Chapter 29

It sloped steeply as it wound through the trees and low brush. At one point Teague heard a muttered “Shit” through the ear phone and wondered what Keir had tripped over. As dark as it was, the only light coming from the three-quarter moon, Teague almost tripped himself a couple of times. Then, as he came around what he hoped was the last curve before the river, he spotted Keir. The young man was barely visible, crouching by a thicket. Then he disappeared completely, so quickly it was as if someone had pulled him into the underbrush.

“Keir,” Teague murmured, hoping he could be heard in Keir’s ear phone. There was no reply. Nothing but silence. “Damn it, acknowledge!”

More silence. Then Teague heard something rustling not too far from where Keir had vanished. Seconds later came three words. “What a night…” The last word cut off suddenly.

A second voice, Holt’s, came over the ear phone, asking “Trouble?”