They were on their full speed but had to stop the jeep near a trial. A person dressed like a forest ranger was in their way. Roderick would have turned the steering to other direction if he was Waylon. But he could not dictate Waylon’s choice. Waylon opted to sort out things through conversation with the ranger.
Ranger came towards the jeep with a rifle strapped to his shoulder after dismounting his horse, “Waylon, when will you be done with poaching?”
“I was not hunting.” Waylon said.
Ranger pointed at the dead monkey on back of their seat, “You sure?”
The ranger felt a gun nozzle pressing against his temple. Roderick pressed it harder.
“Why does this forest need a ranger?” Roderick asked, “And why would he be a hag?”
“Because this forest needs one. I had promised my father I will never leave this forest.”
“Where is he then?”
“He’s dead.”
“I’m not surprised. Look how old you are.”
Barry clutched the ranger’s rifle and threw it like a jablin.
Roderick had more lessons to fill his ear with but Waylon deciced to continue driving. Roderick dumped the monkey on ground and sat back to his seat.
“Is he delusional or something?” Roderick asked.
“Putting gun on him was unnecessary. I could have explained everything to him.” Waylon sighed.
Roderick’s eyes fell on side mirror. He saw the ranger pointing his rifle towards their vehicle. He did not get time to warn Waylon about it. Waylon realized the old man was shooting when their back tire burst.
Ranger was not done there. He continued shooting. Waylon had to change direction of the jeep to save themselves. They drove through bushes and thorns. Waylon couldn’t keep driving in a straight line.
The axle again. Waylon guessed.
“Jump!” Waylon screamed.
Roderick was the first to act on it. Waylon sprinted out, and Barry also did the same in the end. Their jeep crashed on a huge rock. Then the explosion happened. The shock wave from it left everyone stunned. Roderick heard a horse galloping near them. He knew well who was riding the horse but could not lift a finger against it.
My guns. Waylon lamented after retrieving his senses. He did not care about Ranger anymore.
Ranger pointed his gun at them.
