Alice’s connection to Julia shattered as Xavi hit the floor. She’d been too slow, absorbed in the president’s plan, but now she acted. She scissored out her arms, the ropes cutting tight seams across her skin as the heavy antique chair exploded. Her guard was fast, with modifications like hers, but she ducked his blow and used her legs as pistons to drive her fist through his chest. He still fought, hands clubbing her head, so she twisted him to the ground and pulled free. The second guard ran at her.