Caleb raised a fist and sank to one knee as he stared into the forest through his rifle’s sights.

Derek coughed into his clenched fist. “Nobody else can see your hand signals.”

With a glance at Derek, Caleb’s mouth went dry as he stared into the dense woods, every breath tight with unease. He raised his radio and chirped, “Comms check.”

“Here,” Zeke’s voice echoed from the radio.

“So are we,” Mika’s response came a moment later.

Derek kneeled beside Caleb, examining their trail. When he couldn’t find anything, he tapped Caleb’s shoulder. “What are you expecting to find?”

Caleb exhaled slowly as he lowered his weapon. He leaned against the tree, rubbing his nose as he continued to study the foliage. With a grunt, he spun to look at Derek as he pulled the radio to his lips. “I want everyone to fall in on me, double time.”

“Roger that,” Engrim said smoothly.

“Copy,” Zeke said.

Derek arched backward as he sighed and climbed to his feet. He brushed his palm against rough bark as he passed another tree. With a cough, Derek pulled his canteen from his belt and took a long drink. With a sigh of satisfaction, Derek wiped his mouth as he stared into the thicket. “Caleb, I know you. Before they fall in, tell me what’s got you freaking out...