Chapter 11 - Into the Forest
Before anyone could react, Captain Elias Reed stepped off the dock and walked toward the narrow trail leading into the forest. He neither hurried nor hesitated. The rescue team instinctively followed, while the growing crowd remained behind, whispering among themselves.
The tallest bully stood frozen.
"You can't go in there," he blurted out.
Elias stopped.
"Why not?"
The young man realized he had spoken too quickly. He forced an uneasy smile.
"I... I mean, there's nothing there."
Elias studied him for several silent seconds before continuing toward the trees.
The rescue team leader quietly assigned two members to remain at the dock and protect the pouch. The others spread out, carefully watching both sides of the trail.
The forest swallowed the morning light.
Fresh footprints marked the damp soil.
One rescuer crouched beside them.
"Running shoes," he whispered. "Made only minutes ago."
Elias nodded.
"He wanted us to follow."
No one answered.
The trail curved deeper into the woods, where the air suddenly felt colder than it had beside the lake.
May you like
Somewhere ahead, a branch snapped.
The chase had already begun.
