Page 95 of All Along The Watchtower

The determination in his eyes matched my own. We weren’t letting anyone else disappear tonight.

We picked our way through the maritime forest, staying low and quiet. I wished we had more light than the red-filtered beams of our flashlights.

“When we find them,” Sawyer whispered, “you three hang back.”

“Like hell,” Gabi hissed.

“We’re trained for this,” Daniel said. “You’re not.”

“And what happens if you get shot?” Willa demanded in quiet steel.

“Better us than you,” Ford said.

For a moment I shut my eyes, my brain offering up exactly that scenario. Ford rushing in blind, taking a bullet to save his daughter. Breaking his promise again and leaving me for good this time.

Panic helps no one.

I wanted this over. I wanted him safe. Under no circumstances did I want this to turn into a hostage situation. I just needed my family home. So I shoved down my resentment at being left out of this plan of rescue.

“He’s right,” I murmured. “We can’t help if we become liabilities.”

Gabi shot me a look of betrayal. “So we’re just supposed to stay back while they play hero?”

“We’re supposed to be smart,” I said. “None of us are trained for this kind of situation. The best thing we can do is stay out of their way and be ready to help once it’s over.”

I didn’t like it any more than they did. The thought of Ford walking into danger made me physically sick. But charging in without a plan would only make things worse.

Willa’s shoulders slumped. “I hate that you’re right.”

“Me too.” I squeezed her hand. “But Peyton needs us thinking clearly right now.”

Through the trees, pinpricks of light appeared. Daniel held up his fist, and we all froze, clicking off our own flashlights.

The three men moved ahead, hands flashing in what I assumed were military signals. I had no idea what they were saying for sure, but I assumed the gist was that they’d continue through the trees and circle around behind whoever was out there with those lights. Then Ford caught my eyes and pointed firmly at the ground. That signal was crystal clear.Stay.

I nodded. I didn’t want to make this worse.

They disappeared into the shadows, and the wait began.

I managed approximately two minutes before I began to creep forward, toward the edge of the trees. I wouldn’t get involved, but I needed to see for sure if Peyton was there. Gabi and Willa flanked me, moving as quietly as possible. Our footsteps were masked by the sound of the surf and the lingering patter of rain.

Where the trees gave way to sea oats and sand, we crouched down, close enough now to make out the scene ahead. Two men with guns stood over two smaller figures, flashlights trained on the hole being dug in the sand with their hands. I recognized the dark blonde hair plastered against Peyton’s head.

My heart leapt into my throat. They were alive. But for how long? What happened when they found whatever they were looking for? Or worse—what if there was nothing to find?

One of them jerked his weapon. “Dig faster.”

Peyton’s shoulders hunched, but she didn’t look up. Smart girl. Keep them focused on the ground, not their surroundings.

Madison whimpered, and the second man kicked sand at her. “Shut up and keep digging.”

My fingers dug into the wet bark. Every instinct screamed to rush out there, but I forced myself to stay put. The guys knew what they were doing. We had to trust them.

Please let this work. Please let them all be okay.

One of the men began to pace, his agitation growing with every step. “This is the last place.” He kicked more sand at the girls.

“I don’t have the map anymore, okay?” Peyton’s voice cracked. “I’m doing my best. Remember, things change along the coastline with tides and storms and stuff. This isn’t an exact science. Do you know of any other rock formations besides this one and the other we dug out?”

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