"Four seconds in. Four seconds out," Jared’s mind repeated as his body followed the instructions. 

It was a rhythmic mantra he used to use in the field. It was his way of overriding pain and forcing his mind into sharp focus. Those days felt like centuries ago. His body was no longer used to being pushed past its limits.

“Damn. You really let yourself go, man,” he thought to himself. Then breathed slowly as he blended his large frame into the deep shadows.

He was about ten feet away ...