As JJ stroked a hand down the soft brown hair, her eyes were burning. “I’d really, really like to be called mamá.”

Regan burst into tears, burying her face against JJ’s shoulder.

Pressing her cheek to the top of her head, JJ felt her own tears running down her cheeks. “My girl.” I have a daughter.

As Caz wrapped his arms around them and enclosed them in warmth, JJ felt as if the entire world was filled with sunlight.

I have a family.

Inside the barn, Nabera stood on the hood of an ancient Ford and looked out over what was left of the Patriot Zealots in Alaska. Although the building stank of horse shit and hay, at least there were no government agents snooping around.

His fifty or so men stood in straight lines as he’d taught them and waited in silence.

Eagerness to begin rose inside Nabera as he shouted, “The Feds and state troopers have been searching for us and hindering any chance of finding work or even leaving the state. I have news that will change that.”

He could feel his men’s hope in their focused attention.

“Our Prophet is dead. But we aren’t alone in believing in individual freedoms. Or insisting a woman keep to her proper place. We’re not alone in thinking our nation’s capital has become a disgusting abyss. Other militia groups hold those same beliefs.”

The men were nodding.

“A group in Idaho has reached out to me. They want our help, and in return, they’ll provide us with new IDs, help us move to Idaho, and let us join them.”

The shouts of glee made him smile. The Idaho militia also wanted Nabera to head up an active resistance unit. One that would be on the forefront of the battle lines and actively working against the government. His troops would handle intimidation and reprisal.

The media, law enforcement, and government officials would learn that any action against the Idaho militia would cost them or their loved ones dearly.

“They asked us for one final task to pay our way into our new lives.”

“What’s that, Captain?” Luka asked. He and Conrad, the other lieutenant, were in the very front of the troops, standing straight and tall.

“Something I think we’ll enjoy.” Nabera smiled. He sure would. “We lived outside of Rescue for years. Thought we were part of the town. But they turned on us. Broke into our compound. Took our women.”

The angry sounds coming from his troops filled his heart with joy.

He waited one moment. “I think it’s only fair that we steal their women in return.”

Eventually the shouts of agreement died down.

“This is the plan. We take the women and sell them to a boat waiting offshore. The money will start us off in our new lives. And Rescue will never see those women again.”