“Well, I’m glad we didn’t get too far out,” Killian exhaled, a sigh of relief mingling with disappointment.
Ahead, the car veered right, signaling a deviation from the expected route. “Not heading home unless they know a different way back,” Killian speculated, eyes narrowing.
“I was just thinking the same thing.” Deke’s jaw tightened with resolve. “I want those two.”
Silence descended upon them, a mutual understanding passing unspoken. Deke knew Rawley and Killian shared his determination. The pursuit of rustlers was a constant shadow in their thoughts, a challenge they were always ready to confront.
As they tailed the vehicle, Deke ensured to keep another car between them whenever possible, using it as a screen. He knew Killian was vigilantly watching, ready to alert him if their target suddenly turned and he failed to notice. Abruptly, Deke slammed on the brakes as a car unexpectedly pulled out in front of him, forcing him to a screeching halt.
“Son of a bitch,” he muttered under his breath, casting a quick glance at Killian. “Can you still see them?”
“Yeah, they turned left at the light,” Killian replied, his eyes still locked on the target.
Deke nodded in acknowledgment. “Okay.”
“Hey, look there,” Rawley said as he pointed to a sign stating they were back in Maple Ridge.
“Well, I wasn’t expecting that. It must be the very edge of town,” Killian said.
Deke soon spotted their quarry two cars ahead, skillfully maneuvering to maintain his position. The chase continued as the vehicle took another turn, veering onto a narrow gravel road devoid of any street signs, a cloud of dust trailing behind them.
“Now what?” Rawley asked, concern lacing his voice. “We can’t follow them down that road. Our dust would give us away.”
“I’m going to park, then we’ll go in on foot,” Deke decided, exchanging determined looks with Killian and Rawley. “Get your vests on and check your weapons.”
“You got it,” Killian affirmed, reaching for his vest that Rawley handed over from the back seat.
Deke parked the truck, cut the engine, and stepped out. The air was tense with anticipation as he donned his protective vest and checked his gun. He noticed Killian and Rawley mirroring his actions, each preparing for what lay ahead.
“Let’s hope there aren’t any cameras,” Killian remarked, scanning the surroundings with a wary eye.
“Yeah,” Deke agreed, shaking his head slightly. “We’ll stay off the road for as long as we can.”
“I hope it’s not a long road,” Rawley quipped, eliciting a chuckle from the others.
“Not in the mood for a walk, Rawley?” Deke teased, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“Hell, I’m never in the mood for a walk,” Rawley replied, half-jokingly.
“You have the wrong job,” Killian laughed, lightening the mood as they prepared to move quietly and cautiously.
“I’ll head up the left side, and you two take the right, spread out a little.” Deke’s voice was low but firm over the whisper of the wind through the tall grass. Rawley and Killian gave curt nods and melted into the rippling fields that flanked the gravel road. Blades of grass brushed their legs. Deke moved with measured steps, eyes scanning for the dull sheen of camera lenses hidden among clumps of sagebrush or strapped to tree trunks in camo casings. Each man searched relentlessly, fingers itching at holsters, breath held in silent anticipation.
A buzz in Deke’s pocket startled a robin into flight. He eased the phone free and read Rawley’s text by the glow of the screen.
There’s a small house about fifty yards in front of me and the two brothers and another man are on the porch. Trailer full of cattle beside the house.
Deke sent a text back.Have you ever seen the man before?
No. You two need to come to my position. Now.
On my way.Text Killian.Deke texted, dropping the phone back into his pocket.
He darted across the dusty driveway, gravel crunching under his boots, and plunged into the cool shade of the wood line. He froze at the snap ofa twig, heart thudding, then sagged in relief when Killian emerged from behind a stand of pines, his gun in his hand, but he lowered it when he saw Deke.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
“It’s okay. I’m just glad it was you. Rawley has to be close.”
