Page 47 of Taken from Her
They pressed deeper into the forest, the canopy growing thicker overhead while underbrush closed in around the narrow trail. Bird calls that had provided a cheerful soundtrack earlier fell silent, replaced by the whisper of wind through branches and their own careful footsteps.
Diana’s training kicked in as the environment became more confined. Limited visibility, restricted movement options, and increasing distance from backup support. Every instinct told her to turn back and return with a full tactical team.
But three women had been taken. Someone had studied these trails, learned the victims’ routines, and used their knowledge to strike when detection was least likely.
“There.” Lavender pointed ahead to where the trail widened slightly. “The clearing is just past those fallen trees.”
Diana approached the opening with caution, one hand on her weapon while using her camera to document the approach. The fallen trees created natural barriers that would funnel movement through a narrow gap.
Perfect for an ambush.
The clearing opened beyond the barrier, roughly fifty feet across with paths radiating in four directions. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the canopy break, illuminating an area that should’ve felt peaceful but instead raised every alarm Diana possessed.
“This isn’t right,” she said, scanning the perimeter.
A recent disturbance marked the clearing’s edges. Tramped vegetation that wasn’t consistent with normal foot traffic, scattered debris that looked deliberately placed rather than naturally accumulated, and in the center of the clearer, a circle of stones arranged too precisely to be accidental.
“Someone’s been camping here,” Lavender said as she examined the stone circle. “But not for recreation.”
Diana photographed everything, her pulse quickening as evidence mounted. This wasn’t just a surveillance point. Someone had been using this location for extended periods, creating a base of operations hidden deep enough in the forest to avoid casual discovery.
“Diana, look at this.”
Partially concealed beneath a fallen branch, someone had constructed a crude shelter using forest materials and camouflage tarp. Not visible from the trail approaches, but offering clear views of all access points.
Diana approached the shelter with her weapon drawn, her training overriding everything else. No one was inside, but signs of recent occupation were obvious. Food containers, water bottles, and equipment that made her stomach clench with recognition.
Surveillance gear, high-powered binoculars, and maps marked with locations that corresponded to places where all three victims had been taken.
“We need to get out of here. Now,” Diana said, holstering her weapon but maintaining an alert posture. “This is an active site.”
“How active?” Lavender asked, but her question was answered by a sound that made both women freeze. Vehicle engines. Multiple vehicles were approaching their location on access roads Diana hadn’t known existed.
Diana grabbed Lavender’s hand, pulling her toward the tree line as the engine sounds grew closer. Her radio crackled with static, communications still compromised by the terrain.
They were alone in the forest with whoever had been using this clearing as a base camp. And from the sound of approaching vehicles, they were about to have company.
“This way,” Diana whispered, leading Lavender toward the thickest section of forest cover. “Stay low, and stay quiet.”
The vehicles stopped somewhere beyond the clearing, door slamming with authority that suggested people comfortable in this environment. Voices carried through the trees, too distant to make out words but close enough to confirm Diana’s worst fears.
They’d found the staging area. And the people who’d been using it had just arrived.
Diana counted footsteps approaching through the forest. Three distinct gaits, heavy boots moving with purpose rather than caution. Whoever these people were, they belonged here. This was their territory.
She positioned herself in front of Lavender, her hand resting on her weapon while calculating the distances to better cover. The thick underbrush that had concealed their approach now trapped them in a narrow corridor with limited escape options.
Police,” a voice called from the clearing, close enough that Diana could make out the words. “We know you’re out there.”
Diana’s blood went cold. Lavender pressed closer behind her, breathing controlled but rapid. Diana could feel her tension and the way she trusted Diana’s training while fighting her own fear.
“Chief Marten,” the voice continued, conversation but laced with threat. “Bring your civilian consultant out where we can see you.”
They knew who she was. They’d been watching and waiting for exactly this scenario, and she had led them both in their trap.
Diana’s mind raced through tactical options. Three armed people with knowledge of the terrain versus two people with minimal backup and compromised communications. The math wasn’t favorable. But they also had advantages: Diana’s training, Lavender’s forest knowledge, and desperation that came from protecting someone who mattered more to her than protocol.
“Stay behind me,” Diana whispered. “When I move, you move. Don’t think, just follow.”
