"Feehan, Christine - Leopard 02 - Wild Rain" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feehan Christine)

take another life. For once the

WILD RAIN 15
isolation of his existence was inviting. He wanted to lie down and listen to the
rain, to sleep. Be grateful he was alive for one more day. He lucked the
binoculars into his pack, his movements slow and easy, careful not to draw
attention. His signal sent Fritz crawling backward out of the tangle of roots,
deeper into the timberline. The small leopards blended perfectly with the leaves
and jungle floor. It was nearly impossible to spot them.
Lightning flashed directly overhead, the clap of thunder booming through the
forest. Rio didn't know if it was the thunder or the cats that startled a fully
grown bearded pig into crashing through the undergrowth. At once the sky erupted
with bursts of red flames, a stream of bullets bridging the river and blasting
into the network of roots. Splinters of bark peppered his face and neck, fell
harmlessly against his thick clothing. Something bit at his hip, skidding over
flesh and removing a small chunk as it continued traveling.
Rio cradled the rifle on his shoulder, his targets already chosen, and squeezed
off two deadly accurate rounds in answer. He followed with a burst of fire,
laying down rapid cover as he scooted back to follow the cats. His pursuers
wouldn't be able to cross the river, and with two dead or wounded, they would
drop the search for the moment. But they would be back and bring reinforcements.
It was a way of life. Not one he had necessarily chosen, but it was one he
accepted.
Scattered shots zinged through the shrubbery, angry bees without aim. The river
drowned out the threats hurled at him, the promises of retribution and blood. He
shouldered his rifle and slipped into deeper forest, allowing the creeping
greenery to shield him.
Rio set a hard pace. The storm was dangerous, the wind threatening to topple
more than one tree. The cats shared his life, but had the freedom to go their
own way. He expected them to seek cover, to ride out the storm under protection,
but they stayed close to him, occasionally taking
16

Christine Feehan

to the trees to travel along the highway of interlocking branches. They looked
at him expectantly, wondering why he didn't join them, but eventually settled
into his steady, ground-eating rhythm.

Miles of rain-soaked travel passed. Close to home, Rio was beginning to relax
when Fritz raised his head, suddenly alert, swerving to brush the man who
instantly stilled, becoming nearly invisible, a shadow among the tall trees.
Behind him, the second cat slunk to the ground, frozen, a statue with glowing
eyes. Rio hissed softly between bis teeth and made a small circular motion with
one hand. Fritz immediately disappeared into the forest, moving cautiously,
halting beside a tree. The animal circled the large trunk once, then, like a
silent wraith, returned to the man. Together, all three approached, making no
more noise than the single clouded leopard had. Taking no notice of the
ferocious storm raging around him, Rio made a thorough inspection of the tree. A
rope reached from one trunk to another.