Page 85 of Secret Mission

"Do I ever have a choice with you?" Her voice is steady despite the tremor in her body.

The SUV's engine revs across the way and it shifts into drive.

Here we go.

I abandon the wheelchair, scooping Allison into my arms, kicking it aside. Three long strides bring us to the sedan just as Justice throws open the back door.

"In!"

She squeals when I toss her inside but scooches down when I throw my oversized frame in behind her.

“Go! Go! Go!”

Tires squeal.

Allison lands half in my lap, clutching her gown closed.

The sedan shudders as Justice pins the accelerator.

The SUV's throaty roar is right behind us.

Two stone-cold faces flash through the front window. Intent, focused. Dangerous.

"Hold on!" Justice takes a hard right out of the lot, throwing us against the door.

“Hang on, babe.” I wrap my arm around Allison's waist, anchoring her to me as we tear through the crowded streets of Vandemora’s capital city.

"Turning!" Justice takes a hard right, making the car sway violently. Beggars can’t be chooser, but fuck, we need a better car.

I grab the seat in front of me. "Take the next left, then an immediate left into the market district."

Justice isn’t even sweating, but he is laser focused on the road as he grins. “How do you know this?”

“I had a lot of time to do my homework when I was back stateside for my injury.”

“Good.” Justice glances in the mirror. His hands relaxed but firm on the wheel. "Because that’s a professional driver."

"Diplomatic corps training."

Every passing minute freaks me out more.

We’ve got one shot to do this right.

“Here, babe. Let’s get this on you.” I managed to grab one tactical vest from the truck. “Ever wear one of these?”

“I’m an archeologist.”

“In a dangerous country.”

“I stay out of trouble. Usually.”

Right.

I chuckle. “You’re also a terrible liar.”

I get her strapped in, wishing it was a whole-body bomb-suit, only they’re shit to walk in. And forget running.

“Let’s buckle you up.” She hangs onto the handle above the door as I fasten her belt. "You okay, sweetheart?"