Chapter 4: The Safe Harbor**
Dawn broke cold and gray over an abandoned dockyard outside Baltimore. Julian carried Rory, who had fallen into an exhausted, feverish sleep, into a weathered bait shop owned by a retired maritime union boss named Thomas.
Thomas locked the heavy iron bolt behind them, tossing Julian a dry towel and a fresh first-aid kit. "You're all over the morning news, Julian. Sterling’s media machine says you kidnapped an executive's daughter."
"They're framing the narrative," Julian said, setting Rory down on a cot and covering her with an old wool blanket. "They want law enforcement to shoot first before I can present the evidence."
Thomas brought over a bowl of warm oatmeal and a carton of milk. "Feed the kid. She looks like a ghost."
When Rory opened her eyes and saw the food, she hesitated, her eyes darting between Julian and the bowl. "Can I... is it okay?"
Julian’s heart broke silently. He took the spoon, gently stirred the oatmeal, and handed it to her. "It’s all yours, Rory. You don't have to earn it, and nobody will ever take it away."
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As she ate with quiet reverence, Julian realized this was no longer about saving his career or exposing a corrupt contractor. It was about preserving what little humanity remained in a world that devoured the weak.
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