Page 60 of Undercover Infidel
Bennett turned to her, something unspoken passing between them. “You of all people should understand the urgency, Evelyn.”
The use of her first name hung in the air, laden with history neither had disclosed.
“I understand perfectly, Malcolm,” she replied quietly. “Which is why we must be methodical.”
Throughout the afternoon,we tracked the activity at the facility while Bennett grew increasingly agitated about the impending test. His personal stake became more apparent with each passing hour.
“We need to identify all emergency exits,” he declared, marking points on the facility diagram thatweren’t indicated in our official briefings. “Orlov will have contingencies for rapid evacuation.”
“You seem rather certain of his methods,” Tag observed casually.
Bennett’s eyes flashed. “I’ve studied his operational patterns for years. He maintains consistent security protocols.”
“Most scientists don’t have security protocols,” I noted.
“Orlov isn’t most scientists.” Bennett turned to Dr. McLaren. “Tell them, Evelyn.”
She hesitated a few seconds, then spoke. “Viktor always maintained unusual awareness of defensive measures. Even at conferences, he insisted on specific security arrangements.”
“That’s professional caution,” I countered. “Bennett’s describing intimate knowledge of personal habits.”
The tension in the room thickened as Bennett produced yet another set of detailed plans—this time showing what appeared to be the living quarters inside the facility, complete with notations about the surveillance blind spots.
“These aren’t in any MI6 file,”Lex stated flatly.
“My sources are more comprehensive than the official channels,” Bennett replied, a defensive edge creeping into his voice.
“This is unacceptable,” said Lex, raising her chin. “You were the one who insisted we follow strict protocols, yet now you’re the one operating outside of your own ground rules.”
Tag caught my eye across the table, the subtle arch of his eyebrow communicating our shared suspicion.
Bennett shifted on his feet but didn’t speak.
“Malcolm, name your sources, or I’ll call for your immediate removal from the mission,” Lex persisted.
“You can’t do that.”
“Watch me.” She pulled out her mobile, but before she could place a call, Bennett relented.
“I’ll send you the list.”
“Not only to me, to the entire team.”
“But—”
Lex shook her head. “It’s what you demanded from Con and Unit 23. Either MI6 does the same or, again, you’ll be dismissed.”
He sputtered some more, mumbling unintelligibly.
“Well done,” I said, pulling Lex close to me and nuzzling her neck.
Rather than walk away, she kissed my cheek and leaned in closer. “I’ll admit that felt bloody good. I’ve grown tired of his prevarication.”
While it was on the tip of my tongue to suggest that Dr. McLaren was guilty of the same, at least in my opinion, I kept those thoughts to myself.
As evening approached,Dr. McLaren suggested a tactical approach that aligned with my own assessment—immediate observation rather than intervention, and gathering evidence before determining our response. Bennett argued for more aggressive measures but was outvoted.
“You’re making a mistake,” he said, but ultimately conceded.
