One of the officers gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. “You did good,” he said. “We’ve been trying to nail these poachers for ages. Thanks for the tip-off.” Nolan exhaled shakily, words failing him. The roars faded, replaced by the steady hum of relief.
Freed from his bonds, Nolan stumbled to a snowmobile, guided by an officer’s steady arm. In the background, more officers checked the mother bear for injuries, ensuring she could move without immediate danger. The cub pressed into her flank, a picture of fragile reunion.