Chapter 11 - The Midnight Escape
The raid on the Chester facility was an overwhelming success. All thirty-eight children were safely rescued and transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for medical evaluations, hot meals, and immediate state protection.
By midnight, news networks across the country were broadcasting live footage of the law enforcement raid, hailing the destruction of Victor Vance’s illegal network as the largest child protection bust in state history.
Inside a private lounge at the hospital, Evie and Lily sat wrapped in warm blankets, eating hot soup and laughing together as Marcus Vance played a funny card trick for them.
Graham stood near the window, holding an ice pack to his bruised cheek, watching the children with a profound sense of peace. For the first time since Elena’s death, the hollow, crushing ache in his chest had begun to heal.
Chloe Vance walked into the room, holding two paper cups of hot coffee. She handed one to Graham.
"You did good tonight, Vale," Chloe said quietly, resting her back against the wall. "Not bad for a former corporate shark."
"I spent forty years living for myself, Chloe," Graham said, watching Evie smile. "It took hitting rock bottom on a sidewalk to realize what actually matters in this world."
"Well, the court hearing for Evie’s legal adoption is scheduled for tomorrow morning at nine o’clock," Chloe informed him. "Judge Montgomery processed the emergency petition. Given everything that’s happened, there’s no doubt she’ll approve your custody application."
Graham’s heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Chloe. For everything."
However, as Chloe turned to walk back to her officers, her police radio buzzed sharply with high-priority static.
"All units, priority alert! Transport Van 4 carrying suspect Daniel Rowan was ambushed on Interstate 95 by two black SUVs! Rogue armed personnel engaged transport officers with flash weapons! Suspect Daniel Rowan has been extracted and is currently at large! Repeat, Daniel Rowan has escaped!"
Graham dropped his coffee cup, the liquid splashing across the floor.
Chloe snatched up her radio handset. "Dispatch, this is Vance! What is the escape route? Where are the vehicles heading?"
"Suspect vehicles were last spotted heading north toward the industrial docks near Penn’s Landing!"
Graham grabbed his coat off the chair. "He’s going for his private yacht at the marina! He has offshore passports stored on that vessel!"
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"Graham, stay here with Evie!" Chloe shouted as she drew her service weapon. "I’ll handle the docks with state police!"
"No!" Graham said, his eyes blazing with ferocious resolve. "Daniel Rowan took everything from me, and he tried to destroy this child’s life. I am ending this tonight!"
