Page 127 of The Unlikely Pair

The forest seems to whisper secrets, and I listen for the faintest rustle of leaves or snap of a twig that might give away Harry’s position.

Ahead, I spot the three pinecones that signal one of Harry’s snares.

“The path narrows here,” I say, slowing my pace as we approach the trap. “We’ll have to go single file.”

Kade moves his knife from my throat to my back.

“Don’t try anything stupid,” he warns.

Don’t do anything stupid? I don’t think I have any other option right now.

The trail is a barely visible thread, a faint impression in the carpet of pine needles and moss. Fallen branches and twisted vines litter the path, nature’s own booby traps waiting to ensnare the unwary traveler, and I have to watch my step to avoid stumbling into their clutches.

“Almost there,” I say, my heart pounding as we draw closer to the pinecones. “Just a few more steps, and we’ll be—” I dramatically yelp as I pretend to catch my foot on a root, sending me stumbling sideways and making Kade step right into the snare.

The trip wire snaps taut, and I hear Kade grunt in surprise as his foot is swept out from under him. He topples heavily. He tries to rise, but the snare holds fast, tripping him up again.

And suddenly Harry is there, with the point of a sharpened stick against Kade’s throat.

“Drop the knife,” he says.

Kade obeys him instantly.

“Are you all right?” There’s desperation in Harry’s voice as he turns to me.

I rub my throat. “I’m fine,” I say as I bend to retrieve the knife.

“Kade, our friendly pilot. Nice to see you again,” Harry says coolly.

Kade twists his foot but can’t break free. He stares up at us in disbelief. “What the fuck? You two were supposed to be easy marks.”

“Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint.”

“Never underestimate us political types. Because we know how to play dirty. Well, some parties do, anyway,” I say,the panic and euphoria spilling out of my mouth slightly hysterically.

Harry lifts an eyebrow at me. “You’re seriously point-scoring now?”

“Come on, you love it when I talk politics,” I say.

Harry rolls his eyes. “I think I preferred it when you were dramatically monologuing about the wolves.”

I look down at Kade sprawled on the ground at the tip of Harry’s sharpened stick. “What are we going to do with him?”

Harry tilts his head at the nearby tree. “I vote for tying him up.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

With a determined set to his jaw, Harry pulls Kade upright and propels him towards the tree. He unspools the snare wire and starts winding it around Kade and the trunk, his movements efficient and precise.

“This should give you plenty of time to contemplate your life choices,” Harry remarks as he cinches the wire tight.

“Enjoy your quality time with the tree,” I say to Kade as Harry finishes and comes to stand next to me. I’ve always wanted to be one of those film heroes with snappy one-liners, and it appears now is my only chance to indulge.

Kade’s eyes look wild. “What about the wolves?”

“We discovered they don’t really like having pinecones thrown at them,” I say helpfully. Then I look at his bound hands and wince. “Oh yeah, but that might be a slight issue for you, I guess. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Good luck.”

Harry’s shaking his head with an indulgent smirk when I turn to him.