The body burned fast.
Ellie had doused the corpse in gasoline, and Alex struck the match. Flames roared to life, turning black clothing to ash, flesh to smoke. The stench of burning meat filled the night air, thick and suffocating.
Maya stood a few feet away, arms wrapped around herself. She hadn't said much since pulling the trigger.
Alex stepped beside her. "You alright?"
She didn't answer at first. Then, quietly: "I just killed someone."
Alex exhaled. "He would've killed me first."
"I know," she whispered. "That's what scares me."
Ellie scoffed from the other side of the fire. "You did what you had to do. You'll get used to it."
Maya shot her a sharp look. "I don't want to get used to it."
Ellie shrugged. "Then you better start praying, sweetheart. 'Cause next time, you won't have a choice."
The fire crackled, casting long shadows across the trees. It was a message: We're not running.
But it also meant something else.
They knew where to find them now.
Alex turned to Ellie. "How much time before they send more?"
Ellie chewed her lip. "A few hours. Maybe less. The Disciples don't take their losses lightly."
Alex ran a hand through his hair. "Then we move before they come."
Ellie raised a brow. "Move where, genius? We've got the whole damn underworld looking for us."
Maya exhaled. "I know someone who can help."
Both Alex and Ellie turned to her.
Maya hesitated. "He's ex-military. Trained. If anyone can keep us alive, it's him."
Ellie folded her arms. "And the catch?"
Maya bit her lip. "He's also my ex."
Ellie smirked. "Oh, this just keeps getting better."
Alex sighed. "Where is he?"
Maya hesitated. "Seattle. About five hours from here."
Ellie groaned. "So, you want us to drive straight into the city while every hired gun is hunting you?"
Maya's eyes burned with determination. "He's our best shot."
Alex held her gaze, then nodded. "Then we leave now."
Ellie sighed, kicking dirt onto the fire. "Fine. But if this ex of yours turns out to be a problem, I'm putting a bullet in him."
Maya didn't flinch. "If he betrays us, I'll do it myself."
On the Road to Seattle
The night was endless.
Alex drove, eyes flicking between the road and the rearview mirror. Every car that passed made his fingers twitch near his gun.
Maya sat beside him, silent, lost in thought. Ellie was in the back, reloading her pistol.
"Tell me about this guy," Alex finally said.
Maya hesitated. "His name is Jordan. We met in L.A. when I lived there. He was a Marine, but… things happened. He left the military, and we moved to Seattle together."
Ellie snorted. "Let me guess. It didn't work out?"
Maya exhaled. "We had different ideas of what 'life' should be."
Alex arched a brow. "And now you think he'll help you?"
Maya didn't answer right away. "He might not have loved me the way I wanted, but he's loyal. If I tell him I'm in trouble, he'll come through."
Ellie clicked her tongue. "Unless he's already been bought."
The thought made Maya stiffen.
Alex checked the fuel gauge. "We need to stop soon. Running low."
Ellie pulled out her phone. "There's a gas station twenty minutes ahead."
Maya looked uneasy. "That's risky."
Alex nodded. "But we don't have a choice."
They drove in silence.
The Wrong Stop
The gas station was nearly empty. Just a tired-looking attendant behind the counter and a single car parked near the entrance.
Alex pulled in and cut the engine. "Stay in the car," he told Maya.
She frowned. "Like hell I will."
Ellie smirked. "She's got a point, Cross. If someone starts shooting, she'll be an easy target sitting here."
Alex sighed. "Fine. But stay close."
They stepped out into the humid night. The air smelled of gasoline and rain.
Ellie went inside to pay while Alex started fueling up. Maya stood beside him, her body tense.
"You feel that?" she muttered.
Alex nodded. Something was off.
The single car near the entrance had two figures inside. Dark shapes. Watching.
Maya reached for her gun.
"Not yet," Alex whispered. "We don't know if they're a threat."
Then—
The passenger door of the other car opened. A man stepped out. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Scar across his cheek.
His eyes locked onto Alex.
"Cross," he called. His voice was thick with an accent.
Alex's gut twisted. He recognized that voice.
"Luis," Alex muttered.
Maya tensed. "Who is he?"
"Cartel enforcer," Alex said grimly.
Luis smirked. "Long time, amigo."
Alex kept his hand near his gun. "Didn't think I'd see you again after Mexico."
Luis chuckled. "Yet here we are."
Ellie stepped out of the store, stopping when she saw Luis.
"Shit," she muttered.
Luis took a step closer. "I hear you've been making enemies, Cross. That's bad business."
Alex didn't move. "What do you want, Luis?"
Luis smiled. "I want the girl."
Maya's breath hitched.
Alex's grip tightened on his gun. "Not happening."
Luis sighed. "Then this gets messy."
He whistled.
The trunk of his car popped open.
Two more men stepped out, guns in hand.
Maya whispered, "We're screwed."
Ellie exhaled. "Oh, for fuck's sake."
Luis smiled wider. "Last chance, Cross. Hand her over."
Alex smirked.
"Go to hell."
Then, he drew his gun.
And all hell broke loose.