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“There are two armed guards on the outside from what I can see. Lucky for us, they aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. One circles the building, leaving the other completely exposed. We’ll be able to disarm and disable without being heard. Unfortunately, the windows are blacked out, so I can’t see what’s happening inside.”

“No need,” Nelson cut in. “I hacked into the closest satellite and brought up the images from the last two hours. A total of eighteen people have entered the building, plus your two on the outside. Twenty in all.”

“Great work. Both of you,” Waverly replied. “Double-time it back here, Koen.”

Shayne shook her head. “How many laws did he just break with that stunt?”

“Only about a dozen.” She shrugged.

I was about to comment when a branch snapped somewhere behind us. As one, we spun, drawing our weapons. Nothing moved, but then Duncan came through the comms. “We’re a hundred yards to your south. Coming in fast.”

We?Even a newborn baby couldn’t keep Keaton grounded, I guess. Or his fiancée insisted he come. Either way, I was relieved when he and Duncan stepped out of the trees. The more firepower, the merrier, in my opinion.

The longer it took to make our move, the more anxious I became. It wasn’t as if we were waiting for reinforcements;we’d nixed that idea back at the office. Too much red tape to worry about. So what the fuck were we waiting for? I was about to ask just that when Waverly started talking.

“We’ll split into pairs. Shayne,” she pointed to the detective, “you’re with Duncan. Take down guard number one then locate a way inside. Koen and Keaton, you take the second guard and cover the back. Noah, you and I will breach from the front. Everyone has four minutes to get in position. I’ll give the word over comms and we’ll move in together. Any questions?”

With my Glock in hand, I glanced around at the people with me. There wasn’t anyone I’d rather have at my side. We were more than a team, more than friends. We were a family in the truest sense of the word, and we were missing a vital member. And when gunshots rang out from inside the building before Waverly gave the signal, we didn’t hesitate. Fuck the plan. Fuck waiting. We were getting her back by whatever means necessary.

15ASSHOLE SUPREME

Twenty minutesearlier

Lanie

It wasn’t until we were joined by the second SUV that true fear began to penetrate the calm I’d created in my mind. None of it had seemed real. At times, it was almost like I was hovering above the scene, watching it happen to someone else. Then we turned off the main road and reality––that nasty bitch––slapped me in the face. Zak was taking me to the man who’d ordered a hit on me. No, not Zak…Vlaschenko. Using his first name made him too familiar. I had to separate myself from the man so when the opportunity presented itself, I wouldn’t feel bad about kicking his ass before I arrested him.

“I lied to you.” He rubbed a hand over his chin. “Technically, I just didn’t give you the whole truth.”

“Spit it out, Vlaschenko. I’m getting the impression we’re close to our destination.”

“We’re back to using last names, huh?” I cocked my head to the side, pursing my lips. “Right. Bolotov took something of mine. I want it back.”

Thieveryamong thieves. What a novel concept. All of this over some stolen property? These men had more money than either could spend in two lifetimes. Why not just replace whatever it was and move the hell on. Unless it was something irreplaceable.

“What’d he take?”

“You’re asking the wrong question, Alaina.”

Definitely irreplaceable.

I rephrased. “Who’dhe take, Zakhar?”

Dipping his chin, the hard lines around his eyes softened a touch. “Prudence. My assistant.”

“You’re risking jail time for a member of your staff? I don’t buy it.” Then it hit me. My eyes widened. “You’re in love with her.”

“Nyet.”

“No? I call bullshit.”

“Boss.” The driver slowed the vehicle to a stop and my pulse began to gallop in my veins. “We’re here.”

“Spasibo, Emil.” He straightened his gray silk tie, then turned to me. “I’m afraid this is where our friendship ends, Agent Biggs.”

“We were never friends, Zakhar.”

“Perhaps one day, when this is all over, that will change.”

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