He stepped out of the trees. “Don’t shoot.”
The agent lowered his gun. “You heard?” He peered past him, as if he was in a hurry.
“The gunshots? Yes. What’s going on?”
“My partner took it in the arm.”
“Oh, wow—that’s too bad, man. But the others, they’re okay?”
The agent ignored the question. “I did a quick search around the outside perimeter of the house. Whoever fired those shots, must’ve picked up the spent shells.” The agent stepped past him. “Look, I could use you back at the house.”
They parted ways. The agent went deeper into the woods, and John raced back toward the farm. He broke through the trees, the farmhouse was straight ahead. From way down the road, he saw someone emerge from the trees. He wouldn’t have even seen the man, except he was wearing an orange hunting vest over a hooded jacket with a rifle slung across his back. The man sauntered toward a truck parked along the side of the road.
John dashed out of the trees. He groaned. He’d never get to the truck in time, and he had no way to pursue it. In the back if his mind, he thought it was a hunter anyhow. Who’d wear a bright orange vest to commit a crime?
He moved toward the house, keeping his gun drawn. In the shadows beside the barn, something moved. Someone was rounding the barn carrying a rifle.
He shook his head. He pitied the man who got in Louie’s way and raised his hands in the air. Louie swung the rifle around.
She lowered her weapon, a look of relief sweeping across her face. “Oh, John!” She waved him forward with her free arm. “It’s just John, dear.” she called over her shoulder.
Sam Sr. came around the back of the barn, also carrying a rifle. He gave John a quick wave.
If it hadn’t been so serious, John would’ve laughed out loud—two senior citizens ably protecting their lives and their property.
At that moment, a car pulled into the driveway, and John turned his attention toward it. The two FBI agents inside, had already seen Louie and Sam. They scrambled out of the car and placed themselves in a protective stance behind the vehicle.
That was enough for Louie to drop the rifle and raise her hands, too. Sam follow her lead.
John waved the agents down, flashing his badge. “I’m Sheriff Higgins.” He approached them cautiously. “You’ll want to pursue a white truck heading east. Could be just a hunter, but I saw him coming out of the woods farther down the road. He was wearing a hooded jacket, orange vest, and had a rifle slung over his back.”
They lowered their guns and got back into the car. “And Agent Sanderson?”
Louie nodded toward the house. “He’s okay. I called for an ambulance. It should be here shortly.”
Their tires squealed, as they tore out onto the road. Louise approached John, rifle to her side. Her voice trembled. “You can’t stay here. Go after Sally.”
Sam Sr. came up beside them. “Ay-yuh, John, we’ve got it covered here.”
“Go back inside, please,” John pleaded. Sam and Louie’s expressions of sheer determination were identical. “Perfectly matched,” John muttered, turning toward the path.
He looked back and saw them go inside the barn. He didn’t have to wonder why. The barn had the best lookout from its fourth-floor hayloft. When Sam Jr and he were younger, they’d spent many a time up there. They could see pretty far down the road this time of year before the leaves fully opened and blocked their view.
John sprinted down the path, his mind racing. Something troubled him, but what was it? It hit him. Merrick was a big man, and the man getting into the truck, was not. Maybe that was a hunter after all, he thought. “But if that wasn’t a hunter, then Merrick’s got help,” he whispered. He was doubly careful, as he stealthily made his way down the path.
Elle watched from behind the tree. C’mon guys, just step away from the falls, so I can show myself. Jack, and Elle’s mother, Lucy, were too close to edge of the steep drop to the jagged rocks below. So, she stayed still, watching her family. She couldn’t wait to reveal herself to them, to finally be a whole family again.
Her mind drifted back to the lethal injection. She sighed. She was a little disappointed that she didn’t get to witness the execution of that horrid man, but nonetheless, she was glad it was over.
Jack squirmed. “We might as well join Dad in the cave. But, uh, not now—in a minute.” He jumped up. “I’ll be right back, Mom.” He pointed to the trees. “Bathroom.”
She waved him on and then attached her harness to the rope. “I’ll meet you down there.” She swung her legs over the edge of the cliff and then lowered herself down.
Jack moved closer to Elle. This was her chance. But she couldn’t have him screaming—that might upset her mother’s delicate balance at the edge of the steep precipice. She decided to step back far enough to give him his privacy first. When the time was right, she’d reveal herself.
Jack turned and then walked back toward the falls. If he were to turn in her direction, he’d see her. “Jack.” She barely got his name out, when fingers wrapped around her mouth, and a strong arm pulled her down.
“It’s me,” Sam whispered into her ear, uncovering her mouth.
“Why’d you do that?” she grumbled, pulling away.
He held his finger to his lips. “Shh!”
The panic in his eyes shot through her. She grabbed his arm, expecting the worst.
Sam glanced Jack’s way, and she did, too. From the frightened look on Jack’s face, it was apparent he’d heard her. As he hurried toward the falls, he kept looking back.
“Sam?” she whispered, as he led her away from her brother. “Sam, what’s wrong?”
He drew her to him, holding her tight. Pressing his mouth to
