At 2:55 PM, they stood in the living room with their bags. James and Novalee with hastily packed duffels. Greysen with their prepared bag. Mateo and Jackson finishing the explosive setup.
"Charges are set," Mateo reported. "Pressure plates on the door. Remote detonator as backup. When Dante's people breach, it'll take out anyone in the entryway and stairwell."
"Good." Carmen looked at the three of them. "Last chance. Once we leave, there's no coming back. Your old lives are over. Everyone you were dies tonight. Understand?"
They nodded.
"Good." Carmen gestured to the door. "Let's move. Van's waiting in the alley."
They filed out—Carmen first, then Mateo and Jackson flanking James, Novalee, and Greysen. Down the back stairs, not the elevator.
The alley was empty except for a black pan
