Target on the Mountain by Elizabeth Goddard (the chimp paradox .txt) 📕

why I haven’t been able to get in touch with him. What was he doing out here?” Her voice trailed off as the truth became apparent. Seth was the person on the inside helping Temple and his men.

“My guess is he was working for Temple. Something must have happened. Maybe Seth got a conscience and threatened to turn them in. They killed him because of it.”

Rachel was in shock. “I can’t believe it. Why would he do such a thing?” Something else occurred to her. “He betrayed Liam. Alex, he must have told Temple about Liam’s meet. That’s why they were ambushed. Seth almost got them both killed, and for what?”

Alex stared at the dead man. “I don’t know. I can’t believe someone Liam trusted was corrupt. But it explains a lot. Once Jase and the team arrive, we’ll send someone down to retrieve the body. His family will need to be notified.” Alex got to his feet and looked at her. “How are you holding up?” It was freezing cold and she was beginning to perspire. They couldn’t afford to become hypothermic.

She shrugged, resigned. “I’ll be okay. The sooner we get to the station, the better, though.”

Alex didn’t look convinced. “It’s at least another hour if not more before we reach it. We need to find a place to warm up. Otherwise, we’ll never make it.”

Weary to the bone, she looked around, but there was no shelter from the elements. “We really need a fire.”

Alex dug into his pocket and pulled out the lighter the men hadn’t taken. “Let’s see if we can find some sheltered trees to a build a fire so that we can warm our frozen limbs.”

The sight of the lighter in his hand was like a prayer answered. “Oh, thank you. I can’t feel my feet anymore.”

He looked around, trying to find a safe place for the fire that would be obscured from sight. “Over there.” He pointed to a group of trees. “It looks secluded enough. They shouldn’t see it if they happen this way.”

Alex dug out a spot in the snow to put the fire while Rachel gathered what loose branches she could find.

When the fire finally caught, they both moved in as close as they dared. Rachel could feel its warmth as she leaned in closer. Never had a simple fire felt so good. She closed her eyes with joy. “That feels wonderful.”

Alex chuckled at her expression. “You’re right it does. But we can’t afford to stay here for very long. We have to keep one step ahead of them if we’re going to make it out of this. And there’s always the chance they’ll see the fire and come check it out.”

She understood, but she hated to leave the warmth. It was funny the things you took for granted. Like being warm enough.

“How much longer before your team members arrive, do you think?” she asked again, and couldn’t quite keep the desperation from her tone.

“Not too much longer. The only problem is they have the coordinates for the camp. They won’t know how to find us up here unless we can radio them from the tower.”

He focused on the fire, no doubt weighing their impossible options. Rachel glanced his way. Alex was still the most attractive man she knew. He fit the part of a true hero right down to tall, dark and handsome. And she would always love him.

Alex caught her watching him, and her chest grew tight at the tenderness she saw in him. There was no denying the feelings still ran strong between them. But would it matter in the end if neither of them were able to walk off Midnight Mountain alive?

There was no doubt in his mind that he loved her. He’d never stopped loving her. She wasn’t ready to hear those words from him. Would she ever forgive him, or had his actions all those years ago destroyed any hope they had for rekindling their love?

It was a hopeless feeling to be caught up in a situation so out of control and bordering on impossible like the one they faced right now. In his heart he believed that God had answered his prayer and was giving him a second chance to prove to Rachel how he felt about her. They just had to survive long enough for him to have that chance.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, trying to take his mind off their grim situation.

She turned to stare up at him, then slowly smiled. “Better, thanks. The fire really helped.” Her smile still had the power to brighten his dark day.

“I’m glad. Are you ready to finish this?” She didn’t hesitate before confirming with the smile still in place.

Together, they tamped out the fire then threw snow on top of it to cover the smoldering ashes. Once Alex was satisfied they’d hidden all evidence, they started up the mountain again.

Just having time to warm up and rest did wonders for his drained energy. He was ready to finish this thing once and for all, to find out the truth behind Liam’s disappearance and hopefully convince Rachel to give him a second chance.

He still couldn’t believe that Liam’s handler had been working for Temple’s crew. How long had Seth been betraying his country? Had he been involved with Temple’s plan to fake his death? With Seth dead and Liam missing, the only chance they had for getting answers was through Temple.

Alex hadn’t been able to get Liam’s letter out of his head. There was no doubt in his mind that Liam was trying to tell him about the one specific location he’d underlined for a reason. He believed it was where Liam had stowed the sarin. He told Rachel his suspicions.

That realization dawned on her face. “It makes sense. I can’t believe I never considered it before now. Alex, we can’t let Temple and his men find those weapons. If they reach the cave before we do, then they won’t need Liam or us.”

Those