*Thud.

The sound echoed louder than Ace expected

He froze the moment his feet hit the ground, breath caught halfway in his chest. His head snapped up, eyes scanning the perimeter beyond the high fence he’d just cleared.

He waited.

Seconds passed. No alarm, no hurried footsteps.

Nothing.

Only then did he move.

Ace took off toward the road, boots striking the pavement as he waved down the first car that came into view.

The vehicle slowed, hesitant, then rolled to a stop just as he reached it. ...