Page 28 of Hostile Rival
The girl's muted scream comes again when he prods the gun to her cheek, digging it in hard. Killing this guy would make my fucking day.
I could do as he demanded and set my rifle on the floor, hoping Dani would take the shot over my shoulder. Then again, I’d expose her, which could get messy if this dumb fuck took a shot at my little firecracker. If that happened, I’d likely screw the mission by pumping a round into his ugly face and the girl would likely die too.
Anyway, given the lit blunt next door and his red eyes, he’s stoned. It means he’s not as sharp as me, and he’s probably susceptible to a touch of paranoia.
Thinking on my feet, I come up with a plan and smile inwardly to myself. He might not fall for it, but it’s worth a try.
“What are you waiting for?” he hisses, glaring right at me.
Keeping eye contact, I quickly move my gaze sideways a little and widen my eyes like I’ve seen something, all the while staring behind him. He fidgets for a second and then curiosity or instincts get the better of him.
In that split second of stupidity, I pull the trigger and blow his brains out.
Dani doesn’t say a word, but I do hear the hum of approval she makes.Yeah, little firecracker, I’m a smartass.
“We have the girl,” I confirm, knowing the comms would pick it up.
“Get her safe. This place is swarming. We’re on the move now,” Gator orders, calm and collected.
“There are hostiles everywhere.” Scorpion reports next, sounding buzzed. “The whole apartment block is enemy territory. I’m about to blow this place up. Everyone out. You’ve got four minutes.”
12
MATHEUS
Suddenly gunfire sounds from somewhere close by and the girl scrambles on her knees, trying to get away from me when I advance.
She freaks out the closer I get, probably because of my rifle or maybe it’s the balaclava I’m wearing. Her nostrils flare, strained screams cut up her throat, and she curls herself into a ball.
“It’s okay,” I tell her firmly, removing the fabric from her mouth and cutting off the cable ties cuffing her wrists.
It’s not the smartest move to let her hear my voice, but we have to get out of here immediately, and she needs to comply.
“It’s time to go. This place is about to explode. Do you understand me?”
She nods, her chest rising in bursts, breathing hard. “Who are you?”
“No one.” I grab her bicep and roughly haul her to her feet, noting how light and fragile she is.
By the look of her, I’d say she’s not a day under nineteen and if the girl wasn’t so terrified and manic, she’d probably be quite the little minx.
Out of the corner of my eye, Dani darts across the room and batters her rifle into the glass window, shattering it. Sunlight streams in and she takes a look outside.
Turning to us, she signals for me to follow her, smashes up jagged edges of glass still stuck in the frame, and climbs out.
“Please don’t hurt me.” The girl pleads as I force her to walk. “My father can pay you. He has money.”
I hold back a laugh. This pretty little señorita has no idea how rich I am or who my family is. My alternative persona is a breath of fresh air.
“Money won’t matter if we’re blown to pieces,” I mutter, peering out of the window and pinpointing Dani on the solarium of a neighboring apartment block. “See that soldier? We’re following them. Got it?”
The girl stares up at me for a second, her glistening brown eyes locking onto mine. “Okay,” she whispers, then swallows hard and obeys.
I follow behind, helping her navigate the flat roof until we have to jump onto the next building. It’s a long way down, but the gap separating the two apartment blocks is jumpable. I could do this with my eyes closed. The girl, however, hesitates and slams her hands over her face, hiding her eyes.
“I’m scared of heights,” she sobs.
Great, this is all I need. If I screw up the mission, failure would sit on my shoulders. Giovanni gets the job done every damn time. No matter what. I have to do the same.
