Page 101 of The Protector’s Daughter

Chaos surrounds us.

Sheriff’s vehicles.

State police.

Paramedics.

Armed officers moving between buildings.

Men lying facedown on the ground with their hands restrained behind them.

But that isn’t what I see first.

Sean.

He stands beside an old piece of mining equipment with Taylor.

His head turns.

He sees me.

For a moment, neither of us moves.

Then his gaze drops to Lily holding my hand.

Something in his face softens.

He doesn't come toward me.

He has a job to do.

And I’m glad.

Because I have one too.

I lead Lily toward the waiting paramedics.

Then a radio crackles nearby.

“Cargo van located.”

I stop.

Every officer around us seems to go still.

The voice continues.

“Van is heading west toward the old airstrip.”

The girls.

The other girls.

Sean looks toward me.

I see the decision happen in his eyes.

“Go!” I shout.