The tactical team moved past Isabelle in a tight formation, weapons raised, disappearing into the warehouse's dark interior before Aria could process what she'd just heard.
"The children are safe," Isabelle repeated, as if saying it twice might make the last few hours less real. "In a side room, second door on the left. I told them it was a game. That we needed to be very quiet and wait for their mommy."
You've been in there with them, Aria said, her voice shaking. "How long?"
Since Petrov brought them in. Maybe three hours." Isabelle's hands trembled visibly now that the adrenaline was fading, her composure cracking at the edges.
Helena called me the moment I landed. Said if I didn't help keep them calm and controlled until the negotiation concluded, she'd make sure my new life fell
