Page 90 of Silent Target

“And Graves has it.”

“Yes.”

A sharp metallic blow echoes behind us.

The federal team is getting closer.

Rook gestures forward. “Move.”

We reach the end of the tunnel less than two minutes later. A steel ladder rises through a narrow shaft.

Cobra climbs first.

Then Fathom and Mac.

Evie starts up.

I follow directly beneath her.

She reaches the top and looks down. “You aren’t staying in this tunnel either.”

“I’m behind you.”

“Remain there.”

“Bossy.”

“You noticed.”

Her hand appears through the opening.

I don’t need help.

I take it anyway.

She pulls as I climb onto the western trail.

Rook seals the hatch behind us.

Fathom’s drone feed shows Graves’s convoy leaving the lower compound.

“He’s taking the old Ranger trail,” Mac says.

“No,” I answer. “He’ll abandon the vehicles where the trail narrows.”

Mac stares at me. “How could you know that?”

“It’s the only route I would take.”

For the first time since we rescued him, Mac looks shaken.

“No wonder Graves is afraid of you.”

I adjust the sling on my rifle.

“He should be.”

Evie studies the map on Fathom’s screen. “We’re not escaping anymore, are we?”