Chapter 13 - THE COMPROMISED SAFEHOUSE
Before Ethan could process the full weight of the confession, a harsh, electronic alarm shrieked from the hallway panel.
Marcus spun around, rushing to the security monitor displaying the perimeter trail cameras.
Three black tactical vans had just rounded the final switchback turn, their headlights painting the cabin walls in harsh white light.
"They traced our IP address through the decryption handshake!" Marcus cursed, drawing his Glock from his holster.
Ethan scooped sleeping Lily off the sofa, wrapping her tightly in the wool blanket as she stirred awake in confusion.
"Daddy? What's happening?" Lily whimpered, rubbing her eyes against his shoulder.
"We have to move right now, sweetie. Hold on tight to me," Ethan instructed calmly, masking his sheer panic.
A deafening crash echoed from the front porch as heavy boots kicked the reinforced wooden door off its hinges.
"Federal agents! Nobody move!" a synthesized voice roared through a bullhorn from the dark doorway.
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Marcus fired two warning shots through the interior drywall, creating a temporary barrier of dust and splinters.
"Through the kitchen root cellar! Go!" Marcus shouted, holding his ground near the hallway with his weapon raised.
