Page 54 of Undercover Infidel
She considered the question, and I realized how different this was from our previous interaction—my deliberate choice to ask rather than direct.
“We should verify Kestrel’s information independently before proceeding,” she decided. “Then coordinate with MI6 and Unit 23.”
“I was thinking of asking Bennett and McLaren to meet us here,” I said, “but perhaps we should take the helicopter to SIS headquarters and leave for Blackmoor directly from there.”
“That’s more efficient,” she agreed, then hesitated. “Though I’m reluctant to leave this luxurious penthouse so soon.”
I smiled, brushing my lips against hers. “We can stay as long as you’d like.”
She shook her head, suddenly serious. “As beautiful as this place is, I feel more comfortable at Blackmoor. It feels more like…”
“Home?” I offered when she trailed off.
“Yes,” she affirmed. “Which is strange, considering I’ve only been there a short time.”
“Not strange at all,” I assured her, pulling her close once more. “Blackmoor has that effect on people who belong there.”
The implication wasn’t lost on either of us.
Two hours later, we touched down on VX’s private helipad. Bennett and Dr. McLaren were waiting when we exited the lift on the sixth floor, both appearing unsurprised by our early arrival. We proceeded to a secure conference room where I shared Kestrel’s intelligence.
“Inverness?” Bennett studied the information, his expression unreadable. “It doesn’t make as much sense as Dunwich Bay; however, perhaps that’s the point.”
Dr. McLaren leaned forward. “I agree. It was too obvious.”
“We need to be vigilant in recognizing Labyrinth’s ploys of distraction,” said Lex. “And at the same time, figure out exactly where they’re headed.”
“Roger that,” Bennett said, pulling up satellite imagery of the area surrounding Inverness. “There’s an old military research facility ten kilometers outside the city limits.”
For the next hour,the four of us worked together, with Bennett contributing his extensive knowledgeof Russian operations in Scotland. Despite my initial reservations about their earlier certainty regarding Dunwich Bay, their expertise was undeniable.
“The Inverness intel appears valid, based on what we’ve discovered,” Bennett concluded. “I recommend we focus our efforts there.”
“The question isn’t just what Orlov is building,” I said, “but who he’s building it for. Unless Viktor is Janus, which my gut is telling me he’s not, then he’s merely a cog in a much larger machine.”
“Agreed,” Dr. McLaren said. “We should deploy immediately.”
“I concur,” Lex said when she realized I was awaiting her response. Never again would I proceed without it.
“We can leave within the hour,” I said, pulling out my mobile to make arrangements with my pilot.
As Bennett coordinated with the MI6 team and I briefed my Unit 23 contacts, Lex and Dr. McLaren stepped aside for what appeared to be a private conversation. I couldn’t hear what they were discussing, but Lex’s expression was intensely focused, and her mentor’s was equally serious.
“We’ll travel on my plane,” I announced once the briefings were complete. “There’s room for the team, and it’s equipped with secure communications.”
As the others prepared to depart, I pulled Lex aside, our hands briefly tangling.
“Thank you,” I said simply.
“For what?” she asked.
“Your forgiveness. Your willingness to work with me despite everything.” I squeezed her hand gently. “I don’t take it for granted.”
Her smile warmed me from the inside. “I’m glad to hear it. Don’t make me regret it.”
“Never,” I promised.
We were making our final preparations to board when my mobile vibrated with an urgent message from Tag. I frowned at the screen.
