Reyes flipped a switch, and the static of the receiver filled the warm cabin of the SUV.

Through the speaker, we heard the rhythmic crunch of Jake’s footsteps.

My heart was beating in my throat.

The footsteps stopped.

A door squeaked open on the recording.

“You’re late,” a voice said. It was Logan.

“The roads are bad,” Jake’s voice replied, sounding hollow but steady.

“Did you bring the papers?” Walter’s voice cut in, cold and sharp.

“I have them,” Jake said.

There was a sound of paper rustling.

“Sit down, Jake,” Walter said. “Let’s put an end to this ridiculous circus.”

I held my breath, staring at the dark trailer in the distance.

The yellow light from its window seemed to flicker against the swirling snow.

Beside me, Reyes watched the audio levels bounce on his laptop screen.

Major Hayes kept her eyes on the road behind us, checking the mirrors.

“I want to make sure we are clear on the agreement,” Jake’s voice came through the speaker.

“There is no agreement,” Logan sneered. “You sign, and you disappear.”