The heavy engine of the SUV roared to life, the exhaust filling the air with a grey cloud.

The vehicle backed up quickly, its tires screeching against the painted lines of the parking space.

We watched the red taillights disappear up the ramp toward the street level.

Koko finally lowered her phone, letting out a long, shuddering breath.

“Oh my god,” Koko said, grabbing my arm. “I actually thought that guy was going to shoot us.”

“Are you okay?” Andrew turned to me, his hands instantly reaching for my shoulders.

His palms were warm through my thin cardigan.

“I’m fine,” I said, though my voice sounded distant to my own ears. “Did she really break the encryption?”

Andrew walked over to the silver coupe and picked up the USB drive.

He looked at the small piece of plastic, his thumb rubbing over the metal connector.

“We need to go upstairs,” Andrew said. “We need to see what Julian actually took.”

We rode the elevator to the penthouse executive suite in silence.

The elevator walls were made of polished brass, reflecting our tired, pale faces.