“Where is he now?” Nathan asked, his voice a low growl.

Lily shrugged, looking away. “Mom’s out with him. They think you’re still overseas. I didn’t know how to stop it, Nathan. I’m sorry.”

He gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m going to take care of this. But first, we need to get you somewhere safe.”

Together, they packed a few essentials. Nathan could feel the urgency in each movement, the need to act quickly before their mother returned. He reached for his phone, calling an old army buddy who lived nearby, arranging for a place for Lily to stay.