The pilot, a woman with keen eyes and a ready smile, nodded as we approached. “Ready when you are, Mr. Mercer,” she said, confirming the connection between them that had been honed over years of trust and shared missions.

As I climbed aboard, my father’s hand steadying me, I glanced back at the building. The guard was still there, speaking urgently into a radio. It wouldn’t be long before Adrian realized I was gone. But by then, it would be too late.

Inside the jet, I sank into the plush leather seat, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of exhaustion. My father sat across from me, his expression softening as he watched me.