Free The Island Project: A Thriller by Taylor Buck

She walked slowly, balancing her weight carefully. She moved along the branch until she stood directly over the fence. The branch bowed slightly as it adjusted to her weight. It still cleared the fence by a foot or more. She shimmied across the threshold then swung down and hung from her hands. She hung there for a moment, suspended about seven or so feet from the ground. Once she steadied herself, she let go—landing on the soft earth with a gentle thump. 
    “Impressive,” Bennett said with a smile as he pulled himself on to the large branch.
    “Come on, you’ve got it,” Kelly said as if Bennett needed some encouragement.
    Bennett focused his balance and stepped forward—one foot in front of the other, until he was only a few feet away the fence. He took another step. The branch began to bow downward considerably as it succumbed to his weight. Bennett steadied himself and adjusted his weight balance. He was now directly above the fence. The branch continued drooping down until it finally stopped three inches above the fence.
    “Tom…”
    “I know.”
    Bennett held still. He reached his hand up slowly and unclasped his field bag from his body. Once the strap was freed, he slid it off slowly and held it out to the other side of the fence. The branch dipped up and down slightly with each movement. It was hovering dangerously close to the white cable atop the fence.
    “Tom. Drop it. I’ve got it,” Kelly said.
    Just as Kelly spoke, the branch let out a loud popping sound and lurched downward.
    The limb was breaking.
    “Tom!”
    Bennett let go of the bag. The bag dropped down just inside the fence, inches away from the cabling. Kelly scooped it up and jumped back away from the fence. The branch instantly responded, raising another three inches above the fence. Bennett gathered his balance and froze. The limb was still. Bennett looked down at the fence. There was now about a half-foot clearance. The limb let out a few crackling groans again. It was breaking. He needed to get off now.
    “Watch out!” Bennett shouted to Kelly.
    He jumped.
    The branch dipped down deep, coming within inches of the shock cable. Bennett fell through the air and hit the ground feet first. He quickly tumbled forward into a somersault.
    “Tom! Are you ok?” Kelly asked and walked over to him.
    Bennett picked himself up off the ground. “Yeah…never better. Thanks for that.”
    Kelly looked concerned. “Sorry, I…”
    Bennett burst out laughing. He laughed hard and loud, grabbing his chest dramatically. Kelly couldn’t help but join in on the laughter. They were both a bit shocked from what had just occurred.
    “Well, that was exciting!” Kelly handed Bennett his bag.
    “Yes, it was,” he said still chuckling.
    Bennett took his pack from Kelly and looked out into the forest. This side of the fence was much easier terrain to walk through. He pulled out his water bottle and took a few sips. Kelly did the same.
    After a quick break, they started into the forest again. They continued for a while until they eventually linked up with a trail. It headed north between some large trees and made for easy hiking. After a time, they approached a metal sign posted on the side of the path with a message marked in red letters.

    ALPHA SECTION
    QUADRANT 8

CHAPTER 18

    HAKALAU FOREST NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
    15 OCTOBER, 12:00 P.M.

    The sun was almost directly overhead. The thick, broad palm leaves above shielded the sweltering heat. Tom and Kelly approached another clearing. They were finally starting to see signs of civilization—supply sheds, a parking garage and a few other marked signs. It looked as though they were getting close to the ranger station. Their path led them by a parking garage. Bennett looked through the access door window and spotted three Range Rovers and a few E-ATV’s parked neatly in a row. He made out an insignia printed on each vehicle: nine round dots formed in the pattern of a square, with three horizontal lines