Snared Read Free Page B

underbrush.
    Their only choice had been to pursue the poachers and try to cut them off before they reached their vehicle. But it wasn’t easy. The gathering storm blew branches across their path and the near darkness made tracking next to impossible. But Rogan had somehow managed to stay with them and Quinn could only hope the situation didn’t turn ugly.
    His concern escalated when he skidded to a halt as Rogan stopped suddenly at the next bend. Quinn bit back the curse poised on his tongue and eased forward, joining his friend at a large tree. He didn’t speak. He’d known Rogan long enough he could read the man’s body language.
    Rogan barred his way, motioning at a series of boulders fifty yards off across a small clearing. Quinn scanned the area, finally noting two dark silhouettes moving through the tree line before ducking behind the rocks. He nodded and pointed at a copse off to their right. Though it’d be risky covering the open space to reach the patch of bushes, it’d give them a clear view of the rocks once they reached it.
    Rogan grimaced but nodded, mouthing the countdown. When he reached one, they both ran, racing for the small thicket just as the sky opened up and rain pelted the ground. They ducked into the underbrush, water soaking through their shirts. Thunder roared overhead, followed by a streak of light. Quinn bit back a growl. Now was not the time for another thunderstorm.
    “This storm is going to ruin everything.” Rogan turned to him, wiping his hand across his face. “The lightning’s going to set us off like a firecracker.”
    “At least they can’t hide any better than us.” Quinn clenched his jaw when another round of thunder rolled above them. “But I agree. This couldn’t get much worse.”
    Rogan glanced over at the rocks, squinting against the rain. “You know I want to catch these creeps as much as you do, but…” He looked back at Quinn. “It’s not worth making some poor decisions over. We’ll get another chance, and I have a feeling these guys aren’t going to come along quietly.”
    “No kidding.” Quinn sighed. “Sorry. I just hate getting beaten. But you’re right. They’ve got at least one rifle between them…maybe more. Considering the charges we can levy against them, it wouldn’t surprise me if they took this pursuit up a notch.”
    Rogan nodded, but Quinn saw determination set his jaw.
    Rogan looked at the boulders again. “Poaching is one thing. Taking a shot at us is something else. How about we try one last push—cut them off at that outcrop and see if they’ll come to their senses. If not, at least we’ve got some cover.”
    Quinn shrugged. “You’re the guy with the plan. Lead on. Just be careful. You’re much too heavy to have to drag out of here.”
    Rogan slapped him across the shoulder before taking one last look at where the men had taken refuge. He motioned forward with his hand as he sprinted up the edge of the clearing, ducking into the forest near the rocky wall. Quinn followed close behind, his heart hammering in his chest as he pulled in behind Rogan. While Quinn thrived on the chase, knowing things could turn deadly left a lump in his chest. He’d only ever had to pull his weapon once, and he’d hoped to never have to repeat that scenario. Yet, he had a bad feeling these men were far more desperate than Rogan thought.
    “Well, this is it.” Rogan palmed the handle of his gun, but didn’t draw it. “Once we jump out and ask them to play nice, there won’t be any turning back.”
    “Then let’s make sure we do this right.” Quinn matched Rogan’s stance, wrapping his left hand around his weapon. “Ready?”
    They moved as one, stepping out from behind the rock, hoping a streak of lightning didn’t give them away before they were ready. They moved with steady determination, leaving room to dive back if the situation changed. One of the men had his back pressed into the largest boulder, but the other had seemingly