Page 70 of Nothing But Air

There it was again. That small acknowledgment that did more for him than a standing ovation.

“Two nods in two days,” he murmured. “I’m on a roll.”

“Don’t push your luck.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

The second pitch went exactly as planned. Teague led up the chimney, wedging himself between the parallel walls. When Marcus followed, Teague coached him through.

“Back against one wall, feet against the other. Inch your way up. Don’t rush it.”

By the time all four of them clustered on the next ledge, something warm spread through Teague’s chest.

This is working.

The cave entrance was visible now—a dark opening in the rust-colored limestone maybe fifty feet above them.

So close.

Teague examined the final section. The crack system continued straight up—clean, parallel-sided, perfect hand jams transitioning to fist jams near the top. Classic limestone crack climbing.

“Final push. I’ll lead straight up this crack. Most technical pitch yet, but the gear is solid and the jams are good.”

Eden stepped closer. Her shadow fell across the rock, and he caught a hint of sunscreen and something floral.

Focus, Hamilton. Rock. Climbing. Life-and-death stakes. Remember?

She traced a line to the left of the crack system. “What about going over there instead? That slab section with the horizontal breaks?”

Teague followed her gaze. The slab was smoother. Less featured. The horizontal breaks looked thin—shallow seams that might or might not take small cams.

“The crack’s got better protection. More positive holds.”

“I know, but look at the rock in that crack.” Eden pointed again. “See how the color changes about halfway up? That’s water seepage. The rock could be softer there.”

He squinted up. There was a slight color change—a faint darkening in one section. But it looked superficial. Just surface staining.

Everything in him said the crack was the right choice.

But he’d just spent two pitches learning to listen. “Walk me through what you’re seeing.”

Eden ran her hand along the stone, her fingers reading the surface the way a musician might touch an instrument. “The slab’s going to be more technical, but the rock quality looks better over there. Those horizontal breaks will take small cams. And there are a few jugs that’ll be easier for Marcus.”

Teague studied both routes again. The crack still looked like the safe bet.

But he’d committed to trusting his team.

“We’ll take your route.” The words came out steady. Certain. “But let’s do this one person at a time. I lead up, get the protection dialed, then bring each of you up individually.”

Eden nodded. Something like respect flickered in her eyes.

“Three nods,” he said. “This is getting serious.”

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late.”

She shook her head, but her mouth curved. “Just climb, Hamilton.”