We proceed ahead, and I don’t think about the fact that I just killed for the first time. I don’t think of how naturally it came. Or how easy it was. Or how I just not only killed one but two people.
No, I don’t think of it at all. I purge it from my mind.
“Another one,” Kirill says.
I don’t think. I just shoot.
By the time we make it to the front of the house, I’ve killed five men.
Don’t think about it, Imogen. Don’t think about it.
“Forget me saying you have Russian blood. You kill and think too much,” he quips.
“Are you insulting me right now?” I whisper, yell.
He cackles. “Got your mind off killing, didn’t it?”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“Part of my charm.”
I disagree but keep my mouth shut. I only roll my eyes in response, which seems to amuse him further.
Reaching in his pocket, he retrieves the key to his rental. He unlocks it, and I open the door to the back seat. It’s small, but it will have to do.
With a gentler approach this time, Kirill lays him down on the backseat. Rico opens his mouth in a silent scream.
“Keep an eye on him. I have to go back for ma.”
He gives me an unsure look. “You could go in and not come back.”
“I can’t leave her behind.”
He nods his head as if he understands, but I know he doesn’t. “Like I said, this is where your heart makes you stupid.”
“I know, but I would never forgive myself if I left her here. What if it was your ma? What would you do?”
“Be stupid like you.”
His answer stuns me. Leave it to a psychopath to care for at least one person.
“Is that the only weapon you have?” I nod my head. He pulls out a gun from one of his holsters and hands it to me. “In case you need another.”
“Thank you,” I say, baffled.
“Eh, don’t ever mention it. Okay?”
“Okay.”
With another gun from an unlikely temporary ally, I set back inside to rescue ma so we can all make our escape.
CHAPTER 44
Imogen
As I cross the threshold I know immediately something is wrong.
It’s too still. Too quiet.
