Page 22 of Final Sins

The sudden loss of their flying tech cocoon felt like a physical blow.

“So they know we’re down here,” Alex said, her voice tight. The realization sent a chill down her spine. This wasn’t just an attack; it was a well-planned siege.

Her mind flipped through scenarios, each one worse than the last.

“What’s the play, boss?” Mac’s voice was steady, but she could hear the underlying tension.

She stared at the dead feeds. “We’re outgunned and outmanned. Time to beat a retreat. Live to fight another day.”

She moved swiftly to a hidden panel, her fingers finding the latch by memory. It slid open, revealing four packed bags.

“Go bags,” she explained, tossing one to each of them. “Clothes, cash, burner phones. Everything we need to disappear.”

As she shouldered her own pack, Alex caught Jason’s eye. His expression was a mix of admiration and something she couldn’t quite name.

“Always prepared, huh?” he said softly.

“No different from your business, I’m sure,” she replied, trying to ignore the warmth in his gaze.

The sound of metal grinding against concrete echoed from above, driving home the urgency of their situation.

Time to run.

She led the way through a narrow corridor, her footsteps silent on the concrete floor. The emergency lights cast eerie shadows, transforming familiar surroundings into an alien landscape. She could hear Jason’s measured breathing behind her, feel the warmth radiating from his body in the confined space.

“Watch your step,” she whispered as they approached a hidden trapdoor. Her fingers found the concealed latch, muscle memory taking over. “I’ll take the lead. Mac will bring up the rear.”

The scent of damp earth filled her nostrils as they emerged into a drainage tunnel. Gravy stumbled, his sneakers squelching in the shallow water.

“Dude, this is like, totally spy movie stuff,” he stage-whispered.

Alex bit back a retort. They were close.

The tunnel opened onto a deserted service road. Alex’s eyes darted left and right, scanning for threats. “Clear,” she breathed.

Alex led the way up the weed-choked embankment. She scanned the area before landing on a nondescript sedan parked a quarter-mile down.

“There’s our ride.” She set a brisk pace towards the vehicle.

Jason’s eyebrows shot up. “You’ve got a getaway car just waiting here?”

Alex allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. “One of many. There’s something to be said for being a trust fund baby.”

When they reached the car, Jason let out a low whistle. His eyes met hers, a mix of surprise and admiration flickering acrosshis face. “No doubt,” he responded, his voice appreciative. “This level of contingency planning is ... impressive.”

She felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with their narrow escape. “What? You thought I was just a pretty face with a fat bank account?”

“Not for long,” Jason said, his gaze intensifying. “But now you’ve removed all doubt.”

“Story of my life,” she quipped, but there was no bitterness in her tone. For once, she was grateful for the assumptions people made about her. It had allowed her to build this safety net right under everyone’s noses.

“Mac?” she turned to her friend.

“On it,” he answered before she could voice her request. “I’ll grab the Subaru on the next block and find out where Liv and Gabe are hanging.”

He took off at a jog.

“My cousin doesn’t have any self-defense training. I don’t want Liv having to watch him on her own.”

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