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Wyatt shook his head firmly. “The information has to reach the world.”
“I agree, but splitting up doesn’t sit right,” Griff said.
Ty winged one eyebrow. “Wyatt and I will create a minor diversion.”
“No.” Sophie’s hands hit her hips. “I’m not leaving either of you. Griff and Jo will take the evidence, but I’m not abandoning my boys. Either of them.”
“Mom—”
Sophie fixed Wyatt with a withering glare. “Your father and I dealt with Pharmasyn long before you were born, Wyatt, and we can handle it again.”
“Wyatt’s right, honey.” Ty shaped his hands to his wife’s upper arms and planted a kiss on her forehead. “These men aren’t playing. They’re armed and will do everything they can to stop the information from becoming general knowledge. You’re more than capable, but right now, I need you to go with Griff and Jo.”
Sophie shook her head, eyes brimming. “I’m not leaving you, Ty. Not now. Never.”
Ty hugged her close, placing another kiss on the crown of her head. When he raised his head, his mouth was set in a line. He exhaled softly. “Your mother has made her choice, Wyatt. We must respect that.”
Wyatt’s expression twisted. “Dad—”
“Wyatt—” Sophie crossed the room and embraced him.
He wrapped his arms around her. “Mom, I—”
“Hush.” Sophie kissed his cheek.
Ty turned to Griff. “It’s time. Follow me.” He hurried to the rear of the cabin, and after yanking a rug away, exposed a concealed trapdoor.
Damp, earthy air rushed up, chilling Griff’s skin. “An escape tunnel? Impressive.”
Ty gave a mischievous smile as he grabbed two heavy flashlights from the dresser. “I like to consider all eventualities.” He handed Griff the flashlights. “Batteries are fresh. The tunnel will bring you out a hundred feet north of here beneath a rocky overhang. There’s a deer trail that’ll take you south and back to civilization.”
Sophie handed Griff one of the loaded backpacks. “Some basic supplies. Map of the area. It’s a one-day walk in good conditions, two if the weather isn’t kind.”
She turned to Jo. “This is for you.” She opened her palm to reveal the USB on a chain which she hung around Jo’s neck. “Get justice for your brother. For all of them.”
Jo threw her arms around the other woman. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Mom.” Stress edged Wyatt’s voice as he placed a hand on his mother’s arm. “We need to hurry.”
Sophie released Jo. “Go.”
Jo hefted the second backpack onto her shoulder and descended the wooden ladder to the escape tunnel. At the bottom, she clicked on her flashlight.
Griff shook Ty’s hand. “I owe you and Wyatt a beer on the other side.”
The whomp of an explosion traveled through the thick soles of Griff’s boots.
Loose earth rattled down the sides of the tunnel, forcing Jo to shield herself with her hands from raining grit with a shriek. “What was that?”
Griff flinched. “What—”
But Ty grinned wolfishly, the thrill of the chase lighting up his face. “Guess they found our welcome basket.”
He clasped Griff’s forearm and then clapped Griff hard on the back. “Still got some tricks up this old man’s sleeve. Now, get the hell out of here.”
41
Jo stood back to make way for Griff to descend. He dropped into the hole, landing beside her.
