Page 82 of Secret Weapon

Maybe he’d gone for the potassium chloride?

Or something more dramatic?

Only time would tell…

Hallie peered into the back of the ambulance.“Emmy says she’s turning down the driveway and not to shoot her.”

Spoilsport.

“Maybe I’ll just take out a tyre.”

“Uh…”

How amusing that she thought I might be serious.I picked up the driver and followed Alex as he hefted the Mule onto a waiting chair in the cabin, then I ensured all three of the men were tied securely.You never could be too careful.Alex had put on one of the surgical masks, as had I—no point in letting these men get a better look at our faces.The Mule had his eyes open now, and the driver was drooling.Nothing from Moscow.I checked his pulse—strong and steady.Yes, he’d be awake soon.

The low rumble of a car engine sounded through the trees, and Emmy’s SUV came into view.Somehow, she managed to look almost as elegant as Romi as she stepped out of the driver’s side.

“How’s it going?”

“They’re still sleepy.Maybe ten more minutes until they can speak.Alex is watching them.”

“Good.That gives everyone time for breakfast.I got the concierge at the hotel to pack coffee and muffins to go.”Perhaps she wasn’t so bad after all.“Well, green tea for Alex.”

Green tea?Urgh.

“What did he do to upset you?”

“Nothing; he prefers it.I think his taste buds are wired up wrong.”Her SUV had cupholders galore, and she handed me a giant paper cup with a plastic lid.“It’s probably lukewarm by now, but caffeine is caffeine.Do you want milk?I brought some of those sachets.”

“I don’t take milk.”

Hallie trotted over, relief that Emmy was here to save her from the Big Bad Russian Bitch written all over her face.This was the downside of being myself.People generally disliked me.On occasion, I’d considered making an effort to be nicer,smilier, but I was an introvert by nature and having to be sociable left me drained.Sometimes, Darla exhausted me.

Emmy held out a cup.“Decaf cappuccino, one sugar.Chocolate muffin?”

“I love you.”

“Don’t let Ford hear you say that.Do we have a plan?”

Hallie looked to me.

“I always have a plan.Hallie is looking through the confiscated phones, and I’m going to ask questions.”

I narrowed my eyes at Emmy, daring her to try and take over, but she didn’t.

“After you.Got a spare mask?”

“In the ambulance.”

Now, how should I play this?

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