Page 61 of Four Cards Exposed

Where did that knife come from?

The slim man launched himself at Moore. And then James was there, standing in front of Moore. His muscles corded as he pushed Ernesto’s arm away, but fury lent the man superhuman strength.

And then the ship rolled again. James lost his footing. Susan heard the sound of the knife going deep into James’s shoulder.

She screamed and ran towards James. She had to get to him. She had to—

And then she was pulled hard against a hard, male body.

Guerrero.

“Milena,” he gasped, his arms coming around her shoulders, blocking her view of James.

Susan turned around, trying to see beyond the wall of Guerrero’s body.

“Let me go!” she shouted. She stepped on Guerrero’s boot, but her bare feet barely registered. Tears filled her eyes. She shouldn’t have taken off those damned heels.

“Let me go, Guerrero!”

“You’ll get hurt, Milena.” His large arms released her, but he still kept close to her, as if ready to lock her in his arms again if she moved.

And then the lights moved closer, blinding them.

“Hands up, or we’ll shoot!” a voice shouted.

It took Susan a moment to understand they meant her as well.

No.

They don’t know I’m with them.

Say something.

Do something.

You’re going to get shot at by the good guys.

She wondered if the light shining into her eyes was the last thing she’d ever see.

And then James was there. She almost cried out in relief. Blood dripped from his shoulder, but he was standing.

He’s alive.

He’s okay.

Deep emotion flashed in his blue gaze for an instant. He nodded to her, then turned to face the federal agents.

“I’m a federal agent! And she’s an undercover officer,” he said loudly. His body shielded hers. “Don’t shoot! She’s an undercover officer!”

“Milena?” Guerrero said. He’d taken a step back, stunned.

Susan swallowed thickly. “I’m sorry—“ she began.

A body slammed into Guerrero, shoving him onto the ground. His hands were wrenched behind his back. Guerrero looked on stoically, his eyes on Susan as if the bottom had been cut out of his world.

“Take him! He’s Ernesto Mendoza,” James said from behind her. Fury contorted the drug lord’s features as his hands were cuffed behind his back and he, too, was dragged away.

Another man ran, and several federal agents chased after him.