Claire let out a soft, sharp breath behind me.

I felt her fingers tremble against my palm.

“My deputies have already cordoned off the three-mile radius around the crash site,” the detective continued.

“We have K-9 units on the ground.”

“He has no money, no vehicle, and he is wearing handcuffs.”

“But he knows these woods,” I said.

My mind raced through the layout of the valley, the thick pines, and the old logging trails.

“He knows how to hide.”

“We have officers stationed at your estate gates, Mr. Whitmore,” Miller said.

“You and your family are safe here for now.”

“I want extra security at this door,” I said.

I looked at Lucas and Owen, who were watching us with wide, curious eyes.

They did not understand the danger, but they knew their mother was afraid.

“I will personally stand outside,” Miller replied.

He gave a brief, tight nod and stepped out into the corridor, closing the heavy door behind him.

The click of the latch sounded like a gunshot in the quiet room.

I turned back to Claire.

Her face was pale against the white hospital pillow.