The Collected

CHAPTER 55

Though Nate didn’t have a very clear view from his position, he was able to make out three soldiers as they moved off in different directions.

How the hell did I miss three?

Clutching tightly to his rock, he moved in as close as he dared and waited for one of them to pass by.

A minute passed, then two.

Suddenly a voice cut through the silence. It was a whisper, hard and decisive, but too low for Nate to make out the words. For a second, he heard someone run, then all went quiet again.

Come this way, he thought. Right here. I’m waiting.

He closed his eyes and listened intently.

The noise was slight-the branch of a bush, maybe, its leaves rubbing together for only a second.

Someone was close.

A light step. It could be heard only because it was just a few feet away.

As Nate opened his eyes, a man passed his position and started walking away. Oddly, he wasn’t wearing fatigues like the others, but he had to be from the fort.

Another one lost from the herd.

With the guy’s friends probably close, Nate had to be careful about drawing their attention, so he set the stone on the ground. For this one, he would use his hands.

Three steps forward.

On the fourth, he knew the man had heard him. He threw his arm around the man’s neck and squeezed.