********
6:45 PM
Davis drove fast through evening traffic.
Emily sat between Timothy and Sebastian, still clutching her trophy.
"Hotel. Pack. Leave in thirty minutes," Timothy said into his phone. "Jack, status on the targets?"
Emily couldn't hear Jack's response, but Timothy's expression darkened.
"Find them. I don't care what it takes."
He ended the call.
"They got away?" Emily asked.
"For now," Timothy said.
"But they can't hide long."
Sebastian's laptop showed news feeds.
"Media's reporting the shooting as a 'security incident.' No casualties. Venue evacuated. Competition officials are handling press."
"Good," Timothy said. "Means no one's asking about Emily yet."
The car pulled up to their hotel's secure entrance. Davis did a quick sweep before letting them exit.
Inside, Timothy's efficiency was ruthless. "Emily, pack only essentials. Five minutes. Sebastian, wipe our digital footprint from this hotel. Davis, prepare alternate transportation."
