Nia measured the scene, looking for the safest way to get close without triggering a confrontation. A maintenance shed offered Daniel a protected observation point, and the old concrete berms gave Nia cover for a cautious approach.
"Remember," she said, "we're not here for revenge. Protect life first. No unnecessary risks."
Daniel nodded, sweat beading on his bruised face. "Evelyn's people are seven minutes out. Federal response, maybe fifteen."
They split up. Daniel moved toward the maintenance shed while Nia circled wide around the perimeter. The morning heat pressed down as she crossed open ground between cover points, timing her movements to avoid being seen.
Through breaks in the buildings, she glimpsed Larkin pacing near the main entrance, barking into a phone. Three private contractors in unmarked tactical gear moved equipment into a van, clearly trying to remove or destroy evidence before authorities arrived.
Nia reached the first berm and pressed against sun-warmed concrete. Twenty yards ahead, the equipment garage stood dark and silent. She used a small reflection from sunlight to signal through a narrow window. After three seconds, an answering flash came from inside. Tessa was alert and watching.
"Good girl," Nia whispered.
A burst of static from the facility's external speakers made everyone freeze. The emergency broadcast system was activating across the county. Then Larkin's own voice filled the air, the damning body-camera audio from the siege now playing on police and emergency channels.
"No warrant. Find the drive before state arrives. Bryce wants this contained."
Chaos erupted. One deputy immediately put down his weapon and raised his hands. Others looked to Larkin in confusion. The private contractors shifted uneasily, realizing their employer's name was now radioactive.
Nia used the distraction to close the final distance to the garage. Through the window, she saw Tessa working at the electrical panel despite her bound hands. The girl had found a way to interfere with the facility's gate controls.
The main gate's motor stopped. Vehicles stalled at the blocked exit, leaving Larkin's escape route compromised.
"Federal agents incoming!" someone shouted from the perimeter. "Multiple units! Lights and sirens!"
Councilman Bryce emerged from the main building, his polished facade cracking. "Everyone stay calm. This can still be managed."
Gunfire erupted elsewhere on the grounds as the private contractors panicked. Daniel remained in cover, helping prevent them from closing on Nia while she reached the garage.
Nia entered through the side door and confronted two deputies trying to block access. She used controlled defensive force to get past them without escalating beyond what was necessary.
"Mom!" Tessa called from behind a tool cabinet.
"Stay down!"
Nia moved to cover her daughter as rounds struck the building from outside. More sirens wailed in the distance. The body-camera audio kept playing, drowning out Bryce's attempts to restore order.