The last ferry to Coloane Island cut through the storm-darkened waters, its lights a lone constellation against the vast blackness of the South China Sea. Alex stood at the rear deck, rain pelting his face as he watched Macau's glittering skyline recede into the distance. Their escape from the hotel had been executed with precision—the phantom car drawing their pursuers to the service entrance while they slipped out with a tour group through the main lobby.
Behind him, the ferry's cabin doors slid open. Sonia emerged, two steaming cups in hand. "The crew thinks we're honeymooners escaping to Coloane for a romantic getaway," she said, passing him one of the cups. "I didn't correct them."
"Your implant?" he asked, nodding toward the nearly invisible bandage at her temple.
"Stable. Wei's i
