Page 27 of Alex

Alex looked behind him as he pushed open a door that said Private. “No, it could be a trap.” He quickly pushed her in front of him and slid his hand free so he could access his weapon. Will had easily hacked the security and switched off the metal detectors so they could enter the Louvre fully loaded.

“What about the civilians?” Her heartbeat accelerated and her stomach tightened with worry that innocents could be hurt.

Alex stopped suddenly and turned to her gripping her upper arm firmly. “I won’t lose you again.”

Her tone softened at the expression on his face. “You won’t lose me, Alex.”

“You don’t know that, and I can’t risk it. Listen, Liam and Blake can handle it. Let them.”

Taking in the resolute urgency in his voice Evelyn relented. “Okay, baby.”

She watched as the look in his eyes softened. He regarded her a moment longer as if he wanted to say something but decided against it. “Let’s go.”

He hustled them through what looked like a hallway that led to staff offices and the kitchens. Seeing a fire door, Evelyn headed for that knowing Alex was behind her watching her back. Stopping for a fraction to listen, she pushed the door open and they found themselves at the back of the Louvre.

Scanning the area, she saw nothing of interest. A few empty vehicles, and a couple walking hand in hand but nobody threatening to shoot them. She watched the end of the road as Reid came around the corner in the black SUV he and the others had used to follow them to the meeting. He was halfway down the block when the red Renault Cleo Alex had driven exploded, throwing the SUV in the air, the force of the blast knocking her and Alex to the ground.

The air around her seemed foggy, the sounds muffled like she was underwater. Her movements were slow as she pushed off her bloody and cut hands to check on Alex who had fallen next to her. He was moving and seemed to regain his senses quicker than she was. He began to stand, wobbling slightly, but he reached for her, his hands running over her as sirens began to sound through the fog.

“Are you okay?” he asked, and she noticed he was bleeding from a cut on his head.

“Yes, but you’re hurt!” She lightly touched the cut on the side of his head.

“It’s nothing,” he said dismissing it like it was an irritation. “We need to see to Reid. Can you stand okay on your own?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Evelyn’s eyes moved to the SUV which was on its side behind the burning Cleo. Alex started jogging towards the overturned SUV as he tried to get hold of Liam and Blake on the comms. Evelyn followed closely behind keeping an eye on their surroundings while Alex was distracted. As she stopped beside the vehicle, she could see Reid was unconscious inside and with the strong smell of diesel in the air knew they needed to get him out and quickly. People were running and staggering about looking completely disoriented.

“Can you watch my back while I pull him out?” Alex asked looking at her intently.

“Of course, but hurry. The tank is leaking. We probably don’t have much time.”

Alex climbed on top of the overturned SUV and tried to pull the door open. After a few tries it gave and Alex leaned in to free Reid who was held in by his seat belt.

Her eyes continued to constantly scan the surroundings looking for a threat of any kind. She would not let anything happen to the two men behind her but especially not Alex. She would, she realised with clarity, lay down her life for him in a heartbeat. More than that, she knew he would do the same for her. Several people started towards her, but she shouted for them to get to safety and after several seconds they did just that. The distant sound of emergency sirens hit her ears and she knew time was running out.

Her instincts went red hot when two black-clothed figures ran around the end of the road. Her arm came out and she lifted her weapon ready to fire if necessary. She saw them slow and then heard Liam call her name.

“Siren, it’s us,” he shouted as he approached with Blake running beside him.

Evelyn lowered her gun slightly but kept it where she would be quick to react if she needed it for someone else. “Quick. Reid is unconscious and the tank is leaking. Help Alex.” She was surprised to hear the slight tremor of fear in her voice. She normally handled pressure far better than that. Blake and Reid moved around her to help their friend.

“He’s free but he’s a dead weight. I can lift him up to you, but you need to grab him under his arms and pull him free,” Alex said quickly.

The sirens were getting closer and Evelyn knew this could be an international nightmare if they were held by the police. Blake leaned in and hauled a bloody Reid from the vehicle before passing him to Liam who gently hefted him over his shoulder. Blake jumped out and Alex followed.

“We need a car!” Blake shouted casting a worried look at Reid.

“There.” Evelyn pointed to a silver Volkswagen Touran. They set off towards it with Evelyn leading the way. Taking out a tool kit from her pocket she had the car open in seconds. She smiled at the shocked looks on their faces and opened the door so Liam could lay Reid down.

“Damn, baby, that was hot,” Alex whispered in her ear as he climbed in beside her.

She turned to him and frowned. “Me breaking into a car was hot?” She felt a huge grin spread across her face. “How hard did you hit your head?”

“Still a smartass,” he returned making her smile as Blake gunned the engine and got them out of there.

Her smile faded as she looked at Reid, the blood on his face mixed with the intricate tattoos at his neck. Someone meant business and she had a bad feeling that all was not as it seemed.