Page 54 of The Hero She Loves

He gave his head a quick shake and locked down his feelings. They’d agreed to keep this thing between them casual. As soon as they caught Olson, she’d board a plane and be gone from his life. Like she never existed.

He made himself focus. He had to stay on point today. There was too much at stake.

They were both wearing lightweight hiking pants and boots. They pulled their backpacks on. They had plenty of food, as well as a small, compact tent and basic camping gear. Park had put more in his backpack. He’d been trained to hike for days with a heavy pack.

She looked up. “Let’s do this.”

With a nod, he set off.

She’d checked in with Owen on the drive up. The marshal and the state troopers were much closer now, ensuring Olson wasn’t trying to leave the area. They were on standby, in case Jenna and Parker needed backup.

They fell into an easy hike up the hill. When the cabin came into view, Jenna stopped. He saw the sadness on her face, felt it, but he hoped that the guilt had lessened.

Has yours?

For once, he didn’t ignore the voice in his head. Yeah. Maybe it had. Or at least, maybe he was on a path where it would.

He thought of those soldiers who’d died. Some had been so young, but so proud to serve their country. He remembered sharing a beer with Leo. The man had always been a smiling, happy, young guy. And Kristy, who’d been tougher than most of the guys she served with and loved making silly videos to send home to her family.

“At least they’re together,” Jenna said. “The Hoskins clearly loved each other, and they’re together.”

He nodded. “You believe in an afterlife?”

“Sure. I believe there’s something. Maybe not Pearly Gates and fluffy clouds, but there’s something.” She pulled in a deep breath, then turned away from the cottage. “Can you pick up the trail?”

Park moved to the spot where he’d seen signs of Olson’s escape. He searched and spotted a partial boot print. There was also a small twig and leaf that had been torn off a bush.

“Got it.” He set off.

A few times, they had to stop while Park searched to find the trail. Olson had moved east for a while, then turned to head north. Finally, he’d circled around, moving west.

Once he was some distance from the cabin, he’d stopped working so hard to hide his trail, and it became a bit easier to track him.

As the morning wore on, they stopped for a quick break but kept a fast pace.

Where are you, asshole?

I’m coming for you.

Olson was a blight on Ghost Ops. A blight on humanity. He’d made Jenna cry and almost killed her.

That motivated Park most of all.

He pushed for more speed, striding through the trees.

“Hey, I need a break.”

He slowed down and turned. Jenna’s face was covered in a sheen of perspiration.

“I get that you can keep this punishing pace up for hours, but clearly I’m not as fit as I thought I was.” She pressed her hands to her thighs and bent over.

“Sorry.” He’d been moving at a Ghost Ops pace. Hell, she’d kept up with him for a long time. He touched her back. “You’re plenty fit. It felt like you were one of my Ghost Ops teammates.”

She shot him a look, her lips twitching. “Hopefully none of your Ghost Ops buddies had sucked your cock the night before.”

Lightness hit him and he couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Hell, no.”

She straightened, her gaze on his lips. “That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh out loud like that. You have a nice laugh.”