What would pull Nabera’s attention away from the van? Could Bull do something— Her thoughts stuttered to a halt.

There was a guaranteed way to keep Nabera’s focus. Her whole body shook in protest of the idea.

All she’d ever wanted was to stay as far from Nabera as possible.

She had to swallow twice before her voice would work. “Guys, I have an idea.”

Nabera watched as two people came out of the closest log house and strolled toward him as if the guns of his men weren’t targeting them. As if they had all the time in the world.

They were stalling, the bastards.

In a blinding wave of light, the floodlights came on. It made it easy to see the two walking down the road. Halfway to him, in the long stretch between the cargo van and the line of SUVs, they stopped and waited.

The location was logical, forcing him to join them, so anyone with a firearm would be able to shoot negotiators.

Here at the cargo van, he was safe.

He didn’t like putting himself at risk.

Damn them. Time was running out. The landslides across the roads wouldn’t keep the state troopers away too long.

With Rescue’s Chief of Police inside the Hermitage, there was undoubtedly something planned. Not that he could do anything. There was a Zealot stationed on each side of the van.

At the open back door, Conrad was saying to Hawk, “You fucking bastard. Even if we trade you, I’ll hamstring you before we let you go. You won’t walk so high and mighty then, boss.”

Mood lightened, Nabera laughed. “Come, Conrad. Join the men and take charge of them while I negotiate.”

When his lieutenant’s face fell, Nabera added, “I’ll make sure you get a moment with Hawk before handing him over.”

Grinning, Conrad joined him.

Nabera turned to one of the van’s guards. “They were trying to untie each other. Leave the door open so you can check on them as you patrol.”

“Yes, sir.” The man scowled at the prisoners. “If they try it again, I’ll cut their fingers off.”

“Good man.” A minute later, Nabera and Conrad passed the two guards stationed between the houses and the van. They’d watch for anyone leaving the houses.

Nabera nodded to them. “Stay vigilant, men.”

They both straightened. “Yes, sir.”

A grim satisfaction filled Nabera. No one would get past his men.

As Conrad continued forward to take command of the Zealots at the SUVs, Nabera veered toward the two waiting people.

Built like a tank, Bull was the owner of the roadhouse.

The person beside him was much smaller. Had they really brought a woman to negotiate? Unbelievable. Was it one of the state representative bitches?

No, this woman was younger. Golden-brown hair, average height, obviously terrified.

A second later, he recognized her…and grinned.