The first false responder chose paperwork instead of a weapon.
That made her smarter than the last few threats. A gun would have made the cafeteria simple. A monster would have given the Hunter permission to burn first and explain after. Paper made tired adults look twice, and looking twice was all a bad order needed.
The woman at the cafeteria entrance wore a county child services vest over body armor. Two soldiers stood behind her with rifles angled down. The badge on her chest looked real enough to fool anyone who still wanted the world to have normal rules.
Waddell stepped into the gap between her and Mason before Jade had to ask.
"This shelter is closed to external intake today."
The woman lifted a tablet.
"Emergency protective custody transfer for Mason Bell, also identified as Kieran Stahl, pending witness contamination review."
Mason stopped crying when she said custody.
