There’s absolutely no movement anywhere around the building, but I’ve never done this before, so chances are I’m not that good at spotting their hideouts. A click in my ear makes me pause, and I know Victoria has turned on her device. She has or is about enter the building, judging by the loud scrape of metal.
“There you are,” I hear Raphael’s voice. “I almost thought you weren’t coming.”
“Well, I’m here now,” she says. “Let’s get this over with.”
I wish I could see them, but since I don’t hear any shots, I guess she doesn’t have a clean target just yet. Or maybe Caleb is in there too.
“Your voice sounds a little... raspy,” he says.
“Really? You’re going to comment on my voice? That’s not why we’re here.”
“Indeed. Search her.”
“Nuh uh,” she says. “Don’t come anywhere near me. Just send Caleb over and I’ll give you the money.”
Victoria has to be standing far enough from Raphael, or maybe in a dark spot, or he would’ve already realized she isn’t me.
“Sir, we have company,” someone yells, and I swear under my breath.
“Who did you bring with you?” Raphael demands.
“No one. I guess you should’ve kept an eye on your enemies instead of me.”
I hear some rustling, and shots ring in my ears. Shit! Someone screams and I don’t know who.
“It’s not her!” Raphael says. “Get Caleb!”
As I look up, I see the rest of Victoria’s team is rushing toward the building, no longer having to hide. Pulling out of the holster the gun Victoria’s men gave me in case I needed to defend myself, I get to my feet and run.
I know I should stay back and wait, but I have to make sure Caleb is all right. The gravel crunches under my boots as I near one of the windows. Ducking underneath it, I peer through the glass, but all I see is an empty storage room. Shots can be heard from the other side of the building, so I stay where I am, trying to find an entrance.
The sound of breaking glass catches my attention and I press myself against the wall, my gun raised. Caleb jumps through one of the windows, followed by Raphael, who has his gun pointed at Caleb’s head. Raphael’s gaze meets mine, and as I aim at him, he pulls Caleb to himself and digs the barrel of the gun against his head.
“How nice of the real you to show up,” Raphael says, his eyes blazing with fury. “But at least you’ll get to see him die.” His fingers tighten on the trigger.
“Run, Lilith! Run!” Caleb yells, his eyes perfectly calm.
I took some shooting classes a couple of years ago, but I doubt I could hit Raphael on the first try. The risk of shooting Caleb instead is too big. Still, I don’t move a muscle.
“He cares about you. How pathetic is that?” Raphael says. “And all you ever wanted to do was take over my business.”
“What?” I stare at him, wondering how long I can keep my hand steady.
“Oh, I figured you out. Behind that innocent facade hides something else. You thought I wouldn’t find out that your friend bought Isaac. And then you intended to steal everyone else from me with the help of your cop friend. But you’re not smart enough to lead a business like mine. It takes years... It took my whole life to build up what I have... and you ruined it!” His expression turns into a sneer, and he points the gun at me.
I can’t believe he actually thinks I’ve been trying to become like him.
Caleb moves so fast that I almost drop my gun. Raphael yelps as Caleb elbows him, then quickly grabs his arm. The gun fires, and they both end up rolling on the ground. Caleb punches him in the face, and blood bursts from Raphael’s nose.
“Get off me, you little shit,” Raphael yells, trying to shove Caleb away, but Caleb slugs him in the stomach.
“Caleb?” I call softly, and he stumbles to his feet, his hands bloody, his eyes glued to the man who is coughing on the ground. I step forward, my gun ready, and glance at Caleb. Something rustles and I realize Raphael has somehow reached his gun and is about to raise it toward Caleb.
“Watch out!” I yell, and Caleb barely manages to avoid the bullet.
Squeezing the trigger, I fire and don’t stop until my gun is empty and Raphael stops moving. My whole body is shaking, my heart stuck somewhere in my throat.
Caleb keeps his gaze on the ground, his eyes slightly wide, his lips parted, but then he looks up at me, and I drop the gun and throw myself into his arms. He holds me tightly, his hand roaming my back.
