Page 36 of Close Protection

She added wood to the fire, the practical activity masking her heightened awareness as she scanned the tree line through small gaps in the curtains. The morning light revealed fresh tracks in the mud—not animal, too deliberate. Someone had circled the cabin during the night, staying just inside the tree line where the cabin's roof would shield them from the rain.

Professional. Patient. Well-trained.

"Morning." Ivy's voice, rough with sleep, came from behind her.

Julia turned, careful to keep her expression neutral. "Storm's finally passed." She moved to the kitchenette, putting the coffee on. "The road might be clear enough for Morgan's supply run by noon."

Ivy stretched, wincing slightly as stiffmuscles protested. "Please tell me there's hot water for a shower."

"Should be. The tank's small but the propane system seems intact." Julia's eyes returned to the window, catching a slight movement at the edge of the clearing. "Take your time. We're not going anywhere yet."

Ivy studied her, head tilted slightly. "Something's wrong."

Julia hesitated. Ivy was observant, more so than most witnesses she'd protected. Trying to shield her from the truth would only create distrust.

"We have company," she said quietly, handing Ivy a mug of coffee. "Morgan sent a warning. Someone's watching the cabin."

To her credit, Ivy didn't panic. Her fingers tightened around the mug, but her voice remained steady. "Knox's people?"

"Most likely. The movement pattern suggests military or specialized law enforcement background—consistent with what we know about his security detail."

"What's the plan?" Ivy asked, moving away from the window as Julia had subtly directed.

"We prepare. Quietly." Julia took adeliberate sip of her coffee, maintaining an appearance of routine while her mind categorized priorities. "Take a shower. I'll start gathering essentials. When you're done, we'll talk strategy."

Ivy nodded, understanding the need for normalcy. "They can see the cabin. They'll know if we suddenly start running around."

"Exactly. We maintain routine while preparing to move." Julia met her gaze directly. "We've trained for this."

The impliedwewasn't accurate—Ivy had no tactical training—but the connection it created was deliberate. They were in this together. A team. The distinction between protector and witness blurring under immediate threat.

Ivy disappeared into the bathroom. The shower started moments later, water rushing through old pipes, providing cover noise for Julia's preparations. She moved methodically through the cabin, gathering essential supplies: weapons, ammunition, communication devices, emergency rations. Everything went into the go-bags she'd prepared during the night, packed for maximum efficiency with minimal weight.

She checked her service weapon. The loaded magazine slid home with a satisfying click, the sound grounding her in the present moment. This was familiar territory—threat assessment, tactical response, protection protocols. The emotional complexity of her connection with Ivy receded before the clarity of immediate danger.

Julia returned to the window, systematically scanning the tree line sector by sector. The shadow she'd glimpsed had vanished, but she knew they were still out there. Watching. Waiting. Patient predators stalking cautious prey.

The satellite phone vibrated again. Another message from Morgan:Backup thirty minutes out. Assets in position to intercept.

Julia frowned. Morgan had deployed department resources, which meant involving others, creating potential vulnerability if the leak extended beyond what they'd identified. But they needed the support. Two against an unknown number of Knox's professionals weren't odds she liked.

The shower stopped. Julia pocketed the phone and continued her preparations, keeping her movements casual in case theywere being observed through the windows. She'd just finished securing the second go-bag when Ivy emerged, hair damp but fully dressed.

"They're still out there?" Ivy asked, voice low.

Julia nodded once. "At least two, possibly more. Morgan's sending backup, but they're thirty minutes out."

"Will they wait that long?" Ivy's analytical mind was already calculating probabilities.

"Depends on their orders." Julia gestured for Ivy to take a seat away from the windows. "They've been watching long enough to establish our routine. If they were under orders to eliminate immediately, they would have moved during the night."

"So they're gathering intelligence."

"Most likely. Confirming your identity, assessing security measures, mapping approach routes." Julia's eyes never stopped moving, constantly monitoring the tree line even as she spoke. "Knox wants to be certain."

"How do we get out of here?" Ivy asked, the practical question grounding them both.

"The concealed exit in the bedroom, thendown the ravine." Julia crossed to her equipment bag, extracting what looked like a handheld radio. "This is a personal locator beacon. If we get separated, activate it. Morgan will find you."

---