Chapter 12: The Lines We Cross

The safe house felt quiet—almost too quiet—as Ava and Lucas sat with Daniel, finalizing their plan to contact David Foster. Ava’s heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation. She knew this was a turning point that could either lead them to safety or plunge them deeper into danger. Daniel set up the secure line, his fingers moving quickly over a small, encrypted phone. “This will mask your number and location,” he explained. “Foster’s paranoid; he won’t pick up if he thinks it’s a trap. It would help if you were careful, Lucas. Make him feel like this is his only way out.” Lucas nodded, his face tense with concentration. “I know him well enough. I hope he’s as desperate to get out as we are.” Ava watched Lucas closely, searching his face for any sign of doubt. She could see the strain etched in his features, the weight of their predicament pressing down on him. “Lucas,” she said quietly, “are you sure you’re ready for this?” Lucas turned to her, his expression softening. “I ha