The southern district's streets blurred into indistinct shapes as Oziel pushed his Flash Step to its absolute limits, Helena secured in his arms while his enhanced perception tracked their destination. The broadcasting station loomed ahead, perhaps four streets remaining before they could reach it and complete their mission.
But behind them the pursuit had shifted, Bowman's casual following transforming into serious chase as the assassin apparently decided reconnaissance was complete. His Shadow Step activated with frequency that matched Oziel's own movement technique, the gap between them closing with mathematical precision.
"He's done playing," Oziel said, his voice tight with recognition of changing circumstances. "We're not reaching the station before he catches us, he's been letting us run to evaluate my stamina and now he's moving to end this."
"Then what do we do?" Helena asked, her journalist's pragmatism cutting through panic that less experienced people might have felt.
