The first sign of movement came just as Caleb finished outlining the plan. A faint crunch of footsteps outside the cabin, followed by the low murmur of voices.
“They’re close,” Evelyn said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Time to put your plan to the test,” Carter said, sliding his pistol into its holster.
Caleb nodded, his focus sharp. “We split up. Evelyn, you take the east side with me. Carter, you create a diversion on the west.”
Carter raised an eyebrow. “You’re trusting me to pull this off?”
“No,” Caleb said bluntly. “But we don’t have a choice.”
Carter chuckled softly. “Fair enough.”
The group moved quickly and quietly. Carter slipped out the back of the cabin, his movements so smooth and deliberate that Caleb had to admit—grudgingly—that the man knew what he was doing.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Evelyn and Caleb waited in the shadows, their breaths slow and controlled. Caleb’s gun was steady in his hand, his ears straining for any sign of pursuit.
The sound of gunfire shattered the stillness, followed by shouts and the crunch of boots on dirt.
“That’s our cue,” Evelyn said, her voice low.
They moved quickly, slipping through the trees on the east side of the cabin. Caleb’s heart pounded as he followed Evelyn, his flashlight off to keep them hidden.
The forest seemed to close in around them, every shadow feeling like a threat. Caleb could hear voices behind them, faint but growing louder.
“They’re regrouping,” Evelyn said.
Caleb frowned. “Think Carter’s still alive?”
Evelyn didn’t answer.
“Not exactly reassuring,” Caleb muttered.
They reached a narrow stream a few minutes later, the water glinting faintly in the moonlight. Evelyn stopped abruptly, holding up a hand.
“What now?” Caleb whispered.
Evelyn’s gaze darted to the tree line. “We wait.”
“For what?”
“Carter,” Evelyn said simply.
Caleb’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. He crouched beside her, his gun still raised, as the forest around them seemed to hold its breath.