Raccoons scurried away, squeaking. Luna barked at his approach. Marcus’s fingers fumbled with the cage latch, slick with sweat. Time stretched agonizingly. At last, the catch released, and Luna burst free, tail thumping with frantic relief. Marcus clutched her close, feeling her trembling body against his chest.
A bellow of rage echoed from across the shack. One of the criminals spotted him. Marcus’s blood turned to ice. “Stop!” the man roared, lunging forward. Marcus froze for a heartbeat, scanning the room. Smoke thickened, the floor groaned, and raccoons darted wildly. Their path to the door was blocked.