Marcus's team advanced through the forest, moving quickly and silently toward the reported location of Garrick and his men. The trees thickened as they neared the clearing, and Marcus's grip tightened on his rifle. The air was heavy with tension, but something didn't sit right with him. If Garrick's men were dug in as the Apache reported, there should have been more activity, more signs of preparation.
Suddenly, a soldier's voice came through the radio. "Sir, thermal imaging shows movement again. They're not staying put. They're running—fast."
Marcus felt a surge of adrenaline. "Confirmed visual?"
"Yes, sir," came the reply from the Apache pilot. "Multiple heat signatures moving north. It looks like they've caught wind of us."
Marcus cursed under his breath. "They're trying to escape. Move now!"
