"I know," I said,. "I'm choosing it anyway."

We spent the rest of the morning planning, spreading maps across the makeshift table Steve had constructed from fallen logs and a piece of old plywood. Mapping out territories where traffickers were known to operate, discussing strategies for dismantling their networks, identifying key players who needed to be removed.

Steve and Clara joined us after their morning routines, adding their knowledge from years of hunting alongside Lana. They knew the ...