Free Scream for Me by Cynthia Eden

more than just three folks needed to be out there.
    “How far do the caves stretch here?” Cadence asked as she approached the slab.
    As Kyle got closer, he realized there was darkness behind the slab. Twisting vines, grass, and what looked like a dark window.
    The entrance to the caves.
    “At least fifty miles, according to the geologist.” Jason pulled a flashlight from his backpack. They’d all taken the time to stock upsome packs before they left the station. “But most of the tunnels are unstable, so they didn’t go too far down them. Just estimated.” He glanced back at Kyle and Cadence. “They were from Auburn University. They measured for days, then said we needed to keep folks away, that it was too dangerous inside.”
    Yet they were all about to head right into the window of darkness.
    Jason eyed them both. “Guess I should’ve asked sooner, but have you two ever explored caves before?”
    Kyle stared back at him. “A time or two.” More than that, but they didn’t need to go over his history right then.
    “So I guess you don’t have any problem with tight spaces, huh, Agent McKenzie?” Jason asked.
    “No, I don’t, Officer Marsh.”
    Jason gave him a hard smile. “Actually, it’s Detective .”
    The guy was getting on his damn nerves. And if he sent one more longing glance toward Cadence when they had a fucking job to do—
    Cadence rolled her shoulders. “Let’s get moving.”
    Jason offered him a faint smile. “At least you left your suit behind. Good thinking.”
    Screw off . Kyle headed forward, the hiking boots he’d picked up helping him to move easily over the rougher terrain.
    Then it was Jason’s turn to hurry to keep up with him and Cadence.
    Sunlight trickled just inside the cave’s interior, showing them a long, narrow tunnel.
    “Like I said,” Jason murmured, “I hope you don’t mind tight spaces.”
    Kyle glanced at Cadence. Had she flinched?
    No, not her…
    Had she?
    Cadence reached into her pack and pulled out a small light. The light was attached to a length of elastic. She slipped the elastic band onto her head, then adjusted the strap so it fit securely. The black strap blended with her hair, and she hit the button on the front to illuminate her way. “Let’s stop wasting time, boys. Jason, take us to the areas you know first.”
    No, Cadence didn’t sound afraid. He’d seen her stare down killers. She rarely ever felt fear.
    That he knew of.
    Jason took the lead, heading forward in the tunnel. Silence followed as they trekked deeper into the darkness.
    Soon Kyle saw more openings, twisting paths leading from the main tunnel. Heavy stalactites sprouted from the ceiling, while thick stalagmites grew from the bottom, some nearly meeting in places.
    The caverns were old. Very, very old.
    “A small stream flows just ahead. Watch your step,” Jason advised without glancing back.
    Kyle was already watching his and Cadence’s steps. His own headlamp swept the area. He’d secured it moments after Cadence adjusted hers. There was no sign anyone had been in the area anytime recently.
    No sign of anyone at all.
    “Is there another entrance?” Kyle asked.
    “Not that I’ve found,” was Jason’s answer.
    “With fifty miles to cover, maybe you just haven’t found it yet.” Cadence moved easily over the stream. She had on tennis shoes. Jeans. Her hair slid over her shoulders. “Maybe there’s a lot you haven’t found.”
    Just as she reached the edge of the stream, her tennis shoe slipped.
    Kyle lunged for her.
    But Jason beat him. “I’ve got you,” he told her, curling his hand around hers.
    Holding her a little too tight.
    Cadence pulled away. “I’m good.”
    Kyle hated that cop.
    “Yes,” Jason agreed softly. “You are.” Then he pointed to the right. “This way, it will take us deeper inside the caverns.”
    Kyle didn’t want this to be a waste of time. He wanted to find something, anything.
    His head turned to the left. To the right.
    He saw