Mac grabbed her wrist, and swung her over a patch of loose scree. She kept her balance with an ease born of long experience, and briskly nodded her thanks. Without pausing for breath, they rapidly continued up the sheer slope.
The spores’ cave was only a few hundred feet above them now. Everything seemed quiet, serene as they scaled the last patch of tumbled rocks. Fading sunlight sparkled across the dusty ground.
Overhead, a curious parrot watched them with bright golden eyes, and shook its long wings. Clear water bubbled musically from the darkened cave mouth, and trickled down the hillside behind them.
Hollow, stumbling footsteps suddenly echoed from the dark tunnel. Mac thumbed open his holster flap, and rested his hand on the 9mm’s sturdy grip. Mariah mirrored his swift movement.
