(Jane’s POV)
I woke before the alarm.
Friday. The day of the trip. The word settled in my mind like a soft chime—clear, inevitable. Sleep had been more ritual than rest; I’d barely closed my eyes before morning pulled me forward with quiet insistence.
The room was still. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, tracing the elegant curves of the POP design as they faded into the dim hush of pre-dawn. A full day had passed since Claus showed up in that dark Ford SUV—his usual calm in place, offering help without frills.
Now, there was only silence.
My thoughts moved through the day ahead—journal, itinerary, legal briefs, Dorris—each item snapping into place like teeth in a lock. Sharp. Intentional.
I reached for my phone.
One new message.
Claus.
6:02 a.m. — “Route’s clear. They’ll be th
