Page 118 of Devil's Claim

“It appears so. We’re taking you out the back,” Emiliano answered, immediately backing toward us with his weapon outstretched. When he was close, he wrapped his arm around her just like the other soldier was doing with me.

“You mean the inspectors?” I asked.

“Shit. Who is it?” Genevieve snarled as she nodded in my direction.

Emiliano huffed. “We don’t know yet. Luis noticed several men in dark clothing in close proximity. He’s bringing the SUV to the back door.”

A feeling of suffocation tore through my system as we were pushed into the back room near the second door. Emiliano broke away from Genevieve long enough to head to the door, unlocking it and giving her a look. She nodded as a go-ahead. They’d been through this before either with a drill or from being attacked.

It suddenly hit home just how much danger I was in and would be. Even having armed soldiers didn’t mean an attempt wouldn’t happen.

“I cannot believe those fucking bastards called someone,” she hissed.

“Why?” I threw out.

She laughed. “Half are dirty, but if I had to guess, I’d say they’re under Fassi’s influence.”

Emiliano opened the door, moving outside then beckoning us to follow. As soon as we were outside, Luis opened the back two doors.

A flash caught his attention, but before he could lift his head, several shots were fired. A flurry of activity occurred, the soldier holding me trying to shove me into the back. I was pushed down, landing directly on Luis. Blood was everywhere, footsteps pounding against the pavement.

“Get in the car!” Emiliano yelled.

My fingers touched the weapon. Panting, I wrapped my hand around it, instinctively struggling as the other soldier continued to try to hold me.

More shots were fired.

Emiliano yelled, his words garbled in my mind.

I shoved back from the vehicle, watching as Genevieve lumbered forward. There was no fear in the woman. She fired multiple shots, Emiliano racing forward as at least four men dressed in black rushed down the alley. When a bullet hit the soldier protecting me, he was pitched backward. I jerked to my feet by reaction, suddenly caught from behind.

“No!” I yelled, swinging the arm holding the gun back. The instant the cold steel connected, the attacker cursed, his hold slipping. I jammed my elbow into him, tumbling back and almost falling as I tried to secure my hold on the gun. He cracked his fist against my face, sending stars to my eyes, but I followed my instincts, almost tripping over Luis’s body.

The man came at me again and all I could do was slam the weapon against his head. Suddenly, the assailant’s body jerked as a bullet went through the middle of his face. Blood splattered in my face and suddenly, I was grabbed again by Genevieve’s man. He was hurt, blood soaking his shirt.

“Oh, God.” I had to push him into the back of the SUV just as Emiliano got off two shots, taking down two of the assailants.

“Get in!” he yelled.

I had no other choice, jumping in the driver’s seat. As soon as Emiliano shoved Genevieve into the back, jumping in beside me, I floored the accelerator, wincing when I almost hit a pile of boxes.

“Keep driving, Christine,” Genevieve said. Her voice sounded a lot stronger than I felt, but I didn’t hesitate, flooring the powerful engine.

“Fuck,” Emiliano hissed. “We’re being followed.”

“What do I do?” I questioned.

“Just keep driving. I’ll make a call.” Genevieve was completely calm. I glanced into the rearview mirror, the passing light illuminating the blood on her face.

“What about Luis?” I asked, knowing the answer.

“Too late for him,” Emiliano growled.

My eyes stung and I wiped my hand across my face; my fingers were covered in a gooey substance.

“Take a right,” he hissed.

The man shoved into the backseat groaned. There was no time to do anything but drive. I made a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding hitting an oncoming car.