Victoria's voice dropped. Right where we'd slow down for the curve. Marcus looked toward the tree line. "Damn it." Elias scanned the dark woods on both sides of the highway.
Don't stop here, he said. Marcus blinked. What? If someone set this trap, Elias continued, they're probably watching to see if it works. Victoria understood immediately.
So if we stop, they'll know we spotted it. Marcus exhaled slowly. You're saying we keep moving. Elias nodded. But carefully.
Marcus stared at the slick road ahead. Oil. Rain. A curve. Every instinct screamed danger.
But the calm man beside him was already studying the road like a puzzle he'd solved before. All right, Marcus said quietly. You guide me. Elias nodded once. And the convoy crept forward toward the second trap waiting in the dark.
The SUV rolled forward inch by inch as Marcus eased his foot off the brake. The thin sheen across the highway shimmered beneath the convoy headlights like a frozen river of glass. Oil. Or something close enough to it. Marcus kept the wheel steady though his knuckles had gone pale against the leather.
Tell me what to do, he said quietly. Elias leaned forward. Studying the road carefully. Keep it straight, he said. No sudden steering.
Victoria leaned slightly between the seats. her voice calm but tight. How far does it stretch? Marcus squinted through the windshield. Hard to tell. Elias pointed toward the faint curve ahead.
About 30 yards. Marcus exhaled slowly. Perfect place for a slide. Exactly, Elias said. The convoy vehicles behind them crept forward in silent formation, headlights reflecting across the slick surface.
Marcus spoke into the radio. Convoy, hold formation. Road hazard ahead, a guard's voice crackled back. Understood. Victoria studied the reflective streak across the pavement.
This was placed here deliberately. Yeah, Elias said. And the rain makes it worse. Marcus nodded. If we lose traction here, the convoy piles up, Elias finished.
Marcus glanced at him. You thought this through already. Elias gave a faint shrug. People who build traps usually build them in layers. Victoria crossed her arms.
Meaning the first sabotage was only step one. Right. Marcus muttered under his breath. Step two being this. The SUV crept closer to the slick section of road.
Marcus slowed even further. 20 miles an hour, good, Elias said. The tension inside the vehicle thickened. Victoria broke the silence. You seem oddly familiar with this kind of planning.
Elias didn't answer immediately. Marcus smirked faintly. That's because he used to fight it. Victoria raised an eyebrow. You figured that out already?