The convoy never reached the border.
Lucia knew that before Elena confirmed it, before the live feed flickered and stabilized into a grainy aerial view of a black transport slowing on a rain-slicked mountain road. The knowledge arrived first in her bones, sharp and unmistakable.
"They're stopping," Elena said. "Unscheduled."
Lucia's hands tightened around the steering wheel of the unmarked vehicle she had taken instead of a secure escort. Headlights cut through the mist ahead of her. The road curved like a scar through the dark.
"Who's with them?" Lucia asked.
"Two drivers. One rear operative," Elena replied. "And Dominic."
Lucia's breath caught despite herself. "He got there already."
"Yes," Elena said. "He rerouted a private team."
Lucia swore under her breath. "He never waits."
"No," Elena agreed. "He anticipates."
The convoy came into view around the bend. Black vehicles idling. Doors open. Tension is visible even from a distance.
