Chapter 21
DANTE
Something felt off from the moment we arrived at Ivanov’s house. I wasn’t sure what it was, but my senses were on high alert. This mission was too risky. I had a bad feeling about it, but I got into position, ready to move into the house on Remington’s signal.
“Ivanov’s not at the door,” Remington’s voice came through my earpiece. “We can’t locate him.”
Apparently, my instincts had been right. Had Ivanov gotten word of our plan and fled, or was he just playing with us?
“I don’t like this,” Remington said. “Go ahead and move inside. Your primary mission is to find Ivanov.”
Rafe and I exchanged a signal to confirm I was going upstairs while he stayed down.
I started searching, opening doors, clearing rooms. An alarm went off, screeching through the house, and two men came running up the stairs.
I shot the one in front. He fell backward into the other, and both of them tumbled down the stairs.
Neither of them moved, so I continued my search of the upstairs.
A few moments later, I heard someone else racing up the stairs. I moved into an alcove, crouched, and waited.
When they were close, I leaned into the hallway, ready to take a shot, but they were faster.
The blast knocked me back. I slammed into the wall behind me, then crumpled to the ground.
A few seconds passed before I felt any pain.
When my arm began screaming in agony, I realized I had been hit.
The man was still there, watching me. I didn’t move.
I tried not to breathe. I needed him to be convinced I was dead or at least out of commission for now.
When I heard his footsteps retreating, I scooted myself toward the closest door and opened it with my good arm. I prayed no one was in the room, but I had to risk it. I was too vulnerable in the hall, so I needed a place to hide.
Blood poured down my arm as I dragged myself into the room, too dizzy to even think about standing. I was barely able to keep my eyes focused.
You can do this.
I crawled on my knees, using my good arm to move myself along. Thankfully, the room was empty. I closed the door behind me, fumbled with the lock, then reached for my phone. My eyes wouldn’t focus on the screen.
Call someone. You need to make contact.
I managed to get my phone out of my pocket.
Remington. Call Remington.
When my phone unlocked, a text screen came up—my conversation with Rafe. The words went in and out of focus. I looked at the keyboard and typed an H.
Keep going.
Then an E. The letters wavered. L. I tried to find the P, but everything was black. My vision was gone, and then there was nothing.