Page 88 of Secret Mission

"Justice, you good?"

He nods, a grin on his face. "Go with your girl. I'll be right behind you."

Halfway across the roof, a bullet whizzes past my ear.

Fuck. Where did that come from?

"Almost there," I grunt, muscles burning from running in a crouch. The next rooftop is only feet away. “Jump down as soon as you can.”

“Jump?”

She goes without hesitation.

I drop onto the roof next to her, grabbing her hand. A small wall offers us good cover this time.

"Now what?" Allison pants, tugging the gown down.

Justice appears, his eyes full of his SEAL-bred excitement.

“We cross this roof. See the water tower and beyond that...the cathedral? We’ll go to ground there."

Justice nods in understanding. "Underground, I bet. As in tunnels."

"Exactly." I check Allison's face for fear but find only determination. "We don’t have far to go, sweetheart."

She gives me a fierce grin. "I’m holding you to that. Lead the way, Tarzan."

God, I love this woman.

The cathedral's bell tower rises against the darkening sky, our salvation if we can reach it. But first we have to cross one more gap after the protective wall ends.

"Different approach this time," I tell Allison, eyeing the distance. "See that construction scaffolding?"

She nods, clutching the hospital gown closed as another gust of wind threatens to expose her. "Please tell me we're not?—"

"We are." I pull her close, speaking low and fast. "It's good cover. They won't expect it."

Justice checks his magazine. "I'm running low. Make it count."

Shouts grow closer. They could be on the roof or in the building now, heading up.

"Okay, change of plans." I tug Allison close.

She lets out a little gasp when I kiss her hard and fast.

"Justice, take her across the scaffolding. I'll create a diversion."

"No!" Allison grabs my arm. "We stay together."

"Baby, trust me. I'll meet you in the tunnels." I cup her face, memorizing every detail in a fraction of second. "Justice won't let anything happen to you."

"But—"

"Time's up!" Justice yanks her back as soon as the roof access door bursts open.

I open fire, forcing our pursuers to take cover. "Go! Now!"

Justice half-carries Allison to the scaffolding as I provide cover.

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