"You did that in the rain with a bag of basic tools."
Elias wiped his hands on the rag again.
"Tools matter less than knowing where the problem is."
Marcus straightened and looked down the road again.
"Which means whoever set the trap knows we're still alive."
"Yeah," Elias replied.
"And if they were watching," Marcus added, "they saw you fix it."
Elias didn't seem concerned. That's fine.
Marcus frowned. You're not worried about that?
Elias shook his head. People who plan something like this don't care who fixes the first problem.
Victoria tilted her head slightly. Because they already planned a second one.
Elias nodded. Marcus let out a quiet breath.
That's exactly what I didn't want to hear. The security chief walked toward the convoy vehicles and spoke quietly with two of his agents.
Radios crackled softly as instructions spread through the team. Victoria remained beside Elias.
You're very calm for someone who just discovered a murder attempt, she said. Elias glanced toward the road.
Calm helps you see what everyone else misses. Victoria gave a faint smile.
That sounds like training. It is.
Thunder rolled faintly in the distance as the clouds began to thin. Marcus returned a moment later.
We're changing the route, he said. Victoria nodded immediately.
Good. The convoy will head south instead of taking the interstate.
Elias listened carefully.
Marcus continued, "Less predictable. Fewer high-speed curves."
Victoria crossed her arms.
That still leaves the question of who planned this. Marcus nodded.
And why tonight? Elias spoke quietly.
You said you were taking a call at the gas station. Victoria nodded.
Yes, work call? She hesitated slightly.
Confidential meeting arrangements. Marcus looked at her.
The board meeting tomorrow? Victoria didn't respond, but Elias noticed the subtle tension that crossed her face.
That meeting important? He asked.
Victoria answered simply, "Very." Marcus looked toward the repaired SUV again.
If someone wanted to stop that meeting from happening, they might start by removing the person running it. Elias finished.
Victoria exhaled slowly. That narrows the list of suspects considerably.
Marcus nodded grimly. Corporate rivals, political enemies, anyone affected by tomorrow's vote.
Elias didn't ask what the vote involved. He didn't need to.
Power always created enemies. The convoy engines idled patiently around them.
Marcus turned to the security driver nearest the repaired SUV. Bring the flatbed truck.
The driver nodded and moved toward the rear of the convoy. Elias raised a hand slightly.
Wait. Marcus looked back at him.
What? Flatbed might trigger the pressure shift, too.
Marcus frowned. You said it would hold for slow driving.
Victoria glanced between them. So, we drive it?
Elias nodded. Carefully.
Marcus rubbed his temples. That's a million-dollar armored vehicle.
Then treat it gently. Elias said.