It was a high-beam searchlight, aimed directly at my windshield.

I slammed on the brakes.

The tires screeched on the wet asphalt.

The SUV skidded, the rear end swinging out toward the ditch.

I fought the wheel, bringing the heavy vehicle to a halt.

Through the blinding glare, I saw the silhouette of a massive armored truck blocking both lanes.

The heavy doors of the truck began to swing open.

I threw the gear shift into reverse.

The engine roared as I backed the heavy SUV down the narrow road.

In the rearview mirror, Marco’s headlights cut through the fog, already pivoting to block the path behind us.

“Stay down,” I said, my voice low and steady.

In the backseat, Lily did not make a sound.

She reached over and pulled Owen closer, her small hand clamping over his mouth as he hugged his stuffed bear.

Two men in dark tactical gear stepped out of the armored truck, raising automatic rifles.

I cut the wheel, sending the SUV into a controlled slide across the wet gravel shoulder.

“Marco, take the left,” I barked into the radio.