Another noise of boots moving against rock. Steph let out her breath and focused on breathing normally. She needed all the oxygen she could get for what was coming.
Rick stepped into view. He was looking around, searching the path ahead of him, as he took two cautious steps.
Steph’s heart pounded as she envisioned what needed to happen.Almost. Almost there.
He turned his head, his chin rising slightly.
Now!
Steph launched herself off the ledge, dropping straight down onto Rick’s back.
Her sudden weight and momentum slammed the rifle barrel into the rock wall as his finger tightened on the trigger. The shot rang out, the bullet ricocheting off basalt.
Rick buckled under her, boots slipping on the trail. She held on with one hand, knife in the other, blindly stabbing as they crashed down together.
Chapter 40
Jack
Jack’s world slowed as he focused on his breath and the target. Graham would step out any minute, and Jack would take his shot. Part of him hated that he’d be shooting the man without warning—ambushing him. But Jack understood that was how it had to be if he and Steph were going to get out of this alive.
Finger on the trigger. Another breath in. The shoulder came into view. He let out a little breath and held it as the torso filled his sights.
He squeezed the trigger.
Another shot sounded at the same instant as his own.
Steph.
Graham yelped and dropped out of view.
Jack hesitated for only a moment. Graham was still a threat, but the shot behind him meant Steph was in danger.
Jack sent another shot toward where he’d last seen Graham, more as encouragement for the man to stay where he was than anything, before sliding out of his sniper’s nest and heading toward Steph.
Please, God. Please let Steph be okay.
Jack understood what the single shot meant. Rick had played them. While they’d been focused on the narrows and leading the poachers into an ambush, Rick had set up a trap of his own.
Taking less caution than was probably smart, Jack moved as fast as his frostbit feet would carry him. He leapedacross a section where the rock wasn’t connected and slid around a spire.
He took a moment to get his bearings and catch his breath as he frantically looked for Steph. Not seeing her, he sprinted toward a large boulder.
A grunt made him stop. He stepped closer, eyes on the rocks below. The shifting predawn light was just enough for him to make out Steph tangled with Rick.
“Steph!” His voice cracked.
She looked up at him.
Jack’s heart hammered as he realized she was alive. Injured, maybe, but alive.
“I’m okay,” she said, sounding anything but.
Steph twisted and was soon on her bottom, sliding away from Rick, who had yet to move. The rifle was a few feet from him. She grabbed it and aimed it at the poacher.
“The other guy?” Steph asked.
Oops. Jack had been so focused on Steph, he’d forgotten Graham was still out there. Still a threat.
