Page 225 of Dark Angel
“These people have no loyalty,” Gabriel said.
Halston took a step toward the ambassador.
“Take my weapon,” he said.
Halston pulled the gun hidden in her waist. “I took this off the guard.”
Gabriel checked the magazine. “Seven bullets and one in the chamber.” He regarded Bulgrov before unearthing his phone.
“You have to go outside for signal,” Halston said.
“Don’t go near him until I come back in.” Gabriel handed her back the Bratva’s weapon. “I need to check on the team. They left after me, but I couldn’t find the building.”
She smiled. “Not good with maps?”
His lips twitched. Even in the midst of mayhem, Halston was still Halston. “Stay away from the ambassador.”
Gabriel hurried outside, called Teddy.
“Where the hell are you?” Teddy barked into the cold night.
“I’m at the sight where the scientists are being held hostage. Barbi too.”
“These roads are all a bunch of dead ends,” Sydney said.
“Take the fourth right. Teddy, we need clean up on aisle five.”
“Nice work. Are you and Barbi okay?”
“All good,” Gabriel said. “We got a situation.”
“You think?” Teddy boomed through the phone’s speaker. “Three minutes out.”
The line went dead and Gabriel heaved in a breath. But they weren’t in the clear yet. They were up to their eyeballs in problems. Dead Russians, a wounded ambassador, and a roomful of scientists trying to unknowingly destroy the country’s electrical grid.
“Something hasgotto go right,” Gabriel said, as he yanked open the door and headed back inside.
As Gabriel expected, Halstonhadn’tstayed away from Bulgrov. She was kneeling next to him, examining his wounds. A bullet in his abdomen. A second into his upper thigh. The wounds had clotted, but he was weak and appeared to be in a lot of pain.
Gabriel glared down at him. “What’s your story?”
“I’m the Russian Ambassador. Minka is my assistant.” He shifted to her. “I’m sorry. They forced my hand. Made me go along. You heard Petrov, he was insane.” His eyes softened. “Please, Minka, help me.”
The metal door clanged open. ALPHA’s Rescue Team dressed in full SWAT gear stormed in, guns at the ready. Covered from head to foot, it was impossible for the casual observer to ID anyone, but Gabriel recognized Greystone andTeddy, Caroline and Sydney. Last inside were Rebel, Brit, and Slash.
Rebel’s rescue team jumped into action. Everyone but Greystone and Teddy rushed to assist the hostages.
“Are you okay?” Greystone asked him.
“All good,” Gabriel replied.
Greystone regarded Halston, still kneeling next to the Ambassador. “Minka, are you injured?”
Halston joined them, stepping so close to Gabriel that her arm brushed his. She held her gaze on his for an extra beat before regarding Greystone.
“I’m not injured,” Halston replied.
“I am,” the Ambassador called out. “I was shot twice.”
