Page 18 of Russian Rescue

“I did retire.” I sat down on the couch. Wes sat down next to me, his leg brushing against mine and sending one of those startling sparks traveling along my skin again. Clearing my throat, I pushed away from him. “Alpha team retired a few years ago, but Wes here managed to get scooped up by the Russians, and we had to do an extract. Brooks from Delta team helped us out. We planned on flying out tonight, but things went a little sideways, so we just need to lay low and get a ride out tomorrow.”

“Ah. Brooks is a good man. He’s stayed here before.” He stroked his mustache as he settled into his recliner. “And what did they want with you?”

“Not sure. One minute I was heading to my sister’s wedding, the next I woke up in a room in Russia.” Wes shrugged and played stupid, but he knew more than he let on.

I was a master at reading people, and the tiny twitches on his face gave away the lie.

Oleg lit up a cigar. A big plume of smoke drifted over my way.

“I’m glad you’re still here,” I said, changing the subject. “I wasn’t sure, but Brooks said they use you from time to time as well.”

“Oh, yes.” Oleg grinned a gap-tooth smile. “I am always here for all of you. Still retired and bored out of my mind. I welcome the company.”

Oleg had worked for Russian Intelligence decades ago but got flipped by the CIA after he got busted spying. Since then, they’d used him as an asset in Russia as needed, but mostly he just helped other agents get guns, vehicles, and lodging as needed. And he made for an excellent safe house when on the run.

“Well, we are very glad to see you too.” My comms crackled on, and I lifted my finger.

“You safe?” Marcus asked.

He’d let me know before that Knox had gotten him out, but we hadn’t checked in for almost an hour. “Yeah. We made it to the safe house. You and Knox good?”

“We’re good. Gonna hunker down in a hotel outside of Moscow for the night. We’ll rally with you tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I answered. “Now get some rest.”

“Same to you both.”

“Tell Marcus hello!” Oleg said, waving like Marcus could see him.

“And Oleg says hello,” I added.

Marcus chuckled. “Ask him if he’s still eating that Tikka Masala from the Indian restaurant every night.”

I didn’t need to ask to answer the question. “Oh, he is. It smells so good in here, I could eat the couch.”

Marcus chuckled. “Oh man. I should have come with you. I would kill for some of that.”

“We’ll have Oleg get some for you tomorrow, and you can eat it on the plane.”

“Deal.”

“Have a good night, Marcus. I’m switching off my comms, so call or message me if you need anything. And tell Knox what’s up, okay? Then we’ll see you in the morning.”

“Roger that.”

Marcus clicked off, and I flipped over to Brooks. “Hey, we are here safe and sound.”

“I caught you going in on the cameras. Everything cool?”

“Yes. Thanks to you. We really appreciate your help.”

“I was more than happy to help. Wes bailed me out before, so I’m happy to repay the favor. I’m actually heading out on an op tonight, so I’m glad we got this wrapped up.”

“Yeah? Where you heading?”

Brooks chuckled. “You know I can’t tell civilians that.”

Just hearing myself referred to as a run-of-the-mill civilian caused my lip to twitch. With a sigh, I leaned back against the couch and grumbled, “I know, I know. Top secret. I remember.”