I reached the edge of the overlook.

Below, in the center of the quarry floor, a black helicopter sat with its blades spinning.

A small group of armed men stood near the boarding ramp.

One of them held a familiar pink bundle.

I stepped back into the shadows of the tree line, my mind racing.

I needed a distraction.

I needed a miracle.

My phone vibrated in my hand.

It was a text message from an unknown number, but this time, the icon was green.

It was Hayes’ secure tactical channel.

“We have your signal, Captain,” the message read.

“Air support is sixty seconds out.”

“Hold your position.”

I looked down at the helicopter.

The boarding ramp was beginning to close.

The man with the pink bundle stepped inside the cabin.

If that helicopter took off, I would never see my daughter again.

“I can’t wait,” I whispered to the empty forest.

I stepped out of the shadows and began my descent down the steep, rocky path of the quarry.

The loose gravel gave way beneath my boots, sending a cascade of stones down the cliff side.