Yelena didn't hesitate. She was already on her feet, grabbing her coat and slipping it on with the ease of someone who had done this a hundred times before. "I'm coming with," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "In case something goes wrong."
Claire's jaw tightened, but there was a flicker of gratitude in her eyes as she nodded. "Fine. But we move fast."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Claire cut me off before I could even get a word out. "No," she said, her voice sharp. "You should stay here."
Yelena, however, had other ideas. She turned to me, her gaze assessing, her voice smooth and persuasive. "Maybe we should bring him along," she said, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "He'll be safer with us."
Claire shot her a look, her eyes narrowing. "He's a civilian."
Yelena countered, her voice firm. She turned to me, her expression serious for once. "Do you know how to use a gun?"
I nodded, meeting her gaze. "I know. I've practiced at shooting ranges."
