The rumbling of heavy engines filled the air as five JLTV Oshkosh vehicles maneuvered into position, encircling the battered Ford Territory, cutting off all possible escape routes.
Inside the SUV, Erica gripped the seat, her breathing shallow.
"We're trapped," she muttered, her eyes darting between the towering vehicles.
Thomas, however, remained unnervingly calm, his expression unreadable as he watched the military convoy tighten their formation.
"What the hell is this?" Erica's voice edged toward panic. "Are these guys enemies? Are we about to get shot?"
Thomas didn't answer immediately. Instead, he studied the approaching lead JLTV as its passenger door swung open.
A man clad in tactical gear, carrying a HK416, stepped out. His confident stride, relaxed posture, and easy smirk gave Thomas all the confirmation he needed.
Phillip.
The moment their eyes met, Phillip rapped his knuckles against the cracked driver's-side window.
