Page 157 of Stolen Empire
She smiles, small and tentative.
"Then I'm ready."
25
KATYA
Iwake to the sound of raised voices outside.
At first, I think I'm dreaming.
But then I hear the sharp crack of gunfire, and my eyes snap open.
I throw off the blanket and scramble to the window, pressing myself against the wall as I peer through the glass.
Two cars have pulled up to the front of the safehouse, doors thrown open.
Men are spilling out with weapons in their hands.
I count six, maybe seven.
They're moving fast, spreading out across the yard, using the trees for cover.
Behind them, more headlights cut through the darkness and I know these half dozen aren't alone.
Alarms blare inside the safehouse.
Vetrov guards rush to the windows, returning fire.
Bullets punch through the glass, and I drop to the floor, my heart hammering in my chest.
I hear Dimitri's voice from somewhere in the house, barking orders, and then his footsteps pounding down the hallway.
The door to my room slams open.
He's there, gun in hand, his face dark with fury.
"Get up," he snaps.
"Now."
I scramble to my feet, and he grabs my arm, dragging me out of the room.
Gunfire is everywhere now, a constant roar that makes my ears ring.
Plaster explodes from the walls as bullets tear through the safehouse.
Glass shatters, raining down around us.
"How did they find us?"
I shout over the noise.
"I don't know."
He pulls me down the hallway, staying low.
"But we need to move. Now."
