The workers spun in alarm. “Go!” one of them shouted, shoving past the others. Chaos erupted. Men bolted in every direction, scrambling to escape. But there was nowhere to go. The police were already closing in, shouting orders, guns drawn. The illegal miners never made it far.
Jacob collapsed to his knees, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His body shook, the weight of it all crashing into him at once. Boots pounded against the ground, and then a familiar voice called his name. He looked up, dazed, as his best friend climbed out of one of the ranger cars.