Alex sat in the backseat, his eyes fixed on the scenes flashing by outside. The landscape was a blur of white and grey, a bleak winter tableau that seemed endless. He hadn't slept much the previous night, his mind restless with worry for Emily and the kids. The gnawing uncertainty about their whereabouts made rest impossible.
His thoughts were a storm of concern and determination. He could picture Emily and the twins, their faces etched with fear and hope. The idea of them being in Julian's clutches fuelled his urgency. As they drew closer to their destination, Alex's resolve hardened. He couldn't afford to fail them.
The silence inside the car was heavy, punctuated only by the steady hum of the engine and the crunch of tires on snow. The two men with him, seasoned and alert, shared his focus. They all knew the stakes were high.
