
The rig growled back to life. Dan checked his mirrors—the SUV was already moving, sliding in behind his trailer like a shadow that had learned to drive.
He called dispatch on the hands-free. “Load breach, mile marker 214. Manifest discrepancy. Possible interference.” The line clicked, then went ominously quiet.
Finally a new voice came on—female, calm, unfamiliar. “Keep driving, Mr. Carter. Do not stop until exit 19.”
He stared at the rain-smeared road ahead and realized he had no idea who had just answered his call.