At the VIP clinic, I was helping my nine-month pregnant daughter change for her final ultrasound. The moment her shirt slipped off, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

to the surgical theatre.

Her reply came without delay.

Copy. Tactical team is currently breaching the main lobby.

Chloe remained fixated on the ultrasound screen, her fear briefly overshadowed by the life growing inside her. “That’s her?” she whispered.

The technician’s rigid posture softened into something more human. “Yes, ma’am. That’s your little girl.continue reading …