“We need to move now,” I said, voice hardening with resolve.“We’re shutting down that mine tonight, before Victoria can cover her tracks or Vance can do more damage.”
Sabrina nodded, her expression matching my determination.“I’ll bring everything we might need for medical emergencies.”
I pulled out my phone and sent rapid-fire texts to three different contacts.“I’m activating my security team.They’ll meet us at the access road.The sheriff owes me a favor; he’ll bring deputies.And I’ve got environmental inspectors with a hazmat team standing by.”
My mind raced through contingencies, mapping potential threats and responses.Victoria’s words about Vance being motivated suggested she’d backed him into a corner.And desperate men made unpredictable moves.
“We’ll approach from the east access road,” I continued, pulling up satellite imagery on my tablet.“Security will secure the perimeter while we locate Vance.The environmental team can only enter once we’ve confirmed it’s safe.”I zoomed in on the main office building.“Vance will likely be here, gathering or destroying evidence.”
As thunder rumbled overhead, we loaded supplies into my truck.I caught Sabrina’s arm gently, turning her to face me.
“Stay close to me when we get there,” I said, not hiding the protective growl in my voice.“Vance may be Victoria’s puppet, but that makes him more dangerous, not less.He’s trapped between her threats and our investigation.”
Sabrina’s eyes met mine, her gaze unflinching, and nodded curtly.“I’ll be right beside you when you take him down.”
As we drove toward the mine, the first heavy raindrops fell.Whatever waited for us there, whatever trap my aunt and her cronies had set, we would handle it.
Because Angel Spring was mine to protect now.
Because Sabrina was becoming my heart.
And because I was fighting for something that mattered more than power or wealth.I was fighting for home.
