Hayley’s dog, Mack, began to emit a steady, high whine...

His head was up, nose pricked. Hayley’s gut clenched. Were their pursuers within scenting distance already? She increased their speed as greatly as she dared. Behind her, Sean’s breathing was coming in deep puffs.

“Not much longer,” she said.

Suddenly, a large animal heaved to its feet from among the bushes lining the river. The moose let out a moaning cry and turned tail, its shaggy coat becoming flashes of black amongst the trees.

Behind Hayley, Mack’s whine changed to a full-throated bark. She swiveled to witness her dog lunge from Sean’s arms into hot pursuit. The lunge sent the ATF agent sprawling backward into the creek with a great splash.

Hayley’s heart plummeted to her toes. Their situation had gone from deep distress to the verge of disaster. Unless they stopped to build a fire and dry Sean’s clothing, hypothermia would quickly claim his life. But if they stopped, bullets would soon end both their lives...