Seconds later, Sam was against the hood.
Then cuffed.
Then placed in the cruiser.
At 3:47 p.m., Patricia Owens reached the grocery checkout.
Her phone vibrated.
A notification appeared.
SAMUEL OWENS SHARED HIS LOCATION.
Patricia stopped.
Sam did not casually send location alerts.
They both had location sharing available for emergencies, but neither used it routinely.
Her instinct sharpened immediately.
She called.
No answer.
Again.
No answer.
She abandoned the cart.
The cashier called after her.
“Ma’am, your groceries—”
“Keep them.”
Patricia walked quickly toward the exit.
She did not run.
Running narrowed attention.
Training had taught her to force the brain wider during emergencies.
Who?
Where?
How many?
Weapons?
Exits?
Witnesses?
Cameras?
She reached the glass doors.
Through them she saw the Lexus.
A patrol car.
A crowd.
Then Sam.
Handcuffed.
Derek was guiding him into the rear seat.
Patricia’s stomach dropped.