Green Desert - Chapter 8.2.4 - Séara

The moonlight quickly disappeared as I entered the trees. I took my flashlight from my belt, switched it on, and began picking my way down the loose-soil trail.

Someone approached behind me. I shone my light up the slope. The black-uniformed man held his hand over his eyes, but it was obviously Tépíto.

“Come on.” It would be good to have Deputy Laparıpasamé at my side. “Careful on the slippery gravel.”

I started down the trail again, hearing Tépíto follow. I held my light low to the ground, throwing every rock and pebble into sharp relief. Leafy trees danced with every move of my hand. My own shadow––from Tépíto’s flashlight––danced a crazy rhythm of its own.

The ground leveled out. Left or right? A few kilometers to the left was the Pívo Highway. But did Zhudıro know that? Probably not. But it was downhill. When in doubt, flow downhill.

I turned left. Tépíto followed at a safe distance.

A faint trail led through the boulders and trees. Recently used––footprints. Several pairs. I knelt down, adjusting my light to several angles, maximizing the shadows. Men’s shoes. And bare feet. Bhanar and the two suits. If they were truly on Zhudıro’s trail, I had no chance of reaching the fugitive first.

I started jogging anyway.