Page 116 of Misdirection

“Iraq?” Olive questioned.

Claudine twisted her head. “Impressive.”

“You had your colleagues go after Adriana.”

Claudine narrowed her eyes into a scowl. “If you want something done right, you should do it yourself. So here I am. But enough of this talking! I need to get on with business. I’m really sorry the two of you came down here. At this point, you’ll all just be collateral damage.”

“You don’t want to do this.” Olive pleaded with her using her gaze.

“Of course, I do. I’ve worked here two years, and I’ve been waiting for this day. I was assigned to come here specifically to learn what technology was being developed that my country could pilfer. Then I heard about the smart dust, and I knew we needed it. I’ve invested entirely too much in this assignment to walk away now.”

Olive had to think of something and fast. She couldn’t let Claudine get away with this.

But the woman had a gun, and they didn’t.

Just then, something flew by the window—and then slammed into it.

Olive flinched.

Then she realized it was a drone. A drone had hit the window.

It was Tevin. He couldn’t get into the building to help them, so he’d sent up his drone instead.

The man was brilliant.

Claudine jerked her head toward the sound.

The distraction gave Olive and Jason just enough time to lunge at her.

Jason reached Claudine first and tackled her to the floor.

The gun flew out of her hand.

Olive grabbed it and aimed at Claudine as Jason subdued her. “It’s over, Claudine. You’re not going to get away with this.”

Claudine sneered at Olive as Jason pulled her to her feet. “You can’t stop me now. I was so close. Everything was going just according to plan.”

“Too bad, so sad,” Jason muttered.

Olive fought a smile. He used to use that expression back in high school.

Boots stampeded down the hallway before FBI agents flooded the room.

“I hit an emergency button underneath my desk when you guys came in,” Duncan explained, his shoulders slumped withrelief. Sweat stains dampened his armpits and the front of his dress shirt. But he was okay. “I was afraid no one would get here in time.”

“This was a close one,” Olive said.

“Too close,” Jason added.

“But you did it.” Duncan offered a grateful smile. “I hope you realize the gravity of your actions. People should thank you for what you’ve done—but they can never know.”

“That’s okay with me,” Olive said. “I don’t need any praise.”

“Unfortunately, this won’t be the last time our enemies will try stunts like this.”

“You always know where I am if you need me.” Olive shrugged.

“I appreciate that.” He offered a curt nod. “Thank you again.”

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