Page 90 of Burdens
I checked my gun, slamming the clip back before slipping the gun into my waistband, and grabbed my dagger while the others strapped their own weapons.
Kai cleared his throat, offering a brief apology. “Right, so on your way to the back, there are currently four of Barrera’s men on what appears to be their breaks. Valentina is now on her way to take care of them, so you’ll know when to move in.”
The sun was already down and provided us with more coverage as we headed toward the back of the property. We took cover behind vegetation and spotted the four men Kai was referring to.
One moment they were engaged in an animated conversation, cigarettes in hand, and the next, a bullet sliced in the air, taking two of them out. Their bodies slumped to the ground and before the other two could reach for their weapons or even realize what was happening, another bullet brought them down.
Eerie silence hung in the air before a roaring crash reverberated near the entrance, followed by shouting and gunfire cutting through the air.
This is our cue.
“Let’s go,” my voice roared over the sound of the ensuing chaos.
We ran, closing the distance between us and the pile of corpses splayed on the ground. I crouched down, swiftly rummaging through their pockets until I found the set of keys I was looking for.
I motioned for the others to follow and guided them toward the side where a large metal door stood.
Only the guards used it for their smoking breaks since Barrera didn’t like people doing so in the house or anywhere near it since it ‘polluted the air.’
Like that’s what was polluting the space.
“Clear,” Kai informed us. “Everyone is rushing toward the front. I count about twenty men and they’re packing.”
Using the keys, I quickly unlocked the door and pushed it open. We trickled into the courtyard, the screaming and crackle of gunfire much clearer now.
I whipped around to face them, my voice cutting through the cacophony. “We need to split up,” I ordered.
“No,” Noah said through gritted teeth. “It’s better if we all stay together.”
“There are too many men out front and Nassim’s guys will need help,” I explained in a hurry. “You and Jamal take the front, Nassim and I will take the house.”
“Amalia, no,” he protested. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
I placed a reassuring hand on his arm and met his gaze. “We don’t have time to go back and forth. Just trust me, okay?”
He groaned. “Fine, but just know I’m pissed that you’re making me do this.” He slammed a harsh kiss to my lips. “You better not let anything happen to you.”
“I’d like to see them try,” I huffed out, attempting to lighten the mood and defuse the apprehension radiating from him.
He managed a small smile, shaking his head before aiming a glare at Nassim. “She can handle herself, but I’ll shoot you if anything happens to her.”
Nassim gave him a curt nod, but just before we split, Noah grasped my elbow and leaned down to whisper, “My father won’t be out there with his men; he’ll be hiding inside like the coward that he is.”
“I had the same thought.”
“When you reach the top floor, push the oil painting with his portrait,” he instructed.
My brows furrowed at that.
I knew what he was referring to, but I didn’t understand why he was telling me about the large oil painting of Barrera that was at the end of the hallway on the same level where my room and some of the other guards’ rooms were located. I always found it quite obnoxious that he had such a large portrait of himself, but not surprising.
“That’s the main entrance to the concealed passageways that span the house.” Noah clarified, seeing the confusion on my face. “Use them to hide, and you might even find him somewhere in there.”
I nodded. “Meet us in the basement cell when you guys are done.”
There was a moment of hesitation before I said, “Be safe. I?—”
“Listen, we don’t have all day,” Nassim interrupted, urging us on.
