Page 14 of Close Protection

The hallway was clear. Julia led the way to the service elevator at the far end, positioning herself slightly ahead of Ivy, one hand resting near her holstered weapon. Every movement was calculated, every sense heightened.

The elevator doors opened to reveal an empty car. Julia entered first, scanning the corners before gesturing Ivy in. As the doors closed, she noted how Ivy automatically positioned herself in the corner with the best sightlines, a small but telling indication that she was taking the situation seriously.

"The garage connects to a service alley," Julia explained as they descended. "Detective Rivers has secured a vehicle there. Once we're mobile, we'll take an indirect route to the new location."

Ivy nodded, cradling her coffee cup with both hands. "How long will this last?"

"The grand jury is scheduled in three weeks."

"That's not what I meant." Ivy's eyes met hers in the elevator's mirrors. "How long will I be looking over my shoulder? After I testify, after Knox is indicted—does it ever end?"

The question revealed a vulnerability that Ivy had kept carefully hidden until now. Julia considered her answer carefully, weighing honesty against reassurance.

"The threat diminishes significantly once Knox is in custody," she said finally. "But people like him have long memories and longer reach."

"So that's a no."

"That's a 'different,'" Julia clarified. "Right now, you're an immediate threat to his freedom and his organization. Later, you'll be one of many witnesses who helped put him away. The calculus changes."

The elevator slowed as they reached the garage level. Julia shifted position, placing herself between Ivy and the opening doors.

"Stay behind me," she murmured as the elevator chimed.

The doors opened to reveal the dimly lit parking garage. Julia scanned methodically: support pillars, parked vehicles, shadows where someone might conceal themselves.Nothing seemed out of place, but the prickling at the back of her neck—an instinct honed through years of training—told her to remain alert.

Morgan waited beside a dark blue sedan, her posture casual but her eyes constantly moving. She straightened as they approached.

"All clear," she reported. "Vehicle's clean, route mapped."

Julia nodded. "We'll take it from here. Check in when you can, but maintain protocols."

"Will do." Morgan's gaze shifted to Ivy. "Dr. Monroe, good luck. Remember what we discussed."

Ivy nodded, the ghost of a smile touching her lips. "I'll try to be patient."

"That'll be the day," Morgan muttered, throwing Julia a sympathetic look as she handed over the keys.

As Morgan departed, Julia opened the passenger door for Ivy, scanning the garage one more time before rounding to the driver's side. The routine was so familiar it was almost comforting. She settled behind the wheel, started the engine, and eased the cartoward the exit.

Beside her, Ivy sat rigidly, her attention fixed on the side mirror. "Is someone following us standard procedure or cause for alarm?"

Julia's gaze flicked to the rearview mirror. A black SUV had pulled out two cars behind them, keeping pace. "Depends on the vehicle."

"Black SUV, tinted windows. It was parked three spaces down when we entered the garage."

Julia's hands tightened on the steering wheel. Ivy's observation was precise, exactly what someone in her position should be noticing. The fact that she'd spotted it before Julia herself registered it was both impressive and concerning.

"Could be nothing," Julia said, keeping her voice calm as she turned. "Could be something. We'll find out."

She deliberately took the first right turn, then another, watching as the SUV followed the same pattern. Adrenaline began to hum through her veins, the familiar cocktail of focus and readiness that preceded action.

"It's following us, isn't it?" Ivy asked quietly.

Julia nodded once, already calculating routes and countermeasures. "Looks that way."

"What's the plan?"

"First, we confirm it's not coincidence." Julia made another turn, this one unexpected and against traffic flow. The SUV hesitated, then followed. "And now we know."

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