C69 The Son Is Found but Caught in the Crossfire

"Stay calm," she said to herself, grabbing the edge of the doorframe and pressing her body against the cold wall. She made herself take a deep breath. She had a strategy, but it was risky. Not safe enough.

With each stride, she got closer, her mind racing with calculations—timing, angles, and options. For a few second, her son's wide, scared eyes met hers. In that short time