Page 56 of Ranger Belief
Laney glanced up at the bluff. The gunfire had become more sporadic.
God, please keep them safe. And help me protect this little girl.
Lifting Alli into her arms, she ignored the shooting pain in her hip and ankle as she stood. The hiking path along Bear Creek was several miles, nothing for her normally, but with her injured arm and leg, it would be slow going. Cognizant of the fact that there were unknown enemies in these woods, Laney pulled her service weapon from its holster. She limped forward.
The trail was muddy. The creek rumbled past, swollen from the recent storms. Pain vibrated through her with every step, but Laney tuned it out. Mind over matter. Her military days had taught her that.
A twig snapped nearby. Her breath hitched as a man stepped out of the darkness into her path.
Laney raised her weapon. “Don’t move, or I’ll shoot you.”
“Boss, it’s me.” Brett’s hushed whisper crossed the distance between them as his hands jerked into the air.
She didn’t lower her weapon. Fear gripped her. “Stay away from me.”
Brett’s breathing was rapid. “Please. You have to help me. Mitch has a gun. I got away, but heard the shooting and…” He stepped closer, and the whites of his eyes shone in terror. “I don’t know how to get out of here.”
Her grip on her weapon remained steady, but doubt crept in. What if she'd been wrong? What if Brett was a victim like them? Garrett could be the one working with Mitch. Or they could all be wrong and Mitch was working on his own.
Brett’s fear looked genuine. He was trembling, and his breathing was rapid. The rain had plastered his hair to his forehead, making him look younger than his 28 years.Indecision warred within her. Alli's weight grew heavier in her arms, and pain throbbed through her injured ankle.
“You’re hurt.” Brett eased closer. “Let me help you. I’ll carry the little girl, and you can show me the way back.”
She hesitated. And then, Laney lowered her weapon slightly.
A gunshot rang out.
Blood bloomed on Brett’s shirt. He collapsed.
Laney whirled around, but it was too late. A dark shadow rushed her. Arms wrapped around her waist and the assailant took her down like a professional linebacker. Her weapon flew from her hand and landed somewhere in the dark as she slammed into the unyielding ground. Her scalp was punctured by the sharp pebbles littering the path, sending pain shooting through her. She lay momentarily stunned.
It was the only opening the attacker needed. He shoved Alli away and climbed on top of Laney, trapping her arms next to her sides. His expression was triumphant as he leaned over her. “Gotcha.”
Garrett Wheeler.
He stared down at her with the cold-eyed gaze of a monster. A killer.
“You.” She wheezed. Her lungs burned for air. For the second time, they’d had the wind knocked out of them.
A wicked smile twisted his features. “Me.” He leaned closer, his finger trailing the curve of her face. Smelling his cologne, that sickening spicy scent, coupled with his touch made her want to gag. He hadn’t been wearing it during their first interview. Garrett, like many men, must have more than one cologne and changed them out. “Getting to you wasn’t easy. It took a lot of thinking. But you and I are going to have a good time together. I promise.”
His breath was hot and disgusting against her face. Laney shuddered inside, but forced herself to meet his gaze. Men likeGarrett fed on their victims' terror. She would not show him an ounce of fear. “Deputies know where we are,” she bluffed. “And the Texas Ranger have captured your buddy Mitch and will be here before long.”
“Oh, I don’t think so.” He leaned back, trailing his finger down her throat and along the collar of her uniform. “Mitch is a better shot than I am with a rifle. I missed Jonah at your cabin, but he won’t fail. Those rangers are dead. Along with your stupid dog. The deputies, and the rest of the park rangers, only know the location of the Jeep. It’ll take them quite some time to figure out where you went.”
Her heart froze in fear. No. He had to be lying.
Jonah wasn’t dead.
He couldn’t be.
Tears pricked her eyes. He didn’t know. Didn’t know that she loved him. Why hadn’t she said it at the car when she kissed him? Or before going over the bluff?
Or two days ago.
Or ten years ago.
She was a foolish, foolish woman. She’d been in love with Jonah since the moment she first saw him. There’d never been anyone else for her. She’d broken things off after a month of dating, but when Jonah suggested just being friends, she’d jumped at the chance. Even then, she knew. Knew she needed him in her life.
