Blood and Pine

Description

Eric Lawson arrives in White River posing as a drifter with a wounded dog. Jessica Brooks examines the dog, suspicious of Eric’s vague story. She questions the injury; he dodges, keeping his cover tight. Jessica mentions rising illegal hunting activity in the pines. He checks in with his handler, confirming the poaching ring is active. She sees a scar on the dog that reminds her of a past case gone wrong. He refuses to give his real name when she asks. Men at the feed store stare too long at Eric. Eric returns for follow-up care; Jessica softens slightly. Their hands brush as she bandages the dog. Eric finds fresh traps deep in the pines. She catches him near the traps and demands answers. He claims he’s just hiking; she doesn’t buy it. A man tells Eric to “stay out of the woods after dark.” She warns him the woods aren’t safe for strangers. Ranger growls at a scent near the riverbank. Eric finds a poacher’s camp with maps and ammo. She followed him, furious he’s lying. Gunshots echo nearby; they hide behind a fallen log. Eric pulls her to safety, blowing his cover to protect her. Eric admits he’s undercover; Jessica reels. She accuses him of using her clinic as a cover. A poacher truck circles the clinic; she reluctantly agrees to help. They follow tire tracks into deeper forest. Jessica identifies animal patterns Eric missed. He admits she knows the land better than anyone. They find a cabin used for processing illegal kills. Jessica discovers a ledger with coded entries. He reveals a past undercover job where a partner died. She sees the weight he carries. They hide under the cabin as boots stomp above. Pressed together, they feel the heat between them. They slip out the back as the poachers argue. Jessica says he’s reckless; he says she’s too brave for her own good. They plan to intercept a major shipment. Silence stretches; they lean in before pulling away. Eric picks up chatter about a “vet causing problems.” She realizes she’s now a target. They discover the ring is tied to a wealthy landowner. He denies everything with a smile. She recognizes a brand on his truck from the ledger. The handler orders Eric to back off; he refuses. Shots ring out as they leave the property. The dog takes a graze wound. She treats the dog with shaking hands. He admits he trusts her more than anyone. They follow a convoy into the mountains. Thunder shakes the pines. They shelter in an old ranger cabin. They nearly give in before Jessica steps away. They overhear the poachers planning to kill the vet. Eric vows to end the ring tonight. She refuses to hide. They track the convoy to a remote clearing. Crates of illegal game are stacked. He signals Jessica to stay back; she ignores him. A guard spots Jessica. He tackles the guard before he can fire. Agents arrive as bullets fly. The ringleader is dragged out in cuffs. The adrenaline crash hits her hard. She finally lets herself lean into him. He admits he’s fallen for her. She says she hasn’t trusted anyone like this in years. They kiss under the pine canopy. Agents secure the site. Jessica tends to Ranger while Eric watches her with new eyes. Eric is asked to stay on the Ozark team. She asks if he’s staying because of the job or her. He chooses her—and the mountains. They walk the riverbank with Ranger trotting ahead. Together, they step into the next case as partners.