Ethan quickly checked the two knocked-out guards, cuffing them face-down and stripping them of their weapons, ammunition, and tasers. Jason immediately began scanning the perimeter.
"Let's see if there's anyone else," Jason murmured.
They checked the area; the construction site appeared empty again. Ethan turned to Jason. "You wouldn't happen to know how to operate that excavator, would you?"
Jason chuckled, the sound far more genuine than before. "Don't worry, Boss. I'll take care of it."
Ethan clearly noted the shift. Despite the subtlety, Jason was treating him with increasing respect, and now, he'd used the title "Boss." Ethan pretended not to notice.
They ran toward the excavator. Jason climbed into the cabin and quickly started the engine. The sound was deafening, amplified by the late-night silence.
