Page 48 of Flashback

“What do we do?” Allie’s wide eyes looked to him.

He quickly scanned the area with the glasses. Lowered them. “I don’t see anyone. But when I tell you, run that way. We’ll follow the creek. Stay low and move from tree to tree. Ready?”

Her hands trembled a little, but she gave him a firm nod.

“Let’s move.” They ran to the next tree.

Another shot sounded.

So much for hoping it’d been a fluke. Someone was definitely trying to kill them.

Good thing Dakota didn’t go anywhere unarmed. He pulled out his SIG Sauer and checked his mag. All set. He pulled out a small mirror and used it to check behind him. He couldn’t see the shooter. He’d have to draw him out.

He couldn’t just shoot the man. Not without proof. Even though everything inside said thiswasthe dangerous man who’d murdered Paulson, that wouldn’t fly in court. Dakota had to be sure. He used his phone and zoomed in on the cabin.

A face appeared in one of the small windows on the east side. Dakota snapped the photo and ducked back behind the tree. He couldn’t see the hair or tattoo, but the shot of the man’s face was pretty clear.

If nothing else, they could at least identify who this guy was later if they needed to tell the sheriff or someone who they’d seen.

He whispered to Allie. “I’m going to lay some cover. When I say go, you run as fast as you can.”

She looked over at him with trust and determination. First date in the woods, covered in dirt because he’d tackled her to the ground, and now they were in a gunfight? Some kind of party, but he’d have preferred to take her to dinner.

Then again, if she could handle this, she could handle anything.

“Go.”

He swung around the burnt tree trunk and fired in the air above the log cabin. Allie sprinted away. Movement flashed again in the same window, only this time the window was open. Another shot fired. A chunk of bark high above Dakota’s head fell.

Good. If the shooter stayed aimed at him, it gave Allie the best chance at getting away. Dakota shot again, aiming above the window. He ran opposite of Allie to another wide tree. He ducked low and shot four more times.

No more shots sounded from the cabin, but a door slammed shut. Heavy footsteps pounded on gravel. Dakota had the higher ground, but if the guy went after Allie, she would be defenseless.

He ducked low and glanced around the tree but couldn’t see anyone. Whoever this shooter was, he was definitely out there. Better save the ammo and cover Allie’s escape.

He dodged from tree trunk to rock outcropping to tree. He spotted Allie racing downhill, parallel to the creek like he’d said. The creek had to lead to the river cutting through the forest. He sprinted to catch up with her, using the hill for coverage.

His pulse was too loud to hear anything else.

Lord, protect us. Help me keep her safe.

He glanced behind them enough to finally catch a good look at the man. Tall, a long, dingy ponytail, camo cargo pants and black shirt. He held a rifle and took aim. Dakota ran.

A shot fired again, hitting the ground somewhere behind him. The man was on their trail.

Allie slowed down to look over her shoulder at him.

He waved her on. “Run! Don’t stop.” He kept right behind her.

Their best option was to put more distance and obstacles between them and the shooter. He would have to decide if he would pursue or stop and take aim. Dakota weaved around the trees in their path. The slope helped them move fast, but it would give their pursuer the height advantage.

Another shot cracked the air. It hit far to Dakota’s left.

Let the man waste his ammo.

We need a way out of here. If this guy had spent any amount of time in these woods, he knew them better than Allie and Dakota did.

Their best bet at getting away might be the river.

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