~DESPERATE MEASURES~
Gemini threw herself sideways, wrenching open the car door and tumbling onto the pavement as a deafening crack split the air.
More shouting, the sound of running feet, another gunshot. She scrambled away from the car, disoriented, ears ringing.
Strong hands grabbed her shoulders—one of the officers, pulled her behind the cruiser for cover. "Stay down," he ordered.
"My daughter," Gemini gasped. "He has my daughter. Black SUV headed north. My husband—"
The officer's radio crackled with static and urgent voices.
"All units, be advised that the suspect vehicle is located at the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater. The child is secured and appears unharmed. Suspect in custody."
Relief made Gemini's knees buckle. "Maya's safe?"
"Sounds like it," the officer confirmed, his attention divided between her and the standoff at the Tesla.
"We had units already en route to your home. 911 call came in about twenty minutes ago from a neighbor who saw a struggle."
Another
