Page 28 of The Mountain Man's Retribution
Her eyes wash over me, too many emotions to read.
“Y-y-yes,” she sobs.
God, I wish I had a cell phone. I make a mental note to get one for her later today. Unless the present business delays me.
“Big Man’s sons look like him?”
She nods, staring at me with pleading eyes.
“Be back shortly. Keep the door locked, and be ready to use this,” I order, handing her a handgun we’ve done some basic target practice with this week. I kick myself for not showing her how the security cameras around the perimeter of the cabin work. But operators need a cell phone and an app to access livestreams and recordings. It was too much to surmount,considering Fawn’s learning curve. But now I regret not teaching her about them. “You see bad, you use the gun. Understand?”
She nods, trembling in my arms.
“Everything will be fine, little elf. Probably no game today. But I must get ahead of this hunt.”
“Promise you’ll come back to me,” she whimpers, stroking my beard. “No matter what.”
“Always, Fawn. You’re mine.”
She smiles, fighting back tears.
“Now back to bed,” I scold, trying to sound relaxed and confident. But I’ve got bloodlust and retribution on my mind.
An hour later, I crouch in a charred wasteland, picking through the remnants of a cabin and fire. Acutely aware I’m on enemy turf, I hunker low to the ground, searching quickly with the ever-present reminder that Big Man or his sons may be close. Not much remains, mostly ash, but I find a length of charred book spine with a few half-burned pages.
In full stalking mode, I keep low to the ground and quiet, noting a stream near the remnants of the burned-out cabin that fits Fawn’s description. But she’s never talked much about where Big Man’s sons might live. I get the impression she was never permitted to wander far from this property.
In the soft dirt, I find a dainty footprint, tracing the outline with my finger. My blood runs cold as I encounter this moment frozen in time, recognizing it as Fawn’s.
My cell phone vibrates, and I retrieve it, reading:
ROSCOE
OMW. Will let you know when I have eyes on your woman. Description?
Thank God. I knew he’d come through.
BODIE
Early twenties, long brown hair to her knees. But you won’t see her. She’s skittish. Hides from strangers
ROSCOE
What in the hell have you gotten yourself into?
She fled the backwoods
Shit, sounds like you’re the one who needs protecting. Not people to tangle with
Too late. Hunting now. Will let you know if I need an extra hand
I’ll bring Ginger to stay with Fawn in case
Thank you. Fawn will likely hide from her, too
Understood
Keep me posted
