Chapter 4: Sabotage at Shadow Peak

Another Sabotage Attempt

The sharp sound of shattering glass echoed through the early morning air, pulling Jackie out of her thoughts. She ran outside, her heart pounding, only to find the ranch in complete chaos. Shards of broken glass glittered in the sunlight, scattered across the dirt like dangerous confetti. Tools and equipment lay smashed, strewn around the barn as if someone had gone out of their way to destroy everything in sight.

Holly’s cousin, Jake, stood by the barn door, his face flushed with anger. He kicked at a broken piece of machinery, his frustration boiling over. “It happened again! Someone smashed everything up last night.”

Jackie scanned the wreckage, her stomach sinking. The barn door swung loosely, barely hanging on its hinges, creaking ominously in the breeze. It was worse than the last sabotage attempt—whoever was behind this wasn’t holding back anymore.

Max appeared at her side, shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s like someone’s trying to make this place a ghost town for real.”

Holly joined them, her expression tight with worry. “We have to figure out who’s doing this before there’s nothing left to salvage.”

Jackie crouched down, picking up a piece of shattered glass, her mind racing. The damage was too deliberate, too focused. Whoever was behind this wasn’t just trying to cause random chaos—they were sending a message.

“If I catch the guy responsible for this,” Jackie muttered under her breath, her frustration building, “I swear...”

She stood up, dusting off her hands. This was getting out of control. If they didn’t stop the saboteur soon, the entire ranch would be reduced to rubble. The stakes were higher than ever, and time was running out.

“We need to investigate,” Jackie said firmly, turning to the Squad. “Check for any clues. Maybe they left something behind.”

Max pulled out his tablet, scanning the area with his surveillance tools, while Holly scanned the surroundings with narrowed eyes, clearly still suspicious of the ranch worker she’d been watching. Eddie, meanwhile, was hunched over the remnants of his rebuilt tracker, trying to salvage what little was left of it after the destruction.

“I can’t believe this,” Eddie muttered, frustration clear in his voice. “All that work... gone.”

Jackie placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out, Eddie. Whoever did this won’t get away with it.”

As the Squad split up to investigate the wreckage, Jackie’s mind kept turning over the events of the last few days. The treasure, the ghost horse, the sabotage—it was all connected. She was sure of it now. But who was pulling the strings? And why?

The sun had fully risen by the time they regrouped, their search turning up nothing useful. Whoever had done this had been careful—no footprints, no obvious clues.

“This isn’t just random sabotage,” Jackie said, her voice low and thoughtful. “Someone is trying to send us a message. And I think we’re getting too close to something they don’t want us to find.”

Max frowned, tapping on his tablet. “The question is, how much closer are we to finding out what that is?”

Jackie looked around at the mess one more time, her resolve hardening. “Close enough that they’re getting desperate.”

Ghost Horse or Real Threat?

The warm glow of the ranch house lamps cast long, flickering shadows on the walls as the Squad gathered around the table, tension thick in the air. Jackie sat at the head of the table, her eyes scanning the faded treasure map spread out before her, trying to connect the dots between the sabotage, the mysterious ghost horse sightings, and the hidden treasure.

“We’re missing something,” Jackie muttered, running her fingers over the lines of the map. “Something that ties all of this together.”

Max leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. “You really think it’s all connected? The sabotage, the ghost horse, and the treasure?”

Holly, who had been pacing back and forth by the window, stopped to chime in, her voice laced with uncertainty. “What if the ghost horse isn’t just a legend? What if someone is using it to cover their tracks, making it seem like a haunting to scare people off?”

Max raised an eyebrow, his skepticism clear. “Great. So now we’ve got real-life vandals hiding behind a spooky horse costume? That’s rich.”

Jackie smirked, but her thoughts remained on the possibility. Holly could be onto something. If someone was deliberately trying to sabotage the ranch and frighten everyone away, it made sense that they’d use the ghost horse legend as a diversion. But that also meant whoever was behind this knew the legend well—and they were counting on the fear it invoked.

“What if the ghost horse is the distraction?” Jackie said, sitting up straighter as the idea took shape. “Whoever’s behind this is using the legend to keep people from looking too closely at what’s really going on.”

Holly crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. “You think someone’s playing into the legend just to scare us off?”

Jackie nodded slowly. “It’s the perfect cover. Think about it. They sabotage the ranch, make it look like the ghost horse is responsible, and then everyone’s too scared to stick around long enough to figure out what’s really happening.”

Max let out a low whistle, tapping his fingers on the table. “Okay, that’s... dark. But also kind of genius.”

The room fell silent as everyone considered the possibility. The dim light from the lamps flickered slightly, casting eerie shadows across the walls, adding to the tension. Jackie felt the weight of the mystery settling over her like a heavy blanket, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, she felt more determined than ever.

She glanced at the map again, tracing a finger along the faded lines. “There’s something more at play here. The ghost horse, the sabotage, the treasure... it’s all part of a bigger plan. We just have to figure out what the endgame is.”

Eddie, who had been quiet up until now, leaned forward. “So if someone’s using the ghost horse as a cover, what’s their real goal? Is it the treasure? Or are they trying to force the ranch into bankruptcy?”

Jackie considered his question carefully. “It could be both. If they find the treasure, they can disappear with it. If they bankrupt the ranch in the process, it just covers their tracks even more.”

Max sighed, shaking his head. “So we’re not just dealing with some treasure hunters. We’re dealing with someone who’s willing to ruin an entire family to get what they want.”

Holly’s hands clenched into fists at her sides. “We have to stop them. Whoever’s doing this isn’t going to stop until they get what they’re after.”

Jackie met Holly’s eyes and nodded. “You’re right. We need to get ahead of this. Whoever’s behind the sabotage isn’t going to stop unless we stop them first.”

The resolve in the room was palpable, each member of the Squad feeling the weight of the situation. They were up against something bigger than they had originally thought, and the time for action was now.

Jackie stood, folding the map and tucking it into her jacket pocket. “We can’t let them get away with this. If we want to catch whoever’s behind this, we need to be smarter, faster, and one step ahead.”

Max grinned, his usual sarcasm replaced with determination. “I like the sound of that. Let’s show them what we’re made of.”

Holly nodded, the fire back in her eyes. “Agreed. It’s time to stop playing defense.”

Eddie stood up, ready to contribute. “I’ll have the tracker ready by tonight. We’ll know if anyone comes near the ranch again.”

Jackie’s mind raced as she considered their next steps. They had come too far to back down now. Whoever was behind this was counting on fear and chaos to keep them off their trail, but Jackie wasn’t about to let that happen.

“We split up,” Jackie decided, her voice firm. “Holly, you keep watching the ranch worker. He’s involved, and we need to know what he’s planning. Max, you and Eddie get the tech ready. I want to know if anyone so much as breathes near this place tonight.”

“And what about you?” Max asked, standing beside her.

Jackie’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll be looking into the ghost horse sightings. If someone’s using it as a cover, they’ve got to slip up eventually.”

The Squad moved into action, each of them focused on their tasks. The tension in the room had shifted—what had once been fear and uncertainty was now determination and resolve. They weren’t just solving a mystery anymore; they were taking control of the situation.

As they prepared for the night ahead, Jackie couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the verge of something big. The pieces of the puzzle were finally coming together, and soon, they’d have their answers.

But with every step closer they got, the danger grew. And Jackie knew that the real threat was still out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Holly’s Investigation

Holly crouched low in the tall grass, her heart racing as she watched the ranch worker, Rick, from a distance. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the growing shadows provided enough cover for her to move unseen. For the past hour, she had been tracking his movements, growing more suspicious with each passing minute.

Rick had been acting strange for days, always lurking near the barn or wandering the property at odd hours. Tonight, he seemed even more on edge, constantly glancing over his shoulder as if he expected someone to be watching him. And, of course, Holly was.

“What are you hiding?” Holly whispered to herself, narrowing her eyes as Rick disappeared behind one of the outbuildings. “I know you’re up to something.”

The earpiece in her ear crackled softly, and Jackie’s voice came through, tense and quiet. “Holly, what’s going on out there?”

Holly pressed her finger to the earpiece, still keeping her eyes on the barn. “Nothing... yet. He’s moving around like he’s up to something, but I can’t get close enough without giving myself away.”

“Be careful,” Jackie warned. “We don’t know how dangerous he is.”

Holly’s grip tightened on the small radio in her hand. She had always been the cautious one, the one who thought things through before jumping in, but tonight, her curiosity was getting the better of her. She was so close to figuring out what Rick was hiding, and she wasn’t going to back down now.

She moved closer to the barn, her heart pounding in her chest as she crept along the side of the building. Rick had disappeared inside, and the soft glow of a lantern flickered through the small, dusty window near the door. Holly’s pulse quickened—now was her chance to figure out what he was doing.

Creeping quietly, Holly pressed herself against the side of the barn and peered through the window. Inside, Rick was pacing nervously, his phone pressed to his ear. Holly strained to hear what he was saying, but his voice was muffled, and she could only catch fragments of the conversation.

“...the treasure... tonight... meet...”

Holly’s eyes widened. The treasure. He was talking about the treasure hidden at Shadow Peak. Her mind raced as she pieced together what she had overheard. Rick was involved in the search for the treasure, and he wasn’t working alone.

“What are you planning?” Holly muttered under her breath, her heart thudding in her chest.

She leaned in closer, trying to catch more of the conversation, but her foot slipped on a loose stone, sending a small pebble skittering across the ground. The sound echoed in the quiet night, and Holly froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Inside the barn, Rick stopped mid-sentence. He turned slowly, his eyes scanning the room, suspicion etched across his face.

“Who’s there?” he called out, his voice sharp and angry.

Holly pressed herself flat against the wall, her heart hammering in her chest. She held her breath, trying to stay as still as possible. If Rick found her now, there was no telling what he might do. She had to stay hidden.

Rick took a few steps toward the door, his hand hovering over the latch. Holly’s mind raced—if he came outside, she would have nowhere to go. Her only option was to stay completely still and hope he didn’t come looking.

After what felt like an eternity, Rick finally stepped back from the door, muttering something under his breath. He didn’t open it, and Holly let out a silent sigh of relief. She watched as he turned back to his phone, his voice dropping to a low murmur again.

She couldn’t stay here much longer—if she got caught, the whole investigation could be compromised. She needed to get back to the Squad and tell them what she had overheard. Rick was planning something, and it was happening tonight.

Slowly, Holly backed away from the barn, moving as quietly as she could. Her heart was still racing, but she knew she had to get out of there before Rick noticed anything was wrong. The night air was cool against her skin, and the sound of crickets chirping in the distance helped mask her retreat.

Once she was far enough from the barn, she broke into a run, her feet pounding against the soft earth as she made her way back to the ranch house. She could still feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, her mind spinning with everything she had overheard.

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By the time she reached the house, Jackie was waiting for her at the door, her expression a mix of concern and anticipation. “What did you find?”

Holly took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. “It’s Rick. He’s involved. I heard him talking on the phone—he’s planning something tonight. He mentioned the treasure.”

Jackie’s eyes narrowed. “I knew it.”

Holly nodded, her voice trembling slightly as she recounted the details. “He’s not working alone. I don’t know who he’s talking to, but they’re planning to meet tonight. Whatever they’re after, it’s happening soon.”

Jackie folded her arms, her mind already racing with possibilities. “This changes everything. We need to act fast.”

Holly bit her lip, still feeling the rush of adrenaline. “I almost got caught. If he had come outside, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Jackie placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You did great, Holly. Now we know what we’re up against.”

Eddie and Max appeared in the hallway, their faces serious as they listened to Holly’s report. Max was the first to speak. “So, what’s the plan? Do we confront Rick, or do we wait for him to make his move?”

Jackie’s gaze hardened. “We need more information. We’ll follow him tonight, see where he goes and who he meets. But we need to be careful—if Rick’s dangerous, we can’t let him know we’re onto him.”

Holly nodded, her heart still racing but her determination stronger than ever. “I’m ready.”

Jackie glanced at the Squad, their faces set with resolve. The pieces were finally starting to come together, but the danger was growing with every step they took. Tonight, they would get the answers they needed—or risk everything trying.

A Bold Lead

Jackie sat hunched over the table, her eyes locked on the old, faded map of Shadow Peak that was spread out before her. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of a single lamp, and the quiet tension hung heavy in the air. Max sat beside her, tapping on his tablet, while Eddie worked nearby, fidgeting with the remnants of his tracker. Holly, fresh from her close encounter with Rick, paced near the window, her nerves still on edge.

“This ridge,” Jackie murmured, tracing her finger along a barely visible line on the map. “There’s something off about it. Look at the way the path curves. It doesn’t match up with the terrain here—it looks like there’s a hidden route.”

Max leaned closer, squinting at the map. “You think the treasure’s up there, in the cliffs above Shadow Peak?”

Jackie nodded, her eyes narrowing. “It makes sense. If I were trying to hide something valuable, I wouldn’t put it out in the open. I’d stash it somewhere difficult to reach, somewhere no one would think to look.”

Max snorted, his tone laced with sarcasm. “You want to climb cliffs now? That wasn’t part of the plan.”

Jackie shot him a look, but a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. “Plans change. Besides, we’re not exactly sticking to the easy roads here, are we?”

Eddie glanced up from his work, raising an eyebrow. “Cliffs, really? Do I need to invent some kind of climbing gadget now?”

Jackie grinned, shaking her head. “Just stick to the tracker, Eddie. We’ll handle the climbing.”

The map was old, worn, and faded in places, but now that Jackie had spotted the hidden path, everything seemed to fall into place. The route curved up into the cliffs, barely visible at first but becoming clearer the more she studied it. If the treasure was anywhere, it was up there—hidden in the rocky terrain above Shadow Peak.

Holly, finally breaking her pacing, stepped over to the table. “So, we’re going up into the cliffs?”

Jackie nodded, her mind already racing ahead. “If this map’s right, then the treasure isn’t in the valley like we originally thought. It’s up in the cliffs, hidden along that path.”

Max frowned, tapping his tablet to pull up a satellite view of the area. “That path looks dangerous, though. The terrain’s rough, and it’s not exactly a straight shot.”

Jackie studied the satellite image, her determination growing. “It’s our only lead. Whoever’s been sabotaging the ranch is probably after the treasure too. If we don’t make a move now, they might beat us to it.”

Holly crossed her arms, her voice steady. “I’m in. After what I heard Rick say, we can’t afford to wait. He’s planning something tonight, and if he’s working with those treasure hunters, we don’t have much time.”

Eddie set down his tools, nodding in agreement. “The tracker’s almost ready. I’ll finish it on the way.”

Max sighed, clearly reluctant but knowing there was no other option. “Guess we’re doing this, then. I’ll load up the gear. But if we’re going to climb cliffs, I hope you’ve got a plan for not falling off them.”

Jackie grinned, the excitement bubbling in her chest. “I always have a plan, Max. Besides, we’ll be fine.”

The Squad moved into action, gathering their gear and preparing for the hike up into the cliffs. Jackie’s mind raced as she packed, going over everything they had uncovered so far. The treasure was close—closer than they had realized—and whoever was after it was willing to do whatever it took to keep them from finding it.

As they loaded their bags and checked their equipment, Jackie glanced out the window. The shadows had lengthened, and the distant mountains loomed dark and foreboding against the sky. A chill ran down her spine, but it wasn’t fear—it was anticipation. They were about to make their move, and there was no turning back now.

“We leave in twenty minutes,” Jackie said, her voice steady. “Everyone be ready.”

Holly finished adjusting her backpack and joined Jackie by the window, her gaze fixed on the cliffs in the distance. “Do you really think the treasure’s up there?”

Jackie’s eyes remained on the horizon, her gut telling her they were on the right track. “I do. And if it’s not, we’ll find out what’s been going on up there. Either way, we’re getting answers.”

Holly nodded, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “And what if we run into Rick? Or the treasure hunters?”

Jackie’s eyes narrowed as she glanced back at the rest of the Squad, who were busy making final preparations. “We’ll be ready for them. We’re not letting them get the upper hand this time.”

Max walked over, his expression more serious than usual. “Something tells me we’re not the only ones heading to those cliffs tonight.”

Jackie met his gaze, her jaw set. “I know. That’s why we have to be the first ones there.”

The weight of the night ahead hung heavy in the air, but the Squad moved with purpose, each of them focused on the task at hand. They had come too far to back down now, and Jackie could feel the mystery unraveling with every step they took. The treasure, the sabotage, the ghost horse—it was all leading to this.

As they finished packing, Jackie glanced out the window one last time, her eyes on the darkening cliffs. Whoever was behind this was out there, waiting. And tonight, the Squad would find out exactly what they were up against.

“We’re getting closer,” Jackie whispered to herself, her heart pounding with anticipation. “Closer than ever.”

Confrontation in the Forest

The night air was thick with tension as the Squad made their way through the dark forest, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath them. The towering trees cast long, ominous shadows, and the only sound was the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Jackie led the way, her flashlight flickering as they navigated the narrow, overgrown path toward the cliffs.

Max walked beside her, his eyes scanning the darkness, while Holly and Eddie followed close behind, their expressions tense. They had been hiking for nearly an hour, and the path was becoming more treacherous with every step.

“This trail is worse than I thought,” Max muttered, stepping over a fallen branch. “We’re going to be climbing soon, aren’t we?”

Jackie shot him a quick glance. “It’s not that bad. We’ve dealt with worse.”

Holly’s voice broke the tense silence from the back of the group. “I’m starting to think I should have packed more than just a flashlight.”

Jackie grinned, though her mind was focused on the task at hand. “Relax, Holly. We’ve got this.”

But just as the words left her mouth, a figure stepped out from the shadows ahead, blocking their path. Jackie’s heart skipped a beat as she stopped in her tracks, shining her flashlight on the intruder. It was one of the treasure hunters they had encountered before, his face twisted into a smug grin.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Jackie quickly scanned the area, her mind racing. She knew they wouldn’t be alone. Sure enough, two more treasure hunters emerged from the trees, their expressions dark and determined. The Squad was surrounded.

“I warned you kids to stay out of this,” the lead treasure hunter growled, stepping closer. “But you didn’t listen. Now you’re going to regret it.”

Max took a step back, his grip tightening on his backpack. “Okay, this is bad.”

Jackie’s pulse quickened, but she kept her voice steady. “You think we’re scared of you? You’re not the first bullies we’ve dealt with.”

The lead hunter’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t a game, girl. You don’t know who you’re messing with.”

Jackie clenched her fists, her mind racing for a way out of this. They were outnumbered, and the treasure hunters weren’t going to back down. She needed to think fast.

“You really think you can just scare us off?” Jackie shot back, her voice defiant. “We’re not going anywhere.”

The treasure hunter sneered, pulling out a knife from his belt and twirling it menacingly in his hand. “I think it’s time you learned your lesson.”

Holly’s breath caught, and Eddie’s eyes widened as he glanced nervously at Jackie. But she didn’t flinch. Instead, she quickly sized up the situation, calculating their next move.

They needed to run—fast.

Jackie glanced at Max and gave him a subtle nod. Max understood immediately, his hand already inching toward the small gadget in his pocket. It was one of Eddie’s latest inventions—a sound emitter designed to create a high-pitched noise that could disorient anyone nearby. Jackie just hoped it would work.

“I was just starting to enjoy this little game,” Jackie said, her voice cool as ever. “But if you think you’re going to stop us, you’ve got another thing coming.”

The lead hunter’s grin faltered for just a second. “You think you’re clever, don’t you?”

Without another word, Max pressed the button on the sound emitter. A sharp, piercing noise filled the air, causing the treasure hunters to wince and stagger back, their hands flying to their ears.

“Run!” Jackie shouted.

The Squad didn’t hesitate. They bolted into the trees, their feet pounding the ground as they darted through the undergrowth. The forest was dense, but they didn’t stop, adrenaline pushing them forward. Behind them, the treasure hunters yelled in frustration, still disoriented by the sound.

Branches slapped against Jackie’s face as she ran, but she barely noticed. Her heart raced, and her mind was focused solely on getting away. They needed to lose the hunters and get to the cliffs—before it was too late.

“They’re right behind us!” Max called, glancing over his shoulder.

“We need to keep moving!” Jackie shouted back, her legs burning as they tore through the forest.

The trees seemed to close in around them, the thick foliage making it harder to see the path ahead. Jackie’s breath came in ragged gasps, and she knew they couldn’t keep this pace up forever. The treasure hunters were relentless, and they were catching up.

Suddenly, Jackie spotted a large boulder up ahead. It was partially hidden by the trees, but it looked like the perfect place to hide. Without thinking, she veered off the path, signaling the others to follow.

“Over here!” she called, diving behind the boulder.

The rest of the Squad followed her lead, huddling together behind the rock as they tried to catch their breath. The sound of footsteps drew closer, and Jackie held her breath, her heart pounding in her ears. They had seconds before the treasure hunters found them.

“They’re not going to give up,” Jackie whispered, her voice barely audible. “We have to make a break for the cliffs. It’s the only way.”

Max nodded, his face pale with fear. “What if they catch us?”

Jackie’s eyes narrowed. “They won’t. We’ll outsmart them. We always do.”

The footsteps were right on top of them now, and Jackie could hear the treasure hunters cursing as they searched the area. She peeked out from behind the boulder, her mind racing. They needed a distraction—something to give them a chance to escape.

Her eyes landed on a pile of loose rocks nearby. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Jackie quickly picked up a small stone and hurled it into the bushes on the other side of the clearing. The sound of rustling leaves drew the treasure hunters’ attention, and they immediately rushed toward the noise.

“Now!” Jackie whispered urgently.

The Squad darted out from behind the boulder and made a break for the cliffs, their feet barely touching the ground as they ran. The treasure hunters were still searching the bushes, completely unaware that their prey had slipped away.

As they reached the base of the cliffs, Jackie glanced back one last time, her heart still racing. They had gotten away—for now.

But this was far from over.

Holly’s Discovery

Holly’s heart still pounded from the confrontation in the forest, but as she reached the base of the cliffs, she pushed the fear aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. They had escaped the treasure hunters for now, but the danger was far from over. Jackie stood nearby, scanning the rocky terrain, while Max and Eddie caught their breath, their faces pale from the narrow escape.

“We’re not safe yet,” Jackie said, her eyes locked on the path ahead. “We have to keep moving. Those guys won’t stay fooled for long.”

Holly nodded, wiping the sweat from her brow as she looked around, her gaze drifting up toward the cliffs. The path Jackie had found on the old map led straight up into the rocky terrain, winding its way toward a hidden ridge that might hold the answers they were searching for.

But something didn’t feel right.

Holly had been on edge ever since her run-in with Rick, the ranch worker, earlier that night. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more going on than just a search for treasure. And now, standing at the foot of the cliffs, that feeling of unease only grew stronger.

“I need to tell you something,” Holly said quietly, stepping closer to Jackie. Her voice was low, her expression serious. “I found out who’s behind the sabotage.”

Jackie turned to her, eyes widening slightly. “What? Who?”

“It’s Rick,” Holly said, her voice steady but laced with tension. “He’s been working with the treasure hunters the whole time. I overheard him talking on the phone earlier. They’re planning something big—tonight.”

Jackie’s jaw tightened, the weight of Holly’s revelation sinking in. “I knew something wasn’t right about him.”

Holly nodded, her mind racing as she recounted everything she had overheard. “He was talking about the treasure, about meeting up with them tonight. I couldn’t hear everything, but it’s clear he’s been sabotaging the ranch to cover his tracks.”

Jackie folded her arms, her gaze narrowing as she connected the dots. “So, Rick’s been working with the treasure hunters from the start. That explains the sabotage—they’re trying to drive the ranch into the ground while they search for the treasure.”

Max, overhearing the conversation, stepped forward, his expression grim. “So, we’ve got Rick on the inside, working to sabotage the ranch, and the treasure hunters out here trying to beat us to the treasure. Great. Just great.”

Eddie glanced up from his gadget, his fingers still busy adjusting the tracker. “So, what’s the plan? Confront Rick? Or head straight for the treasure before they can get to it?”

Jackie’s eyes darted between the group, her mind working at full speed. “We can’t confront Rick yet. We don’t have enough evidence, and if he catches on that we know, he could alert the treasure hunters. No—we head for the treasure. If we find it first, we’ll have the upper hand.”

Holly bit her lip, anxiety gnawing at her. “But what if Rick figures out we’re onto him? What if he’s watching us right now?”

Jackie’s gaze swept over the dark forest, her instincts on high alert. “We’ll be careful. We need to stay one step ahead of them.”

As the Squad prepared to continue their climb, Holly’s unease only grew. Something about this felt wrong—too many pieces of the puzzle were still missing. She wasn’t just worried about the treasure hunters or Rick’s betrayal. There was something else—something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

And then, she saw it.

A flash of movement in the distance, near the edge of the forest where they had just come from. Holly froze, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the shadowy figure moving stealthily through the trees. It was too far away to make out any details, but the way the figure moved, the way they stuck to the shadows—it wasn’t Rick, and it wasn’t one of the treasure hunters.

Holly’s heart skipped a beat. “Jackie...”

Jackie turned, following Holly’s gaze. “What is it?”

Holly pointed toward the figure, her voice barely above a whisper. “There. Someone’s following us.”

Max whipped around, his eyes widening. “You think it’s Rick?”

Holly shook her head, her pulse quickening. “No. It’s someone else. They’re keeping their distance, but they’re definitely tracking us.”

Jackie’s expression hardened. “We need to move. Now.”

Without another word, the Squad grabbed their gear and started up the rocky path, their footsteps quick and silent. Holly’s heart raced as they climbed, her mind spinning with questions. Who was following them? And why hadn’t they made their move yet?

As they reached a narrow ledge halfway up the cliffs, Jackie stopped, motioning for the others to do the same. She crouched low, peering down at the path they had just climbed.

“There,” she whispered, pointing toward the dark figure moving along the same route they had just taken. The figure was still too far away to be identified, but there was no doubt—they were being followed.

Holly’s breath caught in her throat. “What do we do?”

Jackie’s eyes narrowed as she studied the figure. “We can’t lead them to the treasure. We need to throw them off our trail.”

Max, his face pale with tension, glanced at Jackie. “How? We can’t exactly just vanish into thin air.”

Jackie thought for a moment, then turned to Eddie. “The tracker—can it be set up as a decoy?”

Eddie blinked, then nodded quickly. “Yeah, I can rig it to emit a signal from a different location. It’ll look like we’re somewhere else.”

Jackie smiled, her confidence returning. “Do it. If they’re tracking us, they’ll follow the signal instead.”

Eddie worked quickly, setting up the tracker and programming it to send out a signal from a location further down the path. As he finished, the Squad moved further up the cliffs, their pace quickening. The figure below hadn’t yet realized they were being deceived, and Jackie hoped they could keep it that way.

As they neared the top of the ridge, Holly glanced back one last time. The figure had stopped, seemingly confused by the sudden change in direction of the signal. It had worked.

“We’re clear,” Holly whispered, relief flooding her chest.

Jackie nodded, but her eyes remained focused on the path ahead. “For now. But we can’t let our guard down. Whoever that was, they’re not going to give up easily.”

Holly’s mind buzzed with questions, but for now, they had managed to stay ahead. As they reached the top of the cliffs, the air felt colder, the wind stronger. The treasure might be close, but so were the dangers that came with it.

And Holly knew this was just the beginning.