Page 107 of Axe-ing for Trouble
As I scanned the woods, my gaze snagged on a dark pair of eyes at the edge of the trees. My heart stopped. Holy shit. It was a moose. A big bull, by the look of it. Frozen, we stared at one another and I swear I saw a glimmer of recognition in his massive dark eyes.
And then he was running, full speed toward the driveway, his thousand pound frame cutting intimidatingly across the grass. As he came out into the open, the telltale scar across his flank became visible.
Clive.
I let out a long breath. Maybe sharing the carrots with him wasn’t a bad idea after all.
As he barreled out of my line of sight, the men broke into panicked shouts.
This was it. My only chance.
Crouching low and clutching the laptop to my chest, I ran as fast as I could down the hill toward the tree line. Halfway there, I glanced over my shoulder. Several guys had taken off on their bikes while others were still stomping around the front of the house.
Even a big tough biker was terrified of a giant bull moose, and with good reason.
As I got close to the edge of the forest, I waved at Ripley. Like the incredible companion she was, she darted down the path.
I could hear shouts and crashing noises from the front of the house. It sounded like Clive had knocked over the row of bikes parked out front and was causing all kinds of mayhem.
Relief washed over me as I crouched behind a fallen oak. We’d gotten out.
That put me into overdrive. I took off, stumbling down the path, avoiding the main trail to the state park and veering off toward the mountains. They’d be less likely to look for me in these dense woods. Ripley followed, quietly traversing the rough terrain with a lot more ease.
I tripped a few times but didn’t fall and didn’t reinjure my arm—a small miracle, I was sure. Thank fuck I’d grabbed Jude’s jacket. The chilly air stung my face as I ran.
Stopping to catch my breath under a thick canopy of trees, I dropped to my knees and let out the sob I’d been holding on to.
They’d found me.
There was a good chance this was the end.
I had to warn Jude. Signals were weak out here, but I’d have to take a shot.
Trouble:
Guys showed up at the house. I ran out the back with Ripley and the laptop. In the woods now. Warn your family. Call Parker.
When my phone vibrated in my hand immediately, I sent up a silent thanks to the entities listening but declined the call. I couldn’t risk talking on the phone right now.
Lumbersnack:
What the hell is going on? Are you safe?
Trouble:
Yes. Hiding out in the woods. warn everyone!
Lumbersnack:
Okay. Where are you? I’ll come get you.
Trouble:
I stayed off the main trail and went up toward Mountain Spring.
Lumbersnack:
Drop a pin, find cover, and stay warm. I’m leaving now.
