Chapter Three: Wheels and Deals

                                    

                                          
Chapter Three: Wheels and Deals
The police transport hummed steadily through the labyrinthine streets of Haven, its sleek hovercraft design navigating the bustling city with a low, steady thrum. Inside, Nova sat with her hands cuffed in front of her, her silver-grey eyes darting between the passing neon lights and the imposing figure of Inspector Lydia Kane at the wheel. Jax sat beside her, his usual air of nonchalance replaced by a tense anticipation.
Kane's jaw was clenched in frustration as she navigated the hovercar through the chaotic traffic. The neon-lit streets of Haven cast an eerie glow inside the vehicle, reflecting off the polished surfaces and highlighting the gleam of the metal handcuffs restraining Nova and Jax.
Jax leaned closer to Nova, his voice barely a whisper. "Got a plan?"
Nova's smirk was barely perceptible, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she glanced at the side mirror to check Kane's attention. "Always."
Kane glanced back at them through the rearview mirror, her gaze steely. "Keep it down back there. You two are in enough trouble as it is."
Nova leaned back, feigning compliance, but her mind was already racing. The city blurred past them as they approached the central police precinct, the hovercar's smooth ride contrasting with the tense atmosphere inside.
Suddenly, the hum of the engine faltered, and the hovercar began to sputter. Lights on the dashboard flickered ominously, and the vehicle coasted to an abrupt stop. Kane cursed under her breath, slamming her palm against the steering wheel in frustration as she futilely attempted to restart the engine.
"What the hell?" Kane muttered, frustration etched into every line of her face.
Before Kane could react, the doors to the back seat swung open with a sharp click. Nova burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the confined space of the vehicle.
"Thanks for the lift, Kane!" Nova's voice held a mocking edge as she and Jax darted out of the car and into a nearby alley, disappearing swiftly into the labyrinthine alleys of Haven's underbelly.
Kane pounded her fist on the steering wheel in frustration, her frustration palpable. "Damn it, Vance!"
Nova and Jax ran through narrow alleyways, their footsteps echoing against the crumbling walls. The scent of oil and smoke mixed with the faint aroma of street food hung heavy in the air, a testament to the city's vibrant yet dangerous atmosphere. They weaved through the maze of darkened passages, every turn a calculated risk that brought them closer to freedom.
As they found a moment of relative safety, Nova slowed her pace, chest heaving as she caught her breath against the cold brick wall. She glanced at Jax, a mix of relief and adrenaline in her eyes.
"Too close," Jax said, wiping sweat from his brow, his grin wide despite their precarious situation.
Nova chuckled breathlessly. "Close enough. Now, let's get these cuffs off."
Jax produced a slender lockpick from his jacket pocket, his fingers working swiftly to free Nova's wrists and then his own. The cuffs clattered to the ground, a satisfying echo of regained freedom in the dimly lit alley.
Leaning against the wall, Nova regarded Jax with admiration. "How did you manage that, Wires?"
Jax's grin widened, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Hacked into the hovercar's system before we even got in. Just needed the right moment to trigger it."
Nova shook her head in admiration. "Impressive. Now, we need to lay low. Cortez won't forget tonight, and neither will Kane."
A faint beep interrupted their conversation, drawing Jax's attention to a handheld device in his pocket. He frowned, tapping the screen to disable the tracking signal.