Page 91 of Mountain Refuge

“Make a list. I’ll call in a delivery.” Ryan patted her head, receiving a scowl in return.

Taya bit back a laugh at her niece’s indignation at being treated like a child. “We can have the cereal here today. In the meantime, can I fix you some eggs?”

“Whatever.” She grabbed a pad of paper from a drawer and sat at the table. “I finished my schoolwork early.”

“Great job.” Taya tossed a smile Ryan’s way, grateful he’d insisted Tracy take online classes so she didn’t fall too far behind. “Next week, you can start the next course.”

The girl groaned and kept writing.

A couple of minutes later, Taya made a call and placed the order for delivery. Still smiling, she turned back to the window. Something moved along the tree line.

Astro and Boris shot from under the deck and dashed to the trees.

The inside siren blared.

“Tracy, into the cellar.” Ryan tossed Taya her rifle from the counter before grabbing his handgun.

“It’s probably a possum.”

“Tracy, now!” Taya glared over her shoulder. “It’s not a possum. It’s Mason.” The man stepped from the trees and aimed a gun at the dogs. “Ryan, call them back. He won’t hesitate to kill them.”

Ryan opened the back door a couple of inches, then put his fingers to his mouth and let loose a piercing whistle. The dogs immediately stopped and returned to the house.

“That’s him.” Tracy’s voice shook. “That’s The Boss.” She whirled and dashed down the hall.

“What’s he doing?” Ryan let the dogs into the house, then closed the door.

“I don’t know.”

The man simply stood and stared at the house.

Did he want her to step outside? Was he simply trying to intimidate them?

“Don’t go out there. He could have a sniper waiting.”

How did he do that? Read her mind? “Then call the sheriff’s office.” Was this it? Was today the day it ended? She tightened her grip on the rifle. So be it. Let Mason come.

“The agents will be here as soon as they can.”

“It won’t be soon enough.”

Mason sauntered toward the cabin, a humorless grin on his face.

Taya opened the window a crack and aimed her rifle. “Stop right there. You know what kind of a shot I am.”

He held up his hands. “Let’s talk.”

“I’ve nothing to say to you.” How could she not have seen the evil radiating off him?

“There’s a lot to talk about, Taya.” He laughed. “But it can wait.” He gave a mock bow and backed up a few steps before heading back to the trees.

She reached for the door.

“No.” Ryan shot out a hand to stop her.

“He’s going to get away.”

“Let the agents handle him. Please.” His look implored her to do as he asked. “Don’t go out there alone.”