Page 63 of No Take Backs
“Yes, sir.” Kennedy’s voice comes through, calm and composed, a stark contrast to the chaos brewing inside me. “They’re about two miles in on the dirt road off the hospital’s emergency route,” she continues, her fingers probably flying across the keyboard as she pulls up the details. I picture her staring intently at the screen, her brow furrowed as she works against the clock. “I’m waiting for the satellite image to load,” she adds, the pause between her words a lifetime long. “There’s an old hunting camp out there, I think.” The tension in the air is palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on us all. “Yes. That’s where they are. The signal’s pinging within thirty meters of that location,” she confirms, and my heart lurches in my chest.
Thirty meters.
That’s close enough to save them.
It has to be.
There’s no other option.
“If she calls back, patch her through to my phone right away. No delays,” I instruct, my voice a low growl as I try to keep my emotions in check. “Get in touch with the sheriff and Chief Townsend. Give them the location, but don’t let this go over the radio. We don’t know who might be listening.” The words are bitter on my tongue. Knowing that we’re dealing with someone from within our own ranks makes it all the more treacherous. Trust is a fragile thing, and right now, it’s in dangerously short supply.
“Sir,” Kennedy cuts in, sounding every inch the professional she is. “Is this connected to the arson and the meeting this morning?”
“Yes,” I confirm, my voice flat and devoid of emotion.
There’s no need for dramatics here, no point in making things more complicated than they already are. The situation is dire enough without adding unnecessary weight to it. But the single syllable carries the weight of everything we’ve been dealing with. The fires, the deaths, the betrayal. It’s all coming to a head now, and I can’t shake the knowledge that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
“Done. I’ll alert signal one thousand on this.”
She hangs up without another word.
“Let’s go.” I sprint in the other direction, not wanting to use the radio on my shoulder just in case Laura is monitoring the channels.
It feels like hours have passed by the time I reach the front of the building, but in reality, it’s been less than two minutes. My lungs burn, my breath coming in ragged gasps, but I don’t stop. The fire that once raged through the house is now subdued, only wisps of smoke curling from the windows. The scene is a stark contrast to the chaos brewing inside me, but I push the thoughts away, focusing solely on the task at hand. There’s no room for doubt, no time for hesitation.
“Chief.” I nod, gesturing subtly away from Rich and Ella, who are both staring at me with wide, desperate eyes. Their hope is pinned on me, and I can feel the weight of it pressing down on my shoulders. “Nia. Can you handle them?” My voice cracks slightly, but I don’t need to say anything more. She knows what I’m asking. What I’m begging her to do.
Without a word, Nia moves to where Richard’s foster mom, Trish, has now joined the group. The sight of the three women, huddled together in their shared fear, is almost enough to break me, but I can’t afford to fall apart now. I need to keep it together for all of them. But especially for Lyla and Richard.
“I need you to stay calm…” Nia’s voice is low and soothing as she leads them just out of earshot. It’s a mercy because what I’m about to say isn’t something they need to hear. They’re already hanging by a thread, and I’m not about to be the one who snaps it. As soon as they’re out of range, I turn my full attention to Chief, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.
“Laura has the kids,” I whisper urgently as soon as Chief is close enough. My voice trembles, and I can’t bring myself to look away from Nia, who’s doing her best to comfort Ella and Trish. “Lyla managed to call Nia, and we got her to dial 9-1-1. We were able to ping her location, but…” I swallow hard, trying to push down the panic threatening to overwhelm me. “Lyla said Laura had something that smelled funny. Like chemicals. She’s taken them to an old hunting camp, maybe two miles out.” The words hang heavy in the air between us, a grim reminder of just how far this situation has spiraled out of control.
Fire blazes in his eyes, and I think for a second that he’ll insist on being part of the rescue. Instead, he shakes his head. “You can’t go.”
“You can’t stop me,” I retort, my voice harsh and unyielding. There’s no room for negotiation here, no space for doubt. “You’re the one who made me a cop again, even after I told you I didn’t want the badge back. You made me take this on, so I’m going.” The words tumble out, fueled by the adrenaline surging through my veins. I’m done asking for permission. There’s only one thing that matters now. Getting those kids out alive.
Before he can protest, I turn on my heel and march away, my resolve solidifying with every step. There’s no time for second-guessing, no room for hesitation. I’m not waiting for orders. I’m taking control, because if I don’t, there’s a very real chance that Lyla and Richard won’t make it out of this alive. And that’s something I won’t allow.
Admittedly, it is a dick move since I don’t bring Nia or anyone else with me. What I do, however, is grab the oxygen pack from the back of the ambulance. I don’t worry about a first aid kit, since I have one in my truck.
I may not be a paramedic, but I have been certified as an EMT. And while I love Nia and the rest of her family, I won’t be responsible for one of them jeopardizing our ability to bring Lyla and Richard home safe.
The sight of Nia standing in the middle of the road, watching me leave, burns itself into my memory. Her silhouette in the rearview mirror, small and distant, makes my chest tighten with a pain I can’t afford to acknowledge right now. Her phone call comes ten seconds later, the ringtone a sharp reminder of the connection we share. I stare at the screen, my thumb hovering over the answer button, but I don’t pick up. I can’t. Not when I know what I’ll hear in her voice. I know there will be fear, desperation, maybe even anger. I silence the call, swallowing the guilt that rises up like bile in my throat.
I’ll make it up to her.
I have a job to do.
And she will forgive me when I get it done.
I hope.
Picking up my phone, I dial Chief Townsend’s direct line instead.
“You meeting us there?” He doesn’t sound surprised in the slightest to hear my call.
“Yes, sir. I’m not missing it.”