Page 64 of Belgian Betrayal

Catya moved closer with Fearghas, their shoulders touching as she compared the guest list to the names from the data on the disk.

“Who are these people?” Fearghas asked.

Catya pointed to a name she recognized. “Antonio Barros is the current vice president of Mozambique.” She pointed to another name. “Joaquin Guzmán is a high-ranking official from Venezuela. There are names of leaders or officials from all over the world.”

“Many of those on the disk are on the guest list for Stanhope’s event,” Ace said. “Along with an impressive list of celebrities in the film and music industries.”

Catya read through the guest list. “There are royals on the guest list as well as cabinet ministers. And look.” She tugged Fearghas’s arm. “The Deputy Prime Minister, Cassandra Miles and Walter Sykes are all invited.”

“Coincidence? Jasmine asked.

Fearghas shook his head. “I don’t believe in coincidences. Deputy Prime Minister, Walter Sykes and Cassandra Miles all have to be in on this, but does that mean Stanhope is as well?”

“Why would someone kill for this list of names?” Ace asked. “And why are they going to Stanhope’s event?”

“What do these people have in common?” Jasmine asked from behind them.

Catya’s eyes narrowed as she studied the names from the disk. “Most of these names are dignitaries from foreign countries. High ranking, but not the leaders. People with political pull or enough status to represent the leaders.”

Fearghas tapped a finger against his chin, his gaze on the list, his brow dipping low on his forehead. “What else brings them together on that list?”

“Mozambique is an African nation at war,” Ace said.

“Venezuela is a nation in turmoil,” Jasmine added.

“Other nations on this list are having troubles, either internally with civil wars or are fighting with neighboring countries,” Fearghas said.

“Does Stanhope bring them together at his place to teach them how to play nice with each other?” Jasmine asked.

“Stanhope is a ruthless businessman, first. Being a good neighbor is way down on his list of priorities,” Fearghas said. “He probably brought them together to establish additional trade partners.”

“Which makes sense.” Catya met Fearghas’s gaze. “The disk was in the possession of Gia Rosolino. Her father was known for facilitating the sale and transfer of illegal weapons. The information on this disk is a list of his clients and suppliers.” She scrolled through the list. “There.” She pointed at a name. “Mikhail Volchenkov is a Russian. Look him up. I’ll bet he’s a supplier.”

Ace’s cell phone vibrated. He glanced down at the display. “It’s Swede, our computer guy back in the States,” he said, swiping the screen. “Swede, you’re on speaker.”

“I’ve run some of the names from the disk through the internet,” Swede said. “It’s an interesting mix of high-ranking officials from various governments, weapons manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. Some of the names are from opposing countries.”

“Rosolino was facilitating sales to opposing nations.” Fearghas shook his head.

“Playing both sides of war.” Jasmine snorted. “And who benefits most? The people making, selling and shipping supplies to feed the wars.”

“There’s something happening at Stanhope’s place during that event.” Catya stared at the names from the disk. “Why else would those guests be invited?” She looked up. “I want to be there. Especially if the people who killed my parents and Gia Rosolino are there. I want to know why the list on that disk is important enough to kill to keep it a secret.” She glanced up at Ace and Dmytro. “How do we get on the guest list for Stanhope’s party?”

Dmytro rubbed his hands together. “My cousin Ivan will get us in. We will need to have a plan for what we are going to do once inside Stanhope’s chateau. With the number of foreign dignitaries and celebrities, there will be additional security.”

“We need to know a little more about the Deputy Prime Minister, Walter Sykes and Cassandra Miles—and why they would be involved in the illegal arms trade,” Fearghas said.

“On it,” Swede said. “Oh, and I got word from Hank. Atkins and his daughter have been moved to a safe location. Hank and Sadie will arrive in London later this afternoon. I’m headed back into web surfing for more information. Out here.”

“Thanks, Swede,” Ace said. “Out here.” He ended the call and met Dmytro’s gaze. “Hank and Sadie will want to be included on Stanhope’s guest list.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Dmytro said. “A celebrity like Sadie McClain will be welcomed to Stanhope’s party with open arms.” He eyed the others in the room. “It will take a little more creativity to get the rest of us in.”

“That’s right.” Catya nodded. “We can’t show up in force without alerting security. We will need disguises. Some of us can come as guests, others as wait staff or interpreters.”

“We’ll get started on the preparations,” Ace said. He lifted his chin toward Catya and Fearghas. “You two need to grab a bite to eat and get some rest. We’ll let you know if anything earth-shattering comes up.”

Catya was too keyed up for sleep but knew she had to fuel her body with food and rest.

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