~ JACK ~
My heart raced as I processed Jessica’s question, my mind working frantically to devise a way to get us through the approaching checkpoint without being apprehended. I glanced over at her and saw the panic etched on her face. She looked pale and frantic, her eyes wide as she watched the approaching checkpoint. The sight of her fear was like a punch to my gut.
“s**t!” I muttered under my breath, the gravity of the situation sinking in. An idea sparked in my mind, though I knew it might not work. But I had no choice; Jessica and her unborn child were depending on me.
I snagged her gaze with mine, trying to anchor us both in the moment. “Jessica,” I said, my voice calm but urgent. “I have a plan. Look, I know you’re scared, but we can get through this.”
She turned to me, her eyes
