Chapter 10: The Ambush at the Crossing
Realizing that hiding would only end in their eventual capture, Evelyn made a bold decision: they would bring Toby directly to the Federal District Court in the city center, surrounded by live media, ensuring Vanguard could not touch him in the dark.
They drove down the interstate at dusk, using back roads to bypass primary checkpoints. But five miles outside the city, two black armored trucks slammed into Marcus's vehicle, forcing them off the road into an abandoned concrete rail yard.
Dozens of Vanguard operatives poured out of the vehicles, weapons trained on the wreckage. From the lead vehicle stepped Raymond Cross himself, wearing a portable medical respirator, his face gaunt and ruthless.
"Bring the boy to me," Cross ordered his men coldly. "Shoot the others if they resist."
Marcus drew his weapon, preparing to fight to his last breath, while Evelyn shielded Toby behind an overturned steel crate.
"Mr. Cross!" Evelyn shouted over the roar of idling engines. "He's just a child! He isn't a machine you can drain to save yourself!"
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"He is the cure to death itself, Miss Vance," Cross rasped through his mask. "And I have no intention of dying."
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