Chapter 231: No Loose Ends

Chris sat in the back seat of the black SUV, fingers steepled as the city lights blurred past the tinted windows. The drive to Georgetown was quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the radio.

Cole sat beside him, reviewing the latest intel. "Ethan has eyes on her," he reported. "She's with Ava. They just entered a warehouse outside the city."

Chris didn't react immediately. He had expected Ava's involvement—Skylar was predictable when it came to trust. But Ethan being there first? That complicated things.

"Did Ethan say anything else?" Chris finally asked.

Cole's eyes flickered toward him. "No. Just that he's watching." A brief pause. "You don't think he'll hesitate again, do you?"

Chris exhaled slowly. He trusted Ethan's skills. But trust didn't mean patience. Not after what happened last time.

"If he does," Chris said, his tone calm but edged with finality, "I'll handle it myself."

The SUV slowed as they neared their destination—a quiet townhouse in Georgetown. Ava's last known location before she vanished with Skylar.

Chris glanced out the window. The house was dark. Empty. But it didn't matter.

Stepping out of the car, he adjusted his cuffs. Two men flanked him as he walked up the front steps. Cole moved ahead, picking the lock with practiced ease. Within seconds, the door swung open.

Chris entered first. The air inside was still. No signs of struggle. No signs of rush.

"They cleared out," Cole muttered, scanning the room. "No personal items. Nothing left behind."

Chris's gaze swept the space. Skylar had been here. But not anymore.

He moved toward the desk in the corner. Papers were neatly stacked, save for one—a folded note.

Chris picked it up, unfolding it slowly.

Two words stared back at him.

"Too late."

For a moment, Chris said nothing. The air in the room felt heavier.

Cole peered over his shoulder. "That for us?"

Chris exhaled through his nose, his lips curving slightly.

Amused.

Skylar thought she was ahead of him.

She wasn't.

Chris folded the note and slipped it into his pocket. "Get me a direct line to Ethan."

Cole nodded, already dialing.

Chris turned toward the door, stepping back into the night.

Skylar had bought herself time.

But time was running out.