Chapter 4 - The Road to Idaho
By 10:15 a.m., a small convoy of federal and local law enforcement vehicles, flanked by four Road Guardians scouts on motorcycles to ensure no corporate interference or media obstruction, sped eastward along Interstate 90 toward the pine-covered mountains of northern Idaho.
In the lead vehicle, Agent Naomi Price reviewed the facility’s architectural blueprints. "The clinic is called Pinecrest Restorative Institute," she noted, pointing to a sprawling, single-story stone building nestled deep inside a heavily wooded valley. "High perimeter fence, private security detail on contract, and zero public foot traffic. It’s designed to look like a luxury rehab retreat, but the back wing features reinforced doors and medical-grade sedation wards."
Detective Miller nodded from the passenger seat. "We hit the front and rear simultaneously. We secure the patient records first, neutralize any resistance from the private security contractors, and get Claire out into the sunlight."
Back in Spokane, Mara Ruiz was busy finalizing the emergency guardianship transfer for Harper. With Curtis behind bars and federal warrants mounting, the family court judge had already signed an expedited temporary custody order placing Harper under the legal care of Bear Walker as her designated guardian ad litem and family trustee until Claire could be safely recovered and re-established.
When Mara walked into Room 412 to deliver the news, Harper was sitting up in bed, coloring a picture of a wolf with crayons Sarah had provided.
"Harper," Mara said softly, kneeling beside the small bedside table. "I have something very important to show you."
Harper lowered her blue crayon and looked at the crisp white paper with the state seal at the top. "What is it?"
"This is a court order," Mara explained, pointing to the official signature at the bottom. "It means Curtis can never come near you again. And while we go bring your mom home from Idaho, you are officially under my care and Bear's care. You are completely safe now."
Harper stared at the paper for a long moment. A heavy weight seemed to lift from her small shoulders, and for the first time since she had arrived at Riverside Children’s, a genuine, radiant smile broke across her face.
"Can I wait for them at Bear's house?" Harper asked quietly.
"That's exactly where we're going as soon as Dr. Shaw signs your discharge papers," Mara smiled. "Your room there is already being cleaned up."
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Across the state line, the convoy of unmarked police cruisers rounded a sharp bend in the forestry road. Ahead of them, iron security gates loomed between two massive stone pillars bearing the discreet plaque: Pinecrest Institute – Private Admissions Only.
Detective Miller didn't slow down. The police cruiser’s front bumper hit the automated gate’s latch mechanism with a sharp crunch, swinging the heavy iron doors wide open as the convoy surged onto the gravel driveway.
