Page 341 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

---

“Perimeter guards,” I say.

“Yeah,” he replies. “And more, deeper in.”

I nod once.

That’s expected.

This isn’t a hideout.

This is a fortress.

We drop lower.

Closer to the ridge.

The tree line thins just enough—

And I see it.

The stronghold.

Built into the side of the mountain.

Concrete.

Reinforced.

Lights low but steady.

Cameras rotating in slow, deliberate sweeps.

And movement.

Everywhere.

My jaw tightens.

“They’re dug in,” Briggs murmurs.

“Yeah.”

Too well.

Too prepared.

Which means—

“They’re expecting something,” I say.

“Or someone,” Briggs adds.

Same thing.

I study the layout.

Entrances.

Blind spots.

---