Chapter 97 Ninety-seven

• Mikhail
• My body reacts before my mind can process what's happening. Instinctively, I lunge toward Maria, shielding her against the SUV. Glass shatters around us, showering the interior with shards as Pavel covers his face.
• "Maria, stay down!" I shout, scrambling to move Maria around the SUV and away from the bullets. Despite the outburst of chaos, one thought remains clear in my mind. I will not let anything happen to her. "What are you doing here?"