Chapter 15: The Ranger Station
255 Words
The ranger station appeared through the trees like a beacon of hope. It was a small, sturdy building made of stone and heavy logs. Silas didn't knock; he used his shoulder to burst through the door, quickly locking it behind us.
He set me down on a wooden bench and immediately went to the radio on the desk. "Mayday, Mayday. This is Silas Vane. I am at Ranger Station 47. We are under fire by unauthorized mercenaries. Does anyone copy?"
There was nothing but static for a long, agonizing minute. I huddled under Silas's jacket, my toes starting to sting as the blood returned to them. "Silas, what if no one hears us?"
"Someone will hear," he said, his voice dropping to a low, fierce tone. "The data we uploaded is already trending on every news site in the country. The police are likely already on their way to Thorne’s office. We just have to hold out until they get here."
Suddenly, the radio crackled. "Mr. Vane? This is Coast Guard Dispatch. We have your coordinates. A rescue team is four minutes out. Stay behind cover."
Silas let out a breath I didn't know he was holding. He walked over to me and knelt on the floor, taking my frozen hands in his. "It’s over, Ava. You’re safe."
"Is it really over?" I asked, looking into his eyes. "What about my father? What about the debt?"
"The debt is gone," Silas promised. "And Thorne will never touch your family again. I'll make sure of it."
- Writer
