Chapter 15: The Chase
"Get in the car!" Samuel shouted.
The black sedan had barely reached the highway when Samuel threw open the police SUV's door.
"Maya!"
I didn't hesitate.
I climbed in beside him.
The engine roared to life.
Behind us, officers were still trying to control the chaos left by the explosion.
The traitor was getting away.
Samuel slammed his foot on the accelerator.
"We can't lose him."
The SUV shot onto the road.
Ahead of us, the black sedan weaved through traffic, disappearing between trucks and buses.
"He knows we're following him," I said.
"Good."
Samuel gripped the steering wheel tighter.
"I want him to know."
My phone vibrated.
An unknown number.
I frowned.
"Should I answer?"
Samuel didn't look away from the road.
"Put it on speaker."
I answered.
For a few seconds...
Only silence.
Then a familiar voice spoke.
"Maya."
Every hair on my body stood on end.
No.
It couldn't be.
The voice was calm.
Tired.
But unmistakable.
It was my brother.
"Listen carefully," he said.
"You don't have much time."
Tears blurred my vision.
"Where are you?"
"I can't tell you."
"Please... just tell me you're alive."
"I'm alive."
The words hit me like a wave.
My brother was alive.
"I've missed you every single day," I whispered.
"I know."
His voice cracked.
"I'm sorry."
A loud burst of static interrupted the call.
Then his voice returned.
"The officer you're chasing isn't the leader."
My heart sank.
"He's only the courier."
"What is he carrying?"
"The evidence."
"The evidence to what?"
A pause.
Then my brother said six words that changed everything.
"The proof that started this war."
Suddenly, the phone cut off.
"No!" I cried.
I called the number back.
Switched off.
At that exact moment, the black sedan ahead swerved sharply into an abandoned industrial estate.
Samuel smiled grimly.
"He just made a mistake."
The gates slammed shut behind the sedan.
But not before we slipped through.
Inside...
Twenty identical black cars were waiting.
Every engine started at once.
