He wanted to reassure Nicole, but any movement might provoke their captors. Another poacher approached the cage with a tranquilizer dart, threatening the cub if the mother made a move. Mike clenched his jaw, rage boiling beneath his fear. This was worse than any nightmare.
Minutes stretched like hours. Mike heard his own pulse roar in his ears. He prayed that rangers or police would arrive soon. One poacher rummaged through Nicole’s pockets, removing her phone. He cursed under his breath when he saw that she was sharing her location, confirming that outside help was bound to arrive.