Chapter 10 - The Last TransmissionThree months later.
A small, nondescript cabin nestled deep in the snow-covered pine forests of British Columbia stood quiet against the crisp morning air. Wisps of white smoke curled lazily from the stone chimney.
Inside, the living room was warm, filled with the gentle crackle of a wood-burning fireplace. Chloe and Mia were sitting on a thick woven rug by the hearth, happily coloring in their new picture books with bright crayons.
Elena stood by the kitchen window, holding a mug of hot coffee as she watched the snowflakes drift peacefully down through the evergreens. On the rustic wooden dining table behind her sat the battered brown suitcase, its lid propped open. Inside, sitting neatly beside the remaining stacks of cash, was a small, unmarked USB flash drive.
She had thought it was over. She had believed David was gone forever beneath the rubble of that underground bunker.
Until yesterday afternoon.
When a local courier had dropped off a plain white envelope containing a single, handwritten note and a secure receiver.
Elena walked over to the table, picking up the small digital receiver resting beside the flash drive. A small green light began to blink, accompanied by the faint, static-laced sound of a familiar voice breaking through the encryption.
"...If you're hearing this transmission, Elena, it means you and the girls made it safely across the border. I told you I'd find a way back to you."
Elena’s breath hitched. Her hand trembled as she brought the receiver closer to her ear, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Director Vance is gone—his slush fund was exposed to the international press this morning, and the agency has bigger problems than two ghosts hiding in the woods. I'm taking a long route home, darling. Keep the fire burning for me."
A sudden knock echoed softly at the front cabin door.
Elena froze. The coffee mug slipped from her fingers, shattering against the wooden floorboards as hot liquid splashed across her slippers.
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Chloe and Mia looked up from their coloring books, turning their heads toward the front entryway with curious, innocent eyes.
Elena slowly turned around, walking across the room with a heart hammering wildly against her ribs. She reached the heavy oak door, her hand trembling as she grasped the brass doorknob, turned it, and slowly pulled it open to reveal who was standing in the falling snow on the front porch.
