Four vehicles by the main building," Daniel whispered, his injuries making his breathing shallow. " Two sheriff's department, one unmarked SUV, and what looks like private security. " Nia tracked movement through her scope. Men in tactical gear carried boxes between buildings, while others established defensive positions. Their urgency confirmed they knew the evidence dead drops were ticking. "
There. " Daniel pointed to a low equipment garage. That's where they're holding Tessa. Two guards, rotating patterns. Nia measured angles and cover spots, her military training surfacing automatically.
A maintenance shed offered Daniel a protected firing position with clear lines across the yard. The old concrete berms could give her concealment for a close approach. " Remember," she said, checking her father's pistol one final time. " We're not here for revenge. Control your shots.
Wound if you have to, but no killing unless there's no choice. " Daniel nodded, sweat beading on his bruised face. " Evelyn's people are 7 minutes out. Federal response, maybe 15. " They split up, Daniel moving through tall grass toward the maintenance shed while Nia circled wide around the perimeter.
The morning heat pressed down as she crossed open ground between cover spots, timing her movements to match guard rotations. Through breaks in the buildings, she glimpsed Larkin pacing near the main entrance, barking into a phone. Three private contractors in unmarked tactical gear moved equipment into a van, burning the evidence, just as they'd feared. Nia reached the first berm and pressed against sun-warmed concrete. Twenty yards ahead, the equipment garage stood dark and silent.
She raised her small signal mirror, catching light through a narrow window. After 3 seconds, an answering flash came from inside. Tessa was alert and watching. " Good girl. " A burst of static from the facility's external speakers made everyone freeze.
The emergency broadcast system was activating across the county. Then Larkin's own voice filled the air. The damning body-cam audio from the siege now playing on every police and emergency channel in the state. No warrant. Find the drive before state arrives.
Bryce wants this contained. Chaos erupted. One deputy immediately threw down his weapon, hands raised. Others looked to Larkin in confusion. The private contractors shifted uneasily, realizing their employer's name was now radioactive.
Nia used the distraction to close the final distance to the garage. Through the window, she saw Tessa working at the electrical panel despite her bound hands. Smart girl had found a way to reach the gate controls. The main gate's motor whined and died. Vehicle after vehicle died as Tessa killed power to the entire facility.