Shadows on the Mountain (Watchdog Mountain Division #7)

Chapter 1

ONE

Ray only needed to get across the street and into his car and he’d have a fighting chance at survival. More importantly, they would have a chance to survive—an innocent woman and child who had no idea what was coming for them if he didn’t get them out of the city and to safety.

He thought of Mira and how she’d trusted him six years ago.

How she’d died for the secrets she’d kept.

Ray’s life had been ruined, too. But at least he’d had a life to live.

What if I don’t make it to them in time?

He couldn’t afford to think that way. The car was just across the street, only a few yards away, but it might as well have been on the other side of the planet.

Ray checked his phone one last time. Yes, he had Maren’s correct number. He played back the message he’d recorded a few days ago, the one that would be sent to her if anything happened to him. He double-checked the timer. Then triple-checked it.

But I’m going to make it. I have to. For Mira.

Ray picked up his bugout bag from the table. The ground floor apartment was dark in contrast to the sunlight outside. He peeked out the window from behind the cheap blinds. No one was on the street. Everything seemed quiet. But looks could be deceiving.

I’ve done everything I can, he told himself. The important thing now is keeping Maren and Juniper safe.

Ray wiped the sweat off the palm of his hand as he reached for the doorknob. It felt cold and slick in his hand as he turned it. The door cracked open, letting in daylight as Ray stepped out of the shadows and into whatever came next.