Chapter 5 - Red Rover

James Robbins, along with his team—Officer Cole Mathew, Martha White, and his partner Daniel Garnvey—stood ready in their forest gears and equipment, waiting for the research team and their captain to arrive.

James' eyes kept drifting toward the dense forest, and he swore he could hear his Lily's voice urging him to enter, to find her immediately. The wind rustled the leaves, carrying only the whispers of nature, yet her voice rang clear, untouched by the world around him. Was it real, or just his own mind betraying him? His duty told him to wait, to follow protocol—but the desperate pull in his chest begged him to run forward, to break from the group and search for them now.

He drummed his fingers restlessly, his foot tapping against the ground as if resisting the urge to step forward. Just then, a firm hand clamped down on his shoulder. He turned to find Daniel watching him, concern etched into his features.

"James, I know you're desperate to find them, but don't you dare do anything reckless. You hear me?" Daniel's voice was steady, but there was an edge to it—he meant every word.

James exhaled sharply. Even if he had that thought; He couldn't understand why Daniel would think he'd actually go in alone. Then, he looked down. His feet were already near the mouth of the woods, his van and fellow officers now far behind him. His last clear memory was standing with them. When had he moved? His heart pounded as realization struck, but he simply nodded at Daniel and walked back toward the others without a word.

Martha White frowned. "Weren't you just standing with us? How… when did you get over there?"

Hearing her words, Cole shot James a wary glance before rubbing his arms. "Forget it, Martha… He's always like that." He shivered and pulled his jacket tighter around himself. "Speaking of which, is it just me, or is it getting colder? I can't stop shivering. Is it too late for me to go back on my word?"

James rolled his eyes at Cole's words and sighed, frustrated. "When are the others getting here? It's already almost 8 AM. Where's the Captain?"

Daniel checked his phone. "Just got a message from him. He's met with the research team sent by the company and got all the documents. They're on their way now."

As he spoke, the distant sound of engines grew louder. Soon, several vans came into view, led by Captain Brooks' car. The vehicles rolled to a stop, and Captain Brooks stepped out, instructing the drivers to park nearby. "Cars won't get us far inside the woods," he explained. "We'll be walking from here."

He approached his officers with a brisk nod. "Good morning, everyone. I hope you've packed well—it's going to be a long week in the woods." He handed out a list. "Here are the names of the researchers, mercenaries, and Reporters joining us. We'll be doing a headcount every forty minutes. No one gets lost in this maze. Understood?"

James scanned the list. There were about forty people in total: twenty researchers, six security personnel hired by the McQ Group, one executive from the company overseeing the researchers' safety, two reporters, two government-sent medical professionals, and five police officers, including their captain.

A black van arrived last. One by one, tall men stepped out. Each wore lightweight, moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirts in earthy tones, blending seamlessly with the wilderness. Durable, quick-drying cargo pants were tucked into high-ankle, waterproof hiking boots, shielding them from the undergrowth.

A wide-brimmed hat shaded their faces, casting shadows over their sharp eyes. One among them adjusted the straps of his well-packed backpack. Fingerless gloves covered his hands, offering both grip and protection, while a weather-resistant jacket was strapped to his pack, ready for sudden downpours.

Martha leaned toward Cole, whispering, "Damn, someone's thoroughly prepared for adventure." She glanced down at the list. "Looks like they're the mercenaries sent by McQ Group. No wonder they're so well-equipped. Compared to them, we look so underprepared."

James couldn't deny it. Their clothing was practical for their duties, but next to the mercenaries, they seemed casual at best. Daniel must have caught his thoughts because he turned to Martha and shrugged. "Their job is different from ours. Our uniforms suit our role just fine."

Tuning out rest of their conversation, James observed the rest of the group. The researchers, each carrying large backpacks, conversed amongst themselves. The doctors spoke quietly, likely discussing medical precautions. The reporters moved about, capturing footage of the assembled team. Meanwhile, the mercenaries were gathered in discussion—until one of them stepped away to speak with a woman dressed in similarly practical yet noticeably high-end clothing. She was in conversation with the researchers, but when the mercenary approached, she acknowledged him immediately.

James recognized them at once—the mercenary captain and the executive sent by the company. The captain leaned slightly toward her as she spoke, nodding with a familiarity that suggested past collaboration. She, in turn, adjusted the cuff of her jacket with a practiced ease, her gaze sharp and assessing as she scanned the group.

Captain Brooks joined them, speaking briefly with the woman before signaling for his officers to get ready.

"Alright, team," Brooks called. "We're heading into the woods now. Remember our formation. I'll take the lead with James and Daniel. Martha and Cole, you'll cover the back. The mercenaries will handle the middle and security. Everyone ready?"

A murmur of affirmation spread through the group. James grabbed his backpack, securing it tightly before following Captain Brooks and Daniel into the woods. Behind them, the researchers, executive, doctors, and reporters fell into place, encircled by the mercenaries. Martha and Cole brought up the rear.

As James stepped beneath the thick canopy, the shadows stretched around them. The wind whispered through the leaves, and suddenly, the laughter of his wife and daughter rang in his ears—so clear, so real.

Then, Lily's voice, soft and coaxing. "Well done, Daddy. Now, just do what I say, and you'll find me and Mommy. We miss you so much. Now come and find us, Daddy. We're waiting for you."

James' throat tightened. He knew he was willingly leading these people into the woods just to get his loved ones back. Guilt clawed at his chest, but what choice did he have? His daughter was calling to him.

And he would do anything to bring them home.