Out of the Woods: Chapter 31  

For a moment, Elchanan’s vision blurred; he couldn’t see a thing. Then his mind cleared, and the scene in front of him began to take shape — the Boss, turning wildly from facing his father and Mr. Shine to face the newest threat: the members of one of the search parties, who had just emerged from the forest.

“Careful — he’s armed!” Avi yelled, from his position on the ground. Elchanan took the opportunity to roll out of the way and jump to his feet. There were so many of them, and only two of the gang, surely they could overpower the criminals and call the police?

“Avi, let’s jump him,” he hissed, while the Boss stood, frozen, facing the Chaverim search-and-rescue volunteers who poured out of the forest and surrounded the car.

A moment later, there was a hand on his shoulder, and Mr. Shine half dragged him away from the scene. “You boys get into my car, now!” he ordered. He turned to do the same thing to his son, who was struggling painfully to his feet. “Avi, run!”