Page 50 of Captive at Rescue Ridge

“Guess what? The law already knows your name,” Archer said. “You can get out of these woods, but you’ll be hunted down. If not by the law, then by me.”

Russ laughed. “Last I checked, I was the one holding the gun.”

“Why don’t you set it down and fight me? Let the best person win.”

“You think I’d fall for that?” Russ asked, indignant. “Even injured, you’re no doubt stronger than me physically.” He tapped the weapon to the side of his head. “That’s why I rely on this.”

“Empty air?” Archer was purposefully enraging Russ. He needed them alive, so he wouldn’t shoot unless he absolutely had to.

“Brains, you idiot.”

Archer mocked Russ by mimicking his words. “What are you? The Tin Man? Out here in the woods searching for your brain cells?”

Russ’s lips thinned, and his gaze narrowed. The man was clearly rattled. Archer was making progress. “Do you think you’re funny? That you are the smarty-pants? Then, how come you’re the one bleeding, and I’m getting out of here scot-free?”

“Are you?” Archer needed to spread seeds of doubt in the man’s mind. In his experience, weak people resorted to base crimes rather than put in the work to make a better life for themselves. Staying inside the guy’s head and keeping him talking for as long as possible would give help a chance to arrive.

Russ walked around them in a circle. When Archer started to move with him, Russ protested. “Move again, and I’ll shoot her between the eyes.”

Archer brought his hands up, palms out so Russ could see he wasn’t trying any funny business. There was a sweet spot between creating doubt and angering Russ enough for him to shoot. Archer needed to back off and wait for an opportunity to strike.

“Get up, bitch.” Russ kicked her side.

Annalee grunted as anger ripped through Archer like a savage wildfire, destroying everything in its wake.

“She can’t stand,” Archer said.

“What’s the matter? Baby girl can’t speak for herself?” The mocking voice was fingernails on a chalkboard.

Archer could stand putting his own skin on the line, not hers.

A shot of adrenaline tamped down the pain in his ankle enough for him to stand on it when the time came. More of that anger joined in, threatening to burn him from the inside out.

Russ kicked her again.

It took all of Archer’s willpower not to turn around swinging. This seemed like a good time to remind himself taking action right now would do more harm than good. This bastard was going down. Archer would see to it.

However, his tombstone would never read “Here lies a patient person,”so he had to fight hard against the urge to act.

Think it through. Wait for the opportunity to emerge. Don’t force it.

All those words made sense on a logical level. Emotionally, they sucked.

“I’ll get up,” Annalee said, fear in her voice. Fear that caused Archer’s hands to fist. “I just need a second.”

“What do I look like? An idiot? You pulled one over on me once. You won’t do it twice.”

Russ stepped to the side, close enough for Archer to make a move.

One mistake could cost Annalee’s life. She was losing blood and needed medical attention. The reality had to be factored in as he contemplated the right time to strike.

Come a step closer, asshole.

“Can I help her, at least?” he asked, figuring it would make a difference if he was already standing.

Russ took a step toward Archer and fired off a kick.

Instinct took over. Archer grabbed the man’s ankle and twisted. Russ flew to the ground, hitting the dirt hard.

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