Page 93 of Absolution

I shoot and hit the man on the shoulder. It takes him by surprise, giving me the opportunity to get in the SUV.

“Momma,” Aisling cries.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” I turn on the ignition as the first bullet hits the SUV. “Hold on to the kids, Brenda,” I order before flooring the gas.

The guy runs forward, shooting. Thank God for bulletproof windows.

I drive straight at him, but he jumps out of the way at the last second. When the rearview mirror shows no one following us, I glance back at the kids and Brenda. The kids are crying hysterically, and Brenda’s cheeks are wet with tears.

“It’s going to be okay. I promise,” I try to comfort Brenda.

As I drive, I search for the burner cell Viktor mentioned. I’m grateful to find it in the compartment on the side. I turn it on as I continue to drive, but then I spot a car gaining distance.

“Fuck.”

“What is it?” Brenda asks, her tone high with panic.

“Hopefully, nothing.” I’ve never been more grateful for Oliver’s insistence in his training. A while back, he made me memorize his and Viktor’s cell numbers. I dial him by heart.

“Come on, pick up,” I beg.

“Who is this?” Oliver snaps out, minus a greeting.

“Thank God. It’s Ava,” I tell him.

“Ava, are you guys okay? Where are you?”

“Driving with the kids and Brenda.” The car gets closer. “Fuck.”

His relief that we’re out is short-lived. “What is it?”

“I’m being followed.”

“Damn it. Where’s Viktor?”

I veer dangerously around a corner. “At the mansion. He told me to leave and follow the plan.”

“Where are youexactly?”

I check for signage before replying, “About ten minutes away from the mansion.”

“You’re not going to make it to the safe house,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Tell me what to do. I don’t have many options.”

He’s quiet for a few seconds before he suggests, “Come to Eros.”

“Is it safe?” I ask him while glancing in the rearview mirror to see how far away my tail is. They are closer than I’d like.

“I’m here.”

That is all the reassurance I need. “Okay.” My focus shifts to Viktor. “Have you heard from Viktor?”

“No. Don’t worry about him right now. Focus on getting here.”

My heart sinks to my stomach when I spot a second set of headlights in the rearview mirror. “Damn it.”

“What is it?” Oliver asks, his voice almost a shout.

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