Page 53 of Belgian Betrayal

“We really need to see what’s on that disk,” Ace said.

“I am working on it,” Lucie said. “You know, if Cassandra Miles stole the disk, she might not have the password as well. Even if she does, it could take her just as much time, if not more, for her computer people to decrypt the data.”

“Less talking,” Dmytro barked. “More decrypting.”

Lucie cast a side-eye at Dmytro. “Grumpy bastard, aren’t you?”

Dmytro crossed to her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “You know I care about you. Just focus and do the best you can. I believe in you.”

Lucie reached over her shoulder and patted Dmytro’s hand. “For you, I would do anything.” She went back to work trying to decrypt the data.

“We need to go to London,” Fearghas said. “The sooner the better.”

Catya nodded. “Yes. We need to follow Cassandra Miles and see who she is consorting with. We need to know whether the team of killers belongs to her or if someone’s manipulating her. Either way, we need to observe and know for certain.”

“Agreed,” Ace said. “Dmytro, can you fly your plane into the UK?”

Dmytro nodded. “I can have it topped off and ready to go in less than an hour.”

Ace glanced at his watch. “Good. If everyone is ready, we can leave in five minutes.”

“Do not mind me,” Lucie said with a wave of her hand over her shoulder. “I’ll be here, working on the decryption.”

“I would take you, but it will be dangerous,” Dmytro said.

Lucie glanced back at the big man. “I have no desire to be a bullet catcher. I like my internal organs just where they are. Now, once we get this figured out, I would enjoy a trip to London on your plane.” She grinned at Dmytro. “There is a pub that makes the best fish and chips I have eaten anywhere—and the bands play heavy metal.”

Dmytro shook his head. “I’ll get you there, but you’ll have to go in alone. I do not need heavy metal music to make my head hurt.”

“You do not know what you are missing,” Lucie said, turning back to her monitors.

“I know exactly what I would be missing,” Dmytro grumbled. He faced Ace and Fearghas. “I have contacts in London who can arm you with weapons and false passports. If there is a special state event, he can even get you on the invitation list.”

Lucie called over her shoulder, “There’s a state event happening in three weeks at Windsor Castle in Berkshire. Wait,” Lucie clicked several keys and grinned. “Lord Stanhope is hosting a gala at his French Chateau in Buckinghamshire three days from now. He’s entertaining royalty, cabinet ministers and representatives of countries from all over the world.”

“Let’s get to London and take it from there,” Ace said.

“What about our weapons?” Jasmine asked.

“Bring them,” Dmytro said. “I have a place to put them on the plane where they won’t be found.”

They gathered the handguns, rifles and a submachine gun and packed them into Ace’s duffel bag.

“Lucie,” Ace said, pausing behind her chair, “thank you for helping us.”

“You are welcome. I will continue to work the decryption. I have yours and Dmytro’s numbers. I will let you know when I get through, and I will let you know if anyone else accesses the disk.” She pushed to her feet and hugged Dmytro. “Do not get yourself killed, my friend.”

“Aye, mo ghràdh.” Dmytro hugged her tightly.

“Tell your wife and daughter that I miss them.”

“You will come to visit us in Zurich?”

Lucie nodded. “I will as soon as you are settled. Hopefully, your daughter will be back from Los Angeles.”

Dmytro’s lips thinned. “My girl is chasing dreams.”

“I hope she catches them,” Lucie said. “Now, go so I can get back to work.”

---