Chapter 12 - The Roadblock**
Ethan loaded Maya back into the passenger seat, wrapping a thick blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm.
They took the back roads toward Richmond, avoiding the major state turnpikes where highway patrol units were stationed.
As they crested a steep hill near the state line, Ethan slammed on the brakes as bright red flares illuminated the pavement ahead.
Three state police vehicles blocked the narrow bridge, accompanied by two black SUVs belonging to Richard Reed's security detail.
"Daddy, are those police?" Maya asked, pulling her hood up in fear.
"Stay down in the seat, Maya," Ethan ordered softly, reaching beneath his driver's seat for an iron tire iron.
A tall officer walked toward the truck with his flashlight drawn, beaming the bright white light directly through the windshield.
"Ethan Miller, step out of the vehicle with your hands behind your head!" the officer boomed through a megaphone.
Samantha stepped out from behind the lead black SUV, wearing a stylish camel coat, a triumphant smile on her face.
"Give me my daughter, Ethan!" Samantha called out over the wind. "You can't run from the law!"
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Ethan looked down at Maya, then at the iron rod in his hand, his expression hardening into pure, unyielding steel.
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