Chapter 2

Director Vance asked about the welfare of his agents as he pulled a t-shirt out of his backpack and pressed it to the wound on his head. He stood up slowly. He was just a tiny bit dizzy and his head hurt. But he managed to get himself up. He then helped Tim and Ellie to stand. Tim when helped Jimmy. Ducky and Gibbs were able to stand. But Gibbs knee was seriously injured. He knew it would give out soon. Tony stood, a bit unsteadily, but he was up. They all grabbed their gear as Gibbs looked at his map, trying to figure out where to go from there.

"Well, thanks to our…shortcut…" Tony said, looking over Gibbs' shoulder and then up at the hill they had just 'tumbled' down. "…we're actually about a mile closer to the cabin."

They all seemed somewhat relieved.

Leon looked up at the sky. "Unless we're planning hiking in the rain, I suggest we get a move on." He replied, looking up at angry grey clouds.

NCIS/SPN NCIS/SPN NCIS/SPN NCIS/SPN NCIS/SPN

Sam and Dean had lost their quarry. They had heard no more scream. But as they came into a clearing they noticed where there had been a landslide. The slide had taken out about 10 feet of the footpath that had been on the ridge above.

"Look Sam, that's recent. I sure would hate to have been on that trail when the slide happened." Dean stated.

"Somebody or something was, Dean." Sam said walking over and looking at a couple of the rocks. "It looks like there's blood on these rocks here. And look there," The younger man pointed. ",those are footprints in the dirt. They look recent, too."

Dean nodded.

Dean pulled his collar up around his neck. He could smell the rain in the air. "You didn't happen to bring an umbrella did you?"

Sam shook his head.

"Then I think we need to find shelter quick." Dean replied. "Those clouds don't look too good."

"There's a cave near here." Sam replied referring to the map that they got at the ranger's station.

"Let's go." Dean said as he and Sam checked their weapons. You never know who or what you mind find waiting for you in a cave.

TBC

I hope you enjoy my short cliffie. Thanks, as always, for your reviews and alerts. JL