“They have a warrant? How is that possible?”

“Marissa has connections in the county sheriff’s department,” Marco said, drawing a small black pistol from his jacket.

“She must have filed a parental kidnapping report when she realized we had the kids.”

“Put that away, Marco,” Ryker said calmly.

“We do not shoot at the police.”

“Even if they are paid for?” Marco asked.

“Especially if they are paid for,” Ryker said.

He stood up, adjusting his cuffs in the dim light.

“They want a scene. They want us to resist so they can seize our devices.”

He looked at me, his green eyes steady and cold.

“Evelyn, take the children into the back bedroom.”

“Lock the door and do not open it until I call your name.”

I nodded, grabbing Lily’s hand and pulling Owen by the shoulder.

We hurried down the narrow hallway of the cabin, the floorboards creaking beneath our feet.

I ushered them into the small bedroom and shut the heavy oak door.

The lock clicked into place.

Outside, the wind howled against the glass, throwing wet snow against the windowpane.