Michael knew he had been dreaming, but for the life of him, he couldn't recall anything about the dream. He sat up suddenly, already searching for whatever potential threat had awakened him. Light was pouring onto the cramped, oblong patch of rock on which he had placed his sleeping bag and his pack. Blindingly bright twin beams of light were emanating from the mouth of the cave. He heard the whining blare of a car horn coming from the same direction as the light, masking the quieter rumbling of a Duramax diesel engine. They had started the truck; something was wrong. Michael shot a quick glance around the small cave two more sleeping areas were still laid out along the other wall; two sleeping bags, two pillows, a book, a small lantern. No weapons. He felt adrenaline surge into his system. He didn't hear gunfire, and reasoned that they couldn't be under attack yet. Someone certainly seemed to have reason to believe they would be shortly, though.
Michael hurriedly felt around for his own weapon, a Beretta 92 pistol chambered for 9mm rounds. He found it near his pack, and grabbed them both, berating himself for forgetting one of his cardinal rules: never leave anything essential unloaded from the truck unless you're using it. The pack might not be very heavy, but had the situation required him to leave the cave in any more of a hurry, he would have lost most of his wordly belongings. It could also weigh him down if he had to run a long distance, and he knew very well that being too slow or fatigued could mean his death. The horn stopped suddenly, leaving an echo in Michael's ears. The truck's high beams still glared ominously at him. He heard voices speaking loudly and sounding harried. The loud crack of gunfire split the night, drowning out the voices. Michael slung the pack over his left shoulder and made sure the right strap was tucked between his side and his elbow; secure, but free enough to be tossed aside at will. He flicked the Beretta's safety off, took a deep breath, and jogged out into the unknown.
To be continued...
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