“I’m going to take the shot,” Gilroy said as he sighted his Remington carefully. “They’re getting too close to her.”

“Don’t do it,” Korgan said sharply. “We need them closer. From up here on these cliffs, that’s a trick shot even for you. There was only the one bullet, and it was probably a warning. Either they’re arguing about what to do or they’ve made a decision not to take her out yet. I told you that might happen. But there’s a truckload of Masenak’s soldiers on their heels. If we start firing, they’re liable to let loose a barrage of bullets that will hit Sasha.”

Gilroy was cursing. “That’s a hell of a judgment call. You could get her killed. Alisa would never do this.”

“No, she wouldn’t.” His lips tightened. “Neither would you. So you can both heap the blame on me if I’m wrong. I’m used to it. But the percentages say I’m right. So just don’t take that shot.” He suddenly tensed as he noticed the activity in the back of that truck. “Son of a bitch!” He took out his phone. “I believe it’s time we called in a little help.”

*  *  *

She was off the road! Sasha glanced up to see the other two vehicles still barreling down the canyon road. Not even minutes away—more like seconds. And that orange transport helicopter was on the ground now. Uncertainty and threats all around her.

All she could do was make certain that Chaos and Nightshade were safe and rely on Alisa. She’d promised to get to Sasha as soon as she could after reaching the heliport area. Until then Sasha’s job was to hide and protect.

But where to hide? She took out the gun she’d hidden in Chaos’s saddle and turned him quickly toward the maze of buildings she could see a short distance away.

We can go after them now?

Not yet, Chaos. Just take care of Nightshade.

It wasn’t the answer he’d wanted to hear. She has to learn that lesson, too. Soon?

Very soon. She put the gun it into her jacket pocket and urged him to go faster.

Make it be the truth, she prayed. Please make it be the truth.

Because Masenak was pulling off the access road behind her right now.

*  *  *

“She’s headed toward that warehouse area,” Reardon said. “We’ve got the bitch.” He jumped out of the car and signaled to the pilot of the helicopter, pointing to the warehouse. “I’ll hunt her down like the vicious little whore she is. I’ll make her scream when I—” He stopped. “Where the hell are your security guards. Masenak?” He was suddenly looking around warily. “I don’t like—”

The helicopter door was opening! A woman jumped out and dropped to her knees, lifting a portable missile launcher and aiming it.