The boat skated across the choppy waters, each wave a reminder of the chaos they'd left behind. Max Hastings gripped the wheel, his eyes scanning the horizon. The city lights, distant and muted, seemed like a promise and a threat all at once.
Evelyn Fox sat beside him, her eyes never leaving the dark expanse of water ahead. Amelia huddled between them, her small frame shivering more from fear than the cold. They had escaped the immediate danger, but the shadows of the Syndicate loomed large, even out here.
"Where to now?" Evelyn asked, her voice cutting through the steady drone of the boat's engine.
Max didn't answer immediately. He was still trying to shake the image of the burning warehouse, the sounds of gunfire echoing in his ears. He looked at Amelia, her wide eyes reflecting the city lights. She was a reminder of why they couldn't stop now.
"There's a place," Max finally said. "An old friend's cabin, north of here. It's off the grid. Safe."
