The van came to an abrupt halt, its tires skidding slightly on the gravelly path. As the engine cut off, the sudden silence was punctuated by the sound of doors being flung open. The men emerged from the vehicle, moving with a sense of purpose. Rico bent down and his sturdy frame and muscular arms effortlessly lifted Jade onto his shoulder. She squirmed and kicked, her muted grumbles muffled by the duct tape that sealed her mouth shut.
With efficiency, the second van pulled up behind the first, its tires emitting a high-pitched screech as they ground to a stop. Already prepared, the driver jumped out of the van and hurried to swing open the rear doors. The scene was orchestrated like a well-practiced routine, synchronized and smooth as if these men had performed this operation countless times before.
