Natasha and Nigel kept low behind the ATV. She didn’t need to explain the urgency of the moment. He heard Viktor’s radio chatter; it sounded like they were under heavy fire.

“I’m ready,” Nigel said.

Natasha gave him a pained look as she picked up her two handguns and ran alongside her level-five intern. It was difficult to hear anything over the shutting door. Another twenty feet and they would be in. Nigel looked back. Jony’s stamina was lagging, as he was about thirty feet behind.

He will not make it, Nigel thought.

Natasha held Nigel’s hand as they continued their stupefying sprint through this unexpected war zone.

The door to the facility was less than ten feet away. Time seemed to slow down for Nigel.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Almost there,” Nigel said.

Natasha’s hand squeezed Nigel’s. Her nails dug into his hand. Nigel looked back. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and regret. Behind Natasha, several men were fighting Dahlia, Hunter, and Viktor. Jony was maybe ten feet behind. Nigel’s face contorted into an expression of horror as he came to the realization . . . they’d hit Natasha.

Natasha’s hand went limp. She fell to her knees for a brief second before collapsing. Nigel turned to see a spreading pool of blood around her middle.

“Nooo!” Nigel screamed.

I’m not ready to lose my mentor, teacher, and friend.

Natasha motioned to Nigel. He came close. Her lips were moving, but he couldn’t hear what she was saying. He couldn’t hear much of anything. All sound was muffled . . . and then everything returned in a torrent.

“Get inside! There is nothing you can do,” Dahlia screamed.

Nigel looked back. About five or six new arrivals were flanking them from the rear. They started aiming their guns in Nigel’s direction. Jony grabbed Nigel by his collar, pulling him toward the door.

Nigel and Jony made it through. Nigel watched as Dahlia and Hunter continued to engage the guards. More were coming.

With a loud BOOM, the door closed.