Hunting Human - Amanda E. Alvarez [43]
The blood drained from Liz’s face and the enormity of the situation hit her again. She’d been processing things in pieces and hadn’t let herself think about what would happen if they were caught. Now she had a host of images, each more violent and depraved than the last, pressing against her brain.
Allison must have read her expression because her face softened as she said, “If you have to choose between despondency and fear, go with fear.” Allison glanced back up at Rachel. “It’s brought her this far. Can you do that?”
Can I?
Could she be that cruel, knowing that as the words crossed her lips she’d have to stare into Rachel’s terrified eyes? Liz took a long look at Rachel’s huddled form.
Yeah.
If it keeps her alive. Whatever it takes.
Resolved, Liz focused back on the conversation. “Why does this feel like goodbye?”
Allison smiled. “I knew I liked you. Coolheaded. Observant. You can do this.” Her smile faded. “And you’re right. We’re splitting up.”
No!
Allison was the only reason they’d come this far.
“But why?”
“It’s simple math—think about it. How many hostages were in the clearing?” Allison asked, letting her think it through.
“Nine or ten?” Liz struggled to run back through everyone she’d seen.
“There was the older couple, the other woman, two college guys, me, you and Rachel.” Allison ticked them off on her fingers as she went. “The couple will stick together, though I don’t know how far they’ll get.” Allison’s face shut down, her voice going flat. “I don’t expect the other woman to get too far, either. It looked like she was coming down from something. The two guys stand a better chance. I couldn’t tell if they knew each other, but let’s say for argument’s sake that they did. Assuming I stay with you guys, and the guys stick together, that’s four groups.”
“Plus four hunters,” Liz responded, catching up with the logic.
“Right. Assuming they all go after different targets, they’re likely to pick off the woman and the older couple rather quickly.”
Liz forced herself to ignore the brutally honest assessment. It must have bothered Allison as well because she snapped her mouth shut and swallowed heavily.
“I know it’s harsh.”
Liz reached out and carefully squeezed her hand, eager to return a fraction of the support the other woman had offered. “But necessary.”
“Right,” Allison choked out, pressing her eyes shut. “Right. If we’re lucky, the guys will split up, that would give four men three groups to chase. But if we split up…”
“Even if the guys don’t split up, that leaves three groups to hunt.”
“And if they do, then there’s four, it’s the best odds we’ll get.”
“But we don’t know that they’ll hunt that way. They might hunt in a pack, pick us off one at a time,” Liz countered, not ready to concede.
“We can’t count on that. Our odds are best if we split up.” Allison shook her head. “Even if we stick together, we aren’t strong enough to fight them off if they catch us. This is the best thing.” Allison glanced back at Rachel. “For everyone.”
“Alright. I see your point.”
Even if I hate it.
“Now what?”
“Now I go this way.” Allison pointed downstream. “And you and Rachel cross here and head downstream on the other side. We were lucky, actually.”
“How so?” Liz asked.
“They took my cell phone in the van. I’m guessing they took yours too?”
Liz nodded.
“Our phones may not have even worked out here. But without GPS, the best thing we could find is moving water. With any luck the river will lead us to a road, or a town, or something. Follow it for as long as you can, don’t stop unless you absolutely have to.”
“What about at nightfall? I hate to say it, but I doubt those men are the only things out here we should worry about.”
“No, but they’re the immediate threat. Your priority should be to put as much distance between you as possible. You should be able to see well enough once night falls. The blue moon’s tonight.”
“What is that? I remember Markko talking about it in