Page 75 of Conceal

We’ve texted and FaceTime’d with her as often as we can, but she’s been distant, and now we know why. Any minute, the FBI is going to raid the compound and set her free.

The familiar itch to ride my bike fast or punch something or get punched has gripped the base of my spine, demanding action. But I sit here, straddling my bike, kickstand down, and watch with bated breath.

I’ve memorized every guard by their body type and the way they walk. I’ve memorized the traffic that drives down this secluded road. Civilians driving to and from work and soccer practice, with no idea that there’s a woman trapped in the Greek Revival mansion behind tall walls.

The sky is turning that shade of purple that it does just before the sun is about to rise, and I’m tempted to leave. I’ll text Roman to replace me and drive Mik to the barn.

Juliet’s been skittish and anxious lately, and I know he’s been extra worried about her and the change in her routine. I just think she’s missing her rider. It’s been two months since Juliet’s seen Tatiana. I think it’s the longest they’ve gone apart.

But something catches the corner of my eye. To the left and surrounding the back of the mansion are dense woods. I’m sure it’s used as a visual barrier too.

Just when I think it was a figment of my imagination, I see another movement. It’s nearly black on black, but it’s just enough that I’m convinced I did see something. My eyes ache as I stare harder, trying to decipher anything else.

There’s the smallest flash of light and my spine straightens. If I were the FBI about to raid a mafioso’s mansion, it would be at this time of night, when the most amount of people would be asleep.

There’s the smallest thud, and another flash of light.

This is it!

I dismount my bike. I’m not about to get between the FBI and their targets, but holy shit! This is it! Today is the day Tatiana gets free! I scramble to get my cell phone from my jacket pocket and shoot off a text to the group chat.

Not a second later, it vibrates in my hand with Roman’s incoming call.

“What’s happening?” he demands.

“I think they’re here. I can see movement in the woods and what I think are flashes from silencers.”

A floodlight on the back of the mansion springs on, illuminating the back and side yards. They must know they’re under attack. Men shout and dark figures run through the chaos. An army of men in dark camo fatigues swarm the backyard with a precision that makes my skin crawl. They move together like one being. They cling to the shadows, dropping the opponent with single, nearly silent shots to the head.

Bodies fall with soft thuds.

Then, there’s silence.

Chapter forty-seven

Tatiana

Iawake to men shouting.

Shit!

Adrenaline floods my veins, making my chest ache and my heart race, knowing that this is it.

My door is always locked, but I stumble to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me and locking it as well. I slink into the bathtub, hoping that if bullets start to fly, it’ll offer me an added layer of protection. I instantly regret not grabbing my phone first. Or my laptop. What if they get broken?

Fuck! It doesn’t matter, idiot! You can replace electronics if you stay alive.

I flinch as the first gunshot rings out and bury my head in my hands. The cold porcelain doesn’t help matters, and I find myself shivering from fear, adrenaline, and the cold.

Footsteps thump the ground outside of my room as men run, shouting at each other in what I assume is Italian. The cacophony of gunshots, shouting, and things breaking sounds like something from a movie. It feels too loud to be real.

I yelp when I hear a bullet splinter the wood of my bedroom door.

So I do what I think anyone would do in my position.

I pray.

I pray to see my guys again. I pray that I get more time with them. I want to show them the Tatiana who isn’t afraid and selfish anymore. I want time to get to know them better. I want the chance to spoil them and take care of them the way they take care of me. I want to see Juliet and Sparkles again. I want to move to Paris. I want the chance to open my gallery.