Bullets ripped through the wooden fence. Patio glass shattered.
I grabbed the deputy’s fallen sidearm and rolled behind the stone fire pit.
One attacker moved too aggressively. Military stance. Former special operations.
I fired twice.
He collapsed near the garden.
The other two retreated toward the woods while covering Derek.
Professional. Fast.
Too fast.
“Vehicle incoming!” one soldier shouted.
An armored SUV burst from the tree line behind the property.
Not government.
Black market tactical conversion.
The rear door opened.
Derek turned once before climbing inside.
Our eyes met across the smoke.
And he smiled.
Not nervous anymore. Not weak.
Victorious.
Then the SUV disappeared into the trees.
Silence fell slowly after the gunfire stopped.
The backyard was destroyed.
Flames consumed the porch. Smoke curled into the darkening sky.
