The boats arrived at dawn.

I watched from the bedroom window, heart hammering against my ribs, as three official vessels cut through the morning mist toward the north cove. Uniformed officers moved on deck. Harrington stood at the front of the lead boat, his face set with grim determination. Reynolds was beside him, arm still bandaged, looking pale but resolute.

They had come prepared this time.

Daddy stood on the cliff edge like a king defending his kingdom, flanked by his security team. Even from a distance, I could see the tension in his shoulders, the gun holstered at his side. He wasn’t hiding. He was waiting.

I pressed my...