“We need to move Lars,” Halston said. “Can two of you do that and bring his meds?”
Her dad and another man strode into the back room.
Halston hurried toward the exit. She opened the door, turned back. “If you’re coming, follow me.”
The single light over the door illuminated her way until she rounded the corner. There, pitch blackness made it impossible to see well. With her hands in front of her, she slowly made her way to the first van, the one filled with their luggage.
“Who can drive this?” Halston asked.
The husband of the female scientist said, “I would, but I’m not from the US, so my driver’s license is invalid.”
My god, these people are extreme rule followers.
“Whoever feels comfortable driving the van, get behind the wheel.”
One of the scientists approached her. “I can. I will follow you.”
Crunching leaves had her peering behind her as her dad and the other man helped Lars over.
“Everyone file in. Hurry!” Halston hollered.
As the group made their way into the passenger van, it occurred to her that the van keys might be with the dead Bratva. She waited for everyone to climb in out of the cold and take their seats.
After sitting behind the wheel, she checked. No key in the ignition. Wasn’t in the cupholder either.
“We need our phones,” she said. “Where are they?”
“In the other van,” her mom replied.
“I need to call for help, then check the dead guy for van keys.”
“They aren’t there?” asked one of the scientists.
She opened the glove box. Nothing. She checked under the seat. No keys there either.
“Two people, come with me.” As Halston made her way out, an approaching vehicle’s headlights blinded her.
Her heart sank, her guts twisted.
I am so dead.
Squinting, she raised her arm to block the light.
A door opened. Natasha stormed over, slapped Halston across her face. “Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”
Halston smacked her back.
Hard.
Natasha screamed, then went to strike her again. Halston grabbed her wrist.
“You touch me, you’re dead,” Halston seethed.
“I’m the one with a gun,” Natasha said.
Halston had the Bratva’s weapon tucked into the back of her waist beneath her suit jacket. She’d hang on to that secret for the next few minutes. First, she needed to find out who Natasha had brought back with her.
The driver’s car door opened. Dmitri Petrov groaned as he pushed his large self out. He stood in front of the vehicle and crossed his arms. Backlit by the headlights he looked like the devil personified.
