Page 16 of Scars of Fate

“AMERICAN SPECIAL FORCES!”

“STAY DOWN!”

“WE’RE HERE TO HELP!”

Panic erupted.

Children screamed.

Adults dropped to the floor.

Some covered their heads.

Others simply stared at us.

I cleared the room the way I’d done hundreds of times before.

Corners.

Rafters.

Doorways.

Windows.

Threats.

“Clear left!”

“Clear right!”

Boone hurried toward a frightened family.

Hawk secured another doorway.

Russ began ushering terrified prisoners toward the exit.

I scanned every face.

An elderly priest.

Aid workers.

Children.

A doctor kneeling beside an injured man.

Another woman comforting a little girl.

Journalists.

Nurses.

No immediate threats.

My heartbeat finally slowed.

“We’ve got them.”