“Let’s move,” Caleb orders, his voice calm but authoritative. “Normal pace, same formation as before. Act like ordinary hikers heading back.”
We fall into position, with Julia now sandwiched protectively between Drake and Roadrunner. I walk beside Caleb, trying to appear relaxed while my senses are on high alert.
“Hawk,” Caleb murmurs into his radio, “what’s their position now?”
“They’ve stopped about a hundred yards from the waterfall,” comes the quiet reply. “They’re watching through binoculars. Definitely not casual hikers.”
“Can you describe them?”
“Two males, dark clothing, professional gear. One has a sidearm visible under his jacket. The other is carrying something in a case—looks like it could be explosives.”
“NTM security,” Richard whispers, his face pale. “They must be monitoring all the significant locations on the property.”
“Keep moving,” Caleb instructs, his hand briefly touching the small of my back. “Hawk will join us once we’re out of sight.”
We continue through the forest, maintaining what I hope looks like a casual pace while my mind races with questions. How did NTM know to watch the waterfall, or were they just out on patrol? Are they aware of the wolf mark? Will they be there tomorrow at sunrise?
“How can they just come traipsing on Jake’s land? Can’t he have them arrested for trespassing?” Julia asks.
Caleb shook his head. “They likely would just get a warning.”
When we’re about halfway back to our vehicles, Hawk pops out of the trees to join us, moving with silent efficiency that would be unsettling if he weren’t on our side.
“They’re still at the waterfall,” he reports. “Examining the area where you were gathered.”
“Did they see the mark?” Richard asks anxiously.
Hawk shakes his head. “Hard to tell from my position. But they were definitely interested in that spot.”
“We need to change our approach for tomorrow,” Caleb says, clearly thinking of other options. “If they’re watching the waterfall, we can’t just walk in at dawn.”
“What do you suggest?” I ask.
“We go in tonight,” he replies. “Set up before sunrise, stay hidden. If they’re watching, let them think we gave up.”
Richard nods enthusiastically. “Yes! And the Equinox sunrise is at 6:37 AM tomorrow. We should be in position well before then.”
“That means camping overnight,” Drake points out.
Julia’s face lights up. “Camping? Like, in tents? With marshmallows?”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm despite the tension. “Maybe without the marshmallows this time.”
“Nightingale, Roadrunner,” Caleb says, “when we get back, I want you to gather overnight gear. Cold-weather sleeping bags, dry rations, and night-vision goggles, if Declan has any available. We’ll need to move in after dark and stay completely hidden until morning.”
Both men nod in agreement. As we continue toward our vehicles, I move closer to Caleb, keeping my voice low.
“Do you think they’ll be there tomorrow?” I ask.
“Count on it,” he replies grimly. “The question is whether they know what they’re looking for or if they’re just covering all bases.”
“Either way, we need to be ready for them,” I say, determination replacing my earlier fear.
He glances down at me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips despite the situation. “Scared?”
“Terrified,” I admit honestly. “But also excited. We’re so close, Caleb.”
His hand finds mine briefly, squeezing once before letting go. “We’ll find it,” he promises. “Together.”
