Page 28 of Whisper

“It’s the only answer you’re getting.”

Passenger side mirror: silver sedan, three cars back, different from the SUV, but maintaining similar surveillance patterns. Two vehicles. Coordinated pursuit. Phoenix has upgraded from single-team operations to multi-vehicle tracking.

Shit.

“You’re impossible,” she mutters.

“You’re alive. That’s what matters.”

“Is that your solution to everything? Reduce it to survival basics?”

“When people are trying to kill you? Yes.”

Driver-side mirror: black SUV has moved up another position. Silver sedan maintaining distance. Professional box formation designed to prevent evasive maneuvers.

This just became significantly more complicated.

“Cooper—”

“Quiet.”

My hands tighten on the steering wheel as I process my tactical options. The highway ahead offers limited exit opportunities. The surface streets provide better maneuverability but increased exposure to civilians. The safe house location remains secure, but leading our pursuit directly there compromises any future operations.

I need to lose the tails before proceeding to the extraction point.

“What’s wrong?” Dr. Wren’s voice carries new tension. Smart enough to read body language changes.

“Possibly nothing.”

“That sounds like definitely something.”

Rearview mirror: the black SUV is closing distance again. The silver sedan is moving up two lanes over. It’s a classic pincer movement in preparation for an intercept. They’re not following anymore. They’re getting ready to attack or make their move.

My cock finally starts to soften as adrenaline redirects blood flow to more essential systems. About fucking time.

“Buckle your seatbelt.”

“It is buckled.”

“Tighter.”

Her hands move to the belt automatically, adjusting the strap across her chest. The motion draws my attention to her breasts again, and I force my gaze back to thetraffic.

Focus. Professional distance. Client safety.

“Cooper, you’re scaring me.”

“Good. Scared keeps you alive.”

Driver-side mirror: the silver sedan is accelerating. The black SUV is matching its speed. They’re no longer maintaining surveillance intervals—they’re moving into active pursuit configuration.

Two teams. Multiple vehicles. This is a coordinated operation.

Phoenix has definitely upgraded its tactics since Ryan and Celeste’s extraction. This isn’t random assassination—it’s systematic elimination with military precision.

Dr. Eliza Wren just became significantly more valuable than our initial intelligence suggested.

And I just became responsible for keeping her alive against odds that are multiplying by the minute.