The Escape (US Marshals #1) - Lisa Harris Page 0,13

wasn’t going to play into Barrick’s hand.

Madison met his gaze. “Go after him, Jonas.”

“That’s what he wants. To separate us.”

She managed to sit up, her gun clasped between her fingers. “I just need a minute to catch my breath, but I’ll be fine. Do a perimeter check and see if you can track him. We can’t lose him.”

He stood up, decision made, but he still wasn’t happy.

“I’m not going far. I’ll be right back, because Barrick isn’t the only problem we’re facing. This lightning storm’s heading our way, so we’re going to have to take cover soon.”

Small drops of rain had begun to fall. Streaks of light flashed in the distance, followed by rumbles of thunder. Jonas felt his heart race. They were both armed, but that wasn’t necessarily enough. Barrick’s likely plan was to pick them off one at a time in order to stop them. And if he got ahold of their weapons and gear, the man would be unstoppable.

But Jonas wouldn’t let that happen. Not on his watch.

Six

Madison gripped her weapon with both hands and leaned against a tree, her adrenaline pumping as it began to rain. If Barrick did come after her, she had to be ready. She scanned the surrounding vegetation. Her head still hurt, but at least everything was finally coming back into focus. She scanned the tree line around her, irritated that they hadn’t anticipated his move.

Something rustled behind her. She jumped to her feet, searching for the source of the noise, then paused. Maybe Jonas was right and separating had been foolish. There were too many places for Barrick to hide while they searched. But where? Where was he?

He was clearly nearby and probably watching her. A shudder slid through her as she strained her eyes for a glimpse of something other than trees. Behind her was a drop-off leading to the river below them. All she could see in front of her was the unending lines of trees. She needed to anticipate his next move, but how?

Everything they did as marshals was strategic in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. She had to rely on her skills, her teammates, and her faith in God.

But this—she hated not having a solid plan and feeling out of control. Madison pressed her hand against her forehead. Why was it so hard to focus?

Like when Luke died.

Memories of that day invaded her thoughts, refusing to leave her alone. Finding out he was dead, the visit to the morgue, the funeral, and the sleepless nights that followed. His death had thrown her well-ordered life off-kilter and left her reeling, because there was nothing she could do to change that situation. No going back to the morning she’d told him goodbye. No more chances to tell him she loved him. Only the feeling that she no longer had control over anything.

Just like today.

There was no plan. No backup on its way. It was just her and Jonas facing a violent fugitive and the elements with no idea where they were or how far they would have to go to reach the nearest main road or cell phone towers. No idea when help would find them.

The ominous sound of a rattlesnake shifted her attention to the left. She scanned the ground and found the source coming toward her through the underbrush. Her heart pounded. Give her a morning raid in the middle of the city to arrest a hardened criminal any day, or even an encounter with a bear, but a snake? A shiver sliced through her. She hated snakes.

She took a step back and pointed the gun in the snake’s direction. “Stay right where you are. I’m moving out of your way.”

She moved back another step. To her left, she could hear water rushing through a twisted ravine below her. To her right was more dense foliage. Her father had always told her that her fear of snakes was irrational. She should respect them, yes, but fear them, no. Snakes didn’t want to encounter her any more than she wanted to encounter them. But his assurances had never taken away the phobia. Her father had always taught her simply to not approach snakes, which she clearly wasn’t going to do, and to back away slowly.

She took another step, turned at a noise, then saw the orange flash a second too late. Barrick slammed into her from behind. Madison managed to catch her balance, but he came at her again, this time hitting her hard against