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“I can’t lose you too.”

I step closer and place my forehead against hers.

“You won’t.”

“You can’t promise me that.”

“No. But I can promise I’m not going out there alone.”

The five SEALs are already moving toward the Argent Star.

The helicopter feed shows their Coast Guard boat disappearing beneath the shadow of the eastern cliffs. They wear dry tactical gear now, but blood still streaks Scott’s face. Piers has reinforced the bandage around Ben’s leg and strapped a brace over his knee.

Ben shouldn’t be climbing onto a damaged ship.

He shouldn’t be walking.

He also isn’t a man anyone can force onto a medical helicopter while people remain in danger.

A second tactical team waits aboard a cutter beyond the mouth of the channel. Coast Guard rescue swimmers hold position near the rocks. Federal agents surround the ferry landing, hidden behind concrete barriers, vehicles and abandoned ticket booths.

Simon thinks I am walking into his trap.

He has no idea how many people are closing around him.

I turn to Ivy.

“We’ll bring Naomi back.”

Her eyes shine with tears, but her voice is steady.

“I know.”

“Calle,” Storm says.

I look at my oldest sister.

She crosses the room and wraps her arms around me.

Willow and Hazel join her.

For one moment, we are five girls again, holding on to each other after Dad’s funeral because none of us knew how to stand alone.

Then Mom’s arms come around us.

“We stay together,” Storm whispers.

“Always,” I answer.

I step away before I lose the strength to leave.

Agent Marquez walks beside me through the command center and onto the dock.

The burning fuel has been contained, but smoke still drifts across the bay. Emergency lights flash against the water. Beyond them, the Argent Star rests at an angle against the rocks.

Half of its stern is submerged.

The bridge remains above the water.