“Van incoming.Secure the girl.”
Keisha reached Tiana, untying ropes around her wrists, the girl’s sobs breaking free.“It’s me, Tiana.We’re getting out.”
An enforcer grabbed Keisha’s arm, yanking her back.She twisted, knee connecting with his groin.He doubled over, but the second swung a fist.Sergei intercepted, shoulder ramming him into crates.Wood splintered, the man’s knife skittering away.
Tiana ran to Keisha, clinging.“They hurt Jalisa,” she whispered, voice small.
“We know,” Keisha said, shielding her.Her tremor showed, hand shaking on Tiana’s shoulder.
Sergei struck the enforcer again, knuckles splitting skin.The man slumped, unconscious.
The first enforcer stirred, gun in reach.Sergei kicked it away, but the man lunged, tackling him to the concrete.Pain jarred his ribs.He rolled, pinning the man, fist descending over and over again.
Keisha’s voice pierced: “Sergei, enough!”
Her eyes judged him, horror mixing with fear.Tiana buried her face in Keisha’s side.The violence...his old self...exposed.
Van headlights swept the loading dock.Sergei stood, breath ragged, blood washing off in rain.“We need to go.Now.”
Keisha nodded, scooping Tiana up, sneakers slipping on wet floor.Sergei covered their exit, knife ready.The van doors opened, more boots hit the pavement.
They burst through the exit, Tiana’s weight slowing Keisha.Sergei grabbed the girl, hoisting her over his shoulder.“Run.”
Keisha didn’t argue, bolting for the fence gap.Gunshots cracked, bullets pinging metal.Sergei zigzagged, Tiana’s sobs muffled against his jacket.
They cleared the fence, diving into shadows.Keisha’s car waited a block away.Sergei set Tiana down, ushering them in.Keisha started the engine, tires screeching.
Tiana clung to Keisha in the back seat.“You hurt them,” the girl whispered, eyes wide on Sergei.
He met Keisha’s gaze in the rearview—judging, distant.“To save you,” he said, voice rough.
Keisha’s hands shook even as they gripped the wheel.“You scared her, Sergei.”
The words cut deep.He’d broken his vow to bury the enforcer for them.Now Keisha saw the monster he could be, trust fracturing.
Lightning flashed, illuminating Tiana’s tear-streaked face.Danger trailed.He’d rescued Tiana, but the cost of Keisha’s faith might break him.
