Free Double Vision (Unknown Identities #2) by Regan Black Page A

Jeremy and the Cleaner were advancing unerringly on their position.
    Adam leaned close so he wouldn't be overheard. That's what he told himself anyway. The stark reality was he wanted another whiff of the delicate floral perfume behind her ear.
    "When I draw their attentio n, you head for the subway. I'll meet you there." He cut off her automatic protest the easiest way he knew how. He pressed his mouth to hers.
    A kiss used as a shushing tactic shouldn't stir things inside him, but this one did. No matter that it had been the most brief and unromantic of kisses.
    Her eyes were wide, sparkling. He shrugged. "No time to argue. On three."
    He held up his hand and silently counted with his fingers. Her gaze was mutinous, but she didn't stop him when he stepped out into the alley.
    Through his thermal vision he watched Galloway and the Cleaner approach another few paces before he stepped out to intercept them.
    "Would you look at this," Galloway said. " Santa brought me a present."
    "You should leave while you still have both legs working." Adam moved forward, giving Selena more room to get away.
    He couldn't shoot her a look without giving away her position, but he knew she hadn't moved yet. Christ. What was she waiting for?
    "Hand her over and I'll give you a pass, Carter."
    Carter ? Adam did a double take at the sound of his former name. The UI program had given him the benefit of a clean slate. While other candidates had been frustrated giving up who they'd been, if Adam hadn't let go, he'd be serving time as Inmate Carter in a federal penitentiary now.
    Messenger's invitation to join UI had been a blessing – twisted as it turned out.
    "You need to let this one go. It's a no-win situation." Because he was looking for it, Adam caught the unspoken signal as Galloway directed the Cleaner to cut off the escape route.
    Times like this, Adam enjoyed the simplicity of predictable people. And Galloway hadn't changed a bit.
    "Not an option," Galloway said. "The intel she's holding is important."
    "I'm sure. Just as I'm sure it will never be yours." Adam kept his voice calm despite the urge to shout at Selena. She needed to move – now – or the Cleaner would definitely intercept her. "Why not make up something new and sell that to your buyer. You're good at that."
    " Aww. Poor little Carter is bitter."
    Adam caught a shift in the shadows near the wall where Selena was hiding. About time, he thought, taking another step toward Galloway.
    "She's nothing to you," Galloway said. " Or me. I just want my fucking watch."
    Anticipation lit Adam's nerves. His nemesis, the man who'd ruined his career stood just beyond arm's reach. He scanned the area with his thermal vision, getting a clearer picture of his options, reworking the escape plan since Selena had not moved in time to reach the subway safely.
    He couldn't take the Cleaner, but he could take the man's eyes off of Selena.
    "I'm not letting you ruin another innocent life," he declared reaching into his jacket.
    "Stop bitching about the past. You were never innocent."
    Ignoring that, Adam moved as if pulling a weapon and shifted his stance to make it look like he was about to fire.
    As expected, Galloway lunged behind the shelter of a dumpster to avoid the assault. Right where the double-crossing rat belonged, Adam thought.
    T he Cleaner had two choices, carry out Galloway's direction and go for Selena, or guard Galloway. He changed direction to protect Galloway.
    Adam had pu t odds that he'd go for Selena, but this was better. Filing away the reaction for later analysis, he advanced on Galloway's position. It didn't require thermal vision to know the Cleaner was gaining on him.
    Every second he could give Selena would help them both. He heard her boot heel s clacking against the asphalt. Go , he urged silently. Go !
    When the Cleaner turned toward the noise of her footsteps, Adam grabbed the man's overcoat, planning to use the leverage to toss the taller man on top of