We drive until the fuel gauge dips low, nerves still raw. Outside a silent stretch of farmland, we pull over near a dilapidated barn. We kill the lights, the car ticking as the engine cools.
Elena slumps back, running a hand through her disheveled hair. "We can't keep running on adrenaline alone. We need a plan."
I nod, rummaging in the glove compartment for our burner phones. "Did you see who was driving the SUV?"
She shakes her head. "No. But it has to be Vasquez's investigator—or one of his people." A shuddering breath escapes her. "He won't stop, Lucas."
I swallow hard, scanning the moonlit horizon. "We find a safe place, regroup. Maybe ditch the car soon. It's too identifiable."
Her eyes flick to the battered front fender, the fresh scrapes. "And then what? We just disappear forever?"
The question hangs, heavy. We're too deep to turn back. Outside, crickets chirp, oblivious to our crisis. I exhale slowly, still trembling. "Let's just get through tonight first. One step at a time."