Page 149 of Storm Warning

“Scrounge up a disinfectant to make sure the job is done right.” She motioned toward the corner. “Hurry, Riley.”

No one should be in a hurry to die. As Riley grabbed a tray, Andre hurried to the women and grabbed another large tray. Together, they dumped the ampoules on the ground and rushed off for another load. Each time they left the growing pile for more of the weaponized virus, Violet poured disinfectant on top of the mixed mess.

Outside the lab, gunfire increased.

“Move it, Violet,” Seth snapped. “We might have one minute if we’re lucky.”

“Copy that.”

Andre dumped his load onto the floor and tossed aside the tray as Riley had done. Their eyes streamed as the fumesincreased in strength with the growing puddle of disinfectant. Each application of the disinfectant caused the liquid to foam. “Why is the virus bubbling like that, Vi?”

Violet grinned. “It’s dying.”

“That’s the last of the vials, Violet. Now what?” Andre asked.

“Get away from this corner and the fumes. I’m going to shine an ultraviolet light on the virus to be sure we missed nothing. Seth, I’m ready.”

“About time. Everybody, close and cover your eyes until Violet tells us otherwise.”

“Ready? Three, two, one.”

A bright, blinding light glowed above their heads. Andre wrapped one arm around Riley’s waist. The other covered the back of her head.

“What about your eyes, Andre?”

“I’m fine.” He buried his face in her hair. “Never better, in fact. I got close to a deadly virus and survived.”

“When we stop somewhere with a shower, each of us needs a long, hot shower to scrub every inch of skin.”

A moment later, Violet turned off the UV light. “We should be clear.” After searching for a moment, she pushed a button on the wall. A split second later, giant fans kicked on. “The fans are sucking the polluted air into sterilizing filters.”

Most of the operatives cheered.

Noah glared at them. “Congratulate yourselves later. We have a problem.”

Riley, Andre, and Violet looked through the compromised glass to see the Storm soldiers who had gathered outside the lab. Various levels of fury showed on their faces.

“Get ready,” Grant said. “They’ll try to open the doors next.”

The bombs. Riley’s stomach lurched. She didn’t know how strong the bombs were, but she knew they would take out people close to the doors.

“Watch yourselves.” Seth watched the soldiers get ready to breach the lab. “The soldiers will pepper the lab with bullets. They won’t care about collateral damage. When you get a bead on one of the enemy, take the shot.”

Riley switched to her rifle. “It’s a good thing Brent supplied us with MK18s.” The compact, 10.3-inch barrel AR-style firearm was perfect for close quarters combat.

She eased out of Andre’s hold. “I need to get to the computers.”

“It’s a good thing they’re all back here.” The muscles in Andre’s jaw hardened. “I’ll keep them off of you as long as I can, but keep your weapons handy.”

“I will. Promise. Watch yourself, Andre.”

“You’ve got it. Get to work, babe.”

Riley sat on the floor in front of one computer, connected her minicomputer with a cable, and got down to business as the bombs on the doors exploded. People screamed. The injured moaned with pain, while the victims close to the bombs were silent.

As her minicomputer established communication with the lab computer, Riley grabbed her MK18, rolled onto her stomach, and targeted an enemy soldier who was stalking Andre. A second later, the soldier was down.

Andre’s head whipped around, then he flicked a glance at Riley. “Thanks.”