Director Koslov gestures to the doorway, and we hurry toward the armory, where he allows us to take what we want.For a price, of course.
Each of us grabs a Heckler & Koch submachine gun, a Baretta, and a Glock.
Director Koslov points at armored vests. “Take those as well. Consider it a gift.”
“Thank you, sir,” I mutter as I grab two, tossing them at Alek and Armani. I strap one over my chest, tuck the guns behind my back in the waistband of my pants, and sling the strap of the machine gun over my shoulder.
I strap an ammunition belt on and load it with clips.
Director Koslov’s phone beeps, and he checks it. “Thank fuck,” he mutters before his eyes lock on me. “It’s not the bratva.”
I assumed as much, and I’m ninety percent sure I know who’s responsible.
Director Koslov lets out a sigh. “You’re dealing with the yakuza.”
Yeah, that’s what I thought.
“Please hold Kazuo, Seijo, and Takahary until I get back.”
He shakes his head. “They left on Thursday.”
“Blyad',” I snap.
I hear shouting come over the line, and my attention focuses on what’s happening to Aurora. I hold up my hand, so everyone remains quiet.
They’re talking Japanese, so I don’t understand a fucking word, but a second later, I hear Abbie cry,‘NoNoNoNoNooooo!’
My blood runs cold in my veins when I don’t hear anything from Aurora. There’s clothing rustling, a grunt, and two gunshots.
No.
They won’t kill her.
You know how this works. It’s personal. The fuckers want to make you suffer so they won’t give her a quick death.
“Let’s go!” I bark before I run out of the armory.
“Good luck, Misha,” Director Koslov calls after me.
We pile out of the castle, and I’m relieved to see the ten men waiting. I take a second to acknowledge them all.
“Thank you. We’re up against a faction of the yakuza. I have no idea how many men.” I check my phone for Aurora’s location and see as the beacon moves along a road.
“Follow us. The target is moving.”
I take the passenger seat while Armani slides behind the steering wheel.
Alek jumps into the back, muttering, “Fucking yakuza.”
I connect my phone to the SUV’s Bluetooth, so the live location is up on the screen for Armani to see.
He takes one look, then starting the engine, he steers the vehicle toward the gates.
The other SUVs follow right behind us, and I check my weapons to make sure I’m ready for action.
“It looks like they stopped,” Armani says, drawing my eyes to the screen.
Leaning forward, I maximize the map to see exactly where they are.