Page 80 of Solid as Steele
“Cut across now,” Ryan called out.
Owen veered to the right, and they swiftly moved over rugged terrain to the tall outcropping where Leach had taken a stand. Owen eased along the face of the rock wall until they’d passed Leach’s location. Owen pressed his back against the wall. She and Ryan joined him. They stood there, one with the rocks, and panted for breath.
Ryan pressed his mic. “We’re in position to climb the butte and take the guy. Keep distracting him.”
The firing stopped then resumed in earnest. One bullet after another.
Boom. Ping. Boom. Ping.
Rock peppered the air in every direction.
Breathing normal now, Owen looked at them. “Ready to move?”
“I am,” she replied, eager to get cuffs on Leach.
“Me too,” Ryan said. “When we get near, I’ll take a stand to cover you, and you can make the arrest.”
“Roger that,” Owen said.
“I’ll have your back too,” she said. “But won’t interfere in the arrest, so it can’t be called into question.”
Owen gave a sharp nod. “We go on three.”
He lifted his fingers to count. His third finger rose. He took off. They climbed over larger boulders, scrambling on all fours at times, while taking turns on overwatch to protect the others.
They crested the top of the butte.
The roar of a UTV sounded, and Leach piloted the vehicle over the ridge, fast heading away from them.
“No!” Mackenzie raced ahead until she had a good view of the UTV. She drew her handgun, but he wasn’t brandishing a weapon, and she couldn’t fire on a man who wasn’t threatening her life.
He turned and drew his handgun.
“No!” Owen yelled.
She searched for cover.
Leach popped off a shot. The bullet whizzed by her head.
Another pop of the handgun.
Owen tackled her, holding her tightly in his arms. They rolled and rolled, her arm screaming in pain. The cliff edge loomed ahead.
“The edge!” she screamed and tried to change course but failed. “We’re going to go over.”
Owen’s muscles tensed. His feet gained purchase. He jerked his body hard but held her tight. He reversed their course. Whipping them away from the cliff. They rolled to a stop in the other direction.
His body was crushing hers. Painful, but she’d never felt safer, even with the precipice three feet away.
“Got you covered,” Ryan shouted. “Vehicle disappearing to the west.”
Owen brushed the hair from her face. “Please tell me you’re not hit.”
“I’m not hit.”
“You’re sure you’re okay?” He scanned her face.
“Yes, other than I can’t breathe.” Her voice sounded like a strangled cry.
