Jack’s shoulders tightened, his easy posture stiffening as his eyes flicked from the road ahead to the rearview mirror—and back again. His fingers adjusted on the steering wheel, grip firmer now, deliberate.
She leaned forward slightly. “Jack?”
He didn’t respond.
“Jack,” she said again, keeping her tone light even as unease crept in. “What’s wrong?”
His jaw worked once. “I don’t want to concern anyone. But I think we might have company.”
Andi followed his gaze to the mirror. A dark sedan cruised two lanes over, close enough that she could see the outline of the driver’s head.
When Jack eased back, the car matched their speed. When he sped up slightly, it stayed with them.
Her stomach tightened.
“Could be coincidence,” Simmy said.
“Could be,” Jack agreed, his gaze flicking to the rearview mirror again. “But I’ve made three lane changes, and he’s still there.”
Duke leaned forward between the seats, eyes sharp now. “You’re sure?”
Jack nodded. “Yeah, I’m positive.”
The sedan drifted closer.
Too close.
Andi’s pulse quickened. She forced herself to keep breathing, to memorize details the way she always did.
The driver wasn’t aggressive. Just persistent.
Jack glanced back. “What do you want me to do?”
Duke didn’t hesitate. “Take the next exit. Go slow. Don’t tip him off.”
Jack signaled and eased off the interstate.
The sedan followed.
The ramp curved down to a wide intersection, a red light waiting at the bottom as Jack rolled to a stop.
The sedan stopped beside them.
Andi’s breath caught.
Before she could say anything, Duke had already opened the door.
“Stay here,” he muttered.
Then he was out of the van, crossing the narrow strip of asphalt between lanes as the light held red.
Andi watched him, her heart pounding and every nerve alive.
She prayed he knew what he was doing.
Duke approached the sedan at a measured pace, hands visible, posture controlled.
The driver noticed him at the last second, and his eyes widened with panic.
