From his perch atop the boulder, he could see where she’d entered the grassland and forged a path through the vegetation stretching into the distance. Given her height, it must have been difficult going, and very recently, as most of the stalks were still pressed down. As before, she hadn’t made any effort to cover her tracks but simply pushed through. Though it made finding her easier, it still irked him that she showed so little concern about being followed. A child could follow her tracks out here.

            He jumped to the ground, gathered up the packs and headed into the brush, returning his pace to a ground-covering lope. Not as easy as before but still doable.

            An hour later, the grasses opened into a wide clearing, bisected by a small stream. Her prints were everywhere, booted and barefoot. A grim smile wreathed his lips. She’d lost even more time lingering here. Good for him, not so good for her.

            He found where she’d pulled handfuls of watercress. Not much sustenance, but better than nothing. He paused long enough to fill both canteens with water, and then returned to the hunt. He was so close he could almost smell her. He could feel it.

            He drew a deep breath and exhaled. It would be a relief to end the uncertainty but finding her presented a whole passel of new problems, foremost being that he’d be the one who’d have to break the news about Cap, a burden he found unnerving. From what he gathered, the sisters doted on the old man, even more so since their adoptive mother, Ingrid, had died. But she had to know, and even if he tried to avoid the issue, she’d ask and he wouldn’t lie to her. He never lied, even to ease someone’s pain. His mind ran over the possible scenarios. He’d try to soften the blow. Tell her how the rest of the team had made it to the rendezvous. The sisters were all well and Cap had been laid to rest by Anise and Coug. Remind her that she’d drawn the drones and the ADs away from her team, and they’d survived because of her courage.

            His teeth ground together. Better to leave that situation alone until it presented itself. Softness wasn’t part of his psyche, but he could offer a shoulder if she needed it.