THE ECHOES OF BLOOD AND MARBLE

The armored Range Rover smashed through the chain-link perimeter fence of the airfield, sending galvanized steel and warning signs hurtling through the air. Marcus didn't slow down, steering directly across the open apron toward Hangar Four.

The private jet was approaching the runway threshold, its nose gear aligning with the centerline. Parked fifty yards behind it was the black SUV that had fled his home. Julian Kent stood near the open tailgate, holding an assault rifle at the low ready, guarding the perimeter while the ground crew finished clearing the taxiway.

Seeing Marcus’s vehicle charging across the tarmac, Julian raised the rifle and fired a controlled burst.

Rounds slammed into the Range Rover's reinforced windshield, spiderwebbing the ballistic glass but failing to penetrate. Marcus ducked instinctively, steering hard to the right. He slammed the bumper into the side of the idling SUV, sending it spinning across the slick tarmac.

Julian was forced to dive out of the way, rolling across the concrete before popping back to his feet, weapon raised.

Marcus kicked his door open, using the armored frame as cover, and returned fire with his Glock. Two heavy 9mm rounds struck Julian’s tactical vest, knocking the breath from the driver’s lungs and forcing him against the hangar wall.

Marcus advanced relentlessly, firing two more rounds that shattered the pavement at Julian’s feet, forcing him to drop his rifle.

""Where is the remote?!"" Marcus shouted over the screaming jet engines.

Julian spat blood onto the tarmac, coughing violently as he clutched his bruised ribs. He smiled through crimson-stained teeth. ""You're too late, Vance. The uplink is already completed. The signal will transmit when the jet crosses the altitude threshold.""

Marcus lunged forward, slamming Julian against the corrugated steel wall of the hangar, his pistol pressed firmly beneath Julian’s chin. With his free hand, Marcus ripped open Julian’s tactical vest, searching for the hardware.

He found it in an interior pocket—a modified radio frequency transmitter with a blinking green receiver lock.