The coast turned dark and quiet. Waves crashed against the rocks like distant thunder. Celeste stood at the threshold of the cliff, her boots sinking into moist sand. Midnight. The time had come.
She held the flash drive in her coat. It felt heavier than it should. She had memorized the files—every name, every lie. But the drive itself was a key. A ticket. A threat.
Her phone buzzed.
“Walk down the path. Come alone.”
She turned to glance at the road behind her. No Damien. No backup.She had made sure of that.
“I’m coming, Isla,” she whispered, and stepped into the shadows.
---
The trail led to a small dock. A boat was waiting. Two masked men stood beside it. One held a gun, the other motioned for her to board.
“No weapons,” the man said.
Celeste lifted her arms and let them search
