CHAPTER TWELVE
Jonah
Note to self: My girl isn’t about to be left behind. Angel’s smart and competent, but my argument that she doesn’t have law enforcement training doesn’t convince her.
We make our way through the trees bordering the meadow, sticking to the shadows, coming up on where she’d seen movement. We pause behind a trio of trees. She’s got her binoculars up.
She sucks in a breath. “I see one of them, Jonah,” she whispers. “I see him. He’s behind that flat boulder. He doesn’t look so good.”
She hands me the field glasses. Abel is slouched with his back against a tree trunk. His foot is wrapped in a blood-soaked cloth, and it looks like he’s fashioned a stick into a crutch. He’s still packing his pistol.
I scan the area. “I don’t see Denny.”
After studying the surroundings more carefully, I hand back the glasses.
“Here’s the plan.” I lay it out for her, then stare directly into her eyes.
“We’re both getting out of this alive, Angel.
I don’t give a rat’s ass if Abel or Denny does.
I don’t think it will, but if this goes sideways, if Abel makes the wrong move or Denny shows himself, you shoot, and you shoot to kill. ” I pause. “Got it?”
“Yeah, I got it.”
Leaving our backpacks behind the trees, I wait until she’s in position before I move quietly toward Abel. Still no sign of Denny. Weapon drawn, I position myself behind the thick trunk of a tree where I can see him clearly. With a quick look to confirm Angel’s in position, I call out.
“Abel Pedroza, law enforcement. Don’t move. Keep your hands where I can see them.”
His head jerks and his hand moves to his belt. My finger firms on the trigger of my Glock. Then he freezes.
“Put your hands on top of your head, interlock your fingers.”
“That you, Cooper? Fuck.”
There’s a moment where it’s obvious he’s calculating his next move. Then his shoulders slump and he puts his hands up as directed.
“Hey, man. I’m injured and I’m thirsty. I need help. You gotta help me. For old times’ sake.”
I ignore his whining. “My partner has you covered. I’m going to approach and disarm you. Keep your hands on your head. Don’t give me a reason to shoot.”
I approach at an angle, making sure not to cross Angel’s line of fire. In moments I have possession of Abel’s weapon. I holster mine, then search him, taking a knife from his pocket. I give Angel an all-clear signal.
I lean him forward and snap the cuffs on his wrists behind his back while reading his Miranda rights.
“I don’t give a fuck about that shit. I need water and my foot hurts like a bitch.” His face looks pasty white. He leans his head back against the trunk and mutters, “This has been a fucking nightmare.”
“Where’s Denny?” I ask.
Angel approaches, standing well back from Abel.
“Fucking dumbass left me to die. I got my foot caught in a bear trap some asshole poacher left and he took off.”
“You got your foot caught in a bear trap?” Angel gapes at him. “Oh my god, the irony.” Our gazes meet. She covers her mouth, laughing so hard tears stream from her eyes.
“What the fuck’s so funny?”
“You’re one clueless bastard, Pedroza,” I comment before turning my attention to Angel. “Keep an eye out in case Denny has an attack of conscience and returns for his pal.”
I check my radio. I might have enough charge for one call.
“Give me some water, man.”
Angel takes her canteen from her belt and moves forward. I hold up my hand. “Not a chance, you don’t go near him. I’ll give him water after I contact the team.” I point. “Stand here, rifle sighted on him center mass. I’m getting our packs.”
She does as directed, and I return with the backpacks. I find my topo map and spread it against a boulder, then orient it to my compass to pinpoint our location.
I key the radio. “Team Two, this is LEO Jonah Cooper. I’m with Evangeline Beaumont. We’re approximately a mile and a half north of the South Fork crossing.” I give the coordinates relative to the fire lookout that’s west of us.
Static, then relief when there’s a response. “Copy that, Cooper. Team’s approaching your location now.”
“I have one in custody, injured, severity unknown. Need a medic and air evac. Still looking for the second subject.”
“Copy that. Team One has custody of second subject. See you in five.” I catch Angel’s gaze. It’s over.
I get my water bottle and unscrew the lid to pour water into Abel’s mouth. A few short minutes later, Angel’s voice rings with excitement. “There they are. I see them.”
***
The next hour passes in a blur of activity.
Abel’s foot is a mangled mess but the bleeding’s stopped and he’s stable so the chopper sets down at the ranch.
Backpacks slung over our shoulders, Angel and I disembark.
Minutes later, we’re fighting the downdraft as the chopper rises back in the air again, an officer on board accompanying Abel to the hospital in South Tahoe.
Then her brothers are there and Angel’s being hugged by every one of them.
Brooks releases her but holds on to her shoulders. “What the hell were you thinking to take off into the mountains like that?”
“My job, Brooks.”
Elias gives me a back slap. “Thanks, man, for riding to the rescue. We worried a lot less knowing you were with her.”
I glance at Evangeline. “She didn’t need rescuing. She had the situation under control and had a plan.” Her gaze warms. “But yeah. I’m glad I was there.”
“Jonah and I are together now,” she announces.
“The hell you are.” Wes steps into my space, brows lowered in a scowl. “You make a move on her?”
“That’s none of your fucking business.” I’m getting a clearer idea of Angel’s challenge with her brothers.
I hold my ground when all four of them advance on me in a solid wall of pissed-off Beaumonts.
Angel darts between us, pointing a finger at each in turn.
“Back off. Every one of you. It’s time you give me some respect instead of treating me like an impulsive child.
” They keep coming and I grab Angel and shove her behind me.
From over my shoulder, she pipes up, “I’ve been in love with Jonah for years and he loves me back.
You’re just gonna have to get over yourselves. ”
“You love him?” Wes asks.
“Yes.”
“Well then,” he says, giving me a stern look. “Make sure you deserve her.”
As much as I want to scoop Angel up right then and kiss her senseless, I don’t dare turn my back. Maybe Wes has relented—slightly—but the others still look like they want to kick my ass.
Brooks is the oldest and sets the tone so I focus on him. His gaze drills into me. Then he gives an abrupt nod. “You’re a good man, Jonah. But it still needs to be said. You don’t treat her right, I’m coming for you.”
“We all will,” Wes vows.
“If I hurt her, I’ll let you,” I say.
“Hayes, I want tacos.” Angel comes up beside me and I drop an arm over her shoulders, pulling her into my side.
Her brother gives a rare smile. “Well, hell. I guess I’m making tacos.”