Wu remains perfectly calm at the top of the embankment.
Black coat untouched by the storm somehow.
Sentinel operatives spread behind him in disciplined formation beside the SUVs.
Cold.
Controlled.
Waiting.
But then—
headlights appear behind Wu’s convoy.
Fast.
Too fast.
Every Sentinel operative reacts instantly.
Weapons pivot uphill.
Engines roar closer through the storm.
Three black SUVs tear around the corner above the riverbank at dangerous speed.
Gabriel goes completely still beside me.
Then—
“Hell yes!”
The SUVs slam sideways across the roadway, blocking the bridge entrance in a spray of water and screeching tires.
Doors explode open immediately.
Armed men pour out into the rain.
Not Sentinel.
These men move differently.
Looser.
Aggressive.
Personal.
Professional.
And every weapon they raise points directly at Wu.
The man stepping out first is massive.
Dark beard.
Bloody tactical vest.
