The black sports utility vehicle glided quietly down the smooth highway that wound its way towards City D, slicing through great expanses of countryside and early morning mist. Inside the vehicle, the mood was peaceful, the silence punctuated by gentle instrumental music drifting from the in-car speakers. Outside, the sun was just beginning to rise, bathing the horizon in warm golden light.
Augustin was driving, eyes on the road, hands steady. His normally keen expression had relaxed slightly. Beside him in the front passenger seat was Adrian, wrapped in a cream cashmere sweater, scrolling through something on his tablet — notes, security feeds, coordinates.
In the rear seat, Ethan sat with the one Bluetooth earbud inserted and the other in its case, his tablet perched on his knees. He was on a video conference call, smiling and mumbling quick affirmations to a line of suited men on the screen.
