Adrenaline surged through Mike again, reorienting him to the immediate crisis. This man needed help—or so he believed. He reached for the rope near his feet, planning to finish what he’d started.
He slid the rope down into the pit, calling gently to the wounded man. Nicole steadied the rope from behind, her gaze shifting back to the bear every few seconds. But now, the animal stood guard, occasionally sniffing the air as if on watch for predators or any threat that might interrupt this rescue.