Nope. And you stayed when things became dangerous. Elias glanced toward the road ahead. Someone had to. Victoria's voice softened slightly.
You saved my life. Elias shook his head. Your security team would have figured it out eventually. Marcus snorted. Not before that curve.
Elias didn't argue. The highway widened as the first outer lights of the city appeared. Marcus slowed slightly as flashing blue lights came into view ahead. Two police cruisers waited at the checkpoint. Looks like your backup arrived, Marcus said.
Victoria nodded. Good. Marcus guided the SUV toward the checkpoint while the convoy vehicles formed a protective arc around them. Police officers stepped forward watching the approaching convoy carefully. Marcus rolled down the window.
Evening officers. One of them looked at the damaged tire and the grease-stained man in the passenger seat. Rough night? Marcus smirked. You have no idea.
Victoria opened the rear door and stepped out of the vehicle. The officers immediately straightened when they recognized her. Miss Hale. Victoria nodded politely. Thank you for meeting us.
Marcus and Elias stepped out as well. The cool early morning air carried the smell of wet pavement and distant traffic. One of the officers gestured toward the convoy. We'll escort you the rest of the way into the city. Victoria nodded.
Appreciated. Marcus stretched slightly, tension finally easing from his shoulders. Well, he said looking at Elias, You officially turned the worst night of my career into a successful one. Elias shrugged. Just fixing problems.
Victoria stepped closer to him. You did more than that. Elias looked at the convoy, the police lights, and the city skyline beyond them. The night's danger was finally behind them. But one question still lingered.
Victoria spoke quietly. Why didn't you leave after fixing the tire? Elias thought about Lena waiting at home, about promises, about the old instincts that never really went away. Because, he said simply, once I saw the trap, he paused. I couldn't pretend it wasn't there.
Marcus nodded slowly. That's exactly why we're all still standing. The police escort vehicles pulled into position ahead of the convoy. Victoria looked at Elias one more time. You should come to the office tomorrow.
Elias blinked. Why? Victoria smiled faintly. Because the people who tried to kill me tonight are about to discover something very unfortunate. Elias raised an eyebrow.
What's that? Victoria glanced toward the city. That the man they didn't plan for is now paying attention. The police escort moved ahead of the convoy. Blue lights cutting through the early gray of morning.
The city skyline rose slowly on the horizon. Glass towers catching the first faint hints of sunrise. Marcus Trent guided the SUV forward at a steady pace. The tension of the night finally beginning to loosen from his shoulders. Behind them, the rest of the convoy followed in perfect formation.