Page 78 of Fire and Ice

Maia didn't reply.

"I knew it."

"I'll be at the hotel in five," Maia said and ended the call

Her phone started ringing again.Damn it, Jack.

It was Rick Grayson.

"Rick."

"We hit the jackpot," Rick said as he proceeded to fill Maia on what had transpired in his meeting with Colt.

"Do you have back up tonight?" Maia asked.

"I'm letting my direct superior know where I'm going after I acquire the location."

"I don't like the sound of the plan—too risky. You'll be going in blind, no weapons."

"I'll be fine. My cover is pretty secure. Any developments on your end?"

Maia thought about Volynsky, but decided it did not concern Rick. "No."

"Listen, I'm sending down a sketch of Colt and what I remember of his men to AGS. Keep an eye out for them. I think they'll be changing rooms tomorrow for the next batch of customers."

"Gotcha. Take care, Rick"

"You too, honey."

Maia got into her room. Her bed was already turned down for the evening. There were no cameras in her room that she knew of, although she didn't doubt that Jack had probably installed some—as he said,for his eyes only—but she knew the room was bugged.

Her phone rang. Derek.

"Is His Majesty asking you to check on me?"

Laughter. "Be easy on him, sweetie. He's not used to being on the sidelines."

"Well, he'll just have to suck it up or go back to New Park."

"Ouch."

"What do you want?"

"Any developments?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you guys that?"

"Actually, we have some interesting information for you. One of the Guardians noticed several attendees that gave off the wrong vibes. Like they were not supposed to be there."

Maia smiled: thespidey-senseGuardians seem to develop under Viktor's guidance.

"Well, we were able to capture their images and send them back to AGS for facial recognition," Derek continued.

"You've got hits?"

"Yes, they work for a Russian named Mikhail Gavlik. Sounds familiar?"

"Shit."

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