39

Your shot booms deafeningly in the enclosed space beneath the overhang, and your bullet finds its mark. It penetrates the leopard's skull, and she falls immediately to the ground, her once-powerful muscles twitching erratically as the life gushes out of her.

Your companions are astonished.

"For fuck's sake," mutters Esme, shaking her head and walking furiously toward the truck.

"What a pointless waste," says Abdul, following on behind.

Sam just looks at you, hurt and confusion in their eyes. Then they shake their head and follow on behind.

You get back into the truck and Abdul drives on, a heavy silence hanging over the company.

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