Fede’s knees suddenly buckled under him. He collapsed, dragging at my arm as he fell. I still don’t know whether he’d planned it, but it proved a beautiful distraction. Startled by the sudden movement, the guard swung around to bring her weapon to bear—then realized her mistake, but too late. Rafael’s fist connected solidly with her temple. She fell, rifle slipping from limp fingers as she collapsed. In one smooth motion Rafael yanked its smartlink cable free as it fell. Then he kicked the rifle across the rooftop and sprinted for the VTOL with Vargas bouncing on his shoulder. As I hauled Fede to his feet, Rafael tore open the door and tossed the paralyzed body of the priest inside. Then he helped me boost Fede into the plane.