Chapter 12:

Amanda’s smile faltered. “What? We’re teammates! You can’t do this to me!”

“It’s an order,” the leader sighed. “We planned to leave you here, but we didn’t expect you to find us.”

He turned to the others. “Let’s get this over with. No use dragging it out. If we hurry, we’ll still make it for a hot meal.”

At his words, the group raised their guns, aiming them at Amanda.

Though not particularly skilled in combat, Amanda had a knack for survival. Sensing danger, she readied a smoke bomb.

As the smoke billowed, she bolted, her teammates hot on her heels. Gunshots rang out behind her as she ducked behind a massive tree. Noticing them veering off, she slipped away.

The commotion caught the attention of others, redirecting their pursuit.

Amanda ran before tripping and hitting the ground, lying still. Her pursuers approached, kicking her lightly. “Looks like she’s down. She’s done. Let’s move on.”

After a cursory check, they left her.

Amanda remained motionless for several minutes, waiting until the coast was clear. Just as she began to rise, she heard footsteps approaching, so she quickly closed her eyes, pretending to be still.

The footsteps grew closer until she sensed someone standing before her.

Hardy peered down. His tone was sharp. “I know you’re not dead. You always wear a bulletproof vest, with blood packs for show. They may think you’re gone, but I know you’re alive.”

Hearing Hardy’s voice, Amanda sighed in relief. She sat up slowly, muttering, “If I’d known you were following, I wouldn’t have made such a messy run for it.”

Amanda’s brow furrowed, irritation darkening her gaze. “When did you start tailing me?”

“Since you embarked on this mission,” Hardy answered, his voice steady.

Amanda blinked. “You’ve been lurking since the beginning? Why didn’t you help? You knew VA was lost, and that my teammates were hunting me? You just watched?”

Hardy nodded slightly. “Yes. This isn’t my battle.”

Amanda jabbed a finger into his chest, frustration simmering. “People ought to have a heart! Clearly, you don’t. You forgot the promise you made to my brother. You haven’t kept your word.” . . .