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Others begin crying.
Six shapes huddle near the front wall.
No seats.
No restraints.
No blankets.
Only six frightened girls locked inside a metal box.
I hold the speaker near the opening.
“Sage?” I say.
Her voice comes through.
“My name is Sage.”
The crying becomes quieter.
“I know you’re scared. I was inside one of Navarro’s warehouses too.”
One girl lifts her head.
She can’t be more than fourteen.
“The men outside aren’t with him,” Sage continues. “They’re Iron Ridge Protectors. They came to get you out.”
Nobody moves.
“They won’t touch you unless you ask for help. They won’t make you go anywhere alone. You’re safe.”
The youngest girl crawls toward the open door.
Arthur steps back.
He lowers his weapon and crouches.
The girl looks at him.
“Are you a police officer?”
“No.”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Arthur.”
“Did Sage send you?”
He looks toward the speaker.
“Yes.”
That is enough.
The girl reaches for him.
