Page 60 of Smoke and Shadows

“We’re running out of time, Viktor,” Marissa said. “Rafiq may discover the alternate visitor’s log for the CIA. Do you have a plan on how to come in undetected?”

“No.”

“So I’m your only person inside that can do anything.”

“Yes.”

“I guess I better get to work. Where’s the armory?”

“Second level, near the last situation room.”

“That’s near the opening to the tunnel. There’s a hostile guarding that area. I’ll have to make do with what I have. Where’s the best access panel to the ventilation system?”

“Opposite end.”

“Got it. I’ll call you when I’m in position. I’m setting my phone on stealth, so I may not pick up any updates from you immediately. I’m also sending Sophie and Nurse Roberts to the bunker with Matsuda.”

“Copy that.”

The AGS vehicle pulled into a side alley where Viktor knew was a blind spot for HQ’s outside cameras. The Silver Escalade with Jack and Derek parked behind them. The two MDI men immediately disembarked from their vehicle and jogged to the passenger side of the Explorer.

“Any updates?” Jack asked.

“Rafiq has Burns, Nolan, Maia, Olsen, and a security guard hostage,” Viktor said. “Sophie, a nurse and Matsuda are heading to a bunker.”

Jack raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. Relief flickered in Derek’s eyes, but his face remained stoic.

“What’s the plan?” Jack asked impatiently.

Before Viktor could reply, the LCD display that was mounted on the dashboard started blinking.

“It’s from the datacenter,” Nathan said.

Viktor nodded to accept the feed and motioned for the other men to move out of camera range.

The screen filled with Rafiq’s smug face.

“Mr. Baran, I must applaud your cunning in keeping Agent Pierce’s survival off the grid.”

“I’m learning your methods.”

“Ah, cloak and dagger. The old way is more reliable, isn’t it?”

“Get to the fucking point.”

“I’ve already told you. I want the codes to all the classified information in your database.”

“What are you after? What do I have that is so important to you?”

“What do you have that you need to protect with military grade encryption?”

Viktor remained silent.

“Your agent NOC database and client list. I expose them. No one will ever trust to work for you or hire your services again. I told you—” Rafiq’s expression turned sinister “—I will destroy you.”

“The people you want to destroy have nothing to do with your hatred for me,” Viktor said. His eyes flickered to Jack, who was ready to go ballistic, and Viktor was thankful to Derek for calming his ass. “I cannot give you what you want. I can offer myself in exchange for your prisoners. Do as you want with me.”

Rafiq appeared to be considering this.Yes, you bastard, Viktor thought.Take me on, and you’ll discover that I’m your worst nightmare.

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