you can have someone take over.”
“That wasn’t our agreement.” Gavriil leaned forward. “I was under the impression all was forgiven with this transaction.”
“It is.”
“Perhaps I’m not the only one with rebel employees.”
“Sounds like there’s trouble brewing,” Zoey said in the com.
No shit. Addy fought the urge to reposition herself between Kristof and Gavriil. Although Kristof was likely just as good a fighter as her, Iriana was his protector.
“You’ll be compensated,” Kristof said.
“You can’t continue bleeding for this endeavor. It’s an impossible task.”
“No more so than yours was.”
“Perhaps.” Gavriil sighed heavily and leaned back in the booth. “I tire of the cat and mouse game. Who is the cat and who is the mouse and why do I feel like the bait?”
“You aren’t the bait. You’re the trap,” Kristof said. “Or the mouse.”
Gavriil laughed. “That doesn’t ease my concern.”
“It should.” Kristof finished his drink and set the glass on the table. “I’m the dog. The cat stands no chance.”
He stood and motioned for Addy to do the same. Surprised, she complied. They were leaving? Where was the money? And what the heck did the cat and mouse and dog and trap bullshit mean?
“He’s hiding something,” Zoey said.
Yes. And Addy would find out exactly what once they were alone. Bastard.
“Take care, comrade. The cat you hunt is a feral tiger.” Gavriil smiled at Iriana. “I hope we meet again.”
Not likely. Addy coiled her arm around Kristof’s waist and settled at his side as they fell in step toward the exit. Chairs scraped when they passed Ivan’s table. The brute took point and the other three fanned out around Addy and Kristof.
Her gaze swept the exterior of the club as they stepped onto the sidewalk. Situated within a busy nightclub district, people milled about nearby. Laughter filled the area. Music drifted from a street performer down the road.
Ivan moved from his position in front of Kristof and stepped off the curb. The vehicle was parked on a neighboring street. The man fell, his head struck the curb. Addy took a step toward him, but voices shouted in the com.
“Sniper! Get down, Red!” Johnny shouted.
“Shit!” Zoey said at the same time.
Addy took Kristof down with a kick to the back of his legs. He grunted with the impact as she covered him with her body. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest as she drew out her gun from her purse.
Blood coated her hand.
What the fuck? She lifted up, peering into Kristof’s shocked gaze.
“Afraid I zigged and should’ve zagged,” he said.
“Lavrov’s hit,” Addy said.
No. No. No. She tugged his suit jacket open. The Kevlar-like lining had stopped the bulk of the damage, but the bullet had still hit. Blood poured from a wound near his left shoulder. “Shoulder wound. Applying pressure. Someone get me a fucking vehicle!”
She screamed the latter at the idiots that’d been with Ivan. One hid behind a trashcan while the other two tried to save Ivan. Since there was very little left of his face, she suspected it was too late.
“Get the car!” she screamed again.
“Where is he, Z?” Johnny asked. “Bullet came from my direction.”
“Across the street, in the same building you’re in Johnny,” Zoey said.
“Sixteenth, maybe fifteenth floor based on the trajectory HERA drones got,” Jesse said. “Cracker and Beast, close off the exits to that building. Shep, cover Addy and Kristof. Stay out of sight. Repeat, stay out of sight.”
“Stay with me,” Addy said as she pressed down on the bullet wound harder.
A group of men surged from the strip club. Gavriil’s angered shouts boomed through the area as he ordered them to fan out and provide cover. He crouched on Kristof’s other side.
“Let’s get him inside,” the man said.
“No.” Addy shook her head. “The car. Someone went to get it.”
“He’s safer inside with me until more of his men can come.” Anger filled the man’s face. “I won’t argue this with you, Iriana.”
“How the fuck do I know this wasn’t you?” She aimed her weapon at him. “Who else knew he was here?”
“That’s what we’ll find out after we tend to his injury.”
Fair point. Addy nodded and helped lift Kristof up. He groaned.
“I can walk.” Kristof motioned toward the car when it pulled up. “We’re going the wrong way.”
“You’re going inside,” Gavriil growled.
“Ivan,” Kristof said. He turned his head toward where his second-in-command had fallen. “Get him.”
“He’s gone,” Addy said as they entered the club.
Though the music continued, the patrons gawked and stood toward the back of the room. Two men moved behind them, semi-automatic rifles