“And every one of them knows her name.”

The call ended.

At 7:40 a.m., police vehicles surrounded the mill.

Stone immediately thought the worst.

Then Sheriff Harlan stepped out.

He walked toward the building.

“Where is the child?”

Stone stood in front of the entrance.

“She isn't here.”

Harlan looked around.

“You're interfering with an investigation.”

Stone smiled coldly.

“Then investigate.”

Harlan stepped closer.

“I said where is the girl?”

Stone didn't move.

“You're not taking her.”

The sheriff's expression changed.

“What did you say?”

Stone pulled out his phone.

He played the recording.

Harlan's face went pale.

The voice on the recording was unmistakable.

His own.

Nobody spoke.

Then Harlan reached for his weapon.

The riders immediately reacted.

But Stone raised his hand.

“Don't.”

He looked directly at the sheriff.

“We're not giving you an excuse.”

Harlan froze.

Then sirens sounded in the distance.

Not local police.

Federal agents.