Harlan looked up sharply.
That landed.
Still—
He shook his head.
“You’re asking me to authorize a tactical operation on a mountain property tied to Wade Hollis based on circumstantial evidence and an informant.”
Grant stepped forward, finally.
“With all due respect, Judge, while we’re standing here arguing they could already be loading her into a damn plane.”
“Grant,” Burke warned.
Harlan rubbed his face, his eyes lingering on the maps. “I’m not saying no because I don’t believe you, Burke. I’m saying no because if you’re wrong—if this is just another ghost chase—this county burns.”Then headlights swept across the front windows.
All three men turned.
A truck rolled into the driveway.
Burton Scott climbed out.
Harlan stared through the glass.
“Well, I’ll be damned.”
Burton walked up onto the porch slowly, still in his work jacket from the farm.
He looked tired.
Older.
But steady.
Harlan opened the door before he knocked.
“What are you doing here, Burton?”
Burton looked directly at the judge.
“Give the boy the warrant.”
Harlan looked between father and son.
Something shifted in his expression.
“Burton—”
“That girl’s life depends on it.”
The old judge studied him a long moment.
Then finally—he reached for the pen.
* * *
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office — 12:41 AM
