Page 63

CHAPTER 63

D uke paused.

What were those reindeer doing?

He didn’t know. He only knew the creatures’ actions were preventing Heath from reaching the rest of the gang.

The pattern they were walking in had distracted the killer from the fact Duke wasn’t dead.

This was his chance to make a move.

He grabbed one of the guns left in the snow.

Then he took a heavy step toward the reindeer pen. His body ached—and his shoulder.

But he could push through this.

He had no other choice—especially when he remembered what this guy would do to his friends if he carried out his ultimate plan.

No way would pieces of his friends end up on a snowman.

Heath was yelling something. But every time he took a step closer, the reindeer pushed him out of the way and disoriented him.

Brilliant.

Duke climbed the fence and landed silently on the other side.

A jolt of pain went through his shoulder, and he grimaced.

He’d get that taken care of later.

As he continued forward, he watched as Heath raised his gun.

Was this man going to try to shoot his friends, despite the fact that reindeer were blocking them?

Duke couldn’t let that happen.

Instead of running after the man, he raised his own gun.

More pain shot through his arm, making his aim unsteady.

He could do this. He had no choice.

Andi saw Duke appear. Saw the cabin going up in flames behind him.

Heath was clueless. He was too focused getting through the reindeer to notice anything else.

She held her breath.

Duke raised his gun.

As he did, Heath turned.

Saw Duke.

Raised his gun.

“No!” she shouted.

Then someone pulled the trigger.

But who?

Heath or Duke?

Both men fell to the ground.

But she couldn’t get through the reindeer to see if either man was okay.