Chapter 16 - DAWN OVER THE RIDGE
The first rays of pale, golden autumn sunlight broke over the jagged peaks of the Appalachian ridge.
Outside the cave entrance, the distant hum of helicopter rotors faded away as the search parties lost their trail in the limestone labyrinth.
Marcus had managed to stabilize his shoulder wound with a makeshift pressure bandage, though he remained dangerously weak.
Ethan peered out through the hanging ivy, scanning the valley below for checkpoints or patrols.
"The federal blockade is pulling back toward the highway checkpoint," Ethan observed, turning back to his brother.
"They think we went over the ridge toward Maryland," Marcus noted, gritting his teeth as he stood up. "We need to hit Route 50 before they realize our true heading."
"Where are we heading?" Lily asked, holding her father's hand as they prepared to exit the cave.
"We're going straight to Washington, Lily," Ethan answered, his voice hard as iron. "We're taking the fight directly to Senator Vance's doorstep."
They descended the mountain trail on foot for two miles until they reached an abandoned logging station off a forgotten service road.
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Parked near the rusted fuel pumps was an old, dusty Ford Ranger pickup truck with keys left dangling in the ignition.
Ethan checked the tank—three-quarters full of gas.
