The air was thick inside the café, heavy with smoke. Skylar's heart was racing as she watched Julian move swiftly across the room, his eyes burning. His every muscle was taut with concern, but his voice remained calm as he slid into the seat across from her.
"What happened?" His words were low, clipped, urgent.
Skylar's hands were shaking, her fingers clutched around the edge of the table with a force that was almost painful as she tried to steady herself, find the words that would explain the horror closing in upon them.
He knows," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rising panic in the room. "He's been watching us. All along. He knew we'd be here." The weight of it all fell upon her like a ton of bricks, her eyes wide with incredulity. "He's one step ahead."
Julian's face hardened; a flicker of comprehension crossed his face as he turned to his earpiece. Jasper's voice came over it, sharp and urgent amidst the crackling.
