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“Eighteen years.”

“I know.”

“I don't know her.”

“No.”

The answer irritates me even though it's true.

Taylor continues.

“And she doesn't know you.”

“I know.”

“So don't try to fix eighteen years today.”

I look at him.

“When did you become wise?”

“About fifteen minutes ago.”

“Didn't last long.”

He grins.

Then his expression turns serious.

“You found her, Sean.”

“Yeah.”

“That's enough for today.”

Maybe he's right.

The mine appears ahead.

Emergency vehicles fill the compound.

Paramedics move between ambulances.

Girls sit wrapped in blankets while officers take names.

I search every face.

Then I see her; Arthur is standing next to her.

Hayley sits on the back step of an ambulance while a paramedic wraps gauze around her wrist.

Her blond hair is tangled.

Her face is bruised.

Dust covers her jeans.

She looks exhausted.