The first four hours on the trail were hell. Two of the girls were hopeless. Even Shadow’s herding wasn’t enough. The worst of the two girls refused to move until Shadow nipped her and growled. Kelly and Sally had to stay side by side with them, freeing up Shadow to follow the trail. Helping, encouraging, threatening, cursing, and at one time gagging the loudest whiner Kelly and Sally kept their column moving. Carole and Beth got better as the drug wore off with activity. Kelly told Carole that without her help and Beth’s there was no way this gaggle would ever escape. Kelly doubted they had covered more than six miles. A loud rumble radiated from the camp. Kelly stopped the group and looked back and watched. She saw a dark shadow rise above the horizon to the east. Sally said, “What was that?”

“That was Jack,” Kelly said quietly. “There will be no pursuit but we’ve got to get moving. I might shoot Barbara and Allison just to shut them up.”

“They’re scared and lack both pride in themselves and self-reliance.”

“Let’s check their feet and then move out at a faster pace.”

A foot check showed several of the party needed tape over several small blisters from ill-fitting shoes. “Thank God we don’t have several days ahead of us. If we did I’d lose it,” Sally griped.

“Okay, back on the trail,” Kelly said after she’d put the last piece of tape on one of the girls. “At this rate we’re covering a mile in thirty to forty minutes and this is not hard going.” She turned to the group and said, “If you don’t want to go back into that cave, pick up the pace. If those men come quickly they could catch us if we don’t move faster now. Don’t bother complaining or whining to me. If you want to see your families again and continue your previous life, you’d better hurry or those men will catch and punish you and you will be gone from your old life forever. There will be no second chances of escape.”

The pace did pick up as the trail flattened out some and the drugs continued to wear off. Carole trotted up beside Kelly. “Who you are you people and where is the man with that deep, commanding voice?”

“No time for long answers. We are dedicated to destroying this human trafficking ring and to rescue as many young people as possible. That man is the best and strongest man I’ve ever known. Whatever he says I do. He has saved my life a couple of times. Don’t ask questions. It will complicate your life.”

“One more, what is that giant dog doing leading the way? Are we following him?”

“That’s two questions. That giant dog is smarter, stronger, and faster than I am and he knows where we are going. How he knows I don’t know. He’s like his partner, the man who will soon catch up with us. They can both do things that are beyond what people and canines do. That dog found the cave you were locked in. Okay, enough, help the others keep up. Come get me if anyone falls out.”

Jack was now certain there would be no pursuit. There were not the resources or skills left in the camp to even think about pursuit. The one man left wearing a badge is probably running back to Baltimore as fast as he can. As he loped along the trail, now using his flashlight, he thought about the logistics that were left. Four rescued captives, the three of us, and Shadow back at the cabin. Everyone hungry, tired, and cold and not enough food. Plenty of water and firewood. Food is the problem. Police and media are also a problem. Food first. He could always find and shoot an elk or deer. They only needed a few meals. Sort of a shame to kill a large animal for a few meals. Especially if some of them are too squeamish to eat wild game. I packed extra trail mix for any rescues but still may run out. Cell phone service is non-existent from here. The cabin has decent service.

Jack took advantage of a high point on the trail to try and raise Kelly on their short-range communications system. He was sure she would have it on. He was right. When he called, Kelly said, “Great, I was getting worried. I estimate we are only about seven miles from the camp and going as fast as this group can.”

“I’m on a high point only a few miles behind you. There is no pursuit. Face me and wave your flashlight. Yes, I see it. Find a place to camp for the night near where you are. Get a small fire going at least 30 or 40 yards from the trail. Make an inventory of your food and see how much we can use now. I’ll be there in less than 45 minutes.”

Kelly ran up to Sally at the head of the straggling column and told her to find a camping place 40 yards off the trail. They would be camping there for the night. There would be no pursuit. Jack had taken care of that problem. Sally rolled her eyes and said, “Who needs help with him around?”