Page 94 of Bride of Vengeance
"It's starting," Boris observes. "Whatever they planned, it's starting."
I watch the vehicles converge on our position. Pavel's men from one direction, federal agents from another. We're caught in the middle—exactly where they want us.
"Boris, take half your men and intercept Pavel's reinforcements. Alexei, can you handle the FBI?"
"Without killing them?"
"Preferably."
"I'll do my best."
"And us?" Mariana asks.
"We go in. Together. But my way."
"Which is?"
"The way Ghost would. Silent, invisible, and ready to kill if necessary."
She checks her weapon. "I can work with that."
We move through the woods surrounding the estate, using paths I memorized from satellite footage. The sounds of engagement echo behind us—Boris and Alexei buying us time.
The house looms ahead, lit up like a beacon. Through the windows, I can see Harrison pacing in what looks like Pavel's study. Pavel himself stands by the fireplace, more scarred than ever from his river escape.
"Second floor window," I whisper. "Old servant's entrance. Likely unguarded."
We scale the wall using skills I taught her over the past week. She moves quietly despite her injury, determined and focused. The window opens easily—Pavel's arrogance leaving vulnerabilities.
Inside, the house smells like old money and older blood. The Volkov family built their fortune on suffering, and it permeates the walls.
"Harrison's below us," Mariana breathes. "I can hear him."
We move toward the stairs, then freeze. Voices, getting closer.
"—told you he'd come," Pavel is saying. "Ghost can't resist playing hero."
"He's not playing," Harrison responds. "He actually believes this noble bullshit. Him and that turned agent."
"She's not turned," Pavel laughs. "She's in love. Makes her stupid, predictable."
I feel Mariana tense beside me. I touch her arm—wait.
They pass below us, heading toward the front of the house. We follow, like shadows in their own base.
"The FBI units will arrest Morozov's men," Harrison continues. "My people will claim they were defending the estate from criminal invasion."
"And Ghost?"
"Dies resisting arrest. Tragic but necessary."
"The woman?"
"Haven't decided. Could be useful alive. Pregnant federal agent turned by a criminal—that's a story that sells. Or she dies with him. Romeo and Juliet, Russian-style."
They enter the study. We position ourselves outside, listening.
"You know what I love about this?" Pavel says, and I can hear him pouring drinks. "They think they're so smart. The warehouse trap, the recordings, bringing their little army. But they never considered we wanted them to come here."
