“We’re already pushing it. We’re almost there!”

When they arrived, the scene was chaos incarnate.

Shattered houses lay crumbled beneath muddy rockslides. The ground was slick and unstable. Voices rose above the rain—some crying out names, others screaming in pain or desperation.

Emergency crews worked tirelessly under the downpour—firefighters, medics, volunteers—digging, shouting, searching through the wreckage.

“Mr. Scott!” Tamara rushed over. “I am so sorry.”

He had entrusted Hadley to her—trusted her to keep her safe. And now she stood there unharmed while Hadley was still missing. His glare cut straight through her. “Say something useful.”

A cold fury flashed in Eric’s eyes. “Sorry doesn’t bring her back. I want results!”

Tamara flinched but forced herself to respond. “The entire site’s been combed, but there’s still no trace of Hadley. The landslide hit hard. Several neighboring homes were destroyed too.” Her voice wavered. “Search and rescue is still ongoing. Casualty reports are… incomplete.”

Each word seemed to shrink her, but Eric’s expression only darkened. He checked his watch. “How long has it been?”

Tamara hesitated. “Four… four hours.”

Eric shut his eyes, jaw clenched. Four hours. He dared not—would not—think about it. That was too long. Far too long.

“Phillips!” He turned sharply. “Mobilize the team. Full gear. Now.”

“Understood.” Phillips didn’t need to be told twice.

This was what the Scott family’s private security was trained for. And now, they had a reason to act. Though official rescue crews were already scouring the site, every additional pair of hands could make the difference between life and death.

“Also,” Eric said, voice low and firm, “get me a rain suit.”

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Phillips blinked. “Sir, you—” He lowered his voice, hesitant. “Your health… maybe you should wait in the car.”

Eric’s eyes narrowed, and his reply was quiet but firm. “You think I can just sit there and do nothing?”

Rain poured down in sheets, and for a moment, something fragile passed through his expression. A bitter smile tugged at his lips. “I lost her once. I’m not doing it again. Not this time.”

Phillips felt something twist in his chest.

“I understand… but…” He stood straighter, voice resolute. “I’m staying on your six the entire time. And I’m assigning two of our best to cover you.”

After the snakebite incident—the coral snake that nearly killed Eric during their search for Brady—there were no more risks. Not on his watch.

“If you don’t agree, then you stay in the car,” Phillips added.

Eric gave a humorless chuckle. It was clear Phillips wasn’t budging. “Fine,” he said with a nod. “As you wish.”

They suited up and moved out, heading into the next sector—the same path Tamara had reported.

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