They pressed on. Jackson carried Emily where needed, keeping low, eyes scanning. Snow muffled the forest, branches groaned under the storm’s weight, and shadows shifted unnaturally. Then he saw it: a broken tree, not natural, with signs of a temporary camp. Faint embers, leftover food, but no humans visible.
Scout barked once, sharply. A figure flashed behind pines and vanished into the storm. Jackson’s jaw tightened. The exchange was imminent. Dawn approached.
Part 3: The Dawn Exchange
Hours passed. Snowfall slowed to a quiet, deceptive lull. Jackson guided Emily to higher ground overlooking a narrow valley where faint lights flickered between trees. Donovan Blackwell. Surrounded. Armed. Guarded by men who had planned every step meticulously. The kidnappers had delivered exactly what they promised. The crime boss was being moved for a dawn trade.
Jackson’s muscles tensed. Scout sniffed the air, hackles up. “We end this now,” Jackson whispered. Emily nodded, trying to remain upright.
