For a fraction of a second after Gale spoke, no one moved.
He's already inside.
The words did not feel like a warning.
They felt like a conclusion.
Vanessa reacted first.
"Lock the perimeter," she said sharply into her radio. "All exits. No one leaves, no one enters."
Marco was already moving, his voice cutting into another channel as he signaled the guards.
"East wing breach protocol. Full sweep. Nobody assumes anything is clear."
The calm of the previous hour shattered instantly.
Footsteps echoed across the courtyard as guards shifted positions. Doors slammed shut. Metal locks engaged with heavy, final sounds that traveled through the estate like distant thunder.
Vanessa turned toward the mansion.
"We split."
Gale shook his head.
"No."
Vanessa frowned.
"We don't have time to stay together."
Gale's voice remained calm, but firm.
"That's exactly why we don't separate."
Marco let out a quiet breath.
"I'm with him on this one."
Vanessa hesitated for only a moment.
