Page 67 of The Hero She Loves

Park inclined his head. “She’s right. It’s why Olson shot at the helo in the first place. He wanted our backup gone.”

“Parker and I have this,” she said. “Olson is running. He feels us closing in. He’ll mess up and make mistakes. We can’t give him a chance to regroup or he’ll get away.” Her face hardened. “And then he’ll kill again. I’mnotletting that happen.”

Park reached out and touched her back. He hated seeing her upset, and knew that she still blamed herself for the Hoskins.

Owen didn’t miss the move, his gaze narrowing on Park’s hand.

“I’ll have her back,” Park said.

“Okay.” The young marshal sighed and focused on Jenna. “I know you’re too stubborn to listen anyway.”

“I listen, I just don’t always do what you think is right.”

“Be careful. I didn’t believe you when you first told me how dangerous Olson is. I do now. We’ll get in the air and head your way soon as we can.”

Jenna nodded. “Thanks, Owen.”

The marshal turned to Parker. “Take care of her.”

Park didn’t need the order. “I will. Besides, she can take care of herself.”

Jenna met his gaze and gave him half smile. “Let’s move, Conroy.”

Soon, they were running through the trees at a decent pace. Park didn’t need to stop to find Owen’s trail. He hadn’t hidden it.

Park frowned. “He’s heading north.”

Jenna slowed and pulled out a map. She studied the terrain, then sucked in a breath. “Toward the public campground.” She shoved the map back in her bag. “There could be people there.”

Park bit back a curse. This time, it was Jenna who set the pace. She picked up speed, and Park made sure to stay two steps in front of her, keeping an eye out for booby-traps.

But it didn’t seem that Olson was stopping to set them now. No, he was moving fast.

They were both sweaty and breathing hard when they burst into the campground.

It wasn’t fancy, but it had a breathtaking view of the mountains. There were some wooden picnic tables, a water pump, and in the distance, some toilets.

There was one large, red tent set up. Two fold-up chairs sat beside it. The front entrance of it was unzipped and flapping in the breeze.

“No.” Jenna took off at a run toward the tent.

“Jenna.” He followed, pulling his weapon.

She slowed down and dragged in a breath. She pulled her own gun from its holster.

“You good?” he murmured.

She nodded but she had a dark look in her eyes. He knew she was afraid of what they’d find inside.

Then she nudged the flap open wide. With her gun aimed, she entered the tent. Park moved right in behind her.

A second later, she shoved the gun away and released a breath. “US Marshals. You’re safe now.”

Park sidestepped Jenna and saw the older couple tied up on the ground in the tent. The man had blood running down the side of his head. It looked like he’d been hit with the butt of a gun. The woman’s dark hair was disheveled, her eyes wide. Their mouths were taped up.

Jenna untied the woman, while Park freed the man. He ripped the tape off the man’s mouth.

“Oh, thank the Lord,” the woman said shakily.