"That explains why a roadside mechanic just outplayed someone who planned a three-stage assassination attempt."
Victoria studied the calm man sitting in front of her.
"You didn't panic once tonight," she said.
Elias shrugged again.
"Panic doesn't fix mechanical problems."
The convoy continued down the quiet highway, tires humming steadily against the wet asphalt. The storm clouds were beginning to break apart in the east, revealing the faint gray edge of morning.
Marcus checked the navigation screen. City limits in 12 minutes.
Victoria nodded slowly. That means whoever planned this has officially failed.
Elias shook his head slightly. Marcus glanced at him.
You disagree? They failed tonight, Elias said.
But people who plan something like that don't give up after one attempt. Victoria crossed her arms.
That's a problem for tomorrow. Marcus smirked faintly.
Preferably one solved with law enforcement instead of roadside mechanics. Elias finally allowed himself the smallest smile.
Probably a good plan. Marcus's radio crackled again.
Lead vehicle to command. Go ahead, Marcus replied.
We've got police units waiting at the southern checkpoint. Victoria nodded.
I called ahead. Marcus looked impressed.
When? While you two were discussing brake lines.
Elias chuckled softly. Efficient.
The convoy rolled past another mile marker. The city lights beginning to glow faintly on the horizon.
Victoria leaned forward again. Elias.
He turned slightly. Yes?
You stopped tonight because you saw a woman stranded on the road. Yeah, you had no idea who I was.
Nope. And you stayed when things became dangerous.
Elias glanced toward the road ahead. Someone had to.
Victoria's voice softened slightly. You saved my life.
Elias shook his head. Your security team would have figured it out eventually.
Marcus snorted. Not before that curve.
Elias didn't argue. The highway widened as the first outer lights of the city appeared.
Marcus slowed slightly as flashing blue lights came into view ahead. Two police cruisers waited at the checkpoint.
Looks like your backup arrived, Marcus said. Victoria nodded.
Good. Marcus guided the SUV toward the checkpoint while the convoy vehicles formed a protective arc around them.
Police officers stepped forward watching the approaching convoy carefully. Marcus rolled down the window.
Evening officers. One of them looked at the damaged tire and the grease-stained man in the passenger seat.
Rough night? Marcus smirked.
You have no idea. Victoria opened the rear door and stepped out of the vehicle.
The officers immediately straightened when they recognized her. Miss Hale.
Victoria nodded politely. Thank you for meeting us.
Marcus and Elias stepped out as well. The cool early morning air carried the smell of wet pavement and distant traffic.
One of the officers gestured toward the convoy. We'll escort you the rest of the way into the city.
Victoria nodded. Appreciated.
Marcus stretched slightly, tension finally easing from his shoulders. Well, he said looking at Elias, you officially turned the worst night of my career into a successful one.
Elias shrugged. Just fixing problems.
Victoria stepped closer to him. You did more than that.
Elias looked at the convoy, the police lights, and the city skyline beyond them. The night's danger was finally behind them.