Page 112 of Torin

I picture deputies spreading through the forest. Search dogs. ATVs. Helicopters.

Too damn close.

“They’re not looking for us,” Orson says.

“No,” Gunnar says. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t find us.”

Alexandria folds her arms. “If a search party stumbles across a lodge hidden in the middle of nowhere…”

“We’re in trouble,” Gunnar says.

21

Torin

Gunnar looks around the room. “We need to make sure nobody comes anywhere near this place.”

“If they do, we need to make sure they don’t realize anyone’s living here,” I say.

Gunnar nods. “Exactly.”

“So, no driving anywhere. No fires outside. Nothing they could spot from a distance.”

“And nobody leaves the grounds in human form,” Gunnar adds.

“We should run patrols,” I say. “If they start spreading out from Bennett’s cabin, we need to know before they get anywhere near the lodge.”

Orson grins. “Now you’re talking.”

Gunnar ignores him. “Stay away from the trails. If you see a search team, don’t let them see where you came from.”

“And if they see us?” Orson asks.

“We’re bears,” I say. “As far as they’re concerned, that’s all we are.”

Gunnar nods. “Exactly. Run. Don’t engage. And don’t lead them back here.”

He turns to Alexandria. “You stay here with Hannah.”

Alexandria nods. “I’m going to start looking for the best criminal defense attorney I can find.”

“I’ll head toward Bennett’s cabin,” I say. “If they’re already searching the area, that’s where I’m most likely to pick them up.”

“I’ll take the north side,” Gunnar says. He looks at Orson. “You take the lake.”

Orson grins. “I call the lake.”

“I just gave you the lake.”

“Just wanted to say it.”

Gunnar shakes his head. “Orson.”

Orson is already tugging off his T-shirt. He stops.

“Straight back.”

“Yeah, yeah.”