Page 89 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“We’re leaving.”

“What’s happening?” Jesse demanded, standing.

Cassidy didn’t answer—he had no time for questions.

Xander stumbled once but kept up.

Tech appeared in front of them, making a hole through the scattering crowd of employees.

“Starlight is mobile. Cover and evac. Slade, bring transport to rear connect point. Wheels hot.”

Slade’s voice came through for the first time, flat and steady. “Copy that. Vehicle moving.”

God had flown in their new driver that morning.

Slade was a retired Army sergeant with convoy experience, trained in evasive driving who specialized in high-threat transportation. Most of all he was a professional who understood and respected anonymity.

Tech lifted his voice as they exploded through the kitchen doors. “Clear the lane.”

People moved.

Cassidy kept Xander tucked close, his body between him and every opening.

Behind them, Jesse was still calling Xander’s name, but Cassidy didn’t slow.

They hit the rear exit and the black Suburban skidded to a sharp stop.

Cassidy got Xander into the back and climbed in beside him, crowding close as Tech took the front passenger seat.

Slade pulled out hard enough to throw Xander into his chest as he burned rubber out of the alley.

Xander was pale, his wide eyes sweeping the street, searching faces, every alleyway, and possible place danger could hide. His breaths came too fast, and his fingers kept twisting in Cassidy’s shirt, clinging without awareness, as if his body had chosen him as his anchor before his mind could catch up.

He caught Xander’s cheek and turned his face to him.

“Look at me.”

Xander’s gaze fought him for a second before he finally locked on.

“Everything’s fine,” he said. “We’re just being cautious.”

Xander swallowed.

“You’re okay.” Cassidy kept his voice even, leaving no space for doubt. “I promise.”

Xander gave him a shaky nod.

He slid his hand from Xander’s cheek to the back of his neck, keeping him steady. “Breathe with me.”

Xander lowered his gaze to his mouth and mimicked the way his lips moved.

He listened to the comms feed while he helped Xander calm down.

“Rabbit’s moving fast. Southbound on Vesper Lane.” Green reported, wind cutting through the line.

“Little bastard’s fast for a guy who skipped lunch,” Ruxs added.

“Don’t lose him, Green,” Free said. “He’s our only lead.”