~ Massimo ~
We parked the Escalade near the border in a quiet industrial lot, hidden behind some rusted shipping containers.
I called Andrej again. "Status?"
"They're still inside," Andrej said, sounding amused. "But the honeymoon phase is over. Looks like they're having some kind of argument. She's crying, he's looking at his watch. My guess? She wants him to leave his wife and he's giving her the usual lawyer talk."
"Good," I said. "Let them argue. It buys us time."
We left the Escalade and moved toward the main road. Instead of calling for one of our own cars and risking a tail, I flagged down a passing taxi.
The driver looked nervous seeing three men in tactical gear, his eyes darting to our waistbands where our pieces were tucked away.
I didn't pull a gun. Instead, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a thick bundle of hundred-dollar bills, dropping it into the center console.
"Just drive," I said. "And keep your mouth shut."
