Page 93 of Trail to Trouble

“Now we wait,” the chief said as they stood next to each other, scanning the woods. The trees and foliage were thicker on this side, making it difficult to see far, but as Chief Ricco pointed out, it was likely Sebastián would use the marked trail.

“Just ran the plates on a passing car,” one deputy radioed.

Hannah’s heart leaped into her throat.

“Came back as Theresa Milborn.”

“I know her. She’s a resident of Iron City,” the chief replied.

“I’m back at base camp. All quiet here,” Lee’s voice sounded over the radio.

I’m. Not we’re?

Lee’s choice of words didn’t seem to faze the chief or Hunter. Was she overthinking this?

Two hours of mostly radio silence passed. An occasional report of a passing car came through from the deputies and officers, but all the cars and occupants were known by Chief Ricco or his men. Maybe Sebastián wouldn’t take the bait today.

Another hour of nothing except birds chirping. The temperature had warmed some, and the morning wind had settled. Hannah wanted to pull off the lightweight camouflage jacket that Hunter insisted she wear, but she decided to keep it on. Any cover was better than no cover.

Hannah’s stomach growled. A glance at her watch informed her why. It was nearing one o’clock.

Hunter pulled three granola bars out of his backpack, handing one to her and one to the chief.

She kept her gaze on full alert even while eating. Hardly blinking, causing her eyes to become dry and itchy. She’d closed them for just a second when she heard Hunter’s quick intake of breath.

Her eyes popped open and focused on Sebastián standing atop the bald rock. Her pulse pounded and her heart leaped into her throat at the sight of the gun he held, pointing to Bianca’s head.

Bianca’s cream-colored shirt was saturated with blood on the neckline. Her right eye was nearly swollen shut, and most of her face was the color of an eggplant. Dried blood streaked over her cheek. It obviously came from her disfigured nose. Her full upper lip was swollen. She looked exhausted as she stood limply, as Sebastián clutched her close to his side.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are?” Sebastián yelled.

Chief Ricco gripped her arm and put his finger to his mouth, telling her to stay quiet.

“I offer a fair exchange. You for Bianca.”

That was bullshit, and Hannah knew it. He’d kill them both.

She and Hunter both looked to the chief for direction. He mouthed the word wait to them. Did he have a plan, or was he trying to think one up? She’d never expected to see Bianca with him. This was a game changer.

“I know you’re here. I saw your campsite. You’ve got to the count of three before I blow your little friend’s head off.”

“Don’t. Run. He’ll kill us both!” Bianca yelled with slurred words.

Hannah sprang forward, but only made it one step before Hunter grabbed her upper arm so tightly it halted her.

Bianca slumped, and Sebastián yanked her back up, using her as a shield.

“One.”

“Chief, do something,” she pleaded.

He had his aim on her with his pistol, but Bianca was so close to Sebastián.

“Stay,” he said before he stepped out of the tree line.

Sebastián’s facial features hardened, and he tugged Bianca in front of him. Her body moved as if she were a ragdoll.

“Give me that bitch now,” Sebastián yelled to the chief.