How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Fleming nodded his agreement with Jarrod's plan, glancing through the internal reports. “Headquarters back home is already in contact with the leadership here. They're moving fast to keep everyone informed, so I'd expect an update soon."

With both domestic and international authorities stepping in, local officials would do everything possible to cooperate.

Jarrod gave a curt nod. This was exactly the result he was after.

Getting in touch with command back home right away had been about buying time. His backup plan might just come into play now. Glancing at his phone, he continued, "Since we've got colleagues on the ground, I want to deploy the satellites for a search, paired with a wide-area sweep using drones. Luckily, there's no shortage of drone operators here."

The team here was ready to follow his every directive.

Elodie's safety came first-and given her unique background, the higher-ups were paying close attention.

Virtually overnight, everyone was mobilized. Calls were made, red tape was cut, and all necessary clearances were secured.

Three hours later.

Jarrod was glued to the monitors when finally, there was a breakthrough Elodie's convoy was spotted leaving the safe zone.

His brows drew together.

A moment later, another convoy appeared on the feed-Quinn's.

Seeing that blacked-out line of vehicles, Jarrod's stomach clenched. If Quinn could track him down, he'd certainly recognize Elodie. If she fell into Quinn's hands-

"Wait! Elodie's group was taken by someone else!" Esmeralda's voice rose as she pointed out a corner of the screen.

Another

group had arrived.

they seemed almost familiar, as if

to follow up, the signal

The feed cut out.

was the end of the

all they could confirm was that Elodie

the fact that she hadn't reached out to them was

Jarrod's gaze turned pensive.

least now he was certain: Elodie was safe, for

who'd taken her

for a

then, his

a split second, he hoped

showed a different,

An old contact.

instant Jarrod saw it, his

stood and stepped outside to take

Aldridge, did you take

cut right to the chase,

sharpness. If he hadn't been this

difficult to

he wouldn't

bother dancing around the

replied evenly, "That's right. She's right here with me, safe and

you can rest

care of

was a clear note

react, staring into the thick darkness outside, his tone