Page 321 of Eight of Swords, Part One

‘I know you’ll keep my children safe and that, for once, is enough for me.’ Sorrenko looks towards the lights creeping closer below. ‘These are not my people. We must get the boys to safety.’

Lachlan focuses on what matters.

Jules. Roman. Savannah.

‘Roman’s in Savannah’s room.’

‘I know.’

They split up.

Lachlan steals inside Jules’ bedroom and freezes instantly.

There’s a shadow moving outside the balcony, someone is standing there and the fucking satellite phone is right by the door.

He moves quick and quiet, scoops Jules up bridal style and carries him out into the hallway. Sorrenko has Roman, who is heavier than Jules.

Lachlan makes a face. ‘Switch. I’m stronger.’

Sorrenko seems surprised. ‘Thank you.’

They lay Jules and Roman out, swapping holds and then, carrying Roman over his shoulder, Lachlan goes down first, gun in hand. They need to get inside the bunker before anyone sees.

‘The phone?’

‘Couldn’t get it.’

Lachlan hears the telltale scratch-squeal of razor blades on glass making silent entry. Ahead of them, three figures slip soundlessly into the mansion. Lachlan is running dangerously low on ammunition. The intruders won’t be.

He signals to Sorrenko who nods.

They set down their cargo.

Sorrenko stays to guard them.

Lachlan moves through cover of shadow, can’t waste bullets.

He has Jules’ knife.

The first one is easy.

Grab, hand over mouth, neck smile, then gently down.

The second one struggles, makes a muffled noise. Lachlan yanks the blade clean through his neck, almost decapitates him.

The third, much to Lachlan’s surprise, starts blindly shooting.

It’s unexpected because he’s accustomed to dealing with professionals the last few years. These are not professionals.

Blind fire sprays in a wild arc, hitting glass and shattering it. The others are alerted. They start coming in hot, not fleeing.

No alarms ring out in warning.

The power is still out.

Lachlan spends a bullet on the third, blows his brains out and takes all three weapons, no time for extra ammunition. He runs back to Sorrenko, hands him a gun and picks Roman up again.

They make a break for the bunker.