She sat on a rock, her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands. Why didn't she listen to Alex? Had he ever steered her wrong? She was so busy being the independent housewife and mother that she had led them all into trouble. Tears of despair came unbidden.
A tiny flame of light was visible in the distance. Maybe it was the camp of their pursuers. As she watched, the light grew and formed a circle. So absorbed was she in the sight that she didn't hear the helicopter until it was nearly on them. First one flew over, and then three more - all moving toward the circle of light. She stood, watching the helicopters move away.
"Oh my gosh Alex. What have you got yourself into?"
"Where are they going?" Jonathan said behind her. "Should we signal them?"
"No, we don't know who they are."
They watched as the helicopters landed.
"I think I can hear shots being fired," Jonathan said. He walked closer to the trail, listening. "Someone is coming up the trail from the desert," he said in a constricted voice.
Carmen turned toward the horses. "Let's get the children and go." She pulled the rifle from the boot. She wasn't going to give the children up without a fight.
Jonathan woke the twins, hushing them when they started to whimper. Destiny ghosted up beside Carmen.
"What is happening, Mama?"
"I don't know. We have to go. See those lights? We need to get there as soon as possible so we can help Daddy."
"Mom?" Jonathan pointed to a light approaching them. "Isn't that another helicopter?"
He was right, and before they could get mounted, a spotlight hit them. There was nothing they could do. They had already been discovered.