Chapter 11: The Riverbank Confrontation
The beam of a high-powered tactical flashlight swept across the weeping willow tree, its intense white light illuminating the muddy bank just feet away from Clara and Leo’s hiding spot. Clara felt her heart hammer against her ribs like a trapped bird. She could hear the heavy splashing of boots wading through the shallow water of the creek directly toward their position.
""Check under the root system,"" a harsh voice commanded from just outside the hanging vines. ""They couldn't have gotten past the ridge without us seeing them.""
A gloved hand reached through the green curtain of leaves, parting the vines and exposing the damp cavity where Clara and Leo sat frozen. The blinding beam of the flashlight struck Clara directly in the eyes, forcing her to squint and throw a protective arm over Leo.
""Found them!"" the agent shouted over his shoulder, grabbing Clara roughly by the arm and dragging her out from beneath the roots into the open light.
""Let go of me!"" Clara screamed, fighting back with every ounce of strength she possessed, scratching at the agent's hands as he hauled her to her feet.
Leo began to scream hysterically, clinging to the hem of Clara’s dress as a second agent waded over and scooped the boy up into his arms, ignoring his frantic kicking and thrashing.
""Don't touch him!"" Clara sobbed, lunging forward, but the first agent easily held her back, twisting her arm behind her back with casual cruelty.
""Easy, Mrs. Holloway,"" the agent sneered. ""Mrs. Vance is waiting patiently back at the estate. Let’s not make this any more unpleasant than it already is.""
They were hauled back up the muddy embankment toward the waiting sedans. As they broke through the tree line, Clara caught sight of Julian, who had been dragged out onto the front porch by two other guards, his hands still bound behind his back, his face bruised and bleeding. Their eyes locked across the gravel yard—a silent exchange of shared devastation and unbroken resolve.
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""Clara! Leo!"" Julian shouted, straining against his guards before receiving a sharp blow to the ribs that silenced him.
""Julian!"" Clara cried out, her voice breaking into a ragged sob as the security agents forced her and Leo into the back seat of the leading sedan, slamming the heavy doors shut and locking them from the master console.
