Page 44 of Zero Visibility

Nothing about the mountain they’d be summiting was inviting. “Let’s go slow and pace ourselves,” he told everyone, but his thoughts were for Jen.

They started the uphill trek, the altitude sucking the wind from his body. He glanced at Jen. She’d grown up in the mountains. Jogged and ran marathons. She was in the best physical shape possible, and yet she’d been shot and was pregnant. Still, she appeared to be holding up against the rigorous uphill path. So far, the climb hadn’t been bad, but he recalled places on the drive up that would be difficult.

They’d been at it for several hours when Ben stopped to gain his bearings.

The wounded man dropped to one of the boulders and sucked in oxygen. His injury needed to be treated and the walk wasn’t helping.

As Ben glanced around the desolate mountain top, he heard a vehicle. “Take cover.” Everyone crouched behind a boulder.

It took him a minute to realize the vehicle was coming down the mountain. As it drew close, he recognized it right away. Cole had sent help. They were safe.

???

Jen was never so happy to see anything as she was the Suburban.

Will hopped out of the driver’s seat. “You guys need a lift?” he asked with a grin. Peter opened the passenger door and greeted them.

Ben chuckled and took her hand. “You could say that. How did you know to come for us?”

“James has been tracking your phones,” Peter said. “Glad you all made it out safely. Let’s get you home.”

Once their prisoner was loaded in front, Jen got in and sank back against the third-row seat while Ben slipped in next to her.

“This feels heavenly.” She smiled over at her husband.

He put his arm around her shoulders and tugged her close. “It sure does.”

“What’s his story?” Peter motioned toward the wounded man.

“We’re not sure yet. He’s not talking, but he’s definitely working for Legion.”

As Jen listened to Ben discussing what they’d gone through, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the vehicle while she tried to shut out the dangerous things they’d survived.

The Suburban rocked back and forth as they ascended.

“There’s been several developments,” Peter said.

“Like what?” Ben asked and Jen opened her eyes.

“Cole’s people have located Tegan’s brother. Apparently, some men came to his dorm room, but he managed to escape. Unfortunately, without his phone. Legion’s people used it to contact Tegan.” Peter sighed. “Andrew’s been hiding ever since. They’re going to take him to an undisclosed location and do their best to keep him safe until we can figure out how to reunite Andrew with his brother.”

“That’s good news anyway,” Ben said, and leaned his head against hers.

The hunting cabin came into view and the sight of it was like coming home in Jen’s mind.

Ben shifted to her. “You should let Doctor Simpson take a look at you to be safe.”

“I will.” She readily agreed because she wanted to make sure the baby was safe.

They went inside the cabin and everyone came over to welcome them home.

“We sure are glad you all made it back safely.” Kaiden gave Ben a heartfelt hug.

“It’s good to be safe again.”

“We don’t really have a prison set up here, but he needs medical attention and we can use the back room where the bunk beds are to secure him to the wall. Sidney and I will take care of the prisoner. You all should get something to eat and then rest.” Kaiden clasped Ben’s shoulder before he and Sidney led the wounded man away.

“Come and sit at the table, all of you. You must be half frozen.” Nancy reached for Jen’s arm. “Honey, I was worried about you. How are you holding up?” Nancy pulled out the chair and applied gentle pressure until Jen sank into it.

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