They landed under a cloudless sky, the air crisp and sharp against their skin. Sweden in early autumn—beautiful but unforgiving. The private airstrip stretched before them like a gray ribbon slicing through the surrounding pine forests. Lila stepped off the plane's stairs and inhaled deeply, letting the cold fill her lungs. It felt cleansing after the recycled cabin air.
" The forecast indicates that we will have ideal weather for the next 48 hours,” Regan said as he approached her. He moved as efficiently as usual while carrying their two small briefcases. "After that, snow."
Lila nodded. "Then we stick to the timeline."
A rented car waited for them at the edge of the airstrip—a black Volvo, understated and anonymous. The kind of vehicle that disappeared into Swedish traffic. Perfect f
