Page 177 of Blood & Snow

Their loyalty will either save us all or destroy us together.

"It's a trap."

Ivan states the obvious.

"Of course it's a trap."

I light a cigarette, letting smoke fill my lungs.

"They want me in the open where they can put a bullet in my head."

"So, what's our play, then? We're not sending you in to your own execution."

Igor crosses his arms over his chest that's puffed out pridefully.

"We send someone they'll believe is me."

I turn to the younger man standing in the doorway.

"Stepan, you're my height, my build. Put on my coat, drive my car to the meeting point. Make sure they see you coming."

Stepan nods, understanding his role as bait in a larger trap.

"And when they realize I'm not you?"

"You run. Lead them on a chase through streets where we'll have eyes on every turn."

I stub out the cigarette.

"The Sokolovs will think they're hunting me. Instead, they'll lead us straight to wherever they're keeping Nadya."

"The Pakhan ordered us to stand down," Ivan reminds me in a careful tone.

He doesn't want to upset me, but he also understands the risk we're taking.

"Said she's not worth the risk."

Leonid may be the boss, but at this point, he can kiss my ass.

If I have to go in alone.

I will, but these men have made their stance.

They have my back even if it defies his orders, so we have to be successful.

"We're going anyway," I say, standing and collecting my weapons.

"Anyone who wants to stay behind can do so without consequence."

Nobody moves toward the door.

These men have fought beside me for years.

They trust my judgment even when it contradicts direct orders.

Their loyalty will either save us all or destroy us together.

We load into three vehicles.