Author's notes: Thanks for the reviews. I thought I would give you a little chapter as a reward for your love!

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Charlie shook his head in frustration. The video from the parking garage had yielded a picture perfect display of what had taken place between Colby and Doug Carter. The video also showed them getting into a black Honda Accord and leaving the hotel. They had been able to track it for ten blocks using the footage from the traffic cameras, but then it had disappeared. Looking at a schematic drawing of the locations of the cameras it was apparent that once someone moved into the residential areas they were off the grid.

"Shit," David cursed. "We can't even get a fix for what direction they took. Once they got off the strip, they could have gone any where."

"In theory yes," Charlie picked up a pen and started drawing. "I've analyzed a lot of escape routes and looking at the camera locations I'm thinking that they would be heading south or west."

"I don't want to burst your physic bubble, but how can you tell?" Nick's tone was skeptical.

"What do we know about Carter so far? He's ex-military, he's been living in Las Vegas for over a year and he's smart. Look at the camera locations. If you wanted to lead someone in the direction you weren't going what would you do?" Not giving anyone time to answer, Charlie continued on. "Just like in football, the military teaches its members to feint; lead the enemy in the opposite direction. Doug used the cameras to leave electronic footprints leading off into the wrong direction. If they show us they are going north east, they will go in the opposite direction."

Nick nodded, "Makes sense. The only problem is that when you head out of Las Vegas going southwest it is leading you right back to L.A."

"I think it's a safe bet they're not headed back to L.A." Charlie looked at Nick, "If you were going to go somewhere and didn't want anyone to find you, where would you go?"

"Well, there is plenty of wilderness areas; desert or mountains, you can take your pick."

David spoke up, "I say we give Don a call and see if Megan has put together a profile on where he might be headed."

"Good idea." Charlie agreed. "The more I know about his personality and habits, the more likely I can pinpoint a search."

"Looks like Catherine released what we know to the media." Nick motioned to a monitor across the room; a picture of the car was followed by one of Colby and another of Doug Carter. "Maybe we'll get lucky and someone will have spotted the vehicle."

"I'm just afraid that at some point Colby's going to run out of luck." David's face was grim as he looked at the image of his friend on the screen.

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They had left the marked trail and were no longer moving up the mountain but following along the sub alpine forest. Earlier from a scenic vantage point along the trail Colby had been able to see Las Vegas in the distance; the city sprawled out across the arid flats. The sun was almost overhead and the sky was clear. Had it been under different circumstances Colby would have found himself enjoying the hike. Growing up around the mountains and foothills of northern Idaho, Colby had spent considerable time hiking and enjoying outdoor activities.

"This whole area is part of a national forest. The peak up there, Charleston is at an elevation of almost 12,000 feet." Doug had been speaking more freely since leaving the trail. He had also dropped back a little further as a precaution against Colby using a low tree branch as a diversion or weapon. He stood back and kept a wary eye on his prisoner and checked the small GPS unit that hung from his neck.

Colby pulled up, happy to rest his feet. The suspected blisters were no longer just a possibility; he could feel the raw spots chafe with every step. "Fascinating Doug. I'm glad we had this little stroll so you could show me the sights and impress me with your knowledge."

Continuing as if he hadn't heard the sarcasm, Doug smiled. "There is a total of 57,442 acres, most of it only assessable by hiking in. If we were to go higher up we be in the largest collection of Bristlecone pines in the intermountain region. Where we are now is mainly white pine and mountain hemlock. National Park Service patrols this area, but they don't have much manpower. They tend to focus on the areas around the lodges and ski area."

"Like I said, impressive, but why share this with me"

Doug pulled out a bottle of water and took a drink. "I've been trying to decide what to do with you since I got the call telling me that Dwayne was dead."

"I suppose letting me go isn't one of the options."

"See that tree there?" Doug pointed to a pine tree that was slightly smaller than some of the others around it. "Have a seat against it." He pulled out a pair of handcuffs. "Put it on one of your wrists and put your arms behind the tree." The gun was back out and leveled at Colby.

Colby moved over to the tree and bent over. "Mind of I loosen these laces first?"

"Go ahead."

Knowing that this would be his only chance, Colby worked at one lace, pretending to adjust it. Glancing at the terrain, Colby weighed his chances. Down hill was going to be his best chance for cover. Taking a deep breath Colby tensed as he moved to the other lace.

"I'm rated as an expert marksman. I won't miss."

Realizing that Doug was prepared for him to make a run for it, Colby straightened and turned to look at him. "So, I should just sit down and let you shoot me?"

"I'm not going to shoot you unless you make me."

Glaring at Doug defiantly, Colby sat down and put the cuff around one wrist. Placing his arms around the tree he could hear the sound of the younger man moving behind the tree. The moment that he felt the hand close around his wrist he exploded up and around the tree.

Colby knew that Doug would not have expected this and was pleased to see the look of surprise as he threw himself at him. Colby moved his hand up to grab at the gun and the two men started grappling for control.

Having the height and weight advantage, Colby felt he was making headway when his feet were suddenly swept out from beneath him. Falling, he pulled the other man with him. Now both men were on the hard, uneven forest floor. Rolling over, Colby was slowly working to gain more control.

Without warning, a gunshot split the air. Slowly one man climbed up, looking down at the other man, dazed and bleeding from a bullet wound.