Page 54 of Shadow Operative

Would that cause this guy to act faster? Or would it cause him to run?

That was the question.

chapter

twenty-four

Gage heard the sirens.Had someone called the police?

He didn’t know who would do that or why. Austin should be gone, and he had no idea about any of this.

Most likely, the sirens were unrelated.

Still, he froze and waited.

Hopefully, the sound had these guys spooked. They knew law enforcement was close. Would they chance sticking around?

Gage didn’t think so.

He turned his head to check on Nia.

Her eyes were wide with fear, but she was okay.

However, the terror in her gaze was enough to make him want to murmur words of comfort.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t chance it.

One slight sound could give them away.

The minutes ticked by in slow motion.

Finally, the sound of footsteps fleeingcaught his ear.

Gage’s lungs loosened—just slightly.

This should buy him and Nia some time.

But he still needed to plan his next moves carefully.

Even if Nia had a car in the garage, there was a good chance a tracking device had been placed on it at this point. It wouldn’t be safe to take the vehicle anywhere.

Gage had another idea. It wasn’t his favorite. But in situations like this, he had little choice.

Right now, he wanted to stay alive.

He waited several moments. Then he carefully slid out from beneath the SUV and scanned the parking garage.

He didn’t see the gunmen. They must have fled.

He knelt down. “It’s safe. For now. You can come out.”

She scooted out from beneath the SUV. Dirt and oil smudged her cheeks and clothing. She looked pale—too pale. Her breathing too shallow.

As long as she remained upright, none of that mattered.

Only surviving.

“Come with me.” He grabbed her hand to ensure she moved quickly enough. Then he crept down the line of cars, checking the doors on each one.

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