Page 8 of Under Fire in Big Sky

“Is it time?” the valet asked, looking at Audrey.

The assistant’s face changed, growing solemn. “Yes, Henry. It is.” Audrey put a hand on Mr. Dempsey’s back and walked him to the door. “You should go now, sir. There’s so much to do and so little time before the reception.”

The young man stayed in the hall, hovering near the door.

“Attention,” a female voice said over the intercom system. “Would Olivia Lane please come to the front desk. Olivia Lane, your party of one, um, Pioneer, needs you at the front desk.”

Eli used her full first name and referred to himself as Pioneer. That was akin to shouting, Danger, Will Robinson, without anyone else being the wiser.

But why didn’t he simply call her with the specifics of the problem?

“You’ll have to excuse me a minute.” Olivia kept her expression neutral, her tone soft and calm. “I need to see what that’s about.” She let go of the chair and started toward the door.

Chewing her lip, Audrey squeezed her eyes shut for the beat of a breath and then she tugged down the zipper of the portfolio case and pulled out a gun.

Dempsey gasped, rocking back on his heels. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry.” Audrey pointed the pistol at Olivia.

It was small. A .22, maybe a Ruger. Sufficient for self-defense with serious stopping power at close range. Noticeably quieter than a larger-caliber firearm.

Would anyone in the main part of the hotel hear a shot fired from it in this far-removed wing, with the soundproofing in the ballroom?

Olivia slid her hand to her purse.

“Stop!” Audrey said. “Toss your handbag to me.”

Raising one palm, Olivia met the woman’s eyes while she put her other hand on top of her purse. “You don’t want to do this.”

“Have you lost your senses?” Dempsey asked.

“Shut up and move beside her!” Audrey ordered, and Dempsey hurried across the room. “I’m sorry about this, sir.”

Olivia grasped the clasp of the zipper on her bag.

“If you try anything, I’ll blow a hole in you.” Audrey aimed for center mass at Olivia’s chest. “Throw the handbag. I’m sure you’re armed. We’ve done our homework on Aegis.”

Apparently. Olivia held her gaze. “Let’s talk about this.”

“ASIG agents are manipulators. Nothing you say matters. Toss the purse. Now. Your final warning,” Audrey said, pure conviction gleaming in her eyes.

Slowly, Olivia removed the strap from her shoulder and threw the bag into the space between them. She calculated how quickly she could close the distance separating them, while in two-inch heels, and rush Audrey when the woman bent down to pick up the handbag.

Keeping her sights locked on Olivia, Audrey said, “Go get the handbag, Henry. Check it for a weapon.”

Smart. That ruled out rushing anyone.

“Be careful,” Audrey added. “She’s dangerous.”

The young guy lowered the large backpack from his shoulder. From the way he set the rucksack on the carpet, it looked heavy. He entered the room, scooped up the purse, and looked inside. “Yep, she has one.” He pulled out the gun and threw the handbag down.

“What happens now?” Olivia asked.

Audrey stepped backward out of the room with Henry. “Gloriosa.”

The single word sent a chill through Olivia’s body. What did that mean?

“What about Mr. Dempsey?” Henry asked. “Only the Aegis agent is supposed to be contained.”