The masked leader returned an hour later, clearly expecting me to have changed my mind about cooperating. But I'd spent that time strengthening my resolve, not weakening it.

"Have you reconsidered?" he asked, his distorted voice carrying an edge of impatience.

"Show me proof first," I said coldly. "Then we'll talk about cooperation."

"I've already explained that transporting them would take time-"

"Then I guess we're at an impasse," I interrupted. "Because I'm not ...