They pointed their weapons straight at the driver, who remained unnervingly calm. Again, he waited.
Jade didn't speak for a moment.
Her mind was racing, calculating risks, recalling everything Ross had taught her. Stay calm.
Then she sighed and said softly, "Unlock them."
There was a soft click as the locks disengaged.
The doors were flung open.
Rough hands grabbed her, dragging her out of the back seat before she could even adjust her posture.
She stumbled slightly but didn't scream. Didn't fight.
Her mind was already elsewhere—trying to memorize every detail: the insignia on one man's vest, the rough fabric of the gloves gripping her, the faint smell of oil and sweat in the van they shoved her into.
She tried to count how many there were. Five? Six? One in the front. Three around the van. Two inside, watching her.
The moment the door slammed shut behind her, the vehicle peeled away from the scene, disappearing into the traffic with terrifying efficiency.
