Page 90 of Mountain Refuge

“Just keep watch.” It would take him a while to string the fishing line with the cans at ankle height. Anyone looking close enough would see the trip wire, but then they might not see the second wire that actually triggered an alarm in the cabin with a piercing shriek and flashing lights.

As he worked, he told Taya about the inside alarm.

“When did you get those?”

He grinned. “When we were at the surplus store. I couldn’t resist something so James Bondish.”

“I’m sure it’ll scare the dickens out of us if it goes off.”

No doubt, but they’d at least have warning someone was coming. Even a short warning could mean the difference between capture and freedom.

He snuck a peek at Taya. In her camouflage pants and army-green tee-shirt, black sunglasses, and rifle over one arm, she looked every bit the warrior. The set of her jaw, the rigidness of her back—all said she was ready to take on anything that might come their way.

While Ryan wanted to protect Taya, it well could be she who kept him safe. He trusted no one more to make sure they all made it out of this alive.

From the woods, the sheriff appeared along with Snowe and Larson marching across the cleared section of land in his direction. He wiped his hands on his jeans and motioned his head to Taya.

“What now?” She glanced at him.

“I don’t know, but it’s never good when Sheriff Westbrook shows up. At least not lately.”

They waited side by side for the three to reach them. Taya slid the hand not holding the rifle into Ryan’s.

“Sheriff.” Ryan squared his shoulders. “Agents. What can we do for you?”

“There’s no sign of the group from the campground,” the sheriff said. “A cadaver dog did find the camp host’s body. We’ll be putting a chopper in the air. When we couldn’t reach either of you by phone, we came out here.” He narrowed his eyes. “May I ask what’s going on?”

Ryan grinned. “Sorry. We left our phones in the cabin. This, Sheriff, is a simple, pre-warning alarm system.”

“Where’s Tracy?” He glanced back at the house.

“Inside.” He sobered. “In the hall closet under boxes secured to the floor is a trap door leading to a cellar. If Mason Rogers or his men come here, or if Taya or I perish, that’s where you’ll find Tracy.”

“Good to know. But, I don’t anticipate anything happening to either one of you as long as you stay here. If you need groceries, call for delivery. You aren’t safe in town. Too many places for Rogers and his men to hide and take you out.” He glanced around the area. “I don’t think you should be this far from the house. A sniper could take you out before you took your next breath.”

“I agree,” Agent Snowe said. “You’re at risk out here. Not even the dogs could save you. I suggest you finish while we’re here, then head back to the safety of the house.”

“So, we’re prisoners?” Taya sighed.

“Yes, ma’am, if that’s what it takes to keep you safe.”

Chapter Sixteen

The mountain hadn’tbecome the refuge Taya had sought. Instead, it became a trap. No way out except down the one road leading to Ryan’s place or through the woods. Both of which would be watched by Mason or his men.

She sighed and continued her surveillance out the back window. Sitting on the deck wasn’t considered safe anymore. Despite Ryan’s “traps,” anyone could approach the cabin and not be seen until they were practically knocking on the door. All it would take was to knock the dogs out for a while.

Ryan moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Sleep okay?”

“Not really.” She leaned back against him. “Too many what ifs running through my head.” She turned and gazed into his face. “I want to draw Mason out. I want to end this. But…the danger’s too great. So, we wait.”

“It won’t be long now.”

“How do you know?”

“With all the heat on this mountain, the man will grow desperate. He’ll make his move, and we’ll nab him.” He gave her a quick kiss before stepping back and pouring a cup of coffee.

“We’re out of cereal.” Tracy, arms crossed, hair mussed from sleep, stood in the kitchen doorway.

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