Scoundrel's Honor (Russian Connection 3)

“Damn you. We have escaped. Allow me to gather the others and we can be far away from Cairo before the pasha realizes we are no longer his guests.”

Dimitri shook his head, his attention returning to the carriage across the road.

“Not until I discover who is so anxious to see me dead.”

“What does it matter so long as they do not succeed?”

“Because they will quite likely try again.” His gaze shifted to the nearby buildings, searching for hidden dangers that might be lurking in the shadows. “I do not intend to spend the remainder of my life in fear.”

“You always have enemies wishing you harm,” Josef muttered. “It has never troubled you before.”

Dimitri turned to meet his servant’s frustrated glance, his expression somber.

“I now have another’s welfare to consider,” he said, his tone suggesting that he would not compromise when it came to protecting Emma. “I will not leave here until I have brought an end to the threat.”

“But…”

“My decision is made, Josef,” Dimitri interrupted. “Fawzi.”

“Yes?”

He pointed across the street. “I want you to approach the carriage and pretend that you have accomplished your mission.”

“No, I have done all you have asked of me,” Fawzi whined in alarm. “If I go to the man without the proof he demanded I will be shot.”

Josef waved his knife in front of the man’s face. “If it is an eye you are wanting then I can make certain you have what you need.”

Not surprisingly, Fawzi fell back with a squeal, his face drenched with sweat.

“Josef.” Dimitri sent the servant a warning glare. “I have need of him.”

“Why?”

“He can provide a distraction while you dispose of the groom.”

“And what of you?”

“I intend to join our mysterious lurker.”

Josef clenched his jaw, his disapproval etched on every line of his face.

“Don’t be a fool,” he gritted. “We have no notion how many men might be in the carriage.”

Dimitri grimaced. That was an unfortunate risk. But what choice did he have?

“No, but I will have the element of surprise.”

Josef snorted. “Surprise will not halt a bullet to your heart.”

“Trust me.”

The men exchanged glares, then at last accepting that nothing would prevent Dimitri from confronting the unknown enemy, Josef heaved a frustrated sigh.

“Damn you, Tipova.”

Keeping his firm hold on the Egyptian, Dimitri urged him toward the edge of the palm trees.

“Fawzi, I want you to count to twenty and then approach the carriage.”