When they slipped out a rear exit into the narrow alley, Calder paused, scanning the darkness with quick, precise movements. Evan watched him silently, unnerved by how practiced he seemed. Calder seemed to know exactly what he was doing and where he was going.
Calder kept a grip on Evan’s sleeve, guiding him with quiet authority. “Stay close. Don’t wander. Don’t think you can outrun them,” he murmured. His words were meant to reassure, but they left Evan feeling trapped and dragged along by a man whose intentions were as unclear as ever.