Page 111 of The Brigadier
“What a jerk.” He cursed again and another cold chill popped through me.
Maxim.
What in the hell was going on?
I backed away, determined to slide out without being heard. But as with almost every thriller move, the stupid girl ran into something making a noise.
Maxim appeared in seconds as I was throwing open the door, trying not to become hysterical. I had to keep my wits about me. I raced toward the other house, taking no time in getting there.
He was screaming in Russian behind me and I had a little luck, the man falling flat on his face from the water on the deck boards. I flew inside, locking the door and flicking on the security system.
“Think. Think.”
He pounded on the door and I was certain he was going to bust it in. I was shaking all over, realizing at this point the only thing I could do is to grab Damien and hide.
And pray.
Suddenly, I couldn’t hear him any longer. That didn’t bode well for what he had planned but it would buy a few minutes anyway.
The training my father had provided, the same asshole who’d terrified Damien into surrendering to the darkness, kicked in. I grabbed a knife and a heavy flashlight, remembering exactly where I’d seen a canvas wine bag. I couldn’t afford to terrify the little man.
After snagging my phone, I took the stairs two at a time, doing everything in my power to calm my breathing.
By the time I reached the top, the electricity went off.
Fuck. Fuck.
When the generator didn’t kick in, I knew Maxim had purposely cut the power, which meant the internet as well. I was fucking screwed unless Nikolay returned. That could also mean he’d cut the security system. Oh, God. Whoever was on the other endof the line had told Maxim to kill me. Maybe I should leave Damien. No. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened.
Damien didn’t wake up when I scooped him into my arms. I had to be smart about this. Maxim would look in Damien’s room and Nicolay’s, turning them inside out if necessary.
I chose a door that never seemed to be opened. It was a combination bedroom and office, and I only hoped there was something to hide behind in the closet.
Damien woke up just then, obviously scared.
“We’re playing a little game,” I whispered, hearing a noise coming from downstairs.
“A game?”
“Yep. Hide and seek. But you need to not say a word. Not a peep. Not a cough. Can you do that?”
He nodded as enthusiastically as ever and I held my breath as I opened the closet door. Thankfully, there were extra coats and something else inside. I crawled in, closing the door and easing us back against the furthest wall. As if a few inches were going to matter. He was crowded between the wall and my body, so it freed my right hand to use the weapon if I was forced to.
“Okay. Very quiet. No matter what.”
“No madder what,” he repeated in a harsh whisper.
We waited.
And waited.
But I could hear Maxim starting to tear the house apart.
“Chantie?” he asked as softly as possible.
“Just don’t listen. Please be quiet? Okay, little man?”
“Tay.”