She shook her head, “Sorry. No. But it’s a hike no one would expect. They’ll be watching for us to head west, toward the edge of the park and the towns along the coast, or to go north along Lake Olympus Road toward the gate. Like last night, when we sheltered far from the lake and lodge, it’ll be safer. Unexpected because it’s such a difficult hike that seemingly goes nowhere that would help us.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“We won’t leave without Odent, Mueller, and Hobbs,” Flyte said. Audrey assumed he’d named the three missing SEALs.

Xavier nodded. “We’ll send a Fire Team to make the call. NSWC will send reinforcements.”

Flyte shook his head. “We need every man here—to protect the lodge and to search for the missing team members.”

Audrey cleared her throat and made her terrifying offer. “I’ll go.”

“You can’t do that,” one of the SEALs said. “You’re pregnant.”

She turned to glare at the man. “I’ve been hiking these woods for over twenty-five years. And I was pregnant last night when Xavier and I hiked all over the damn forest in pouring rain.”

The man looked a bit sheepish. “I just meant…you said it would be steep.”

“I’ll go. Alone,” George said.

“You aren’t hiking on that leg,” the medic who’d just stitched him up said.

“I’ve survived worse.”

“I know, George,” she responded. “And if we were choosing teams and you weren’t injured, you’d be my first choice for this. You know this forest better than anyone alive. But you haven’t slept in two days, and that cut looks like it went deep.”

The medic nodded. “It is deep. You lost a lot of blood, and your leg could give out in a tight spot. You’ve saved all our asses, and we’re grateful. It’s time for you to rest and let the team do what we’re trained for.”

“They invaded my land,” George said. She could see the fire in his eyes. “Killed my friend. I can do this.”

“So can I,” Audrey said.

“You can barely stand,” George said. “Don’t think I didn’t see your face turn white as you tried not to puke the minute you walked in here, and your hands have been trembling for the last twenty minutes.”

She’d thought she’d hidden her stress pretty well, but nothing slipped by George. “The nausea is from stress, and I need to eat. Some protein and a few hours of sleep and I’ll be fine. I can do this, George. And don’t forget, after you, I know these woods better than anyone else here. Plus, I’ve learned a lot from Xavier about how to move quietly through the forest. I can do this.”

“I’ll go with her,” Xavier said.