“What about witnesses?” someone else asks. “There’s going to be other parents around.”
“Let them see. By the time they realize what’s happening and call the police, we’ll be gone.”
Marcus points to the photos. “Timing is critical. We hit them right here, halfway between the car and the entrance. Vance security will be behind them, and teachers will be ahead. We have maybe ten seconds before people start reacting.”
“What if there’s more security than we counted?”
“Then, the backup team engages them while the extraction team completes the grab. If things go completely sideways, we abort and regroup,” I say. “But we don’t abort unless I give the order. Understood?”
They all nod, and we spend another hour going over details, and I go home at three in the morning.
The apartment is dark and quiet. I don’t bother turning on lights, just walk to the bedroom and lie down fully dressed.
Sleep doesn’t come, but it doesn’t matter.
I’m getting my sons back.
Whether Aurelia likes it or not.
24
AURELIA
Expensive cars linethe circular driveway when we pull up to the school. Parents in workout clothes walk their children to the entrance. Kids in matching uniforms drag their feet, complaining about spelling tests and homework. Normal morning chaos.
Our driver stops at the curb. Behind us, the security vehicle pulls in close, and two men get out to take position near our car.
I’m in the front seat. Nadia is in the back with Finn and Liam, who are still arguing about who gets to be the team captain at recess.
“Come on, boys,” Nadia says, opening her door. “Let’s go.”
They climb out, backpacks on, still bickering.
I watch from the front seat as Nadia takes each of their hands and starts walking toward the entrance.
Then I see the first SUV. It pulls into the driveway fast, too fast, and stops directly in front of our security vehicle. Blocks it completely.
My stomach drops.
“Drive,” I tell our driver. “Get me out there now.”
He’s already moving, pulling forward, but there are other cars in the way.
A second SUV pulls up beside Nadia and the boys.
Doors open. Men pour out.
“No!” I’m out of the car before it fully stops, running toward them.
Everything happens in seconds.
Two men go for the twins. One grabs Finn, lifts him off the ground. The other reaches for Liam. Both boys start screaming.
Nadia lunges for them, shouting, but another man blocks her, shoves her back.
Our security moves. The two men who were standing by our car sprint toward the SUV. More security comes from the vehicles behind us. Gunfire cracks through the air. Parents scream. Children cry. Teachers appear at the entrance, trying to pull students inside.
I’m running.
