Page 104 of Smoke and Shadows

“The hostiles have a man hostage, I know.”

“No. Armed masked men have the entire top floor sealed off.”

“What? Who’s on the top floor?”

“Senator Goodman, Senator Robinson, and their aides.”

Viktor cursed. Those were the senators involved in the National Security task force.

“We were told it was SK nerve gas. That’s the same toxin that hit the Cinemaplex?” the captain asked.

“Yes,” Viktor said. “Has there been any indication that the gas had been released?”

“No, not yet.”

“What’s the plan on rescuing the hostages on the top floor?”

“We’ve got a SWAT team on it.”

Viktor nodded. When he lowered the hood of the trunk, he spied Marissa and Agent Olsen walking rapidly toward him. He handed Marissa a mask.

Facing the captain, he pointed to the Guardian. “This is Agent Olsen. You have any questions about the SK nerve gas, she will be your point of contact. I’m heading in to try and neutralize the chemical weapon and will let you know whenit’s safe for your men to secure the area. Do you have sketches of the men we’re after?”

“Yes. An Owen Reed and Henry Logan,” the captain replied. “Can’t believe our own citizens are terrorizing our nation.”

“Have you informed Tim on the new developments about the hostages?” Viktor asked Olsen.

“Just did.”

Viktor motioned for Marissa to walk with him.

“Heard anything back from Reed?”

“He’s not happy that the evacuation alarm sounded,” Marissa said. “He’s in the basement where the building’s electrical and ventilation controls are located. He wants me in exchange for my father.”

“How the fuck did they get past the guards?” Viktor said. “There’s been heightened security since the first attack on the federal buildings.”

Marissa didn’t answer and continued walking. Viktor pulled on her arm to stop her, grabbed her shoulders, and stared down at her.

“Is your head in this?”

“Of course it is,” Marissa snapped.

“Iz, we may have to make difficult decisions in there.”

Her lower lip trembled before it set firmly. “I know.”

They continued through the service entrance and sidled down the stairs leading to the basement. The surveillance camera hung loosely from the corner, a hole through its casing, the casualty of a gunshot.

Just as they reached the bottom of the stairs, the basement door opened. Viktor motioned Marissa behind him. Reed’s henchman stepped through. Viktor immediately caught him in a strangle hold, cutting off blood supply to his brain and rendering him unconscious. Marissa caught the basement door before it slammed close. They immediately bound the man’s hands and feet with flex ties.

A few steps inside the maintenance room, a rolling cart was set up against a wall. Inspecting its contents, they found suit jackets and counted four. Reed and his men were going to walk out like regular Capitol workers. That also indicated maybe three more hostiles inside.

They continued stealthily through the din of heavy machinery. Soon, they heard voices.

“This should do it.”

“Let’s get out of here.”

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