David and Lena drove in silence through the winding back roads toward Elena’s residence, a secluded compound on the edge of the city. The sun was dipping low, casting long shadows across the pavement. Lena gripped the steering wheel, her knuckles white, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror every few seconds. David sat in the passenger seat, pistol holstered at his hip, face calm but focused. He hadn’t said much since they left Xavier’s place.
“We’re here,” Lena said quietly, pulling up to the gate.
The compound was gated, high walls topped with cameras and razor wire. Lena had hacked the system earlier, so the gates opened on its own accord with a soft click as they approached. They drove in slow, tires crunching on gravel. The main house loomed ahead, having white stucco, red tile roof,
