Page 90 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

Both men shook their heads.

“Do you think she’s dead?” Andreas asked.

“She wasn’t when the ambulance took her away.”

“Shit,” Rolf said.

“What are we going to do?” Andreas asked.

Dieter’s phone vibrated. He looked at the screen and saw that Jillian had come through with the info.

He smirked. “What we do is finish the job.”

33

Lance’s attaché met Teddy inthe hospital lobby and escorted him to the surgical center waiting area, where the hospital’s director and head of security waited. Danielle was in one of the operating rooms beyond the set of double doors that were currently being guarded by a pair of Budapest police officers.

After the attaché made the introductions, the head of security said something in Hungarian and held out a badge.

“He says to wear that wherever you go,” the attaché said.

Teddy took it. “Can I go anywhere or does this have restricted access?”

The attaché relayed the question, listened to the answer, then said, “They would rather you not wander around too much.”

“That wasn’t the question.”

Lance’s man said something to the two Hungarians, then motioned for Teddy to follow him.

Once they were out of earshot, he whispered, “They’re not happy that you’re here, but strings have been pulled, so they are cooperating. Your badge should get you through any door in the building. All I ask is that you do me a favor and don’t abuse it. The last thing I need is for the ambassador to hear about this.”

“Anything I do will be necessary.”

“I understand, but—”

“Iunderstand. No buts.”

The attaché let out a breath. “Very well.”

“Any update on Danielle Verde’s condition?”

“No, but since she’s still in surgery, I take that to mean she’s still alive.”

“Do you have an ETA on when the relief team is expected?”

“Last I heard they should be here by midnight.”

Teddy looked at his watch. Just under three hours away. He nodded toward the two cops guarding the surgical center entrance. “Please tell me there are more cops here than just these two.”

“I’ve been informed that these are all that could be spared.”

“This is not just a made-up threat. It’s very real.”

“I get it. I’ve asked for additional help and will continue to do so, but the Hungarians don’t work for us.”

Teddy nodded, not liking it but understanding.

After the attaché and the men from the hospital left,Teddy used his badge to enter the surgical center. Beyond the door was a wide hallway with six doorways running down both sides, each with a number above it.

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