Page 79 of Kian

A few minutes passed before Kian spotted Creed McBride off to his left with his weapon at the ready. He heard a twig snap behind him and turned to see his brother and Hud Anderson approaching from behind.

“Are you okay?” Killian asked in a hushed tone.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I think they’re hiding behind those boulders up ahead. They might try to make a break for their truck,” Kian responded.

Hud grinned. “If they do, we’ll be ready. Luke, Beau, and Logan are already there.”

Kian chuckled. “Good. I think we can move in closer now. I saw Creed.”

“Sam and Nevada are positioned to the right, and the two FWP guys are with them,” Killian reported, nodding toward the right where Kian spotted them.

“I’m pretty sure we have them surrounded then.” Kian agreed.

“Let me text Sam and see what he wants to do.” Killian pulled out his phone and sent a message to Sam. It didn’t take long for him to receive a reply. Killian chuckled as he read it aloud. “Sam said to move in. He wants those jackasses.”

Kian and Hud laughed in agreement.

“Where’s Gretchen?” Killian asked Kian.

“She’s at her cabin... at least she better be.” Kian replied with a slight frown. “She saved my ass again. Those guys had me trapped, and they were planning on throwing me off the cliffs across the road. But Gretchen showed up with her rifle and Lobo, and when she threatened to shoot them, one of them fired at her and the other shot at the dog. She wasn’t hurt, but Lobo got grazed by a bullet. I think he’ll be alright though.”

“Damn, those guys are real pieces of work,” Hud said angrily.

When two shots rang out, the men instinctively ducked, but quickly stood back up when they saw Sam, Nevada, the FWP men, and Creed walk toward the boulders. Kian let out a sigh of relief as he watched the two poachers being led up the hill in handcuffs.

“Thank God,” Killian said with a grateful smile.

“I second that,” Hud agreed as he holstered his weapon, followed by Killian.

Kian lowered the hammer on the revolver and tucked it into the back of his jeans.

“Where’s your service weapon?” Killian asked Kian.

“I didn’t have it with me. I was at home unpacking when I realized I needed to get some things from the motel room. I saw those guys drive past me. I followed them and went toGretchen’s cabin to get her revolver,” Kian explained.

“Wait... Gretchen has a gun, along with a rifle?” Hud asked in surprise.

Kian grinned. “Yes, this Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolver.”

“Damn... are you sure you want to be with this woman?” Hud joked.

“There’s no question about it.” Kian replied with a grin as they awaited Sam’s arrival.

****

Gretchen’s body tensed as she heard a gunshot, then another shortly after. Her stomach churned with fear, and she couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down her face. She collapsed onto the couch, covering her mouth with her hand. How long had she been sitting there when someone banged on her door? She was too scared to answer; it could be another agent telling her that Kian was hurt or worse. Or maybe it was Kian himself standing on the other side of the door. She shook her head, unable to move.

“Gretchen, baby, it’s me,” Kian’s voice called through the door.

She jumped up and ran toward the door, opening it quickly and throwing herself into his arms. She sobbed against his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her.

“It’s okay, baby. We got them,” he whispered, but she couldn’t stop crying.

“I was so scared. I’m sorry for being mad at you.”

“It’s alright. I know it won’t be the last time. Hey, Lobo,” Kian greeted as he looked over Gretchen’s shoulder at the dog. “I knew you’d be taken care of.”

Lobo wagged his tail in response.

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