Hard Target (15 page)

“It’s a him?”

I nod, but I have to stop because my head feels like it’s about to explode. “He favors you, but wrong hair color. Scar up here.” I almost stab myself in the eye with my finger.

There was a long pause. Or I passed out again. “Are you sure you can find him?” Ben asks.

“Yes.” Maxim comes into focus. “I will find him, but in the meantime, you have to go.”

“I will come back for you,” Ben says. He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Wait for me.”

“Love you.”

“Oh God.” Are those tears in his eyes? “I love you. You won’t remember telling me so or me telling you, but I do. I never meant for you to get hurt. I’m sorry.”

“Forgive you.”

My eyes finally close.

Benjamin

I
shove my
way through he crowd of people that have arrived to take care of Morgan as well as quarantine her in case the virus can be spread like the cold it is supposed to eradicate.

Maxim shouts my name. “We have a lock on Farooq. He’s in London, south side.”

I don’t allow relief to ease my pain. There will be no peace until Morgan is cured and the head of Wraith is dead.

And God help this entire world should she die.

Dmitry joins me. “You will not do this alone.”

I spare him a glance. “He will kill you for betraying him.”

“Worth it. I’m ready to retire.”

Pointing to a familiar black Mercedes by the curb, I ask, “That yours?”

“Ready and waiting.”

We get in.

Trusting Dmitry to follow the app’s tracking directions, I check my guns and count my bullets. The app stops beeping, then the view switches over to a detailed blueprint of the building where we’re stopped.

“He’s here and heading to the roof.” I glance at the name of the building. “Romanov Industries.”

“You don’t think it’s one of your brothers, do you?” Dmitry asks.

“Never say never.”

We begin the long trek up sixty-two flights of stairs. “Why is it always the roof?” I grumble.

“Helipad, most likely, or he wants to do something very big.”

“We can take the service elevator. No one ever thinks to take those.”

Dmitry nods. “I’m in.”

Music plays over the speakers, a jazzed up version of a song about death and destruction. “Seems appropriate. Needs more cowbell.”

“
Da
. The bell of a cow would be helpful.”

I eye him for a moment. Unsure if he really gets this popular American saying or not.

The door opens and once more I step out first, checking the hallway. It’s deserted.

Dmitry points his gun at the ceiling and I nod, but then I feel the press of cold steel against the back of my neck.

“Put the gun down.”

“David?”

“Who else were you expecting?” he asks.

“The Queen.”

“—James Bond.”

“—Swim suit models.”

“Quiet, or I’ll send my men to St. Mary’s to check in on patient zero.” His voice booms, echoing in the hallway.

Dmitry and I lower our guns.

“Kick it them over there.”

Dmitry does as he asks. “Now what?”

“Now we get to see a show.”

“And your men?”

David prods me with the gun. “As long as you behave like good lads, you have nothing to worry about.”

“What are your plans with the virus?”

“As soon as Morgan confirms that the vaccine actually works, it will be a go for production. Thanks for helping me out.”

“You
stabbed
her in order to make sure the vaccine worked?” My fists clench at my sides.

“I don’t believe in testing on animals. It’s bloody cruel.” His mouth lifts into a smile. “But it wasn’t me.”

“Then who?” Morgan’s description can’t be entirely trusted and I have no bloody idea what
favor me
means… unless—

A shot rings out.

I dive for cover and Dmitry does the same.

David falls forward.

“God. I thought he’d never shut up.” A man wearing a tailored suit steps over David’s body as though he were not even there. “You two. Come here.”

The man’s eyes are a mirror of mine in everything but color. The hair on the back of my neck stands up.

“Vladimir,” I whisper unable to believe he’s still alive. I witnessed his death, participated in it as well. However, it was Grandfather who pulled the trigger—literally.

“In the flesh.” He turns to face me. “I believe you and I have a score to settle for that time you blew up my fucking yacht.”

“I believe you can go fuck yourself.”

Dmitry starts for him, his hand in his jacket. I shake my head. This battle is for me alone.

“Always was good at taking orders. Until tonight, that is.” Vladimir keeps his gun aimed at my chest.

“Why would you have him kill Tansy if you wanted to see how quickly the vaccine worked? We have a man searching for the two vials that are needed for replication.”

Vladimir’s face falters a little, but he quickly recovers. “Patient Zero has a ten hour window. Surely, the men and woman of MI6 can find a scientist hiding out in London.”

“You’re bloody mental.”

“Actually, I’m rather anxious to see how quickly the vaccine will work. Perhaps it will be possible to have tiered pricing based on how badly an infection patient wants to live. What do you think, boys?”

“I think you’re a sick fuck who won’t live to see another day.”

He shakes his head at me, disgust on his face. “Yet another son who isn’t fit to rule with me, but at least you’re here to challenge me. What in the hell did that English bitch do to my boys?”

His boys.
As if he only has two and not four sons, but Koyla and I have always been considered expendable. “I have no interest in ever ruling with you.”

“That’s because you are short-sighted. The Romanovs need a visionary.

I run a hand through my hair. “Just tell me your plan so I can kill you.”

Vladimir sneers at me. “There is no plan.”

“How do you expect to make money?”

“By bankrupting PharmGen.”

“How?”

“When the world knows what they’ve created, shareholders will have no choice but to sell off quickly. Then I’ll swoop in, buy them for a song, and reorganize. The vaccine will be owned by me alone. The US and China will pay a premium to own even one-tenth of my supply.”

“That’s a plan,” Dmitry says. “A shitty, delusional one, but still a plan.”

I level Vladimir with a look. “You’re going to continue to market a vaccine that will not needed once the virus has been eradicated.”

“The need will be there… for as long as I find it profitable.”

“Because you plan to put the virus in the vaccine, create a reverse chimera.” Fuck me sideways.

“Exactly.” He smiles, his lip pulling at the corner. “Dr. Clark performed such a miracle before his untimely death.”

“Brilliant, but I’m bloody tired of listening to you.” As I pull out my gun, Dmitry rushes into Vladimir, sending his gun into the air.

Vladimir staggers back, but he brings down both hands onto my cousin’s back, sending him to the ground. Dmitry hits his head on a stone blockade near the helipad.

“Shit.” I run for him, sure that Vladimir has another gun hidden somewhere, and start shooting. Sure enough, he pulls out another gun and starts firing back, but his aim is off. My bullets hit him dead center. Twice.

His eyes widen, a shade of blue identical to mine, as he falls back and a horrible gurgling sound emanates from his throat.

A gust of wind seems to push him, but I grab him at the last second and dig my hand into his shirt pocket, retrieving the ring Morgan had put there.

“Thank you for holding on to this.”

He spits at me, but I don’t flinch. “You are nothing to me.”

“Great father son talk.” I hit him in the jaw, whipping his head to one side. “Now will you die for good this time?”

With a swift kick to the stomach, I send him over the edge of the building, watching as he falls, his arms and legs flailing about. His body crashes into Dmitry’s car, shattering the glass and smashing the roof.

“Never did like that car,” he says as he joins me, holding his head. Blood seeps from beneath his fingers.

“At least we know he’s dead this time.” But to be completely certain, I will shoot him again, in the morgue if I have to.

“It doesn’t bother you?” Dmitry asks.

“That I killed Vladimir?”

He nods.

“Not particularly.” He never was my father. Never took care of me. Always it was Grandfather and Roman. “I felt nothing but contempt for him.”

“This is good. Not many men could do such a thing.”

“He was never my father. It was like shooting a stranger.” Although, I have never been that cold hearted as to take a life without provocation. Except, Vladimir provoked the hell out of me.

Dmitry looks at me, exhaling thickly. “Now what do we do?”

“Do whatever you like. You’ve earned a bloody holiday, but get your head checked first.” I start walking to the door that leads me to the elevators below. “As for me, I’m headed back to St. Mary’s to wait with Morgan.”

Benjamin

I
’m bruised, battered,
and bloody and can barely walk by the time I arrive at Morgan’s room, but nothing hurts worse than seeing her lying so pale and still in a hospital bed. Actually, nothing hurts worse than knowing if she recovers, I will leave her so that she can have a normal life.

I make an inhuman sound.

Maxim leans against the corner, his eyes closed and his arm in a sling. “She’s not dead.”

Her eyes flutter open. “Ben,” she says weakly and I’m at her side in an instant.

Only I can’t touch her. She looks so damn fragile that I’m afraid I’ll break her. “I’m here, love.”

Her smile is weak but beautiful. “Maxim found Farooq.”

“That I did.” Maxim squeezes my shoulder. “She will make a brilliant recovery.”

All the air I’ve been holding inside of me, rushes out and it’s all I can do not to weep like a child at the news. “Thank you.”

“And the head of Wraith?” he asks.

“Vladimir.”

“I’ll alert—”

“No need. I’ve taken care of him.” Quickly, I relay what happened as well as Vladimir’s former plans.

Maxim makes a single call, giving them nearly everything I’ve told him. Only he left out the part about me killing my father.

“Taken care of, mate.”

I turn my attention to Morgan. “Is there anything I can get you?”

“Why do you sound like you want to leave?”

When I don’t say anything, her gaze shifts to Maxim, then back to me.

“Answer me, Ben.”

“I’m not leaving.” Not right now anyway. “Are you okay?”

She nods, but her mouth is drawn tight. “Full recovery. I’m already feeling better.”

“That’s good because we need to talk… once you’re at your best again.”

A frown turns the corners of her lips down. “I know you think that this is your fault, but I willingly volunteered to help.”

“But it was my fault,” I protest. “Ever since you met me, you’ve had nothing but trouble. Guns, explosions… everything the evil that exists in this world can throw at you.”

“Yet I’m here… alive, with you by my side.”

“I think you need some time to truly think of what you want out of life.”

“You are such an asshole.” She looks at Maxim. “Arrest him. Throw him in the Tower and only let me visit him.”

“Er… That’s not strictly legal,” he replies.

“House arrest, then.”

Maxim nods. “That I can do.”

“Look,” I rub the back of my neck. “You’re safer without me and I’ll make sure—”

“That I’ll go back to my old, boring life as a receptionist in some dead end job in a Podunk town. Gee, thanks, but no thanks.”

“It’s not bloody boring to be alive,” I shout at her. “To go to a normal job and eat at a pub without worrying about finding a seat with your back to the wall. Without worrying that someone who is supposed to be dead will turn up and try to kill everyone you hold dear. What kind of life is that?”

“Cops have the same problem and you don’t see them giving up. Soldiers, too. I never thought I’d say this, but you, Benjamin Romanov are a coward.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Go on and leave, but just know that you are leaving behind the best thing to ever happen to you.”

Truer words have never been spoken. Quite simply, Morgan Tanner is the one and I know it. Only, I can’t fucking have her because the life I tried to have is gone.

“Get out,” I roar.

“
You
get out. I’m the one recovering from a stupid prehistoric virus.”

I slash my hand through the air. “Not you. Him.”

“Text me if you need me.” Maxim nods at Morgan. “So very nice to meet you my dear. I do wish it were under better circumstances… and that I could do more.”

“You did the best you could,” Morgan says. “I appreciate that.”

I grab Maxim’s good arm. “Thanks for everything, cuz. You’ve done the family and your government proud.”

A ghost of a smile pushes the corners of his mouth up. He nods. “Cheers, Benji. Morgan.”

Morgan barely smiles, but she waves as he leaves.

The door closes softly.

“Shouldn’t
you
leave now?” Morgan asks pointedly. “The only person making you stay left.”

“Not everyone.”

She rolls her eyes before putting on a brave face. “You know what? You’re right. I don’t need you. I’ll move back to Georgia. Marry one of my cousins and make moonshine.”

“I hope to God you’re joking.”

“Only about the cousin and moonshine.” She settles back against the pillow. “Look who’s back, they will all say. Look who couldn’t cut it in the big city.”

“Stop it.”

“It’s the truth.
Your
family is proud of you. What’s left of mine only wants me to fail.” Fat tears fall on her cheeks. “Who am I kidding? What’s left of mine is probably in jail and the only reason I’m avoiding it is because I helped you save the world.”

“Excuse me?”

“What part of ‘I helped you save the world’ didn’t you understand?”

“Not that part. The bit about avoiding jail.”