Instead of starting the engine immediately, she eyed Sammy with growing suspicion. “Did you just say a prayer for us?”

“I might have mentioned that I didn’t want to eat bugs.”

“I’d say He heard you.”

If God answered her prayers as quickly, Elise would feel a whole lot better.

The Hermitage, home to some of Britain’s tallest trees, was situated at the southernmost tip of the Tay Forest Park. CCTV cameras monitored the lot, which assured Elise that Harry and Nigel would locate her vehicle easily enough. Her abandoned car was the only clue she dared leave, because if Nigel and Harry could locate her 4x4, so could Gilmont.

Having spent the bulk of one summer in the Tay Forest Park, wild camping while working with the Forestry Commission on conservation efforts, Elise had every confidence she could outmaneuver Gilmont until help arrived.

She glanced at Sammy, and some of her bravado slipped away. It would be some time until they made camp. Sammy had a lot of pluck, to be sure, but he was only eight, with an eight-year-old’s ability to tire. Did he have enough natural reserves to handle what lay ahead?

Opening the boot, Elise constructed a rucksack from the tarp and twine. Afterward, she raided the 4x4 one last time for anything of use. The fishhook and line she had found previously were joined by a lighter, a torch with an almost flat battery, and a partially used bottle of insect repellent—which no self-respecting Scot would do without—to battle the midges, a pest known to make grown men whine.

Lastly, she tied the headless pheasant by its feet to the outside of her rucksack, slung the bow over her shoulder, then covered the lot with her anorak. Her deformed shadow couldn’t be helped, but at least people in the vicinity wouldn’t call 999 about an armed female.

Sammy carried the quiver of arrows.

Avoiding the car park’s CCTV cameras, they set off for the road instead of taking one of the numerous nature trails. Afternoon sunlight slanted through the trees and gilded the forest in its golden glow. Though twilight lingered in the Highlands this time of year until well after ten, it would take them a while to reach their destination and construct a shelter.

“Are we going hillwalking?” Sammy asked.

“Aye. But we’re hitching a ride first.”

“My dad won’t know where to find us if we do that.” Sammy’s gray eyes clouded.

“Your dad’s a good tracker. If he doesn’t find us, my boss will.”

The area between Sammy’s eyes squished together.

“You don’t agree?” Elise ruffled his hair. “Give your father some credit. He’s verra good at his job.”

“He is?”

“Aye.” A knot formed inside her throat, and she added hoarsely, “He’s one of the best.”