Chapter 61

“The chopper probably won’t help. He won’t stick around when he hears that.”

“I can track him.” Lawton grinned, and it looked like a snarl to Jared. “What’s his size?”

“He’s an adult male, he’s just over seven hundred pounds.”

Lawton whistled. “Geezus, that’s a big animal. We’ll have to use the shotguns if he gets close. I’ve got snipers otherwise.”

“Don’t.” Jared stepped toward Lawton, the hammer swinging in his hand. He consciously stilled it and held it at his side. He couldn’t make himself beg. He was so tired of begging. “Don’t shoot my cat.”

“I’ll shoot him if I have to, Mr. Montaine.”

“Call me. I’ll come and get him.”

“Not likely he’s gonna just lay there and wait for you to show up. I’ll take him down if I have to.”

“Goddammit, don’t! He’s mine, I raised him. Please.” It stuck in his throat, the humiliation of begging, again. Jared tried to still the tremble of his fingers. He knew that Lawton saw it. “Please don’t shoot him.”