch.”

As his truck was out of commission, Gavin commandeered their assailants SUV and they climbed in. His mind raced with possibilities. Whoever had sent these men wasn’t going to stop, and he was more determined than ever to end the threat once and for all.

And as he glanced at Roxie beside him, her face pale but steady, he knew one thing for certain—he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Not on his watch.

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