“They know exactly where we are now,” Lucas mutters.
“No kidding.”
I glance toward the doorway where the rescued kids stand huddled together watching all of this with wide terrified eyes.
Too much for them.
Way too much.
“Lucas,” I say quietly. “Kids first.”
He nods immediately.
“Stay with me,” he tells them gently.
The little girl grabs his hand this time without hesitation.
Good.
Trust’s finally starting.
I shift Hannah’s arm carefully over my shoulder.
She winces sharply.
“Sorry.”
“Not… your fault…”
Stephen tries to stand again beside us.
Fails harder this time.
Damn it.
Lucas glances back toward the hallway. “Movement coming fast.”
I make the decision instantly.
“Take the kids and mothers. Get them to exfil.”
Lucas’s eyes snap toward me. “And you?”
“I’ll bring them.”
He doesn’t like it.
I can see that immediately.
Neither do I.
But somebody has to get these people out.
And Lucas moves faster with the civilians than he does dragging wounded doctors through a collapsing compound.
“Go,” I snap.
He hesitates half a second too long.
