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Arthur is already outside.

Taylor has the security feed from our remaining cameras pulled up on his phone.

“The man returned to the SUV,” he tells me. “They backed down the road and stopped below the first turn.”

“They know the gate is monitored.”

“They also know someone is home. Four trucks are parked outside.”

“Any sign of additional vehicles?”

“Not yet.”

Will ends the call. “Sheriff’s department is sending two deputies. Twenty-five minutes.”

Too long if the men decide to move.

“Did dispatch recognize the vehicle?” I ask.

“No reported plates because there aren’t any. They’ll notify state patrol.”

Taylor enlarges the feed from a camera positioned on the ridge above the driveway.

The black SUV is barely visible between the cedars. No headlights. No interior lights.

Waiting.

“What would you do?” Taylor asks.

“If I had traveled this far for Sage, I wouldn’t leave without confirming she was here.”

“Exactly.”

The radio clicks.

“Movement west of the gate,” Arthur reports. “Two men. Both armed.”

“Direction?”

“Moving north along the fence.”

They’re searching for another way onto the property.

“Taylor, take the south approach,” I say. “Will, stay with the house.”

“You’re not going alone,” Will answers.

“Sage is beneath us.”

“She’s in a reinforced room.”

“She’s my daughter.”

Will looks at me.

The words are the first time I’ve said it aloud.

My daughter.