Chapter 21 - The Phantom Identities
The Canadian border checkpoint emerged from the morning mist like a lonely fortress. Daniel slowed the battered SUV, his heart hammering a steady, warning rhythm against his ribs. He had spent the last two hours meticulously applying medical glue and bandages to his arm, changing out of their blood-soaked tactical gear, and preparing their cover.
"Remember," Daniel whispered, handing Valeria a pristine, forged passport. "You are Victoria Vance. I am David. We are relocating to Vancouver for my architectural firm. Stay calm. Let me do the talking."
Valeria nodded, taking a deep breath to steady her racing pulse. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, playing the part of an exhausted, pregnant wife perfectly.
The border guard, a stern-faced woman in her fifties, approached the window. She scanned the passports, her eyes darting between the glossy photos and their bruised, exhausted faces.
"Rough night, Mr. Vance?" the guard asked, noting the dark circles under Daniel's eyes.
"Black ice on the interstate," Daniel lied smoothly, offering a sheepish, weary smile. "Spun out into a guardrail about fifty miles back. Scared us half to death, especially with the baby on the way."
May you like
The guard softened slightly, glancing at Valeria's swollen stomach. She stamped the passports and handed them back. "Drive safe, folks. Welcome to Canada."
As the barrier lifted, Daniel drove forward, the heavy steel of the SUV rolling into foreign territory. They had officially ceased to exist.
