Page 64 of Captured Innocence

“Take a couple. Clean yourselves off the best you can,” I commanded. “We need to look normal.” If there was such a thing.

She scowled at me, yanking some from Vincenzo’s hand.

A few minutes later, the station came into view. I knew exactly where I was going, heading toward the last parking lot closest to the north end of the station.

“We don’t have much time. We need to get to the train.” I cut the engine, immediately scanning every window.

“Let me scan the area, boss,” Vincenzo said, climbing out without waiting for me to confirm. We’d worked together for long enough I considered the man a friend. He was also the only person who had the innate ability to read my mind.

He walked the perimeter, returning less than a minute later then opening my door before reaching for the one where Sophia was sitting.

After easing onto the pavement, I unfastened the snap on my shoulder holster. While I didn’t want to draw the attention of Parisian security, I had to be ready for an additional ambush. I took some time scrubbing my face, removing the war paint. After glancing into the rearview mirror, ensuring I was least presentable, I tossed the rags aside. It wasn’t perfect, but it would need to do. I’d fed off adventures like these for years, throwing all caution to the wind. With both D’Artagnan and Enzo having families, Enzo’s first child due in barely over a month, I was now the one who was happy to take the most risks.

Vincenzo helped Luis out of the Humvee and to my soldier’s credit or maybe given his fear of my approach, Luis was determined to walk on his own.

“I’m okay,” he said, his face filled with pain.

“This doctor better know what the fuck he’s doing,” Sophia barked. “He’s lost too much blood.”

“Keep your eyes down, Sophia. Don’t draw any attention.” I pulled her close to my chest, keeping my hand wrapped around her arm as I moved her toward the building. As soon as we walked inside, I glanced at the overhead boards, searching for our departure. We’d be lucky to get on the train in time. “Come on. Walk quickly.”

Nodding, she remained quiet yet I sensed the tigress inside of her was ready to launch into me at the first opportunity.

There was a significant crowd still attempting to get on the euro rail. By the time we reached the doors, the second to final whistle had blown. The train would be leaving the station in minutes.

As I pushed forward, hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I turned around, scanning the area behind me. I was certain we were being watched. Then my eyes connected with a figure, a lone man standing at least a hundred yards away. From where I stood, I didn’t recognize him nor was he wearing anything that would leave me to believe he was militia, but given his clothing was all black, I refused to ignore my instinct.

My skin crawled, an odd series of sensations coursing down the backs of my legs. Squinting, I could swear the asshole was smiling. He wore dark glasses, but there was no doubt in my mind he was studying me from afar.

“What’s wrong, boss?” Vincenzo asked as he moved beside me.

“Get them on the train. I need to check something.”

“We don’t have time, boss. Let me go.”

“Do what I say! Keep her safe, Vinny.”

“Where are you going?” Sophia asked, concern in her voice as she reached for me.

“Don’t worry, princess. I’m not going anywhere without you.” Backing away, I moved through the crowd, pushing several of the passengers out of my way as I searched. I finally noticed him heading toward the bathrooms. I shoved my way through, knocking two people down then jogging toward him.

He glanced over his shoulder, his grin wider before heading into the restroom.

I wasted no time, racing toward it, slamming my hand on the door. When I didn’t see the stranger right away, I bolted from one side to the other.

There was no sign of him. I moved to the final corridor, noticing the asshole was standing at the last sink vessel washing his hands. Snarling, I took long strides toward him, slamming him against the wall.

“Putain qui es-tu?” I demanded, shoving the barrel of my weapon under his chin.

The bastard kept a grin on his face, throwing up his still wet hands. His answer was one that would bother me for some time to come.

“Un fantôme qui continuera de vous hanter.” A ghost who will continue haunting you.

What the fuck was going on?

He was nobody, a hired player used to taunt me. To let me know that whoever was playing this game had already pegged every single move. I shoved him hard then backed away, returning my weapon to my jacket then racing from the restroom. The last thing I needed as to be separated from the others.

The train was already moving as I launched myself through the revolving doors. I took off running, noticing Vincenzo was waiting on the platform. I had one chance and seconds to spare before the conductor would throw the train into high speed.

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