Part of him wanted to shove Briggs aside and lay into Hadad for even suggesting it. As depraved as people were, most criminals didn't work like that. At least not the ones he dealt with. He could even do it without breaking his cover, since he clearly had experience with criminal types. But that part of him was too small to make a difference.

He had to do something that would give his would-be rescuer a chance to get out. If anyone could slip free of Hadad's grasp, it was Briggs. But he was sticking to his no-man-left-behind ideals far too hard for that to happen. There was only one way to give him a chance. It would hurt them both, in different ways, but it was the only option he had.

At the look Briggs gave him, he shook his head. He had no way to explain or apologize for what he was about to do.

"He's won't do that," Mike said, stepping out from behind Briggs. There was tension in his voice, as he nervously eyed the men with weapons. This was a gamble, and he could end up dead for good. "I lied, okay? I don't actually owe Rossi anything." He kept the knife hidden against his own arm as he moved a step closer. "I'm a federal agent and he's my CI." With some effort, he traded the tension for burning conviction. "And I can't let you hurt him!"

He rushed at Hadad as soon as the words were off his lips, raising the knife. He was aiming right for the man's chest, though he knew it would never land.