The sky was still dark when they left.
Not the soft darkness of night—but the cold, thinning kind that came just before dawn.
The world hadn't fully woken up yet.
And maybe that was for the best.
The engine hummed quietly as the car rolled out of the gates.
Noah was driving.
Of course he was.
Hands steady on the wheel.
Eyes focused.
Expression unreadable.
Aiden sat in the passenger seat.
Arms crossed.
Silent.
Not because he had nothing to say—
But because there was too much.
Behind them, another car followed at a distance.
Matthew's plan.
Backup.
Invisible, but present.
Vinny was in that car.
Along with two men Noah didn't recognize—but trusted anyway.
Matthew didn't send just anyone.
"You're gripping the wheel too tight."
Aiden's voice cut through the silence.
Noah didn't look at him.
"I'm fine."
Aiden glanced at his hands.
"…you're not."
Noah loosened his grip slightly.
"Better?"
Aiden shrugged.
"Marginally."
Silence settled again.
