Page 43

“When there's a reason.”

“Comforting.”

I reach across the console and rest my hand briefly over hers.

She glances down.

Doesn't pull away.

My chest tightens.

Then Vex's voice comes through the vehicle's hands-free system.

“Dark SUV behind us. Been holding the same distance since we left town.”

My hand returns to the wheel.

“Same one from the cabin?”

“Could be. Can't confirm.”

Madison straightens.

“What is it?”

“Possible tail.”

She turns to look through the rear window.

A dark vehicle is several cars back.

“Could be a coincidence,” she says.

“Could be.”

Neither of us believes it.

Grim comes over the connection.

“Vex, confirm before we make a move.”

“Working on it.”

We take the next turn.

The dark SUV follows.

Another turn.

Still there.

Vex's voice hardens.

“Confirmed. He's following our vehicle.”

Grim doesn't hesitate.

“Striker, take the left. Vex, with him. Hound, cover the junction. Torch, you've got the side road after the bridge. Go straight to the house.”