The reinforced military truck crashed through the fence like a battering ram from nowhere.
Bullets pinged off its armored hull as it skidded sideways in the dirt, cutting a swath between Winter's group and the firing squad.
Dust and gravel clouded the air, temporarily blinding the guards.
"MOVE!" Mike's voice boomed from the open passenger door, rifle already in hand, muzzle spitting fire.
Zara didn't hesitate. She shoved Leo forward, her arms scooping him up as she ran. Behind her, the others scattered in desperate formation.
Ima, her hands slick with her own blood and trembling with weakness, was the first to stumble into the truck.
Miles' eyes flicked wildly, caught between the two women: Naomi and her two kids already piled into the back of the truck, safe for now. Relief flickered in his chest like a fragile flame.
Marcus, sweat-slicked and breathing hard, stumbled through the open door, a grin breaking across his dirt-smudged face. "You're alive. All of you."
