Adria ran into the second. Grabbing his arm, she turned, slicing his throat easily.
Two more were shot by Eric, and one by Elena.
No one was expecting them.
No one was expecting danger. Why would they? This was the den of the Nine. The danger was inside, not out here.
Adria pulled a knife out of a man’s chest; blood sprayed her face as she stepped over his dead body and entered the chamber.
Bryson was kneeling at the feet of Alessandro’s Right Hand, a gun pressed into his forehead, eyes closed.
“Stop,” Adria said, aiming at Alessandro.
Eric, she knew, was behind her. Elena and Sota would be watching their six.
“Adria,” Alessandro said, sounding positively giddy. “We were just discussing your acquittal.”
Adria kept walking, feeling weapons pointing at her and Eric on her flank.
“Call off your dog,” Adria said. “I have further information.”
Alessandro didn’t falter or step back, even as her weapon drew near, but his eyes did flicker to Callen and his Right hand.
Neither of which were in any position to step in to protect him.
“I think it’s clear you’re not innocent, so I must ask, what is the game plan?” he asked.
Adria stopped a few paces away from him. “I want to show evidence that I have gathered. If the chairs don’t find it moving, I’ll kneel next to Bryson, and you can shoot us both.”
She glanced at Bryson, whose eyes were on her and her heart squeezed.
You lovable little idiot.
“El, I see you haven’t upgraded your company in your time away,” Callen said.
“Nice to see you too, Dad,” Elena said, aiming her gun at him.“It’s been a long time.”
“If you truly mean us no harm, then put the gun down,” Alessandro said.
“Not a chance,” Adria replied.
Whispers echoed around her.
“The reason behind my behavior will become clear once I have been heard.”
A gun shot rang out and Adria flinched.
Bryson was still breathing, and no pain hit her body.
“Hold.” Helen’s voice was firm.
Adria looked over just in time to see blood spilling from Eric’s torso. True to form, he was still pressing his gun to Alessandro’s Right Hand.
Fuck.
Helen and Finley were standing, their own Right Hands coming to their aid.
“Adria, just tell us,” Helen said.
