Mountain Storm Survival by Cathy McDavid

Author:Cathy McDavid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-07-14T14:57:48+00:00

* * *

“Wait here while I take a look,” Rand told Kate.

Ignoring his shooting pain and the pouring rain, he crouched low and crab-walked to a vantage point higher on the mountain. Peering between the branches of a prickly pear cactus, he surveyed the valley below, seeking the source of the engine sound.

And then he saw it! About a quarter mile away, in the bottom of the ravine, an ATV darted in and out of the trees. Every nerve in his body went on high alert.

“Are the miners back?”

He turned to see Kate climbing up the mountainside and let out a groan of frustration. “I told you to wait.”

She crawled toward him. “Are they?”

“There’s only one ATV, as far as I can tell, and I don’t think it’s a miner. The guy’s coming from the direction of the maintenance road and wearing a cowboy hat instead of a helmet.” He looked again. “The ATV’s red and white, not black, and a heavy-duty model. The miners are driving smaller and more streamlined ATVs.”

“He could be their scout. Or someone who transports their supplies.”

“Only one way to find out.” Rand checked the gun stuffed into his waistband.

“What are you doing?” Kate asked in alarm.

“Introducing myself.”

“He could hurt you.”

“I don’t believe he’s one of the miners.” Rand put a hand on her shoulder. “But just in case I’m wrong, you stay hidden.”

“We can’t lose you.” Her tone and gaze were both filled with panic. “I can’t lose you.”

“Kate,” he said her name, hearing a softness in his voice that hadn’t been there before. Not when it came to her. “We need help, and this guy may have a phone. I have to take the chance.”

“He’s riding an ATV. Those are illegal in the mountains. And it’s raining. He can’t be up to any good.”

“People who aren’t criminals break minor laws all the time. He’s probably thinking no one’s out today, and he won’t get caught.”

“It’s too risky.”

Rand studied the man on the ATV as he drew nearer. He didn’t appear dangerous. And if he had a phone or a radio, they’d be home in a matter of hours rather than a day or two.

“I need to hurry. If I don’t, he’ll be gone and may not return.”

“Be careful. Please.” Kate’s fingers squeezed his arm. “Come back to me.”

“I will.” He suspected there was a more personal meaning to her request and his response but exploring it would have to wait. “Go back to the girls. They shouldn’t be alone.”

She released him. “God be with you.”

“If anything happens, don’t come after me. You find a place for you and the girls to hide and get away at night. Just like we were planning.”

“Rand, no!”

“You have to, Kate. I need to know you’ll be safe.”

How often would they have this same conversation? When would the danger end?

She nodded, tears springing to her eyes.

He left, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms.

Rocks crunched beneath his boots as he made his way down the mountainside as fast as his weakened legs could carry him.

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