Kael and Marcus arrived at the staging area three minutes before the deadline. Police vehicles were already positioned in formation—three tactical teams, command vehicle, medical unit on standby.
Detective Park emerged from the command vehicle as they pulled up.
"Satellite confirmation," she said immediately. "Building occupied. Thermal shows three heat signatures—two ground floor, one upstairs. We're moving at eleven hundred exactly."
Kael looked past her toward where the property would be. Trees blocking the view. Quarter mile through dense woods to the two-story structure where Asher had been for eight days.
"Same rules," Park continued. "You wait at the perimeter. When the building is secure, I'll come get you. Do not—and I mean this, Mr. Everhart—do not approach that building until I give clearance."
"Understood."
Park studied his face for a moment. Then nodded and went back to coordinate with her team leads.
Marcus leaned against the car. "You good?"
"No."
"Fair."
