Right? Elias said.
So the oil would finish the job. Marcus nodded grimly.
Multiple vehicles crashing on a blind curve. Elias watched the road carefully.
That would guarantee it. The tires began to regain grip as they approached the end of the slick stretch.
Marcus exhaled slowly. Almost through.
The SUV reached dry pavement again. The steering wheel firmed in his hands.
Marcus let out a quiet breath of relief. Clear.
The convoy vehicles behind them rolled safely across as well. Victoria leaned back slightly in her seat.
That's two traps. Elias nodded.
Which means whoever set them planned this route carefully. Marcus glanced at the navigation screen.
We're almost at the alternate road. Victoria looked toward the dark highway behind them.
Do you think they expected us to get this far? Elias considered that.
Probably not. Marcus smirked.
Good. Elias shook his head slightly.
Don't celebrate yet. Marcus frowned.
You think there's another one? Elias looked out the windshield again.
Maybe. Victoria leaned forward again.
You're telling me someone spent hours setting multiple mechanical traps across public roads? Yeah.
Marcus tapped the steering wheel thoughtfully. That kind of planning takes resources.
Victoria nodded slowly. And motive.
The SUV continued down the highway as the trees thinned ahead. Marcus pointed forward.
There. The intersection appeared under a blinking yellow light.
Their alternate road. Elias studied it carefully.
Then his expression hardened. Marcus noticed immediately.
What now? Elias pointed toward the intersection.
See that? Marcus squinted.
At first it looked like nothing. Then he noticed it.
A dark vehicle parked just beyond the junction. Engine running.
Lights off. Victoria's voice lowered.
That wasn't there earlier. Marcus slowed the SUV.
Someone's waiting. Elias nodded.
Yeah. Marcus's hand tightened slightly on the wheel.
Ambush? Maybe.
Victoria's voice remained steady. A confirmation.
Elias watched the silhouette of the parked vehicle. If it's the same people who set the traps, Marcus finished the thought.
"They're not done."
Victoria leaned forward again. Marcus.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Don't stop."
Marcus nodded slowly. The SUV continued rolling toward the intersection.
The dark vehicle ahead remained motionless. Watching.
Inside the SUV, Elias kept his eyes locked on the shadowed car ahead. Because something about the way it waited there told him one thing.
The traps on the road were never the final move. They were only meant to slow the convoy down.
The SUV rolled closer to the intersection. Its headlights cutting through the mist that still hung low over the road.
The dark vehicle ahead remained parked just beyond the blinking yellow light, engine idling softly, headlights still off. Marcus Trent slowed the SUV, but did not stop.