Page 17 of The Enemy's Defector
“So, where are they now?” the other man asked as they still stomped around and opened doors. “At least having the captive here will put Anton in a better mood.”
“We can hope,” the first replied dryly. “Hold on.” The sound of his phone ringing followed. “Hello?” Once they walked around down there for another minute or so, it seemed that his call was done as he spoke again. “They want us up at the gate. One of the Romano bosses is showing up and Anton wants all hands on deck, just in case.”
I shook my head, confused how Anton would both seem to want the Romanos as allies but then always be so doubtful and paranoid enough to keep them at arm’s length.
The two men left, and I sank to the floor to open my laptop again. The chase was on. I was racing against time now. With what those two men said, I was more confident than ever that Nik had to be nearby, on this estate.
So long as the Romano men were at the front and serving as a diversion, I could hurry to find Nik once and for all.
Replaying their words, I modified the search to see what they were talking about. With these fresh clues, I could track better.
The cargo van coming through the east would show up at one of two service gates, so I hopped onto the security system totrack it there via the surveillance cameras. Following the cargo van all the way toward another abandoned house further to the south end of the estate property, I saw him. Nik was carried out and taken into a basement trap door off the side of the cabin-like house.
Nik!
Just seeing his body being carried was proof that he lived. It had to be. I refused to believe that he could be dead or severely wounded and unconscious.
I’m coming, Nik. I’m coming for you.
Counting on the guards to be at the mansion and addressing the Romanos who’d shown up, I shoved my arms through the sleeves of my black hoodie and shoved my things into my backpack. I had to make the run for it, and sticking to the shadows on this rainy night would have to give me the secrecy to reach him.
Once outside, I paused and scanned my surroundings for any sign of anyone nearby or watching. This house was so far back, I doubted anyone would be near with those two quickly stepping in to check it out. Yet, I was cautious and careful as I slipped through the wood line and aimed in the direction of the cabin where I saw Nik moved.
Rain fell steadily, soaking me, and I prayed that the waterproof promise of my backpack held up to keep my laptop safe. I’d purchased it just for this situation. Securing the straps as tightly as possible, I carried on and jogged through the thin woods toward the other building.
I reached it quickly, but I had to pause for a long moment behind trees to the side. Not only did I need to check for any watching eyes, but I also needed to catch my breath. I was winded, more than I usually might’ve been. Staying fit was something I committed to. But then again, I was more stressedthan I typically was. With this mad rush to rescue Nik and free him, I wasn’t calm enough to breathe properly.
The moment I felt strong and prepared, and also when it seemed like no one was watching this side of the house, I stepped forward and approached the side door. This entrance wasn’t the one Nik had been carried inside through, but I hoped it would be a slimmer point of egress where I’d only need to shoot one guard instead of two.
Water slicked my fingers as I held Dmitri’s gun up. I didn’t have many bullets left, but I’d made every one of them count.
Breathing in and out as steadily and evenly as I could manage, I put one foot in front of the other and stalked up to the door. Not once did I loosen my grip on the gun. I couldn’t. This was too risky. This was literally a fight to the death, and I was determined this rescue attempt wouldn’t end in mine. Or Nik’s.
This was it.
I was risking it all.
Not fulfilling that marriage arrangement was the first strike of defecting from Anton.
Killing Dmitri was the second strike of defying the family that was supposed to be mine.
And now, risking my life and preparing to fight and kill to free Anton’s captive? That would be the third and final strike.
I was done with my uncle.
I could never have any safety with him ever again here.
Now, more than ever, I was cutting all ties to the supposed leader of the Kozlov Family.
The real boss was my father, but he’d been taken too soon.
Stepping carefully through the cabin, listening for any sounds and tense for an ambush around each corner, I tried to reassure myself that what I was doing wasn’t wrong. That had my father lived, he would’ve approved of my saving Nik. That ifAnton hadn’t killed my father, he’d be proud of me for staying loyal to his old friends in the Ivanov family.
I was loyal to my father, the memory of him. Never my uncle.
Sneaking down the stairs after checking the first floor, I held my breath in longer bits, so nervous and wired up as I willingly crept deeper into the cabin space. It would be harder to have my back covered here. Anyone could catch me, behind me on the stairs down. Another exit point wouldn’t exist down here and I wouldn’t be able to just turn and run away to safety.
Entering the basement felt like tiptoeing into hell itself, but I didn’t waver.
