They cleared away their tracks, stacked a few branches around the entrance, then moved off a hundred yards, waiting for Pike’s call.
Thunder rumbled in the distance, the wind gathering a bit of strength as clouds built overhead. A few scattered drops trickled through the branches, the thick air promising more.
Buck shook his head, helping her out of her wet hoodie before sliding a dry one over her head, then putting on his only spare. It wasn’t much, but it might buy them a bit more time before their hypothermia became a critical liability.
He moved in front of her, taking the bite of the wind on his back. “How’re the ribs?”
She pursed her lips. “I’ll live.”
“I can’t believe you jumped onto that old bridge. I swear I thought it was going to collapse.”
She looked up at him, the blue in her eyes glowing against the eerie fog. “You were fading from the damn cold. I needed you to focus.” She poked him in the chest. “You promised you wouldn’t die.”
“Doing my best, sweetheart, though, we’re hemorrhaging kit fast. Do you have anything left for the rifle?”
“I’m down to just my Sig.”
“Take mine.”
She stopped him from lifting the strap off his shoulder. “You keep it. I’ll grab one off the next asshole we face.”
“Tier…”
“I mean it. Besides, you’re probably a better shot.”
“I doubt it.”
“Still…” She stiffened when the cell rang, the sudden noise cutting through the forest like a knife.
Her hands shook as she slipped it out of the pouch on her vest, handing it to Buck when he waved his fingers at her.
He let it ring a couple times, finally flipping it open. “Yeah.”
Pike chuckled. “Aw, the protective lover. I wondered when you’d want to chat. Though, can I just say, you’re an artist with those wires, mate. Beautiful work.” He tsked. “Shame Tierney burned through all that ammo covering you, though.”
Buck swallowed the fury bubbling down the back of his throat. “Where are the last two?”
“I see why she’s so taken with you. You’re a man of action. I respect that. And it just so happens, I’ve saved the best for last. They aren’t near the perimeter. I put them in the rust yard.”
Buck glanced at Tierney as she mouthed the words, logging camp, which they both knew was a strategic nightmare. Multiple concealed outbuildings. Endless IED opportunities. Exactly where he knew they’d eventually end up.
“Fine. Let’s get on with it, then.”
“Coordinates incoming. There’s just one catch.”
Buck clenched his jaw. “There always is.”
“My clients aren’t hunting your targets anymore. They’re hunting you, so, head’s up. The timer’s set for twenty-five minutes. Don’t drown in the mud.”
He ended the call. The hollow sound echoed in Buck’s chest.
He shoved the cell in his pocket.
Twenty-five minutes.
At least four assholes still on the board.
And now, he and Tierney were the prime targets.
