"Still not interested."
"The woman. Dr. Durand." The Russian's voice carries casual menace. "He's willing to pay very well for the scientist who created the delivery system. Dead or alive. Preferably alive."
Ice floods my veins.
Behind the counter, Isabella's breathing is controlled. Scared but not panicking.
"You have three seconds to leave," I say. "Or I kill you and everyone else Lazarev sends."
"Big words from a man pinned behind?—"
I don't let him finish. Pop up, put three rounds through the doorframe at chest height. The Russian grunts, stumbles back into the hallway.
I'm moving before he hits the floor. Grab Isabella's arm. "Back exit. Now."
We're through the bedroom window onto the fire escape in seconds. I go first, weapon sweeping for additional hostiles. Clear.
Isabella follows. We hit the alley running.
Behind us, more men pour into the safe house. Shouting. Coordinating.
I lead Isabella through backstreets and alleys, moving fast, changing direction, using every evasion technique I know. She keeps pace without complaint.
We make it six blocks before I spot the tail.
Black SUV crosses the intersection two blocks ahead. Another flashes past behind us thirty seconds later. Coordinated movement, boxing pattern. They're running parallel streets.
"They're boxing us in," Isabella gasps.
"I know." I scan for options. "Trust me?"
"Always."
I pull her into a recessed doorway. She's breathing hard. I cup her face, make her meet my eyes.
"Whatever happens next, you follow my lead. No questions. No hesitation. Understood?"
"Understood."
I kiss her hard. Claiming. Possessive. Mine.
Then my phone rings.
Luc.
"We're blown," I say immediately. "Safe house hit. Multiple hostiles. They're hunting us now."
"I know. I'm tracking you." His voice is cold. Focused. "Extraction team is two minutes out. Can you hold?"
"Yes."
"Southeast corner, Vriezenveenseweg and Kortlandstraat. Abandoned loading dock. Go."
I don't question. Just move. Isabella beside me, running flat out.
The SUVs converge. Cutting off routes. Herding us.
We round the corner onto Kortlandstraat. The loading dock appears ahead.
