Luca reached down and pressed the master unlock button on the door panel.

A soft click echoed through the car.

“Go,” Luca said, his voice barely audible.

“But if Marcus turns around, I cannot stop him.”

I did not hesitate.

I grabbed the door handle and pushed it open, stepping out into the freezing wind.

The cold hit me like a physical blow, making my breath catch.

I closed the door quietly behind me and walked toward the side of the brick building, keeping the shipping containers between myself and Marcus.

My boots crunched softly on the snow, the sound covered by the wind.

I reached the corner of the building and looked back.

Marcus was still arguing with the guard, his gestures becoming more animated.

He had not noticed my escape yet.

I found a side door, its metal surface rusted and peeling.

I pushed against the handle, expecting it to be locked, but it gave way with a low groan.

I slipped inside, into the darkness of the lower hallway.

The air inside was cold and smelled of damp concrete and old oil.