I peer out from the corner of the crate and see that we’re slowly regaining ground. Some of our men at the south entrance have rallied the guards who were taking shelter before our arrival. Together, they’re not more powerful against the Sokolovs.
Good.
From the corner of my eye, I see one of the intruders aiming at Faddey.
“Faddey!” I bellow, but he can’t hear me. I don’t have an aim on his attacker from here, not without risking a bullet to my brother. I quickly rise and lose my cover as I aim for the intruder. In one shot, he’s down.
But just then, I see movement from the corner of my eye, a man aiming right at me. I pivot, but I’m not fast enough.
Fire tears across my shoulder as his bullet grazes me, missing the vest. Fortunately, it doesn’t lodge, but it hurts like hell. I grit my teeth against the pain, drop low, and return fire. My shots catch him in the throat, and he falls, the blood spluttering out of his neck.
Hot, sticky blood seeps through my shirt, and I feel weak as I stand.
“Agafon!” Faddey shouts, concern in his voice.
“I'm fine,” I call back, already moving forward. “Cover me.”
But before I can move any further, Bogdan appears by my side. “We’ve regained our ground,” he tells me, his eyes lingering on my wound. “Most of the men are dead, and the rest are either surrendering or being captured as we speak.”
“There are still some who fight,” I say, through gritted teeth.
Bogdan puts his hand on my good shoulder. “Go home, Brother. Trust me. We’ve got it covered.”
“How’s everyone else?”
He knows what I’m asking. Of course, I’m worried about my men, but it’s my brothers I’d bleed for.
“Everyone’s unharmed, except for you.” His gaze drops to the blood all over me again. “Please, Brother. Go home.”
He looks like he means it. I survey the scene one last time, and from the dying sounds of gunfire and the fact that I can see only three intruders still standing—cornered near the main shipment, firing randomly in panic as though they know they’ve lost—I realize this fight is now over.
“Interrogate them well,” I tell Bogdan and pat him on the shoulder. “Make sure everyone gets home soon.”
Bogdan nods as I make my exit. The truth is, I’m not injured so bad that I must leave. However, I also see this as an opportunity. Should anything happen to me, ever, Bogdan willbe my next in line. It’s good that I let him have the opportunity to train while I’m still around.
***
By the time I return home, it’s completely dark. My brothers called just ten minutes ago, asking if they could bring the doctor over, but I shot down that idea. It’s getting late, and everyone needs some rest. I’ve barely been grazed by a bullet.
I can handle it.
I step out of the car and make my way up to the porch and the main entrance. The guard moves to open the door, and I silence him with a finger to my lips, reminding him to remain quiet.
Lilibeth must be asleep, and I would hate to disturb her at this hour.
When he pushes open the door and I find lights on in my living room, I get curious. Is Lilibeth awake? Is it a member of the staff?
I make way and step inside, only to find Lilibeth jumping off the couch, chucking her phone aside as she rushes up to me with wide eyes.
“Oh my god!” she gasps as her eyes rake over my body. She looks positively worried, petrified even, by the sight of me.
“What are you doing up?” I ask in surprise.
“Faddey called me,” she says, stepping closer now. Her gaze drops to my blood-stained shirt, and her expression tightens. “He said you were hurt and too stubborn to see a doctor.”
I frown, making a mental note to have a serious conversation with my brother about boundaries. “So you stayed up?”
“Of course I stayed up!” she shrieks. “In fact, I woke up. You’re hurt. I needed to make sure you were okay, and from the looks of it, I’m glad Faddey called!”
