Vectors of Corruption

Vectors of Corruption
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Chao Jimmy Wu
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Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end.
But it is perhaps the end of the beginning.
! Winston Churchi""
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http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2267/4510826655!!884c"54eo.#p$
%rolo$ue
&r. 'ohn (arrison "roppe" his suitcase into his shin) ne* car+ a sil,er colore" -erce"es.
/en0 C. Class se"an *ith custom "esi$ne" rims an" seats. 1e smile" as he sli" the ke) into
i$nition an" t*iste" the po*erful car into life. 2he a*e" hum of the en$ines ne,er seeme" to
"isappoint him.
&r. (arrison *as a man of fort).fi,e. 1e *as of me"ium hei$ht+ !arel) $oin$ past fi,e.
foot nine inches+ ha" a hea" of hair that *as !e$innin$ to fa"e an" fall in places+ as *ell as a
stern lookin$ mustache that $re* from the top of his lips like the *hiskers of fo3. 1e in fact *as
like a fo3+ cunnin$+ smart+ an" has an -& an" "e$rees in !iochemistr) an" $enetics.
1e put the car into "ri,e an" presse" on the pe"als. 2he /en0 mo,e" for*ar" in a
$raceful fashion+ almost like a tame" "o$+ *aitin$ for his o*ner4s comman"s. 1e no""e" in
complacence5 it *as "efinitel) a car that *as *orth keepin$. 2he -erce"es mo,e" out of the
research facilit)4s parkin$ lot an" strutte" to the roa" in perfect motion+ not e,en makin$ as little
as a screech *ith its "ark+ "im tires.
(arrison *as returnin$ home after a te"iousl) lon$ 6ri"a) at his #o! as a hea" scientist on
$enetic se7uencin$ an" recom!ination of man) pre,alent "iseases. 1e *as often in char$e of
insertin$ "ifferent &89 se7uences from ,irulent particles into the !o"ies of other !acteria or
animals to see the effects. Currentl)+ (arrison is *orkin$ on a pro#ect that in,ol,e" an insect
kno*n as #nophe"es $uadrimacu"atus+ also kno*n more commonl) as the collo7uial malaria
mos7uito. 1is e3perimentation in,ol,in$ the malaria mos7uito *ere to "etermine if there is a
possi!ilit) of "isruptin$ the life c)cles of the malarial parasite *ithin the mos7uito itself. -alaria
is transmitte" ,ia the female mos7uitoes4 fee"in$ on an infecte" host+ then transferrin$ the
parasite to another host after*ar". 2he actual sporo0oite :pre.infecti,e sta$e of the parasite; is
"e,elope" *ithin the !o") of the mos7uito as it "i$ests the en$or$e" !loo" meal.
<o far his e3perimentation ha,e pro,en unsuccessful. =e$al issues ha,e arisen re$ar"in$
the testin$ of the treate" mos7uitoes on hosts an" the first propose" chemical that *oul"
suppose"l) stop the pro"uction of the parasite en"e" up killin$ the mos7uito itself. 2o most
people+ that *oul" ha,e !een the resolute ans*er+ !ut for &r. (arrison+ he kne* that the
e3perimentation results *ere onl) the !e$innin$. 2he *hole conun"rum is that ha,in$ lar$e
7uantities of malaria mos7uitoes treate" *ith the chemical *oul" result in the untimel) "eath of
a lar$e percenta$e of the #nophe"es population+ *hich thus ma) lea" to an unprece"ente" "rop
*ithin the populations of or$anisms *hich fee" on the mos7uitoes themsel,es.
Coinci"entall)+ a secon" chemical *as propose". 2his one ho*e,er+ *as e3tremel)
lethal. 8either to the mos7uito nor the parasite+ !ut to human societ). 2he secon" chemical not
onl) faile" to kill the parasites+ !ut ma"e them immune to the con,entional means of ,accination
in killin$ the malaria parasite *ithin the human !o"). >ats treate" *ith the classic anti.malarial
"ru$s "ie" *ithin a fe* "a)s of infection *hile sho*in$ no si$ns of reco,er). 8o* the secon"
chemical+ co"ename"+ ?&issension@ is fore,er locke" a*a) in the C&C+ or Centers for &isease
Control an" %re,ention+ in (eor$ia.
(arrison ne,er *orrie" much a!out the chemical. 1e *as co$ni0ant that onl) a small+
fi,e milliliter+ capsule of the li7ui" still e3ists to this "a). &efinitel) not enou$h to cause harm
*ithin the societ) as *hole. Ar so he thou$ht an)*a).
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2he recipe for !uil"in$ the chemical itself *as locke" *ithin a safe far a*a) across the ocean in
a Buropean /ank. 2he onl) *a) to open up the safe is *ith a co"e en$ra,e" *ithin a lar$e+
pi$eon e$$+ si0e" ru!). 2o further complicate the situation+ the en$ra,in$s on the ru!) itself *ere
e3tremel) small. Anl) *hen ,ie*e" *ith an e3tremel) hi$h po*ere" microscope can an)one see
the scratches as en$ra,in$s an" not #ust natural+ en,ironmental fla*s.
1e trie" to a,oi" the ?fla*s@ *ithin his life as *ell. 2he "octor4s past ha" !een an
o,er*helmin$ *hirlpool of actions an" happenin$s . some he *oul" rather for$et. 9lmost t*o
"eca"es a$o+ *hen 1arrison *as still t*ent) fi,e+ the man *as an a$ent. 8o one asi"e from the
$o,ernment kne* of his secret actions in $oin$ a$ainst the terrorists an" mafias aroun" the
*orl". B,er)one else un"erstoo" him as simpl) a stu"ent stu")in$ to !ecome a scientist.
1arrison4s actions *ere not e3actl) superior to that of his fello*s5 neither is his stren$th an"
po*er. 1o*e,er+ *hat 1arrison lacke" in ra* a$$ression+ he ma"e up for *ith his !rute
intelli$ence. 8ot onl) *as he 7uickl) promote" to a rank e7ual to that of ?-a#or@ in the militar)+
he also helpe" "esi$n protot)pe !iolo$ical *eapons un"er a co"ename calle" ?Vector.@ Vector
in,ol,e" the transmittance of insect !orn "isease !) the infusion of !itin$ flies into an area. <oon
thou$h+ pro#ect Vector came to a halt *hen issues re$ar"in$ the uncontrolla!le sprea" of the flies
finall) close" "o*n the proposition. Cithin a )ear+ 1arrison ha" $ro*n tire" of not !ein$ a!le to
!e truste" in his e3periments. 1e *as not completel) respecte" !) man) of the $o,ernment
*orkers for his failures an" not consi"ere" *orth) for further e3perimentation. 2he $o,ernment
a$enc) thou$h+ continue" to allo* him to *ork as an a$ent+ sneakin$+ killin$+ an" stealin$ the
enemies4 li,es as 1arrison rushe" un"erneath the co,ers of the *orl" !lanket. 1e ha" sa,e"
man) li,es *ithin his career+ to contrast5 he ha" kille" man) as *ell in or"er to ?fulfill his
o!#ecti,es.@ Dt ne,er occurre" to him that he *oul" 7uit the #o! as an a$ent in or"er to pursue his
career in $enetics an" chemical sciences of "iseases. 9fter finall) $ettin$ accepte" into the
Eansas /iolo$ical an" Chemical Dnstitute of <cience as a "ominant #o!+ 1arrison coul" finall)
push a*a) his past memories of killin$+ slau$hter+ an" stealth. Cithin a )ear+ he met a fello*
collea$ue at his #o!+ a !eautiful *oman !) the name of Carla <te,ens. 2he t*o of them $re*
closer an" closer each "a) *hen the t*o starte" "atin$. 1arrison still remem!ere" their first
"inner+ their first mo,ie+ an" their first kiss. 2he man also remem!ere" the "a) the t*o of them
$ot marrie" after "atin$ for t*o )ears. 1e remem!ere" the "a) the) !ou$ht their ne* house+ their
ne* "o$+ an" their ne* car. Af course+ he *oul" ne,er for$et that "a) either+ the "a) *hen his
"au$hter+ <arah =)nn (arrison+ *as !orn. 1er "au$hter *as #ust as !eautiful as his *ife+ sleek
!ro*n hair+ "ark $reen e)es+ an" a smile that coul" cheer e,en the most "epresse" of people. <he
*as the #e*el of his life+ the prou"est $em *ithin his ,er) e)es. 1e $lance" at the photo of <arah
clippe" to the "ash!oar" an" $a,e a sli$ht smile.
2hen of course+ 1arrison also remem!ere" the acci"ent that slit his life apart. B,er since
the crash that took his *ife4s life a!out fi,e )ears a$o+ his emotions ha,e completel) re,ampe"
themsel,es to !ecome more mournful. 2he ol"+ cheerful em!o"iment of his humor "eplete" to
hate+ sorro*+ an" an$er. <econ"l)+ he has $ro*n more protecti,e of his "au$hter+ not too
surprisin$ to an)one in particular+ !ut it *as simpl) )et another chan$e to his "ail) routine. Af
course+ the la! helpe" cleanse his min". Chene,er an e3perimentation or proce"ure is takin$
place+ 1arrison fin"s himself in a trance of calmness+ #o)+ an" hope. %erhaps it *as "ue to the
fact that he kno*s the sur,i,al of man) people is un"er his han"s+ or ma)!e it is the honor that
e,er)one has restore" on him to !e a person of intelli$ence an" trust. 2rust+ he ne,er seem to
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trust people an)more+ at least+ not trust them *ith passion. Fnfortunatel)+ he kne* that some *ill
ha,e to #ust o!tain that trust in or"er to help him succee". 2o his honest)+ 1arrison has $ro*n
more impatient of man) of his fello* *orkers+ )et he still fin"s their fla*s to !e e3tremel)
!eautiful. 'ohn 1arrison comes from a famil) *ho reco$ni0es the fact that fla*s are *hat make
someone uni7ue. 2o sa) the least+ he reco$ni0es the fla*s first !efore reco$ni0in$ the stren$ths
of someone he meets. Af course+ 1arrison coul" not e3actl) #ustif) his min" an" his thou$ht5
usuall) he #ust talks of the fact that it *as ho* he *as raise".
1arrison an" his "au$hter li,e" in an ol"+ Victorian st)le+ house to*ar"s the e"$e of
2opeka+ Eansas. 9t times+ the scientist an" e3.a$ent thou$ht it *as o"" that he *as place" in
such a !um of a state+ !ut there *ere po*erful i"eals for his reasonin$. 6irst+ it *as a*a) from a
lar$e cit) an" a*a) from his past. <econ"+ the air *as s*eeter an" less to3ic to his lun$s. 2hir"+
it *as much calmer an" much less pressurin$ than life *ithin a lar$e cit). Af course+ the place
*asn4t particularl) of an) superiorit) to an) other to*n *ithin the area+ it *as of a some*hat
a,era$e to small si0e+ ha,e a population of a!out a hun"re" an" t*ent) ei$ht thousan"+ as *ell as
a !alance of ?the ol" an" ne*.@ 2o*ar"s the <outh Cestern section is the ne*l) "e,elope" limits
*ith more e3pensi,e houses an" settlements+ *hile the ol"er 8orthern section has closel) knit
houses an" lar$e trees that ma) reach o,er one hun"re" feet tall. Cith this close !alance+
1arrison foun" it to !e a nice e7uili!rium for his min". &urin$ the "a)+ he *oul" *ork in the ol"
cit) center near the pu!lic li!rar) *hile in the afternoon5 the "octor *ill "ri,e throu$h the relics
of the past "eca"es to the *himsical structures of a more mo"ern cit) section. 2he "ri,e is *hat
usuall) cheere" him+ especiall) *hen he *as in a po*erin$ car that coul" $racefull) $rin"
throu$h the crack ri""en roa"s of the ol" to*n. 2opeka is kno*n for ha,in$ in"escri!a!l)
enormous amounts of roa"*ork an" construction. 2he constructions are often ?of no importance@
to 1arrison+ the) *ere #ust an e3cuse to spen" mone) on "ifferent ?e3pansion@ pro#ects that
ultimatel) accomplishe" nothin$ e3cept the slo*in$ "o*n of traffic. Chate,er the case+ the
*hole i"ea of the+ ?Gour &ollars at Cork@ slo$an seeme" to "ra* in pu!lic intentions to a $reat
e3tent.
1arrison stoppe" !) the traffic li$ht near an ol" run"o*n po*er station. 2he *in" !le*
outsi"e *ith an a*nin$ force+ thro*in$ the !la"es of *ee"s that sproute" from the cracks in the
si"e*alk in a m)ria" of "irections. 9roun" (arrison4s car+ not a sin$le person *as in si$ht. 2he
"octor *as at an ol"er part of the to*n *here there *asn4t much acti,it) past the afternoon
hours. Dt *as also a poorer part of to*n+ one that *as "esolate an" *ithout $oo" safet) measures.
9ll aroun"+ ol" !uil"in$s sat tum!lin$ a$ainst the *in" an" the !roken oak trees stoo" *ith their
last !its of ener$).
2o"a)+ (arrison stoppe" near the stop li$ht+ #ust as he has "one for the past three )ears of
his life. 1o*e,er+ to"a)4s air seeme" a lot more a!)smal than usual. 9s he *aite" for the
scratche" stopli$ht to turn $reen+ a slate colore" /-C creste" the hill !ehin" him.
(arrison pai" little attention to the /-C. 2he car *as 7uite !eautiful an" *ell kept. Dt
instantl) looke" like a car from someone of hi$her class.
&r. (arrison *atche" as the "im sports car rush to*ar"s the stopli$ht !ehin" him. 1e
$lance" !ack at the stopli$ht5 still re".
6or a fe* secon"s the "octor #ust *atche" the streamline" /-C race to*ar"s him5 its
paint $limmerin$ in the e,enin$ li$ht. Dt occurre" to him that the !lack sports car *as $oin$ a
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little !it faster than it shoul". (arrison put his car into $ear an" $ot himself rea") to s*er,e a*a)
from the incomin$ !ullet of a /-C.
9s the car *as a!out fift) feet from *here he *as parke"+ the car !e$an to slo* "o*n.
(arrison rela3e" his $rip on the steerin$ *heel an" let out a relie,e" si$h. 2he li$ht turne" $reen.
(arrison shifte" his foot on the pe"al an" the /en0 inche" for*ar".
<u""enl)+ there *as a hu$e e3plosion of soun" cause" !) the connection of t*o metal ,ehicles
that cause" (arrison an" his car to lurch for*ar". Dt "i"n4t take a $enius to reali0e that someone
ha" #ust ramme" into the !ack of (arrison4s car. 1e felt the *ei$ht of the /en0 shift for*ar" an"
mo,e a fe* feet+ then stop as the car came to a halt in the mi""le of the intersection. Dt *asn4t a
full on crash+ !ut it *as one that left a hu$e in"entation in the trunk of the -erce"es.
(arrison *as anno)e" an" "isheartene" !ut not 7uite ma". 1e #ust hope" that e,er)one
*as all ri$ht an" that the other "ri,er *ill ha,e e,er)thin$ insure". 2he "octor looke" into the
rear.,ie* mirror. 1e sa* that the car !ehin" him *asn4t !a"l) "ama$e" either+ !ut he coul" see a
sli$ht t*ist in the hoo" as *ell as a li$ht that ha" cracke" an" fallen to the $roun". 2he o*ner of
the car opene" the "oor an" steppe" out. Dt *as a mi""le a$e" man in a !usiness suit an" a pair of
"ark sun$lasses. Ch) he *as *earin$ them on this "im e,en escapes (arrison4s min". 9nother
similarl) a$e" an" si0e" man+ *earin$ the same outfit+ cra*le" out from the other si"e of the
"oor *ith a nefarious aurora. <oon+ the t*o of them ominousl) stroll to*ar"s (arrison.
(arrison+ un"aunte" !) the t*o men+ steppe" out of his car as *ell. 6or the time !ein$+
the "octor "i" not actuall) ha,e an) 7uestionin$ to*ar"s the t*o men. 1e simpl) *ante" to
a,oi" as much trou!le as possi!le. %lus+ he *ante" to $et home !efore his "au$hter !e$an to
*orr).
2he t*o men *alke" up to him. 2he) turne" sharpl) an" face" him. 8either of them took
off their sun$lasses.
(arrison spoke first+ ?=ook $entlemen+ D am not lookin$ for an) trou!le+ !ut )ou "i"
"ama$e m) car. D am not askin$ for an)thin$ more than insurance an" some num!ers D can call.@
Ane of the men+ the one *ho came out of the "ri,er si"e+ replie". ?2hat *oul"n4t !e
necessar)+ sir.@
&um!foun"e"+ (arrison sai"+ ?B3cuse meH@
Ane of the suite" men looke" at the other. 2he) no""e" an" the "ri,er spoke to (arrison
a$ain. ?&octor (arrisonH@
?GesH@
/efore (arrison coul" react+ the first man ha" $ra!!e" him !) the !ack of the collar an"
*as pullin$ him "o*n. Dn the ne3t instance+ the other man $ra!!e" (arrison m) !ack of his hea"
an" procee"e" to slam him into the *in"o* of the /en0. 2here *as a lou" noise as the "octor4s
hea" crashe" throu$h the $lass. (arrison taste" !loo" as he *as pulle" !ack an" slamme" onto
the *arm asphalt. 2he "ri,er+ still *ith the sun$lasses+ pulle" out a small !lack colore" pistol an"
aime" it at (arrison4s !loo"ie" face. (arrison !reathe" hea,il) an" ha" a small $ash on his
forehea". 1is nose *as also !lee"in$ a stea") stream of crimson re" !loo".
?Chere is itH@ 2he suite" "ri,er "eman"e" a$$ressi,el) as he pulle" (arrison up !) the
collar.
(arrison4s heart *ent into panic. ?Chere is *hatH@ Dt has !een a*hile since he *as in a
situation like this. 1e trie" to push the thou$hts out of his min".
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2he "ri,er punche" him har" in the chest an" knocke" the air out of his lun$s. ?Gou
kno* *hat D am talkin$ a!out.@
&r. (arrison $aspe" for !reath. ?=ook )ou t*o+ D "on4t kno* *hat )ou are lookin$ for+
!ut all the mone) D ha,e on me is in m) *allet. Df )ou *ant to take m) *allet+ )ou can ha,e it
all.@
2he "ri,er looke" at his assistant+ *ho *as simpl) stan"in$ *ith his arms crosse". 2he)
no""e" to one another for a secon" an" the "ri,er looke" !ack at the *oun"e" (arrison+ *ho
*as spra*le" on the $roun" like a "o,e that ha" !een struck !) an arro*. ?&issension+ &r.
(arrison+ &issension.@
(arrison trie" "esperatel) to process the *or"s. >eali0in$ that the t*o men *ere
pro!a!l) part of an or$ani0ation lookin$ for !lack marketa!le material+ he spoke 7uickl) an"
calml)+ ?Dt4s locke" a*a) in the C&C. Df )ou *ant to take the "ru$ from me+ then )ou are out of
luck.@
2he man chuckle". ?&r. (arrison+ *e kno* all a!out the C&C+ *e ha,e alrea") !een
there to ask. 2he) sai" that the) onl) ha" a small capsule of the "ru$ an" that if *e *ere to fin"
more information+ *e *ere to come here an" talk to )ou. D4m sure )ou kno* this alrea") &r.
(arrison.@
?<o )ou *ant me to tell )ou the instructions to make itH@ 1e inhale" "eepl)+ tr)in$ to
take it as much of the o3)$en as he coul".
2he "ri,er leane" to*ar"s him. ?B3actl)+ see *e kno* )our $enius *oul" catch up after
)ou $et that o3)$en flo*in$.@ 1e patte" tenaciousl) on (arrison4s !ack.
Dma$es of the men approachin$ his house cause" (arrison to con#ure up a "i,ersion.
1o*e,er+ it *as e3tremel) *eak. ?D "on4t ha,e it. D ha,e "estro)e" the !lueprints a lon$ time
a$o.@
2he man punche" in in the si"e of (arrison4s face. ?/ullshit+ *e alrea") kno* *here it
is. 2he recipe is locke" in a safe insi"e )our house. D kno* *e *ill $et this recipe &r. (arrison+ D
kno* *e *ill. /ut D *ante" to $i,e )ou a chance. Ce *ere $oin$ to let )ou take us to )our house
an" $et it that *a)+ !ut since )ou "eci"e" not to cooperate+ D $uess *e *ill $o there !)
oursel,es.@
Dma$es of the men !reakin$ "o*n the "oors to his o*n home once a$ain cause" (arrison
to rethink his actions a$ain. ?(entlemen+ if that is all )ou *ant from meI@
?=isten up "octor+ *e "on4t *ant to ha,e to "o this more than )ou+ no* #ust $i,e us the
"amne" ru!) an" *e *ill !e out of )our *a).@ 2he "ri,er shoute" to him.
?=et me $o to m) house+ D *ill take it an" $i,e it to )ou t*o.@
?(oo".@
<u""enl)+ a !lack an" *hite patrol car appeare" in the "istance from !ehin".
?<hit.@ 2he "ri,er *hispere". 1e turne" to (arrison+ ?9ct natural+ as if it *as #ust an
acci"ent. =et the t*o of us han"le the talkin$.@ 1e pushe" (arrison to*ar"s the -erce"es.
(arrison 7uickl) scram!le" !ack into his car. 2he other t*o men returne" to their /-C
an" !e$an pullin$ out papers+ tr)in$ to act casual. Chen the t*o4s attentions *ere "ra*n a*a).
(arrison "re* out his cellphone from his $lo,e compartment. 2he tinte" *in"o*s pre,ente" the
t*o men from seein$ him. 2he "oor of his -erce"es *as left open to pre,ent suspicion from the
t*o men in "ark suits.
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Cith shakin$ han"s+ (arrison t)pe" a messa$e on his cellphone. 1e sent the messa$e+
*hile $lancin$ e,er) other secon" on the t*o men+ to his "au$hter. 8o repl). 2he police car ha"
#ust stoppe" !ehin" them. 9n officer *ith a mustache steppe" out of the car. 1e calml) *alke"
to*ar"s the t*o men. 6or the first time since the encounter+ the "ri,er an" his assistant took of
their sun$lasses. 2he) !oth ha" "ark !ro*n e)es. <oon+ the officer an" the t*o men *ere talkin$.
2he t*o men $lance" to*ar"s (arrison e,er) fe* secon"s "urin$ the con,ersation. 2he officer
*as still o!li,ious to (arrison4s presence.
2he "octor *as !e$innin$ to $et *orrie". 1is "au$hter hasn4t respon"e" to the messa$e
for her to lea,e the house. 1e $uesse" it *as su""en an" not "escripti,e enou$h. 1e altere" the
messa$e an" sent it to one of his collea$ues *ho he truste" *ell. 1e tol" him that he *as runnin$
into some ?issue@ an" that he *ants him to tell his "au$hter to $o sta) at her aunt4s house for
some time. 9fter a fe* minutes+ there *asn4t a response. 9hea" of him+ the officer *as no""in$
a*a) *ith the other t*o men. 1e then took out a note an" !e$an *ritin$ in it. 9fter a fe*
secon"s+ the officer *a,e" to the other t*o men+ *ho !oth *ere smilin$+ an" !acke" a*a)
to*ar"s his car. 2he t*o men 7uickl) turne" to*ar"s (arrison. 2he "octor 7uickl) thre* his
phone !ack into the $lo,e compartment.
B,er)thin$ for the t*o men *as $oin$ smoothl) until the officer su""enl) stoppe" in his
tracks. 1e picke" up his communicator "e,ice+ listene" for a !it+ an" replie". 2he t*o men4s
smiles *ere instantl) *ipe" from their faces. 2he) *ere co$ni0ant of somethin$ an" turne" !ack
to the officer. 9fter a fe* secon"s+ the officer "roppe" his communicator an" put his han" on his
$un. 1e !e$an *alkin$ to*ar"s the t*o men a$ain.
2he officer approache" the suite" men *ith a fast pace. ?B3cuse me sirs+ ma) D search
)our ,ehicles forI@
/efore he coul" $et all his *or"s out+ the "ri,er pulle" out his !lack pistol an" fire" a
shot at the officer. 2he !ullet spran$ out from the mu00le an" struck the officer "irectl) in the
center of his forehea". 1e $aspe" an" fell onto the $roun". Carm+ rich !loo" !e$an to
contaminate an" ")e the asphalt roa".
9fter the officer "ie"+ the t*o men turn his attention to (arrison. (arrison4s heart!eat
instantl) rose.
2he t*o men strolle" for*ar" an" starre" at (arrison.
J2r)in$ to call someone "octorHJ Ane of them aske" *ith an anno)e" tone.
J8o sir D *as #ust.J 1e coul"nKt finish his sentence for one of the t*o men raise" a $un an" shot
him in the neck.
(arrison fell har" onto the floor !et*een the seats of his car. 1e reache" up to feel the
!ullet *oun" !ut instea" foun" a "art. /efore he coul" sa) or "o an)thin$ else+ the "octor
!lacke" out.
Chen (arrison *oke after !ein$ tran7uili0e"+ he *as "a0e" an" ha" a massi,e hea"ache.
Chen he looke" aroun"+ he sa* ho* "ark it *as. Checkin$ his *atch+ the "octor coul" !arel)
make out han"s on the clock. Chen he sta!ili0e"+ he reali0e" that it *as alrea") ten at ni$ht. 9ll
aroun" him+ the "arkness seeme" to rise up an" s*allo* his life. 2he shiftin$ *in"s *hich
rustle" the $rass) fiel"s appear $a,e an eerie feel "urin$ the "arkness of the *arm ni$ht air.
11
9fter another minute+ his hea" cleare" an" &r. (arrison picke" himself up from the floor
of his car. 1e looke" outsi"e an" sa* that the t*o men+ their /-C+ alon$ *ith the police car ha"
"isappeare". 1is o*n car *as still parke" in the same position it ha" !een since the Jcrash.J 1is
min" *as still attemptin$ to $rasp *hat ha" happene" #ust in the last couple of hours.
<u""enl)+ he remem!ere" that the men *ere lookin$ for the &issension !lueprints.
(arrison inhale" *ith fear an" pulle" open his $lo,e compartment. 1is phone *as still there.
(ra!!in$ the phone *ith col"+ s*eat)+ an" shakin$ han"s+ (arrison calle" his "au$hter.
8o ans*er.
1e trie" a$ain.
8o ans*er.
9t the thir" tr)+ her ,oicemail came up.
2he "octorKs senses su""enl) !ecame ele,ate". 1e ran to his "ri,erKs seat+ slamme" the
"oor shut+ pushe" the car into J"ri,e+J an" mashe" the pe"al until the car screame" into life.
9s he cut throu$h the lon$ an" *in"in$ cornfiel"s+ (arrison continue" to "ial his
"au$hterKs phone+ !ut to no a,ail.
1e $rippe" the steerin$ *heel ti$htl) *ith his left han"+ he !reathe" faster an" faster+ an"
he listene" more an" more intentl) for the soun" of his most !elo,e" thin$.
8o ans*er. 1er ,oicemail arri,e".
(arrison shoute" out lou" in an$er+ frustration an" *orr). 1e continue" to click the JcallJ
!utton repeate"l) !ut recei,e" no response.
9t that point+ all he coul" "o *as pra).
(arrison approache" home on the outskirts of to*n+ #ust a fe* minutes from *here he
ha" his encounter *ith the t*o men. 1o*e,er+ the Jfe* minutesJ turne" into the lon$est Jfe*
minutesJ of his ,er) e3istence. 9s he $ot closer an" closer to his home+ (arrison !ecame more
an" more hopeful.
2hree more !locks.
8o ans*er.
2*o more !locks.
8o ans*er.
Ane more !lock.
<till no ans*er.
6inall)+ (arrison coul" see his house tucke" a*a) in the rear en" of a lon$ narro*
"ri,e*a). Dt *as 7uite the scenic e3clusion. 1is lar$e Victorian st)le home *as hi""en half a
mile up a hill in a hea,il) foreste" area calle" ?9r$iope.@ &urin$ the fall+ the chan$in$ lea,es of
the su$ar maples caste" a re" )ello* li$ht into the home+ !ut that !eaut) is $one from (arrisonKs
e)es.
1e continue" to call in futile spouts as he ran up to his house. 9ll his hopes of positi,it)
*ere "estro)e" !) the si$ht of the !roken lock an" !roken hin$es of his *oo"en "oor. 9 fe*
potte" plants on the "ri,e*a) *ere also knocke" o,er an" there *ere tire trea"s across his la*n
an" across his "ri,e*a) itself.
(arrison fer,entl) ran into his house. Chat he sa* insi"e altere" his sanit).
12
B,er)thin$ *as trashe". 2he chairs *ere knocke" o,er+ paintin$s *ere smashe"+ an" lamps *ere
seemin$l) thro*n from one si"e of the home to the other. 9 trail of trash+ paper+ an" clothes ran
"o*n like a "r)in$ *aterfall from the stair*a).
(arrison sprinte" aroun" to the safe. 1e $aspe". 2he safe ha" !een torn an" sa*n open
*ith somethin$. 9ll the contents insi"e *ere $one.
D$norin$ his *orr)+ he screame" his "au$hterKs name at the top of his lun$s+ runnin$ from
room to room *hile "oin$ so.
2hen he stoppe"+ for he sa* a lar$e pool of !loo" stain the pearl *hite carpet near the
kitchen.
1is heart !eat faster an" faster as he entere" the kitchen+ then his heart skippe" a !eat.
Chen he sa* the full result of the t*o menKs *ork+ (arrison fell har" on his knees. 1e
coul"nKt e,en feel the pain in his knees+ his han"s+ or his neck. 9ll the pain ha" channele" to his
min".
1e knelt o,er the lifeless !o") of his ,er) o*n "au$hter+ his ,er) o*n flesh+ his onl)
hope in the *orl".
<he *as la)in$ face up on the $roun"+ her hair !loo"ie"+ her "ress rippe"+ an" her !o")
!ruise".
(arrison coul" feel the *armth of her !loo" un"er her paper *hite "ress. 1e coul" feel
the life of the onl) hope in his *orl" slo*l) "rain a*a). &arkness. Chiteness. 9 $asp of sorro*.
1e crie" at the top of his lun$s+ he crie" at his o*n self+ he felt the *armth of her !loo"+ still
oo0in$ from t*o sta! *oun"s on her a!"omen.
2he "octor felt her pulse an)*a).
8othin$.
1e presse" his face a$ainst hers. Dt *as still *arm+ !ut slo*l) $ettin$ col"er.
Dn torpi" an$er+ (arrison $ra!!e" the nearest o!#ect+ *hich happene" to !e a ,ase he $ot at an art
auction last month for t*o thousan" "ollars. 1o* little it seeme" to him no* as he thre* it
across the room an" hit the coffee ta!le.
(arrison reache" o,er to $ra! another o!#ect in !lin" an$er. Dt *as a $un. 2he shin) $re)
pistol la) on the soft carpet+ #ust inches a*a) from !ein$ staine" !) his "au$hterKs !loo". 2he
"octor $ra!!e" the $un an" stare" "eep into the *eapon. 2hatKs *hen he sa* the t*o letters
JE.1.J en$ra,e" into the si"e of the (lock 17 pistol. 2he t*o letters "rille" into his min".
(arrison let his tears run. 1e felt as if someone ha" taken a knife an" car,e" out part of
his heart. 1e felt as if that same someone ha" torn apart his o*n *ill+ his o*n moti,e+ an" his
o*n soul.
1e thre* the $un across the room an" smashe" his $ran"father clock. Dt creake"+ chime"+
an" !ecame silent.
&r. 'ohn (arrison picke" himself up from the $roun". 1is *hole !o") *as shakin$ as if
he ha" #ust taken a s*im in a fro0en lake. 2he *orl" aroun" him seeme" to ha,e "imme" from
the "estruction+ "ama$e+ an" "eath.
Cith ironic calmness+ the phone slippe" from his trem!lin$ han" an" lan"e" on the
!loo"staine" $roun" *ith a "ull thu".
2he ,oicemail someho* acti,ate" an" (arrison hear" his "au$hterKs soothin$ ,oice. JGou
ha,e reache" <arah (arrison5 D am not a,aila!le at the moment so please lea,e a messa$e after
the !eep. =o,e )ouLJ 2he phone !eepe" an" then "ie".
13
9 clap of thun"er echoe" in the "istance.
Ane
<outh 9frica :6i,e -onths =ater;
9$ent >)an /runner raise" his silence" assault rifle as he peere" throu$h the he"$ero*s
that "otte" the lan"scape aroun" the lar$e estate. 1e *as tall+ !ein$ si3 foot four since his late
teens. Af course+ /runner *as in his earl) t*enties !ut seeme" ol"er an" more e3perience"+
ma)!e it *as the unusual !a"$es across his uniforms an" shirts or his o,erall attitu"e to*ar"s his
*ork. -a)!e it *as his thou$htful stare+ he "oes not kno*. /ut *hat he "oes kno* is that
e,er)one *orkin$ for the Fnite" <tates $o,ernment appreciates his capa!ilities. 2he hair that fell
across his forehea" *as a "ark sha"e of !lon"5 his e)es *ere a piercin$ !lue.$ra) color. An this
ari" "a)+ /runner *as *earin$ a !ulletproof #acket as *ell as a pair of insulate" pants. 2he
material in his pants *as more than capa!le of stoppin$ a small !ullet at point !lank ran$e.
/ein$ a 7uiet an" secular person+ >)an /runner ne,er e3actl) consi"ere" his entr) into
the %.<.9. as all those *ho kno* of it call it. 1e lo,e" su!#ects in,ol,in$ technolo$icall)
a",ance" *eaponr) an" chemical *eaponr)+ *hich *as one of his main reasons for #oinin$ the
%.<.9. 2he %.<.9. is compose" of a classifie" num!er of ?9$ents.@ 2hese a$ents li,e out the
normal office life: paper*ork+ lunch+ coffee !reaks+ late ni$hts...Fntil the) are $i,en the call of
the mission. Af course+ each a$ent is also $i,en a rankin$ to keep information lines in or"er.
Barl) recruits in their teens usuall) are $i,en a ?recruit@ status. 9t that time+ it4s onl) to train
them in com!at an" first ai". Ance the) hit ei$hteen+ recruits are then $i,en a %ri,ate or %ri,ate
6irst Class rank "epen"in$ on their a!ilities an" pro$ress. 9fter another )ear or t*o+ the) *ill !e
$i,en the rank of either a Corporal or <er$eant+ a$ain "epen"in$ on *hat the) are capa!le of.
Ance the) are aroun" t*ent).one+ the) are set to either =ieutenant or Captain. &urin$ this perio"
of time+ the a$ents *ill stu") at a militar) aca"em)+ *hile still recei,in$ or"ers for ?missions.@ Dt
*ill take them until the a$e of at least t*ent) si3 !efore the) are $i,en a ?-a#or@ status. Ance
the) hit that+ the) are the hi$hest an" most top priorit) of all a$ents. 9n" unless the) completel)
sa,e planet Barth from total "estruction+ the) are at their clima3 in rank. Af course+ the rank is
onl) implie"+ !ut specificall) $i,en out like that of the actual militar). Dt is onl) use" to make
lea"in$ an" follo*in$ easier *hen *orkin$ *ith the militar) itself+ *hich happens more often
than some a$ents *ant.
=ike*ise+ ori$inal offers of pri"e+ coura$e+ an" "efensi,e protection of the countr) *ere
all o,ersha"o*e" !) the or$ani0ations !uilt #ust to take them out. /runner foun" it 7uite
interestin$+ an" some*hat !othere"+ that the %.<.9. *as create" un"er or"ers !) past presi"ents
as a $roup of speciall) traine" assassins+ spies+ an" informants $oin$ a$ainst terrorism. Get no*
the terrorists an" their support $roups ha" create" or$ani0ations #ust to $o a$ainst the %.<.9. . so
much for !ein$ ?secret.@ 1o*e,er+ this re,ersal of e,ents *as not a surprise to /runner or
an)one *orkin$ for the Fnite" <tates $o,ernment for that matter. Dt *as onl) natural an" pristine
that the enem) *as to continue to arms race. Gears !efore+ a small $roup of terrorists *orkin$
un"er Asama /in =a"en+ separate" an" *ent on to a "ifferent path of "estruction. 2he small
or$ani0ation slo*l) $re* as it $aine" support from terrorist $roups *ithin Dra7+ Dran+ an"
14
9f$hanistan. 2his ?$roup@ !ase" itself on creatin$ *eapons of mass "estruction in the form of
chemical+ nuclear+ an" !iolo$ical. 9fter the "eath of /in =a"en+ another lea"er !) the name of
8a#a 8i,ea took o,er the scene. 8i,ea *as in a *a) more ruthless than /in =a"en himself since
he consi"ere" all *ithin *estern societ) to !e a ?hate" an" e3pen"a!le race of o,er0ealous
s*ine.@ 8i,ea *as *illin$ to "estro) an)thin$ li,in$ or nonli,in$ in his path to help his inten"e"
$oals+ *hich usuall) *ere nothin$ too lika!le !) the Fnite" 8ations. 1e en#o)e" hu$e spikes in
*eapon+ "ru$+ an" human traffickin$+ *hile keepin$ lo* !ehin" the man) la)ers of his net*ork.
Fnlike man) terrorist $roups+ 8i,ea *as actuall) not !acksta!!in$ the Fnite" 8ations *ith
suici"al plane runs+ !om! trucks+ or $as !om!s on F.<. soil. 8i,ea *as intereste" in a Jslo*
"i,i"e an" con7uerorJ st)le of "omination+ takin$ o,er instea"+ the 9frican countries4 resources
an" militar) control+ one at a time+ to raise fear on the Fnite" <tates. 8i,ea also ha" a niche for
the lo,e in the torture of 9mericans. 1e often films the occurrences in an unkno*n location an"
sen"s the ,i"eos to the *orl" lea"ers. Dt "i"n4t matter *hether that person *as a hi$h rankin$
official+ lo*l) sol"ier+ or innocent ci,ilian+ 8i,ea4s nee" to hurt Cesterners is a form of
entertainment to him. 2he official formation of the J<a!eem 1a!alasJ un"er his or"er *as )et
another thorn the Fnite" <tates *oul" ha,e to "eal *ith. 2he or$ani0ation of J<a!eem 1a!alasJ
or <.1. *as massi,e+ sprea"in$ across the entire !iosphere. 8i,ea has contacts from >ussia to
/ra0il an" >ome to 2ok)o. 1e reall) an" trul) *as the international terrorist lea"er of the
t*ent).first centur). 'ust the "a) !efore+ his mercenaries ha" mana$e" to capture a )oun$ %.<.9.
mem!er !) the name of Eaitl)n 1oll). 1a,in$ a ten"enc) of killin$ an)one *ith 9merican
!loo"+ the Fnite" <tates *as puttin$ e3tra measures to ensure that he $ets *hat he *ants if
hosta$e situation occur. Af course+ the sp) a$enc) of the %.<.9. *asn4t too fon" of ha,in$ leaks
in information. 1o*e,er+ the situation has !ecome ,olatile to the point *here ,iolence *as the
final solution to the or"eal. 2he) *ante" 1oll) to li,e+ !ut onl) so far as to a,oi" more
!loo"she". 2he $o,ernment kne* of 1oll)4s importance an" talent+ !ut the constrictin$ time an"
task of her retrie,al create" man) shakes of hea"s from e,en the !est of a$ents. 6or all the)
kno*+ she coul" ha,e alrea") !een torture"+ kille"+ an" s7uee0e" of information. Athers *ante"
to sta) optimistic an" hope" for her sur,i,al. Fnfortunatel)+ those $o,ernment officials *ho onl)
consi"ere" her to !e ?missin$ in action@ "i"n4t kno* *hat action to take. <till thou$h+ some
militar) $enerals are offerin$ a possi!le truce. 2o their "isma) ho*e,er+ 8i,ea ha" close" off all
policies+ mone) ransoms+ an" merciful re7uests for the safet) of 1oll)4s return.
Af course+ *hen harsh times arise+ $reat persons take action to safe *hat coul" !e lost.
2he e"ifice *hich surroun"e" 9$ent 1oll) *as !ristle" *ith "efense. Dt *asn4t particularl)
horrific !) mo"ern stan"ar"s+ !ut the amount of $uar"s *ithin *as too much to !ear !) e,en the
most "ie.har" of comman"os. <imilarl)+ the en,ironment aroun" the mansion *as e,en *orse.
&istances of $rasslan" mi3e" *ith semi.ari" con"itions *ere !lotte" *ith the !one "r) earth
from months of "rou$ht. 2emperatures soare" hi$h "urin$ the "a) an" "roppe" lo* "urin$ the
ni$ht. 2he en,ironment *as so hostile that e,en the !ra,est of all insects i$nore" the "a)li$ht
hours. %lus+ e,en if the rescue *as to ha,e !een a success+ the !ra,a"o necessar) of e3traction+
as *ell as sur,i,in$ lon$ enou$h to !e e3tracte" *as an immense issue. 2hat of course+ *as
*here >)an /runner came in.
1e *as in <outh 9frica+ the lan"scape !arren an" "otte" onl) *ith the occasional+ *ilte"
tree. =ife *as harsh here in the southern sections of 9frica5 terrorism+ $an$s+ ,iolence+ "rou$ht
an" malaria ha" taken a "eep !lo* on the local population an" its resources. /ut /runner cannot
15
help the others5 he *as here to help a teammate in trou!le. &iscretel) in the !ack of his min"+ the
i"ea of a ?&amsel in "istress@ seeme" to hammer out+ !ut the a$ent shook off the thou$ht.
9cross the lot in front of the !uil"in$ stoo" t*o $uar"s+ one ha" his !ack turne" an" *as
takin$ lon$ "ra$s from a !urnt out ci$arette+ the other looke" on into the hori0on+ seemin$l)
a*aitin$ somethin$ *hich *on4t come. /runner thum!e" his $un an" #u"$e" the "istance as one
of the $uar"s pulle" out a moss) $reen 9F( rifle an" !e$an cleanin$ the tarnishe" *eapon.
/ehin" the ro* of half "rie" !ushes+ 9$ent /runner stea"ie" his aim5 he s7uinte" throu$h the re"
"ot si$ht attachment on his *eapon an" 7uietl) let out a *isp of air from his nostrils. 2he *isp of
air $entl) s*a)e" the san$uine lea,es #ust !) a fraction of an inch as the) cou$he" in the
emaciate" air. Chen the $uar" ha,in$ a smoke tosse" the ci$arette !utt onto the $roun"+ /runner
hel" his !reath fire" the shots.
Ane $uar" *as hit strai$ht in the !ack section of the hea" an" the other "irectl) in the
heart. 2he %.<.9. has struck first !loo"5 the t*o sol"iers tum!le" "o*n onto the $roun" like
slau$htere" !ir"s.
1e 7uietl) *alke" up the steps an" "ra$$e" the !o"ies !ehin" some !ushes to hi"e them.
/runner then crept aroun" the !uil"in$+ stickin$ packets of e3plosi,e to the *alls. 9fter*ar"s+ he
ma"e a turn !ack to the front. /runner opene" the "oor an" peeke" insi"e. Dt *as a hu$e mansion
*ith man) t*ists an" turns+ !ut the he ha" a fairl) $oo" i"ea as to *here he nee"e" to $o. 1e
pause" to catch si$ht of the fo)er. Dt *as 7uite !eautiful to !e honest. 2he lar$e+ $au") paintin$s
hun$ on the *alls *ere counter!alance" !) the mo"est chan"elier *hich "roope" from the
center. 9s he roun"e" the corner of a kitchen+ a mercenar)Ks sha"o* "ance" a$ainst the *all.
1i"in$ in the sha"o*s+ /runner sta)e" calm as the churlish mercenar) *alke" past his hi"in$
spot. 2he man4s footsteps echoe" in the hall an" "isappeare" into another room. /runner $lance"
to make sure that he ha"n4t "isco,ere" the missin$ $uar"s at the front of the house.
<ilence.
9nother $uar" slithere" up near him in the hall to look a paintin$ on the *all. 2he
paintin$ *as o""l) a scene "epicte" of a rainforest. 2he $uar"+ a mi""le a$e" man *earin$ a
/ritish st)le !eret an" holsterin$ a shin) pistol *as completel) o!li,ious. 9$ent /runner sli"
near $uar" an" pause". B,en thou$h the a$ent *as onl) inches a*a)+ the $uar" still faile" to
reali0e his presence. <u""enl)+ /runner struck out+ almost like a pra)in$ mantis+ an" $ra!!e" the
$uar"4s hea"+ careful to co,er the mouth as he t*iste" his neck. 2here *as an inau"i!le ?pop@ as
the $uar" fell "ea". /runner 7uickl) "ra$$e" him into a near!) closet+ "roppe" him !ehin" a
!unch of uniforms+ an" close" the "oor.
Eillin$ ha"n4t !een an issue since the earl) "a)s *hen+ like man) of his fello* a$ents+
*as ?"rafte"@ into the *hole or"eal of a secret $roup of presi"ential supporters ,ia the seein$ of
his uni7ue a!ilit) "urin$ trainin$ for the CD9.. 1o*e,er+ !ein$ a hitman *asn4t e3actl) spelt out
"irectl) *ithin the confi"ential papers that *ere "roppe" for him to rea". 2he !ri$ht re" *or"s of
?Classifie"+@ a$$ressi,el) painte" onto the cream colore" fol"er+ "i"n4t help much either in
creatin$ a !alance *ithin him as an a$ent. 6or /runner+ it *as #ust another "a) in the office+
e3cept that he *asn4t. =uckil) for him+ his office "i"n4t ha,e much of a homel) aurora to it
an)*a). 1e preferre" to *ork in the ?!ellicosit) fiel"@ as e,er)one else *oul" sa). 2he $reat
out"oors *ithin enem) territor) *as much more e3citin$ an" arousin$ than stan"in$ !ehin" an
office scratchin$ on "ocuments *ith the "im ink of the fountain pens. Af course+ sometimes he
16
*oul" $et himself into more trou!le than he aske" for in the ?!ellicosit) fiel"+@ !ut those *ere
#ust minor occurrences to !e i$nore".
&ra$$in$ the !o") into a closet near!)+ he continue" his search for Eaitl)n 1oll). Barlier
in the *eek+ there *as a skirmish out !) Mam!ia5 the reconnaissance team she *as *ith *as
am!ushe". 2here *as a small stru$$le an" the team *as surroun"e" from the si"es. 9 *in"o* of
opportunit) arose after a frien"l) helicopter lan"e" in the !ackfiel". 1oll) sta)e" an" $a,e
co,erin$ fire lon$ enou$h for the others to escape+ !ut instea" en"e" up in custo") herself. 2hen+
/runner ha" the honor to !e calle" to retrie,e her !ack+ or so the) sa). <he *as a top priorit)
a$ent+ #ust like him+ onl) people lo,e" 1oll) more as the a,era$e person. <he *as kin"+ calm+
prett)+ an" ha" a m)sterious an" charismatic charm that $lo*e" from *ithin her. -a)!e it *as
her silk) !lon"e hair that $limmere" in the sun+ or those sapphire colore" e)es that $listene"
*ithin the mist) rains+ no one seeme" to kno*. 6or 9$ent >)an /runner thou$h+ this *as an
opportunit) not to miss. Dn all truth+ the ?Captain 9$ent@ ha" al*a)s ha" somethin$ for 1oll)
e,er since the t*o of them entere" the ser,ice. <ure+ the t*o of them seeme" to sta) separate"
an" onl) talk on occasion+ !ut he #ust coul"n4t resist $lancin$ at her *hen he ha" the opportunit)
to "o so. Dt *as a feelin$ of mutual support+ or so he thou$ht. 2he t*o of them talke" *hen
necessar)+ !ut *ere ne,er on the same missions+ in the same room+ or at the same place lon$
enou$h to reall) $et to kno* each other. /runner si$he".
Ance a$ain he is on the mo,e in search of his 7uarr). 9t an entrance to *hat seems to !e
the cell room+ t*o $uar"s stoo" facin$ out*ar"s in "irect si$ht. Fsin$ some lar$e plants locate"
in the fo)er+ the $uar"s cannot catch si$ht of the %.<.9. a$ent. /) "ou!le tappin$ the tri$$er of
his silence" *eapon+ he mana$e" to take !oth the $uar"s "o*n *ithout an) noise or suspicion.
9fter*ar"s+ the a$ent $in$erl) *alke" up to the "oor. /) listenin$ carefull) *ith his tune" ears+
/runner ma"e out the soun"s of *hat seeme" to !e sparkin$ electric *ires an" a fe* mercenaries
in "iscussion.
J=etKs !e$in the interro$ationJ Ane man *ith a hi$h pitche" *hine spat.
/runner hear" the silence" ,oices of the $uar"s after a fe* secon"s. 2he pro!lem *asn4t
the fact that someone coul" fin" his location or "isco,er the "ea" !o"ies of the $uar"s he ha"
taken out5 the trou!le *as makin$ sure the) coul" $et out in time. 2imin$ *as e,er)thin$+ he ha"
to $et in+ $et her+ $et out+ an" $et on to the helicopter !efore the clock ran out.
/rushin$ off some "ust particles that ha" sta$$ere" on the !reach char$e+ he notice" the
small !loo" stain that ha" snake" its *a) onto the e"$e of it. Dt *as not his !loo"+ it ne,er
seeme" to !e. 2he !loo" that ran in his !o") almost seeme" to turn $re) o,er the )ears *ith his
near "eath e3periences. <tra$$lin$ throu$h the min" of >)an /runner *as the man) missions he
*as put into an" put in char$e of. <plittin$ his fears to realit) ha" put much of a strain on
/runner4s thou$hts. /ut e,er) time he *as hurt+ the crimson li7ui" that oo0e" from the *oun"s
seem to empo*er him+ to stren$then his soul+ to set forth his tenacit) to finish *hat *as starte".
/loo"+ it "i" not scare him an)more+ the snakin$ "roplets onl) fuele" him to pursue the enem)+
to hunt "o*n the tar$ets until each *as "ealt *ith. 2he small stain of !loo" allo*e" him to
pon"er upon the man) more $allons that *ere she" "ue to the supremac) of the terrorists.
/runner put the !reach char$e on the "oor an" flippe" it on+ !ackin$ si"e*a)s to a,oi" the !last.
%erspiration "rippe" "o*n as the secon"s tick !) to "etonation. &ra*in$ in his !reath+ he
*hispere" to himself the *or"s+ J2his is it.J
17
2he char$e !le* up *ith a lou" roar an" sent the "oor spra*lin$ !ack*ar"s. >unnin$ in
front of the "oor*a) /runner 7uickl) sa* Eaitl)n in the center of the room. 1e raise" his rifle
an" shot a sol"ier runnin$ at him *ith a knife then shot t*o more "ra*in$ their *eapons. 9 thir"
sol"ier *as hit s7uare in the forehea" *hen he trie" to raise his $un to kill the $irl. 6inall)+ the
last sol"ier ma"e an attempt to soun" the alarm !) sprintin$ for*ar" to*ar"s the !utton !ut *as
un"ou!te"l) hit in the chest. Ance all the $uar"s an" sol"iers *ere "ea"+ /runner ran up an"
!e$an unt)in$ the $irlKs !in"s.
1e trie" to a,oi" it+ !ut /runner a$ain stare" at her a$ain. 1e coul"nKt stop himself from
starin$ at her silk) !lon"e hair an" $re).!lue e)es that $listen in the fluorescent li$hts. Eaitl)n
1oll) snappe" him out of his "ream.
J9renKt )ou $oin$ to ask if DKm all ri$ht.J she sai" as she 0ippe" the front of her !lack
#acket.
Fnsure+ /runner splutter+ JFm+ are )ou all ri$ht.J
J2hanks for askin$+ !ut D am fine.@ <he no""e" to*ar"s some *ires that la) on the
$roun" attache" to a lar$e car !atter).
J(oo"+ the presi"ent *ante" )ou ali,e+ or more importantl)+ D nee"e" )ou ali,e an)*a)
!ecause the others *oul" kill me if D "onKt.J
JD *ill thank )ou later+ !ut it looks like *e onl) ha,e a fe* minutes to $et out of here.J
<he stoppe" to $ra! a pistol from one of the "ea" $uar"s. Cith care+ 1oll) checke" the amount
of !ullets left in the ma$a0ine an" carefull) sli" the *eapon into one of her pockets.
1e trie" not to stare+ he "i"+ !ut in this situation+ /runner *as lost in transit.
Cithout lookin$ at him+ 1oll) aske"+ JChere is our transportHJ
2hat took /runner out of his stupor+ J9 half mile out the north si"e+ 9$ent /arcla) shoul"
ha,e his chopper parke" there *aitin$ for us.J
J(reat+ lea" the *a).J she sai". Completel) une3pecte"+ 1oll) $entl) plante" a kiss on
/runner4s cheek. 1e felt the tin$le of his skin an" smelle" her fra$rance trul) for the first time.
1is face 7ui,ere" a !it.
/runner opene" his e)es *i"e.
J1e)+ come on+ time to $oJ she sai" in a cheer) ,oice. ?%eople "on4t $et too man) of
those from me+ if )ou *ant to li,e to !ra$ a!out it to all )our frien"s $o ahea" an" mo,e. D "on4t
nee" )ou comin$ to return in those !lack trash !a$s.@
9 stunne" 9$ent >)an /runner trippe" !ehin" 1oll) out the !ack"oor. 2he) ran to*ar"s
the "irection of the lan"in$ 0one as pinpointe" !) the tracker.
<u""enl)+ in the su!"ue" mansion !ehin" them+ a screechin$ alarm like that of an in#ure"
ha*k !ello*e" out into the ,ast empt) space. 1e coul" hear the ,oices of the mercenaries an"
$uar"s shoutin$ !ehin" their !acks. 2he lou" rasp) screams of men fille" the afternoon air. 9s
the pair sprinte" into the !arren lan"+ it *as reall) then that /runner notice" the fact that trees
an" !ushes *ere almost no*here to !e seen. Anl) small "itches an" $ullies sprea" across the
lan"scape pro,i"e" an) sort of co,er. 2here *ere lar$e patches of $rass+ !ut the) *ere not tall
enou$h to conceal their escape. 9!o,e them+ the !listerin$ sun raine" "o*n upon them+ the ra)s
piercin$ /runner4s clothin$ an" stin$in$ his salte" skin like hone) !ees attackin$ rai"in$
hornets. 2he t*o of them simpl) ran. 1e coul" !arel) see 1oll) ahea" of him as the ra)s !lin"e"
18
his e)es. <omeho*+ 1oll) *as "oin$ e3ceptionall) *ell an" *as sprintin$ *a) ahea" of /runner.
1e "i" ho*e,er+ mana$e" to keep up !) o!ser,in$ her hair.
B,er) $ol"en stran" that reflecte" the li$ht into his e)es5 it *as almost painful to *atch.
/ut he coul"n4t stop his $a0e upon the ri,ers of $ol". /runner almost felt rela3e"+ almost felt
ener$i0e". Fsuall) the si$ht of "eath+ "estruction+ an" !loo" ener$i0e" him to finish his #o!. /ut
the hair from a $irl *as somethin$ ne,er felt !) him !efore. 2he a$ent *as instantl) m)stifie".
<u""enl) a !ullet *hi00e" ne3t to him an" hit the $roun"+ /runner turne" aroun" as he
kept runnin$ for a !rief secon" to fire shots at the tailin$ enemies. 2he mercenaries returne" fire
an" a fe* almost scratche" /runner as he an" 1oll) ran for their li,es. 1e pause" for a secon" to
turn aroun" an" fire at some enemies. 2he smok) spra) from his $un mana$e" to hit some of the
a",ancin$ enemies. 2he) tum!le" "o*n*ar"s an" fell into the $ullies that la) *ithin the lan".
/runner pulle" up a control !utton an" "etonate" the e3plosi,es he ha" set earlier. 1e hear"
screams of men. 9s the pair continue" to sprint+ /runner pulle" out a tur7uoise colore" $a"$et.
J9$ent+ "on4t e,en...@ 1oll) !e$an
Dt *as a speciall) ma"e tactical $rena"e #ust for $o,ernmental use. /ein$ a protot)pe
mo"el+ *eapons *eren4t al*a)s e3pecte" to *ork. ?=uckil)@ for /runner+ he ha" the ?honor@ of
testin$ it out in the fiel".
?&on4t *orr) a!out me+ *orr) a!out )ourself.@ 1e *asn4t sure *hether that insulte" her
or not.
<he i$nore" him
JGeah+ #ust let me take care of themLJ 1e solemnl) a""e" on5 this *ith ma)!e a little
more hu!ris than *as necessar).
?'ust "on4t hurt )ourself. %lease+@ 1oll) spat out un"er straine" !reaths. <he e3presse"
this in such an i$norant an" chil"ish manner that /runner almost lau$he"+ almost+ !ut not 7uite.
2he t*o *ere onl) a fe* hun"re" feet a*a) from the =.M.+ or =an"in$ Mone. 2he) coul"
alrea") hear the plinkin$ soun" of the helicopter in the "istance. 9$ent Chase /arcla) !u00e" in
on /runnerKs hea"set. 1e *as a lo,a!le man+ same a$e as /runner+ usuall) calm an" likes #okes+
politics+ "e!ates an" the occasional run. 2he short !ro*n hair that sprea" across his hea" like
arm) ants to fresh meat sta)e" neat *ithout com!in$+ an" he al*a)s tries his !est at keepin$
o!#ecti,es *ithin a time.frame. J/runner+ D am almost lo* of fuel+ are )ou here )etH D am hearin$
7uite a !it of $unfire.J
J9lmost+ B29 three minutes+ $et rea") to take off+ *e ha,e o,er a fe* "o0en $u)s
comin$ up !ehin" us.@
?1o*4s a$ent 1oll)H@ /arcla) !u00e" in *ith alacrit).
J<heKs in !etter shape than me.J 1e $lance" at her+ )es+ her hair still $lo*e" !ack an" )es
she *as still runnin$ faster than she *as.
/runner tu$$e" off the han"le of the %%< $rena"e an" thre* it !ack+ he "i" not mana$e to see if
he o!taine" an) kills !ut he hear" the e3plosion an" the screamin$ of terrorists !ehin" him.
J(o+ $et to the =.M.+ D *ill hol" them off.J /runner tol" 1oll).
JAka)+ oka)+ )ou "onKt nee" to !e heroic all of a su""en+ the presi"ent nee"s )ou !ack as
much as he nee"s me !ack.J <he sprinte" ahea" an" for a split secon" "isappeare" !ehin" a thorn
!ush as the "ust) mists of the helicopter4s !eatin$ propellers ran$.
/runner turne" an" reloa"e" a fresh ma$a0ine into the $un an" fire" at the terrorists on
full automatic settin$. 1e peppere" the first *a,e of *hen the) appeare". 9s he finishe" off the
19
secon" *a,e of enemies+ he hear" the helicopter a!o,e him. Dts hum ran$ ri$ht into his ears like
the roar of a #et en$ine+ thou$h not that lou". 2he san") fra$ments aroun" him *ere churne"
up*ar"s like a san"storm. 1e coul"n4t see or mo,e+ e,er) !reath he took seeme" to choke his
throat *ith lar$e particles of "irt.
Commotion ran$ out e,er)*here an" /runner *as hit se,eral times in the neck an" face
!) the "e!ris tille" up !) the !eat of the helicopter4s !la"es.
JD $ot 1oll) on !oar" an" she is safe !ut the lan"in$ 0one is too hot+ *e ha,e confirme"
lar$e 7uantities of enemies hea"in$ in our "irection. <ome *ith lar$e cali!er *eaponr)+ D cannot
risk takin$ too man) hits on this thin$. -o,e to secon"ar) =.M. o,er.J
/runner *asn4t e,en sure ho* he misse" 1oll) $ettin$ on the helicopter. <tu!!ornl) he
replie"+ JCop) that+ D am on the mo,e.J 1e sai" it *ith such calmness. /ut "eep insi"e his !o")
$roane" from pain an" the loss of o3)$en. 9s he trie" to *ipe a*a) the san" from his e)es+
another t*o terrorists appeare" o,er the e"$e. 2he) *ere "resse" in "esert militia com!at $ear
*ith a tattere" pants an" a short slee,e" shirt *rappe" *ith ammunition !elts. 9cross their faces
*as a piece of !an"ana like to*el that *as *rappe" aroun" their faces. /runner coul"n4t see
their faces. 1e coul"n4t make out an) particular features on the terrorists5 ma)!e it *as !etter
that *a). B3cept for the !lack hair+ the tattoo of a coile" co!ra in a strikin$ position+ sittin$
calml) on their necks+ the men *ere #ust ima$es from a ran"om cro*e".
/runner *oul"n4t remem!er e,er)one he ha" kille"+ he remem!ere" some+ !ut others #ust
can4t !e memora!le. 9$ain+ it ma)!e !etter that *a)+ sometimes he felt that the killin$ of a
person is #ust his #o!+ an" not his en#o)ment. >eco$ni0in$ the faces *ill onl) haunt him in the
future+ or so he thou$ht.
2he terrorists !e$an firin$ at the chopper as /arcla) ,eere" a*a) to the alternate lan"in$
0one. 9t least it "re* fire a*a) from me+ /runner thou$ht. 2he secon" lan"in$ 0one *as onl) a
7uarter of a mile a*a)+ !ut he *as alrea") tirin$ from all the *ei$ht in his !ackpack. 1e pulle"
out a fe* more %%< $rena"es an" ran faster as the !ullets from enem) 9E.47 assault rifles
!u00e" an" scrape" the $roun" aroun" his le$s+ some almost hittin$ him. &irt ne3t to him "ance"
like popcorn crackin$ an" !reakin$ as it poppe" apart in the sto,e. 1e coul" feel the *hi0 of the
lou" !ullets as the) struck e,er)thin$ aroun" him. 9t this point+ /runner coul" onl) pra) for
sur,i,al. 9s he $rippe" the %%< $rena"e+ he felt that his life *as alrea") #u"$e". Dt *as all luck
no*5 it *as all "ecision on *hether $o" *ante" him to sta) on Barth or lea,e. 1e ha" com!at
trainin$ in situations like this+ e,er)one in the %.<.9. "i". /ut /runner "i"n4t particularl) like
runnin$ a*a) as !ullets traile" after him like 9fricani0e" hone)!ees. 2his a$ent preferre" the
stealth) approach+ sna$$in$ enemies as the) roun"e" corners an" "ark alle)s in the !a" parts of
to*n at ni$ht. Dn all honest)+ /runner *oul" rather for a moment scratch his hea" a$ainst
paper*ork than *orr) a!out !ein$ tar$ete" !) all the *a,es of mercenaries. 9t the time+ it all felt
like a $ame. 1e "oesn4t like consi"erin$ his *hole #o! as an online first person shooter+ !ut
thinkin$ that it is the case for some o"" reason $a,e him more coura$e. -a)!e it is the fact that
in an 6%< $ame+ one "oesn4t "ie. /ut *ho kno*s+ he onl) cares a!out sur,i,al at this point. 1e
accomplishe" his mission of $ettin$ 9$ent 1oll) out of the custo") of the enemies+ he has
successfull) complete" his o!#ecti,e+ an" ma)!e no* it *as time to #ust li,e. Af course+ /runner
*asn4t all that ner,ous+ he $ot o,er that ner,ousness )ears a$o+ !ut a sense of *orr) still
lin$ere". 9 7uiete" thou$ht of fear+ a fear that seeme" to chill him+ ma)!e it *as #ust him+ !ut it
felt as if this mission+ alon$ *ith his future missions+ *ill ha,e a $reat "o*nfall upon the team.
20
JCome on+ almost thereJ 1oll) sai" to him o,er ra"io.
2hat !roke his train of thou$ht. JD ha,e this+ "onKt *orr) a!out me.J 9$ain+ the a$ent
mi$ht ha,e sai" it *ith a minute amount more of hu!ris than necessar).
9t last he *as *ithin si$ht of the lan"in$ 0one+ pickin$ up the pace an" spee"in$ throu$h
the !ushes+ the helicopter *as a mere thirt) feet a*a). /runner felt that his lun$s *ere $oin$ to
!urst as he use" up his last scrap of ener$) to sprint for*ar". 1e *as almost ten feet a*a) from
the helicopter.
Cell+ then the unfortunate happene". 9n e3plosion ran$ out closel) !ehin" him+ he
instantl) kne* it as an >%(+ or rocket propelle" $rena"e. 2he e3plosion sent /runner fl)in$ into
the "irt. 9s /runner picke" himself up+ he su""enl) felt "i00) an" his ,ision an" hearin$ !lurre"
for a split secon" !efore re$ainin$ himself. Cin"e"+ /runner scram!le" "esperatel) up*ar"s for
!reath. 9s 9$ent /runner pulle" himself up from the shell !last+ he sa* that he *as not !a"l)
hurt other than a fe* scrapes+ the shell ha" e3plo"e" close to him !ut not close enou$h to kill
him. 2hen of course+ another unfortunate e,ent occurre". 9 sol"ier in the "istance raise" his 9E.
47 assault rifle an" aime" it ri$ht at /runner himself. /ut as /runner rea"ie" for the !ullet to hit
him+ the sol"ier su""enl) *as struck har" in the chest !) a !ullet. 2urnin$ aroun"+ he sa* 1oll)
aimin$ *ith an -4 assault rifle on the helicopter. <o the unfortunate *as resol,e"+ at least for the
time !ein$.
J1urr) up+ slo* poke+ *eK,e $ot to $oLJ <he )elle" o,er the shots.
&ashin$ across the fiel"+ >)an /runner lun$e" into the chopper as /arcla) took the !ir"
up into the sk).
1e lan"e" har" on his stomach an" the impact knocke" the air out of his lun$s a$ain.
1oll) fire" t*o more shots an" mana$e" to take out t*o more tar$ets as the !lack ha*k
helicopter rose into the air. <he close" the "oor of the helicopter5 /runner *as surprise" ho*
7uiet it *as after the "oors *ere close". 1e coul" talk *ith someone insi"e *ithout a hea"set.
Cell+ he CAF=& talk+ !ut *as he rea") to talk to 1oll)H 2hat pon"ere" in his min". 2he three of
them "eci"e" to catch their !reaths an" sta) silent.
Ance out of the "an$er 0one+ the three finall) !e$an talkin$ a$ain. Dt *as all mum!les an"
si$hs of ?thanks+@ an" ?$oo" #o!@ at first.
J(oo" to ha,e )ou ali,e.J /runner sai" to 1oll).
JD $uess )ou can tell that to )ourselfLJ <he replie"+ some*hat 7uietl). ?Cith that hei$ht
)ou ha,e+ D $uesse" that a !ullet *oul" pro!a!l) ha,e struck )ou.@
1e smirke"+ ?D4m in,inci!leL@ 1e 7uickl) cou$he" out a small clou" of "ust an" san"
from his mouth.
1oll) lau$he". 9n" after /runner cau$ht his !reath+ he lau$he" as *ell.
Chen the chopper fle* across the !arren lan"+ the e,enin$ sun !e$an "ippin$ her face into the
hori0on. /runner an" 1oll) stare" into the sunset.
JDt4s o"" ho* peaceful the earth looks after a !attle.J 1oll) *hispere".
JD kno*+ this is not the first for me+ an" it CD== not !e the last.J /runner replie".
<he smile". J2hank )ou+ D appreciate *hat )ou ha,e "one+ it is somethin$ D *ill
remem!er+@ she pause"+ ?Con4t for$et.@ 1oll) !rushe" her han" a$ainst the !ack of his hea".
/runner *atche" 7uietl).
21
J9 person that respects me+ D nee" to keep that in min".J 1e close" his e)es an" no""e"
in appreciation. -a)!e it *as #ust a !antam of an optimistic thou$ht that cra*le" out of his hea"+
!ut he felt please" an" content.
JGou are 7uite uni7ue.J she sai". 1er ,oice *as so $entle an" e3tremel) har" for /runner
or an)one to "islike.
/runner notice" ho* her $re).!lue e)es "ance" in the "im li$ht as she talke" an"
!linke". Dt ha" a ,er) similar color to that of his. 1e notice" her uni7ue !eaut) almost instantl).
Ance he has seen it+ it *as e3tremel) har" to "ra* his e)es a*a) from the $ol"en hair+ the lon$+
flo*in$ $ol"en hair that fell "o*n from a!o,e. 1e almost *ante" to reach out an" touch the fine
silk) stran"s+ !ut he "i"n4t for the sake of manners of course.
JGou canKt reall) sa) that+ arenKt *e all "ifferentH &o D o*e )ou somethin$HJ /runner
aske" finall).
J1e)+ )ou sa,e" me+ then D sa,e" )ou+ *e are e,en all ri$htHJ <he smile" a$ain.
JAka)+ !ut please un"erstan" the fact that if D "i"nKt $et )ou to"a)+ the) *oul" ha,e
shippe" )ou to (ula$ DV in <olomon Dslan"s. 2hen )ou ne,er *oul" ha,e !een a!le to return.J
/runner replie".
JD thou$ht )ou *ere $reat at !reakin$ into stuff+ isnKt the (ula$ #ust another task nee"e"
to o,ercomeHJ
J/ut a full force *oul" ha,e !een nee"e" in or"er to pass the islan"Ks "efenses. 2ra"in$
the life of man) for the li,es of man) for one *asnKt e3actl) *ritten in the rule.!ooks.J 1e
*on"ere" *hether he *oul" risk his life for 1oll).
1oll) looke" "o*n for a secon". <he si$he". JGouKre ri$ht5 sometimes the risk of losin$
man) for the life of one isn4t the most moral of all actions.J
/runner smile"+ J/ut D *ant )ou ali,e+ the team *ants )ou ali,e+ an" )our parents *oul"
*ant )ou to !e ali,e.J
1oll) turne" a*a) an" looke" out the *in"o* of the helicopter. Dt mi$ht ha,e !een the
"usk sunli$ht !ut /runner coul" ha,e s*orn that he sa* a small tear run "o*n her cheek. /ut if
it reall) *as a tear+ she suppresse" the ne3t ones e3ceptionall) *ell.
J2hank )ou.J she tol" him "ull).
J8o pro!lem.J /runner put a han" on her shoul"er5 she *as still lookin$ out the *in"o*.
J>)anHJ
JGes+ *hat is itHJ
<he pause" for another secon". J8e,er min".J
JDf )ou ha,e somethin$ to tell me D4m fine *ith it. D4m al*a)s here to listen.J
J8o+ itKs nothin$.J she replie". 1oll) si$he".
1oll) 7uietl) stretche" out her han"s an" starte" massa$in$ her arm. 2he pair sat there starin$
into the sunset. Dt *as all 7uiet+ soothin$+ an" some*hat e,en romantic "urin$ this harsh perio"
of terrorism+ ,iolence+ "isease+ an" "rou$ht. /runner continue" to pon"er as to *hat 1oll) *as
$oin$ to ask him as the) sat *atchin$ the sunset for almost fi,e minutes+ e,er)thin$ *as silent+
the hum of the helicopter propellers create" a sleep) tune.
?6or the recor"+ this has not $one full circle+@ /runner sai".
/arcla) turne" aroun". ?<top it an" $o an" $et a room *h) "onKt )ou+J he shoute" out to
!oth of them as he maneu,ere" the helicopter on course for &#im!i 9irfiel". 2he other t*o #ust
pla)full) $lare" at him.
22
2*o
&#im!i 9ir!ase+ -o0am!i7ue
2he !lack ha*k pilote" !) Chase /arcla) s*oope" o,er the "immin$ li$ht an" lan"e"
*ith a !risk ?plop@ on the helipa" on &#im!i 9ir!ase. 2he propellers spun *ith momentum e,en
after the en$ine ha" !een turne" off. 2he mo,ement create" a miniature "ust storm . !lin"l)
"riftin$ across the metal !ir". 8o one seeme" to !e aroun" to !other *ith the returnin$ a$ents.
2he) *ere #ust anon)mous people here to "o an anon)mous #o!.
2he propellers finall) stoppe" rotatin$ an" /runner steppe" out onto the *arm+ "r)
concrete. 9ll across the airfiel"+ 9merican sol"iers ha" alrea") !e$un closin$ "o*n the !ase for
the ni$ht. 9 fe* of them+ *earin$ !ri$ht neon )ello* #ackets+ *ere cleanin$ one of the man)
armore" cars parke" near the *est si"e of the !ase. An the east si"e+ near the run*a)s+ a truck
*as pullin$ a lar$e 6.22 >aptor #et into the han$ar. 9ll aroun"+ soun"s of clan$in$ metal+ $ratin$
ru!!er+ an" simmerin$ of $as coul" !e hear". Dt $a,e /runner a home) aurora+ one *hich struck
him a feelin$ of !roken ties an" far a*a) famil). /ut he "i"n4t seem to min" much. 1e *as use"
to !ein$ a*a).a*a) from the confines of the <tates an" a*a) from the restrictions *ithin his
countr).
/arcla) also steppe" out from the cockpit an" *as stretchin$ on the tarmac. 1e "i"n4t
seem to !e pa)in$ an) attention to his surroun"in$s. /ehin" him+ 1oll) "roppe" "o*n from
helicopter an" !reathe" in the "r) air. /runner hear" her si$h. Dt felt to him as if it *asn4t #ust a
si$h of relief+ !ut a si$h of )earnin$+ as if somethin$ !othere" her.
?Ds somethin$ *ron$H@ /runner trie" to !e "iscreet.
1oll) pause"+ she stare" at the sol"iers in the "istance *ho *ere cleanin$ the trucks+
pause" a$ain an" stare" at /arcla) "oin$ the stretches. 6inall)+ the a$ent turne" sli$htl) to*ar"s
/runner. ?D.D4m fine.@
/runner "i"n4t pursue her on the su!#ect. 1e assume" she *as simpl) tire" from *hat has
happene". Af course+ the *hole ?!ein$ capture" an" interro$ate"@ thin$ has !een tau$ht an" tol"
to them as %.<.9. "urin$ their earl) trainin$+ !ut the shock+ a*e+ an" final "istress coul" take its
toll on the !o"). especiall) that of a )oun$ *oman.
/arcla) stoppe" his stretches. 1e *as also 7uiet. Dn fact+ the three of them *ere all 7uiet
*hen the) *alke" to*ar"s one of the main !uil"in$s of the !ase. *hich ser,e" as their
hea"7uarters.
2he) clim!e" their steps in silence. 9s the lar$e *oo"en "oor opene"+ the lou" shine of
fluorescent li$ht spra)e" out onto their !o"ies. 9fter their e)es $ot use" to the shine+ the three of
them steppe" into the room+ in sin$le file. /arcla)+ entere" first+ follo*e" !) 1oll) an" /runner.
2he room *ithin *asn4t much of a prett) si$ht. Dt looke" some*hat like a t*o star hotel lo!!). 9
small counter *ith a kitchen an" a fri"$e+ as *ell as a couple of arm chairs *ith a coffee ta!le in
the center. Dn the front of the room+ a lar$e 2V *as pla)in$ somethin$ from C/< 8e*s. 2he
*hite tile" floor $a,e the room an almost $hastl) look+ at least to /runner4s tire" e)es. Dn the
room+ t*o people *ere millin$ a!out. Ane+ 'osh (reene+ *as a scientist *orkin$ for the Fnite"
<tates (o,ernment+ an" the other *as <C<6 . <ecurit) Council <pecial 6orces =iana Ea!ins.
2he t*o of them+ *ho alrea") kne* of the success in retrie,in$ 1oll)+ soon perke" up an" ran
to*ar"s the returnin$ a$ent *ith open arms. 2he t*o $roups e3chan$e" their hu$s an" $oo" #o!s
an" mo,e" to*ar" the sofas.
23
1oll) ploppe" "o*n on one of the armchairs an" !reathe" in a "eep !reath of cool+
con"itione" air. <he close" her e)es an" opene" them a$ain.
?(oo" to !e !ack $u)s+ $oo" to !e !ack.@
'osh (reene+ a *il" haire"+ kno*le"$e fille" ?ner"@ thre* in his h)peracti,e cra0)
"isposition+ ?Chat a *on"rous "a)+ D $et m) stuff "one+ *e $ot 1oll) !ack+ an" *e e,en $et to
keep /runner4s *orthless assL@
/runner shot him an anno)e"+ ?D4m $oin$ to hurt )ou@ look.
?Ges+@ 1oll) pause" an" sho*e" a sli$ht smile+ ?the *orks of these t*o $ents sen"s me
!ack here in one piece. D ha,e much to thank.@
Ea!ins chime" in *ithout a sho* of hate+ ?2he) are $oo"+ unfortunatel).@
?Chat "o )ou mean+ Nunfortunatel)H4H@ /arcla) sai" as he poke" aroun" the fri"$e for
somethin$ to "rink.
?D mean+ if )ou *ere to !e an) !etter *e mi$ht actuall) 8A2 ha,e to "eal *ith the
o,erseein$ tomorro*.@
/runner su""enl) snappe" out an" remem!ere" *h) he *as here in the first place. <ure+
he *as sent to rescue 1oll)+ !ut he reali0e" the initial o!#ect for !ein$ sent here from hi$h
comman" *as !ecause he+ alon$ *ith the others+ ha,e !een thro*n here into the "esert in or"er
to o,ersee the "istri!ution of $oo"s. 9s kno*n+ the *eather alon$ *ith the increase" terrorist
acti,ities in the area ha" cause" man) of the citi0ens to suffer the *rath of nature an" enem).
9fter fun"in$ an" carin$ "onations from the Fnite" <tates+ a ?>elief 6un"@ *as s)nthesi0e" into
realit). /asicall)+ it in,ol,e" e3portin$ out common pro"ucts like rice+ so)!eans+ *heat+ corn+
an" other $rains to the locals that *ere hammere" from the former issues. 2o sa) the least+ the
amount of acti,it) in the area has cause" 2he %resi"ent to e3ert e3tra caution an" *orr) on the
important $rains. 2hat *as reall) the ma#or reason *h) the %.<.9. *as sent out. 8ot necessaril)
to shoot an" kill an)thin$+ !ut #ust to o,ersee an" ensure that the situation is han"le" properl).
6or the fe* of them+ it *as somethin$ the) reall) "i"n4t *ant to ha,e to "eal *ith. /ut the
%resi"ent *ante" to $ain !etter ties *ith the countr) an" !alance out the hate+ so he sent the
a$ents to ensure that all $oes smoothl). Dt *as a !other+ it *as anno)in$+ !ut it ha" to !e "one+ or
so the %resi"ent sai".
?9$ent 1oll)+@ /runner pause" for a secon". <he turne" to him *ith her uni7ue smile.
2hat smile+ "amn that smile+ he *as "istracte" a$ain.
?Ges >)anH@ <he use" his first nameL /runner *as instantl) mesmeri0e"+ a$ain.
?Fm+@ 1e ha" no i"ea *hat to sa). 9fter a fe* more secon"s of a*k*ar" murmurin$+
/runner finall) mana$e" to $et out+ ?9re )ou hun$r)H@
<he pause" a$ain. ?8o* that )ou mention it+ D *oul" lo,e some foo" ri$ht a!out no*+
!efore D $o to !e".@
/runner stoppe"+ unsure *hat to "o ne3t.
Ea!ins !roke the silence+ kno*in$ *hat *as happenin$. ?1oll)+ there are still some
lefto,er meatloaf san"*iches from lunch. D hope that *ill ha,e to "o !ecause D "on4t think D4m up
for cookin$ an)thin$ for the time !ein$.@
1oll) turne"+ ?2hat4s fine. D4m #ust lookin$ for somethin$ to fill m) stomach. 2he)
star,e" me for informationI@
/runner su""enl) felt an o"" feelin$+ he *orrie" for 1oll). Dt *asn4t a feelin$ he *as
use" to. 1is cheeks 7ui,ere" a !it.
24
1oll) left for the !athroom. Ance she *as out of earshot+ Ea!ins sta!!e" the moment. ?9
little !it in crush /runnerH@ <he smile" ,ictoriousl).
/runner4s face pinke". 1e turne" a*a) from the $roup an" shook his hea"+ tr)in$ to hi"e
his em!arrassment an" "i$nit). ?8o.@
?9*+ look at his face.@ (reene sai".
B,en /arcla)+ *ho *as sippin$ on a !ottle of *ater+ chortle"+ ?9n" the route to marria$e
!e$insL@
/runner simpl) replie" *ith a+ ?<hut upI@ 1e *as still re".
?1e)+ it4s fine to feel attraction /runner+ she4s prett).@ Ea!ins tol" him.
?<he4s kin" of hot actuall).@ /arcla) tol" him as *e "rank from his !ottle.
/runner shook his hea" a$ain+ ?(u)s+ let4s not pla) this $ame oka)H D *ill tell )ou that D
like her+ !ut D *on4t !e so !latant as to let )ou clo*ns anno) me *ith this talk.@
?<peakin$ of clo*ns+@ /arcla) cut in+ ?1oll) hates clo*ns.@
9$ent /runner $a,e a famous ?facepalm@ an" looke" at /arcla). ?<o -ike)+ )ou tol" me
this C1GH@
?8o reason+@ he respon"e"+ ?#ust a piece of information for the future. 9n" "on4t call me
-ike) please.@
?<ure+ that4s *hat )ou sa). =ook $u)s+ D appreciate )ou tr)in$ to support me on this+ !ut D
think it *oul" !e !etter if *e #ust stop an" let it pla) out.@
?=et *hat pla) outH@ 1oll) returne" to the room an" *as "r)in$ her han"s on a to*el.
?8othin$.@ /runner !lurte" out.
/arcla) starte" smilin$+ ?1oll)+ /runner #ust tol" us that heI@
?I2hat D hate clo*ns.@ /runner cut in.
1oll)4s !ro* furro*e" an" she stare" at e,er)one in the $roup. 2hen she smile". /runner4s lip
7ui,ere" a$ain. 1oll) sai"+ ?2hat4s interestin$+ D "on4t kno* *h) )ou *oul" sa) it !ut+ D4m not
too !i$ of a fan of clo*ns either.@ <he turne" aroun" an" !e$an rai"in$ the fri"$e.
2he other three !e$an shakin$ hea"s an" smilin$ *ith appro,al at /runner !ehin"
1oll)4s !ack.
2*o hours later+ e,er)one *as alrea") in their rooms+ pro!a!l) preparin$ to sleep *ell
for tomorro*4s o,erseein$. e,er)one e3cept for /runner. 1e sat in his room in his pa#amas+
cleanin$ a lon$ <i$ <auer pistol. 2he a$ent set the pistol "o*n an" picke" up a lar$e assault rifle.
Cith care+ he took a cloth an" *ipe" the cartri"$e an" mu00le+ still runnin$ o,er the ima$e of
1oll)4s smile *ithin his hea".
1e felt the stares of e,er)one an" he felt the 7ui,erin$ of his lips. Dt *as an o"" feelin$+ it
*as a cra0) thou$ht+ !ut /runner *on"ere" *hether he *oul" e,en ha,e the *its to ha,e a
proper con,ersation *ith 1oll). 1e "roppe" his assault rifle on the ta!le an" fell !ack onto his
!e" an" !e$an starin$ aimlessl) at the ceilin$.
1e *ante" to talk to her. 1e *ante" to un"erstan" her. 9n" he *ante" fin" out *hat *as
causin$ her to !e so 7uiet an" upset. /runner "eci"e" to pa) her a ,isit to check on ho* she *as
"oin$. 'ust a mo"est trip+ no strin$s attache" an" no plans of his o*n. Dt *as #ust a simple ,isit to
see ho* 1oll) *as hol"in$ up from the "a)4s e,ents. 2he a$ent kept mum!lin$ to himself those
fe* *or"s.
25
>)an /runner reache" 1oll)4s "oor. 1e took a "eep !reath+ kno*in$ *hat *as !ehin" the
"oor. /runner knocke".
...
Autsi"e the mansion at -okele+ 8a#a 8i,ea arri,e" in his $re) =an" >o,er to see the
aftermath of /runnerKs *rath. 2he a$ents ha" kille" *ell o,er ten of his suppose"l) !est men+
in#ure" another "o0en+ as *ell as cause" massi,e "ama$e insi"e the !uil"in$ itself. 8i,ea
shoute" or"ers to all of his terrorist mercenaries an" $uar"s to clean up the mess create" in the
*ake of the %.<.9. a$ents4 paths.
1e stoope" from the san" an" kicke" a*a) a lar$e spi"er *hich clun$ to the si"e of a lo$
*hich !or"ere" the mansion4s ?$ar"en.@ 8i,ea looke" aroun" at the lar$e mess an" shook his
hea" *ith !oth an$er an" "is!elief. 1e *atche" as his men !e$an pullin$ "o*n the "ama$e"
*alls as *ell as the !o"ies of his fallen mercenaries. Dn a corner+ se,eral minute ?me"ics@ *ere
ten"in$ to those *ho *ere in#ure".
1e $a,e a $eneral shout to the *orkers. J(et those "ea" !o"ies out of m) house an"
*ash all the stains.@ 8i,ea pause" to take a puff from his ci$ar. ?9n" D *ant it all "one !efore the
sun rises.J 1e "eclare" in a $ruff ,oice. 2he terrorist *atche" as some of his men !e$an settin$
up temporar) li$hts in or"er let e,er)one see *hat *as $oin$ on in the "immin$ li$ht of the
e,enin$. 8i,ea entere" his "ama$e" house.
J<ir+ *e foun" another !o") in the closet !) the kitchen hall*a).@ <omeone shoute" to him. Dt
*as a mercenar) *ith a )oun$ face *ho he ha" hire" a fe* *eeks a$o.
JCell $et ri" of itL 6or (o" sakes *hat kin" of "isposal s*eep "o )ou not un"erstan"H
(B2 >D& A6 D2L@ 1e crie" out *ith his -i""le Bast.stu""e" accent. ?Ah+ an" D *oul" like to
ha,e a talk *ith 'o,a.J
'o,a *as the lea" $uar" of the -ansion. 9t the time of the attack+ 'o,a *asn4t aroun" the house
itself. 1e *as patrollin$ the near!) ,illa$es+ lookin$ for people he coul" ensla,e for la!or. /ut of
course+ he *oul"n4t "are tell 8i,ea that.
9fter a fe* minutes+ 'o,a+ a mi""le a$e" *hite.skinne" <outh 9frican *ith ta*n) hair+
finall) appeare" from the cro*". J<irHJ he aske" *ith a hint of ner,ousness. 8i,ea coul" see
perspiration trickle on his face e,en as the temperature !e$an to "rop.
J(et the hell out the !uil"in$. D nee" a talk *ith )ou outsi"e.J 2he men t*o *alke" to the
front la*n+ or *hat *as suppose" to !e a la*n. Dt *asn4t more than a fe* patches of *il" $rass
an" "rie" flo*ers.
JB3plain to me *h) )ou ha,e not onl) faile" at keepin$ intru"ers out !ut also faile" at
killin$ them once the) are "isco,ere"HJ
JCell+ to !e honest sirJ 'o,a sai" ner,ousl)+ J1e *as %.<.9.J 9s soon as 'o,a sai" this+
8i,ea forcefull) punche" 'o,a in his chest+ causin$ him to fall !ack on the $roun". 'o,a clutche"
his chest as he stoo" !ack up. 8i,ea *alke" up near him to kick him "o*n a$ain.
JChen D ask for somethin$ as simple as keepin$ out intru"ers+ D e3pect results. 2hat $irl
*as a present for -r. Chernko,LJ he shoute" out.
JD am sorr) sir+ it *as m) fault.J
26
J1ell )es it *as )our fault. 8o* *e lost an opportunit) of a lifetime+ ho* coul" )ou let
that !astar" take the $irlH 1o*HJ
JD apolo$i0e+ it *ill ne,er D s*ear+ 8BVB> happen a$ain.J 'o,a s7uirme" out
JAf course it *ill ne,er happen a$ain.J 8i,ea sai" as he pulle" 'o,a up to his feet.
8i,ea then pulle" out a (lock 17 o!taine" from Eaitl)n 1oll) earlier an" shot 'o,a !et*een the
e)es *ithout !linkin$. 2he !ullet tore throu$h his skull an" 'o,a "roppe" "o*n. 9 small pool of
!loo" starte" e3pan"in$ !eneath him+ !ut it "i"n4t $o far for soon the *ater) mi3ture *as
a!sor!e" !) the thirst) $roun".
JDf the %.<.9. is incapa!le of remo,in$ )ou from e3istence+ some!o")Ks $ot to.J he sai"
o,er 'o,aKs !o").
9 mercenar) on clean up "ut) *alke" up+ J<ir+ *hat "o )ou *ant to "o *ith the !o")HJ
J&o *hat )ou are "oin$ *ith all the other !o"ies+ $et ri" of it.J 8i,ea spat on 'o,a4s !o")
as it *as pulle" off !) the mercenar). 1e "roppe" his ci$ar an" thum!e" the (lock 17 pistol. 2he
terrorist lea"er slo*e" as his fin$er touche" the t*o letters en$ra,e" into the $un. 8i,ea $a,e out
a chuckle. Dt *as the letters ?E.1.@
9$ent 1oll) opene" the "oor *ith surprise. <he stare" at /runner. ?/runner+ *hat are
)ou "oin$ hereH
/runner pause"+ !ut this time+ he *as rea"). ?D came here to see *hether )ou nee"
an)thin$+ as *ell as *hether ho* )ou are hol"in$ out.@
1oll) smile" an" /runner4s cheeks 7ui,ere". 1e *on"ere" *hether she sa* it.
?D4m fine+ actuall) a!out to $o to !e" to !e honest. 2he *hole thin$ to"a) *as 7uite
appreciati,e.@ <he pause"+ ?2hank )ou.@
1e stare" into her "eep !lue e)es. ?&on4t thank me+ )ou "eser,e" it.@ 1e $uesse" that
*as a $oo" line ri$htH
?D ne,er reali0e" that the 1i$h Comman"+ alon$ *ith the $o,ernment+ still ha" hopes for
me.@
/runner leane" a han" on the "oor*a). ?-an) "i"n4t+ !ut D thou$ht other*ise.@ 1e
looke" at her e)es a$ain. ?/ut D shoul"n4t $et all the cre"it. /arcla) *as the one *ho fle* us out
)ou kno*.@
1oll) stoppe". ?/ut )ou *ere the one *ho stoppe" the others from leechin$ information
from me.@
?D "i" *hat D *as tol".@ /runner *asn4t sure e3actl) ho* that *as suppose" to mean.
1oll) pause"+ ?Coul" )ou like to come in an" sitH@ <he perke" up ?D4m sorr) D ma"e )ou
stan" here.@
/runner re,ie*e" the options in his hea". Df he *as to $o into her room+ *hat *oul"
happenH Coul" the) #ust sleepH Coul" the) #ust talkH Ar *oul" the) !reak the lon$ stan"in$
!arriers an" )earn for somethin$ moreH /runner *asn4t completel) sure ho* to react+ he *ent as
far as askin$ ho* she *as "oin$+ not *hat to "o *hen she in,ites him to sit in her room.
?D think D shoul" $o to sleep.@ <a,e"H ?Dt4s $ettin$ late outsi"e an" *e still ha,e to $et up
earl) to *atch some trucks.@ 1e trie" to soun" some*hat enthusiastic.
<he actuall) lau$he". ?2ruck *atchin$+ *hate,er happene" to poetr) an" !ir" fee"er
skimmin$H@
27
?Dt *ent out the "oor *hen %resi"ent -a#e*ski sen"s his secret arm) of a$ents to *atch
some trucks "eli,er $rain.@
2he) !oth lau$he". 6inall)+ *hen the) !oth stoppe"+ /runner looke" her in the e)es
a$ain. ?Cell+ $oo"ni$ht 1oll).@
?<ame to )ou.@
/runner smile" an" turne" a*a). 1e hear" the "oor creak as 1oll) !e$an pushin$ it shut.
Dn almost a *hisper+ 1oll) spoke *ith onl) her hea" peekin$ out. ?4Eaitl)n4 is perfectl)
accepta!le for our con,ersations >)an.@ <he shut her "oor.
/runner4s heart almost skippe" a !eat *ith e3citement.
2hree
&#im!i 9ir!ase. 0800 hours
Chen /runner *oke to the soun" of $unfire+ his first instinct *as to $ra! his pistol on the
ni$htstan". <u""enl) he remem!ere" that he *as not stuck in the mi""le of a *ar+ !ut instea"
foun" himself in his room. 1is "orm *as not a room of ama0in$ $a"$ets. Dt *as painte" a
$loom) *hite *ith t*o *in"o*s on the Bastern si"e. 2he paint *as fa"e" an" rippe" in places+
!ut he coul" honestl) care less. Co,erin$ the *in"o*s are some *orn curtains+ !arel) han$in$
on their hooks+ the) "roope" "o*n*ar"s+ sa$$in$ like the skin of the ol" men that *orke" in the
"ark mines of 9sia+ a si$ht /runner has )et to for$et in his a",entures there. /runner kicke" off
his !lanket+ he ha" the o"" ha!it of "oin$ so e,er since he *as )oun$+ it ne,er occurre" to him
until no* #ust ho* lon$ it has !een since those )ears. /ack *hen he *as a!out four or fi,e+ a
spi"er ha" mana$e" to cra*l un"er his sheets. Dt *as a "ark *olf spi"er *ith a #et !lack !o"). Af
course+ the fear of spi"ers at a )oun$ a$e *as somethin$ /runner *as a ta" ashame" of. 2rue+ he
*as tol" that man) species carrie" ,enomous fan$s that coul" kill a person+ )et it *as him
allo*in$ himself to !e scare" that he kicke" a*a) the sheet. Chen the sheet fell on the $roun"+
the *olf spi"er sprinte" across the carpet an" un"er one of his ni$htstan"s. /runner coul" not
for$et ho* lon$ he trie" con,incin$ his mother to help him kill the spi"er. /ut of course+ his
mother *as also in the militar) an" *as untouche" !) a creature the si0e of a small cookie. >)an
/runner remem!ere" ho* she tol" him to #ust ?suck it up+ "on4t kill such an ama0in$ creature+
catch it in a #ar+ an" let it $o outsi"e in the )ar".@ Ges+ he freake" out. 9fter a fe* minutes of
muckin$ aroun" tr)in$ to fin" a #ar+ he finall) fin"s one that *as of suita!le si0e. 1e remem!ere"
ho* *hen the flashli$ht *as shinin$ into the a!)ss of the space un"er the ni$htstan" that the
e)es of the *olf spi"er struck out to him. Dt *as a pale+ $loss)+ $re) !lue that reflecte" the li$ht
of the flashli$ht. Cautiousl)+ the spi"er turne" aroun" an" face" him. Cith a lou" ?*hack@ across
the si"e of the ni$htstan"+ the fri$htene" spi"er sprinte" out. /runner pulle" !ack #ust as the
creature scurrie" out un"erneath an" ran strai$ht !ack into his !e" sheet+ *hich *as still on the
floor. 9nno)e"+ the )oun$ >)an /runner $athere" his coura$e an" flun$ the sheet a$ainst the
floor until the spi"er "islo"$e" itself an" carrie" its !o") on three pencil thin le$s across the
room an" into a corner. Dt "esperatel) trie" to clim! the *all+ !ut e,er) time it clim!e" a little !it
hi$her up+ it simpl) fell !ack "o*n a$ain. /runner 7uickl) took the opportunit) an" sprinte"
for*ar" himself+ placin$ the #ar "irectl) on to spi"er. 2he arachni" continue" to franticall)
scuttle insi"e the #ar has /runner sli" a piece of paper un"erneath the #ar+ then the #ar *as
28
re,erte" !ack an" the spi"er sli" "o*n to the !ottom of the $lass container. 9fter he cappe" the
#ar *ith the li"+ he coul" still remem!er the *olf spi"er "esperatel) runnin$ insi"e the $lass
"un$eon+ helpless. 9lthou$h it *as not the prettiest of si$hts+ /runner "i" a"mire ho* uni7ue the
spi"er *as+ the #et !lack coloration contraste" the )ello* !an"in$ on the le$s as *ell as the
!luish e)es that reflecte" li$ht. 1e stare" at the creature+ *ho ha" calme" "o*n an" *as
!e$innin$ to $room itself. Dt *as a ,er) o"" thin$ in"ee" an" /runner *as startin$ to !ecome
mesmeri0e" !) ho* !eautifull) e,er)thin$ *as set on the creature+ the hairs+ the le$s+ the e)es+
#ust perfect. =ater that afternoon+ /runner release" the *olf spi"er into his !ack )ar"+ it sat on the
$rass for a fe* secon"s+ almost "a0e" !) the !ri$ht sunli$ht+ then it ran off into the !rushes+ the
small le$s carr)in$ it alon$. B,er since that inci"ent+ he *oul" al*a)s kick off his sheets in the
mornin$. Dt *as #ust consi"ere" a ha!it !) him.
9s /runner *alke" "o*nstairs to the lo!!)+ he foun" it to !e empt). J(uess e,er)!o")
sta)e" up prett) late.J he sai" to himself. 9fter ha,in$ a 7uick !reakfast of toast an" scram!le"
e$$s+ he "eci"e" to pa) a trip to (reeneKs la!orator) an" see *hat he cooke" up latel).
(reeneKs la! *as on the other si"e of the !ase+ ri$ht ne3t to a hot "o$ stan". 2he little
shop.lookin$ structure that is of (reene4s la! seems almost calm an" uno!,ious from the
outsi"e+ !ut the insi"e contains a hu$e "epot of the ne*est an" most technolo$icall) a",ance"
*eapons. 2he ol" "oor ma"e a screech as /runner pushe" it open. Dnsi"e+ (reene *as leanin$
o,er a microscope stu")in$ somethin$.
JChatKs ne* in hereHJ
J9 lot of stuff.J (reene sai" as he turne" a*a) from his microscope
JD ha,e up"ate" an" create" a fe* ne* *eapons for our %.<.9. arsenal.J
J9n)thin$ particular )ou *ant to sho* meHJ
(reen took off his $o$$les+ J2his *a).J
/runner follo*e" (reene to the !ack of the la!+ he *atche" as $reen presse" a !utton on the
*all+ causin$ a pane to $et pulle" !ack to re,eal a fin$erprint scanner. 1e puts his fin$er on the
scanner an" the *hole *all mo,e" to re,eal a lar$e room *ith man) $a"$ets insi"e.
J<ome fun pro#ectsJ (reene tol" /runner.
JGou alrea") sa* the %%< $rena"es+ here are some others. Ce ha,e a ne* $un for )ou to
test out+ D call it the Dmplo"er+ it is a mo"ifie" -16 st)le *eapon *ith a re" "ot si$ht. 2he main
"ifference is that it fires e3plosi,e !ullets that+ *ell+ e3plo"e on impact.J he sai" as he sho*e"
/runner the !ullets an" the $un itself.
JD re.en$ineere" the >%( to the si0e of a small rifle !ullet an" create" a $un specificall)
for launchin$ them+ the $un itself is a !it hea,ier than the ori$inal -16 !ecause D nee" to !alance
the recoil.J
J8ice+ D am $oin$ to nee" a fe* of these to"a). Chat else "o )ou ha,eHJ
(reen *alke" aroun" to another section of the room+ on the ta!le is a lar$e+ o"" lookin$ piece of
machine *ith three mini.$un !arrels.
JD like to call this !a!) 2riple./arrel.&enial.6ire. =on$ name+ lon$ ran$e+ an" packs a
"ea"l) punch to an) enem). 2his is prett) much like )our classic sentr) $un e3cept that it is anti.
infantr)+ anti.li$ht armore" ,ehicle+ an" e,en anti.aircraft. 2he !arrels $lo* !lue to the hi$h heat+
*hich is the reason *h) D use" a specificall) "esi$ne" re.a""e" metal to pre,ent the !arrels from
"roopin$ an" meltin$ "ue to the intense temperature. 9lso+ this !astar" can spit out o,er fifteen
thousan" roun"s per minute+ mo,e an" rotate on its a3is as smooth as cream+ an" has an
29
ele,atin$ an$le of ninet) "e$rees. D onl) ha,e t*o ma"e at the moment+ !ut *e can test these out
to see ho* useful the) are+ also inclu"e" are .30 cali!er !elts that are one hun"re" feet lon$
each.J
JCo*...looks like those "amn terrorists are in for a surprise.J
J9"" in this an" it *ill trul) !e a surpriseJ (reene sai" as he *alke" to the center of the
room.
J-eet the Compacte" 1)"ro$en 9ccelerator /om!.J he sai" as he pointe" to a foot!all
si0e" pro#ectile *ith multiple $roo,es+ "etectors+ an" a fierce lookin$ e3plosi,e char$e.
J-) (o"+ looks like D am $oin$ to nee" to $et a fe* of these as *ell. 1o* "o )ou e,en
!other launchin$ themHJ
?2hese are still *ithin the "e,elopment sta$e. 9si"e from the %%< $rena"es an" the
Dmplo"er+ the rest are off limits until the $o is tol" to m) !) 1i$h Comman".@ (reene tol" him.
/runner then checke" his *atch+ J=ooks like D ha,e a fe* minutes !efore D nee" to hea" out. <ee
)ou hopefull) in a !it.J
J(oo" luckJ (reene sai" as 9$ent /runner *alke" out of the secret room
/runner *ent !ack to 1O+ the %<9 *ere alrea") "resse" an" rea") to mo,e out. /runner
foun" /arcla) *ho happene" to !e cleanin$ his -4 assault rifle.
JChereKs Eaitl)nHJ he aske" /arcla)
JGou mean *here is )our $irlfrien"HJ
J<hut up a!out it =ieutenant+ D am in no moo" for $ames.J
JChill+ she4s #ust $one to the restroom.J
1oll) *alke" into the room.
J1e)+ "i" )ou sleep *ell last ni$htHJ <he aske" /runner
J2o sa) the least+ it *as not too !a". Dt coul" ha,e !een *orst. D ne,er like sleepin$ in a
ne* !e" e,er) ni$ht !ut D seem to ha,e $otten use" to this.J /runner replie". JD $ot somethin$ to
sho* )ouJ he sai" as he sho,e" the Dmplo"er $un at her+ J2his is calle" the Dmplo"er+ 'osh
(reene create" it an" *ante" to $i,e )ou one of these.J
JCell+ ho* nice of him+ D *ill thank him later. 9n)*a)s+ "i" )ou see the *hich $roup )ou
are $oin$ to !e inHJ
J8ot )et+ *here is the listHJ
J1ere it isLJ she sai" as she !rou$ht her laptop *ith the list up for /runner to see+ J=etKs
see+ D am assi$ne" to CA.Bcho+ *ith Chase /arcla)+ 'ames <amin$+ =iana Ea!ins an" a fe*
other people as *ell as...J /runner pause" for a secon"+ J9s *ell as )ouLJ 1e sai" *ith a
surprise" tone.
JD kno*+ D aske" to !e s*itche" from &elta.3 s7ua"ron+ those $u)s are respectful an" fair
at their #o! an" all+ !ut e,er) time D am *ith them the) al*a)s tr) al*a)s actin$ e3ceptionall)
*eir" aroun" me+ almost as if the) are "esperatel) tr)in$ to impress me. Ds there >B9==G
somethin$ a!out me that attracts themHJ 1oll) aske".
JCell...J /runner sai" as he looke" up an" "o*n 1oll)+ JD *oul" $uess so+ !ut "onKt
s*eat it+ !o)s *ill !e !o)s.J 1e sai".
JAh reall)HJ she 7uestione" *ith a sarcastic tone.
JAh...)eah...)esIJ /runner trie" to soun" satisfie".
?Cell too !a" this piece of real.estate is taken.@ 1oll) announce" as she *alke" off.
JCell D must sa)+ )ou score" !i$ time >)anLJ /arcla) sai".
30
/runner si$he". J1o* are )ou sure she e,en is talkin$ a!out me Chase.@
J=ife is a !attlefiel" >)anI@ /arcla) !e$an.
?8ot this crap a$ainI@ /runne cut in.
/arcla) *ent on+ ?=ife is a !attlefiel". Gou ha,e to kno* hints an" tips from e,er)thin$
aroun" )ou. 9 flutter of a !ir" ma) mean an enem)+ a !lin$ in the "istance ma) mean a sniper
an" a !loop in the *ater ma) mean a su!marine.
?Chat are )ou >B9==G tr)in$ to sa) ChaseH@
?Gou ha,e to $et the hints.@
?1o* am D e,en suppose" to kno* *hether the) are hints or notH@
?Fse )our a$ent instincts. Df )ou can formulate three plans to e3ecute a mission *ith four
escape routes+ it shoul"n4t !e too har" to fi$ure out hints from a *oman.@
?Geah !utI@ /runner !e$an.
2here *as an a*k*ar" len$th of silence.
J&amn it.J /runner spat out !efore he *alke" out of the !uil"in$ after a fe* secon"s.
?&on4t s*eat )ourself >)an+ )ou ha,e time.@
?Chat if D "on4tH Cith this #o! D can !e "ea" in an instant.@
?Fse )our instincts.@ /arcla) replie".
JD see no reason *h) the) shoul"nKt+J /runner replie". ?D #ust "on4t kno* ho* D4m e3actl)
suppose" to react. ?2here isn4t e3actl) a har"ene" rule that one cannot N"ate4 others *ithin the
%<9+ !ut one #ust shoul"n4t N"ate4 *ithin the %<9.@
?Gou4re makin$ this *a) too complicate" >)an.@
1oll) returne" *ith a much more calm look. ?9ll ri$ht+ looks like the last !olts are !ein$
set+ *e shoul" !e $oin$ relati,el) soon+ #ust $et )our !utts prepare".@
<he *alke" ne3t to /runner an" $lance" at him e,er so sli$htl) out of the corner of her
e)e.
J9ll ri$ht )ou la0) asses+ letKs $et a mo,e on+ the %resi"ent "oesnKt like to stall for time.J a
,oice shoute". 2urnin$ aroun"+ /runner an" 1oll) sa* that it *as a -a#or %att) AK &oole)+ a
traine" mem!er of the <C<6 *ith an e3tremel) $reat amount of fiel" e3perience. 1e *as an Drish
*ith a passion for hea,) li7uor+ the t*o ori$inall) felt that AK &oole)Ks alcohol a""iction *as #ust
stereot)pical of his countr)+ !ut the) ha,e mana$e" to o,erlook it. AK &oole) himself *as of
me"ium hei$ht+ stature+ an" stren$th. 1e *as not too !ri$ht in the tactical compartment of his
min" !ut he sure *as "ea"l) *hen $i,en a $un an" ammunition. AK &oole)Ks $ra) hair alon$
*ith his tanne" skin $a,e him an almost lau$ha!le look. /ut /runner an" 1oll) kne* !etter+ he
*as the man *ho !uste" up t*ent) !lack.market tra"ers *ith a !roken *ine !ottle. Af course AK
&oole) himself "i" not remem!er the inci"ent all too *ell for he *as "runk *hen the entire
e,ent occurre".
J<orr) a!out that -a#or+J 1oll) apolo$i0e"+ Jfor the %.&.9. an" *hat.not.J
J8o+ no+ it4s fine !) me. Dn fact+ D think the e,ent )ester"a) *oul" not ha,e happene" if
)ou t*o *ere closer to$ether like this !efore.J
JFh+ thanksHJ /runner mana$e" to $et out.
J&onKt *orr)+ this is lo,e at first si$ht+ stick close+ those <a!eem 1a!alas *ill not $i,e up
easil) on )ou.J AK &oole) sai" as he *alke" into the 1O lo!!).
31
'ust then the alarm si$nalin$ the !e$innin$ of the operation for o,erseein$ has !e$un. 2he %<9+
arm)+ an" all the others soon !e$an to rush out from the !uil"in$s an" into the "ifferent
helicopters+ 1um,ees+ an" trucks the) are assi$ne" to.
J=ooks like it is time for our meetin$ *ith our truck an" our team.J 1oll) tol" /runner
JGeah+ letKs $o.J
9fter a fe* more minutes of stru$$lin$ an" !itin$ of time. B,er)!o") is finall) in place
for the operation to !e$in. 9s /arcla)+ /runner+ an" 1oll) !oar"e" the con,o) of trucks hea"in$
for -e!eme+ the three looke" up to see a helicopter follo*in$ a!o,e them to $i,e them air
po*er. A,erall the con,o) consiste" of se,en trucks+ fi,e *ith famine supplies for the ci,ilians+
an" t*o *ith sol"iers+ one in the front+ one in the !ack. <pearhea"in$ the con,o) are t*o
1um,ees each *ith .05 cali!er machine$uns. 9n" tailin$ the entire con,o) *as an armore" car.
9"" that to the helicopter a!o,e an" the entire con,o) seems un!reaka!le+ !ut that *ill !e teste"
to its limits if an) terrorists are plannin$ to attack.
JD almost for$ot+ D nee" to pick up another (lock 17.J 1oll) sai"+ JCe *ere in such a
hurr) to $et out of the (ula$ )ester"a) that D left mine insi"e.J
JCell+ D *ill $et )ou one later.J /runner sai"
JD hope )ou *ill.J
<he nu"$e" a !it closer to him.
J>)anHJ
JGeahHJ
JCho else si$ne" up to !rin$ me !ack from the (ula$HJ
JB,er)one else *as afrai" of the task.J
J1m+ thatKs unfortunate.J
JGeah...looks like *e nee" some time alone after this.J /runner sai"
JAf course.J 1oll) tol" him.
2he) ro"e on *ith silence as the trucks approache" the ,illa$e itself. 9ll aroun" them+ the
once $rass) fiel"s *ere no* parche" an" "r)+ all "ue to the lastin$ "rou$ht.
Dt *oul" ha,e !een a peaceful insertion. /ut as the t*o of them !e$an thinkin$ some
"eeper thou$hts+ an >%( shell hit the first suppl) truck an" sent it+ the people+ an" its contents
fl)in$ into the air. 2hen out of no*here another >%( shell fle* strai$ht for truck num!er four+
the truck that /runner+ 1oll)+ an" /arcla) are on...
6our
An.>oute to -e!eme
/runner #umpe" for*ar" an" pushe" e,er)!o") off of the truck as the >%( shell hit the
en$ine+ causin$ it to e3plo"e. /runner+ 1oll)+ Ea!ins+ an" /arcla) #umpe" out #ust in time. 9s
the truck continue" to !urn in the scorchin$ "a)li$ht+ the <a!eem 1a!alas came rushin$ o,er the
hilltops+ $uns !la0in$. 1oll) took position !ehin" a lar$e !oul"er an" !e$an pickin$ off tar$ets.
/runner starte" firin$ his Dmplo"er at an)thin$ he coul" see+ to his surprise+ the $un *as
e3ceptionall) accurate at first. /ut all of a su""en the *eapon #amme" an" *oul" not fire. 1e
trie" to pull the cartri"$e out to see if he coul" *ater cool the machine+ !ut the cartri"$e *as
32
stuck fast to the $un itself an" e,en after pullin$ *ith all his mi$ht+ /runner faile" to )ank off the
ma$a0ine. 6eelin$ the !arrel of the Dmplo"er+ he instantl) reali0e" it !urne" his han".
J&amn it+ 'osh (reene. 1e shoul" ha,e kno*n that -16 stocks are plastic.J
JChatKs *ron$HJ 1oll) aske"
J2he !arrel o,erheate"+ it must ha,e altere" the plastic stock an" someho* cause" it to
#am. D $uess (reene for$ot to consi"er that mini.>%( shells pro"uce much more heat than
!ullets.J
/runner pulle" out his /eretta pistol an" starte" pickin$ out sin$le enemies. 9nother
>%( shell *as fire"+ this time hittin$ another suppl) truck+ causin$ it to !lo* up *ith its
contents fl)in$ out in all "irections. 2he F.<. 9rm) sol"iers mo,e" 7uickl) to tr) to "efen" *hat
the) ha,e+ !ut it *as o!,ious to the %.<.9. that the) *ere all outnum!ere" three to one. /arcla)
thre* a %%< $rena"e into a small $roup of terrorists+ the !lue tin$e" e3plosion sent !o") parts
an" san") "irt hi$h into the air.
<eein$ the am!ush in pro$ress+ the attack helicopter a!o,e them starte" to spra) its
machine$uns on an) terrorist it can see. 2he !ullets !le* arms an" le$s ri$ht off the !o"ies of the
enemies+ others killin$ them instantl) as it hit them.
JGeah+ looks like *e are pushin$ them !ackLJ Ea!ins shoute".
J-o,e upL 2he) are retreatin$+ push them !ackLJ /runner tol" e,er)one still ali,e.
JCop) that.J an 9rm) sol"ier sai"+ he then comman"e" the rest of the team to mo,e up.
2he terrorists !e$an fleein$ !ack into the cit) of -e!eme itself+ fearin$ that it *ill hit
ci,ilians in the cit) the helicopter "i" not pursue them+ instea"+ it continue" to pick out sin$le
tar$ets that *ere out in the open.
<u""enl)+ a lou" roar coul" !e hear" from the sk) a!o,e all the action. 2he %.<.9. all
looke" up to see an 9-( missile fl) "o*n*ar"+ at first the team thou$ht it *as a frien"l)
pre"ator "rone $i,in$ support. /ut instea" of hittin$ an) enem)+ the missile "irectl) struck the
frien"l) helicopter+ sen"in$ it crashin$ to the $roun". 9nother missile struck the 1um,ees in the
lea"+ an" )et another "estro)e" the secon" an" thir" trucks in the con,o).
JChat the hell is thatHJ 1oll) $ot out.
J&onKt kno*+ looks like a "rone+ not a frien"l) one thou$h.J
JCe nee" some !ackup for help.J Ea!ins tol" the $roup.
JCall for support+ there shoul" !e a ra"io aroun" some*here.J /arcla) sai"
JFse )our cell phone.J 1oll) su$$este".
J(oo" i"ea.J /runner replie" !ack.
1e pulle" out his phone an" "iale" for &#im!i 9ir!ase. 1o*e,er the line turne" static an"
"isconnecte" a split secon" after it turne" on. J&amn+ the) are usin$ a #ammer+ *here the hell is
itH Ce nee" to "estro) it if *e are e,en $oin$ to !other $ettin$ help.J
JCatch outLJ a sol"ier shoute" #ust as the ominous shape of the enem) "rone plane finall)
sho*s up a$ainst the !lue sk). 2he plane fle* strai$ht for the 9rm) sol"iers e3pose" an"
"roppe" a fe* acti,ate" C4 char$es on top of the e3pose" 9rm) sol"iers. 2he "eafenin$
e3plosion tore apart the con,o) an" sent parts+ !oth human an" metal+ fl)in$.
?(et the hell out of thereLJ /runner comman"e" the $roup. JCe nee" to take that thin$
out.J
33
J1o* "o )ou propose *e "o thatHJ /arcla) aske"+ JGouKre $oin$ to en" up *ith a fe*
!ullets in )our ass if )ou are to run out in the open.J
JCell+ *h) "onKt )ou think of a planHJ Ea!ins aske".
2he "rone fle* !ack for a pass+ firin$ its automatic thirt) cali!er machine$uns at their position as
it 0oome" past them.
JCith that !astar" spe*in$ out a thousan" roun"s a minute+ *e *oul" "ie out in the open.
Ce canKt kill the pilot+ this one is unmanne".J /arcla) spat out to the cro*"
JCe coul" *ait it out here until it runs out of fuel or !ullets.J Ea!ins su$$este".
J=iana Ea!ins+ that plane has t*o e3tra fuel cans attache" to it5 it *ill !e comin$ after us
for the ne3t t*el,e hours if necessar) #ust to $et ri" of us. Ce are lo* on ammunition an"
supplies+ so *e arenKt $oin$ to !e here for too lon$.J 1oll) sai".
JCait+ thatKs itLJ /runner sai"
JChatHJ 1oll) aske" *ith a confuse" e3pression
J2he fuel !arrel attachments+ it allo*s the plane to fl) lon$er !ut one hit on them an" the
plane $oes !oom.@
?<o )ou are $oin$ to tr) to shoot the thin$ "o*nH Cith ChatH@
?D "on4t kno*+ *hat *eapon l)in$ aroun" has the lar$est cali!erH@ /runner aske".
?D *oul" sa) an >%( or that h)"ro$en accelerator thin$ (reene ma"e+ !ut )ou4re not
$oin$ to $et that thin$ *ith a slo* pro#ectile.@ /arcla) sai".
/runner scoute" the area to look for usa!le *eapons. ?Cait+ has the Dmplo"er coole"
"o*n )etH@
?&on4t kno*+ it is *a) out there near the "estro)e" trucks+ !et*een these !oul"ers an"
those trucks are a!out se,ent) feet of space for that sucker to kill us.@ 1oll) tol" the $roup
/runner scratche" his arm+ ?<ome of us nee" to "ra* its fire on the ne3t pass. Ance it
passes D *ill sprint out there an" $ra! the $un+ then hopefull) make it !ack here.@
?Catch out+ *e $ot !o$ies at our t*el,eL@ Ea!ins screame" out as the $roup *atche" the
mercenaries *alk o,er the ri"$e. ?2ake them outL@
1oll) lai" suppressin$ fire on the $roup+ killin$ three of the enemies. 9fter the frien"l)
chopper *as "o*ne" !) the "rone+ the terrorist mercenaries came !ack to finish the $roup.
JEill them all+ lea,e no sur,i,ors.J /runner tol" the cro*"+ J9n" *hereKs the "roneHJ
JDtKs on our ele,en oKclock+ it shoul" !e returnin$ for a strafin$ run soon.J /arcla) sai"
throu$h !inoculars.
JDncomin$ armorLJ <omeone )elle" as an 9rmore" %ersonnel Carrier "ro,e o,er the
$rass) ri"$e. Dt *as #ust a !i$ armore" ,ehicle for carr)in$ sol"iers an" infantr).
JDKll $et ri" of it.J Ea!ins sai".
<he $ra!!e" a near!) >%( an" fire" at the 9%C. <eein$ that the %.<.9. has *eapons capa!le of
"estro)in$ it+ the 9%C !e$an !ackin$ !ack !ehin" the ri"$e. Ea!ins reloa"e" the *eapon an"
fire" a shot *hich hit the !ottom of the 9%C+ causin$ it to e3plo"e.
J1ot "amn+ D $ot it.J she tol" the $roup as the armore" ,ehicle lit on fire+ J'ust $ot )our
o*n *eapons turne" a$ainst )ouLJ
J1ol" up+ the "roneKs makin$ another pass at us+ $et to co,er.J /runner shoute".
JCrap+ looks like itKs $oin$ to strafe us a$ain.J 1oll) !urst out.
J(o an" take out those three terrorists.J /runner comman"e"+ JD nee" to $et a clear shot
of the &rone.J
34
JChat the heck+ thatKs $oin$ to $et )ou shre""e"L %lease+ *e canKt let )ou "o thisLJ 1oll)
crie" out.
JDKm sorr)+ D must.J
JCait+ D am $oin$ *ith )ou.J
J8o+ )ou sta) here *ith the rest of the $roup. Df the "rone sta)s *eKre all $oin$ to "ie. Df
*e tr) to take the "rone out+ at least )ou $u)s *oul" ha,e a chance. 2he thir" suppl) truck is still
intact+ once the "rone is "o*ne"5 )ou $u)s make a run for the truck an" $et !ack to the !ase.J
JGou canKt "o thisLJ 1oll) proteste".
J6or )our safet)+ an" )our sur,i,al+ D canKt let our team "o*n. Gou can tra"e one person
for the li,es of three an" $o off *ith a sense of pri"e.J
J%lease "onKt "o an)thin$ stupi".J <he sai".
J8o *orries+ D *ill !e !ack !efore )ou kno* it.J 1e tol" her. J(i,e me co,erin$ fire.J
/runner shoute" to the rest of the $roup.
1oll) reluctantl) raise" her rifle an" starte" firin$ at the approachin$ enemies+ the !loo"!ath
continues.
/runner *aite" for the "rone to pass on its strafin$ run+ ri$ht as the plane passe"5 he
rushe" from his hi"in$ spot+ sprintin$ for the open areas in or"er to $et a $oo" shot on the "rone.
1is teammates $a,e him co,erin$ fire !ehin" as he "o,e into the san") soil. /runner kno*s that
he nee"s to line up the shot perfectl) if he *as to e,en take out the "rone. 1e also kno*s that to
take out the "rone usin$ the Dmplo"er+ he nee"s to hit it ri$ht in the fuel tanks in or"er to "isa!le
the *eapon.
2he terrorists arri,e"5 *a,e after *a,e the) came+ !ut "i" not came as the earlier militia
ha" come. 2hese *ere traine" mercenaries that spare no life. 1e *atche" "esperatel) for the
silhouette of the "rone as he a,oi"e" the $unfire from a!o,e the ri"$e. 9fter a $oo" minute+ the
"rone plane finall) can !e seen comin$ strai$ht for him+ he rea"ie" his $un to $et an accurate
shot on the fuel tanks+ a miss coul" mean the "eath of him an" his team. <u""enl) the "irt aroun"
him starte" to rin$ *ith the soun" of !ullets. 1e coul" feel the san" an" "ust fl) onto him as the
plane fire" on him. /runner stru$$le" to aim his Dmplo"er.
9t the last split secon"+ /runner fire" the $un ri$ht at the "rone5 most of the !ullets
simpl) fle* ri$ht past the plane *ithout e,en scratchin$ it *hile some mana$e to scrape some of
the paint off. 2he "rone fire" more rapi"l) as it "i,e" "o*n lo*er an" lo*er. Dt *as spe*in$ out
!ullets so rapi"l) that the earth aroun" /runner seems to !e splashin$ aroun" like fish out of
*ater. 6i$urin$ that he onl) has a fe* !ullets left+ he hel" on until the ,er) last secon"+ firin$
"irectl) for the en$ine an" fuel tanks. Ane sin$le !ullet slamme" into the fuel tank an" e3plo"e"+
causin$ the fuel tank to catch on fire an" i$nite. 2he pre"ator "rone crashe" strai$ht into the
$roun". /runner looke" at the !urnin$ aircraft for one last secon". 9ll of a su""en+ the *a,es of
attackin$ mercenaries stoppe". 9n" all of a su""en /runner felt a piercin$ pain in his le$.
=ookin$ "o*n+ he sa* that one of the !ullets he scratche" a section of his skin off his le$. 1e
sa* a small stream of crimson !loo" roll "o*n his le$.
2he rest of the team rushe" to /runnerKs position. J=ooks like )ou "i" itJ /arcla) sai"+ JD
canKt !elie,e )ou #ust "i" that )ou stu!!orn !astar".J
J(reat *ork Captain.J Ea!ins tol" him.
1oll) slo*l) *alke" to*ar"s /runner+ an" then she sprinte" for*ar" an" hu$$e" him har".
J2hank )ouJ she sai" in o,er a small amount of tears+ Jthank )ou...J
35
J8o pro!lem+ an)one else make itHJ /runner aske" as he scanne" the area.
J8o+ e,er)!o") else "ie". =ooks like *e lost+ 1o!!art+ >oster+ an" Castine. 9lso *e lost
o,er three "o0en 9rm) sol"iers.J
/runner continue" to look+ J9n)one ali,e other than us fourHJ
/arcla)+ 1oll)+ an" Ea!ins stare" at the mess of tan$le" !o"ies+ "estro)e" trucks+ an" the
*recka$e of the fier) helicopter. 2hen the three simultaneousl) sai" the *or"+ J8o...J
6i,e
Cherno!)l+ Fkraine
=ieutenant 9$ent -ar$aret Eraft peere" o,er the lon$ $rass co,ere" plains surroun"in$
the a!an"one" cit) of Cherno!)l. 2he melt"o*n of the nuclear po*er plant ha" turne" the once
pri"eful cit) into a $host to*n. Al" !uil"in$s an" e7uipment la) *here the) ha" lai" "eca"es a$o
since that fateful "a). 9t least+ that *as *hat *as *ritten "o*n in the histor) !ooks.
Eraft kne* that it *as the >ussian un"erco,er authorities lea" !) a man name" Victor
Chernko, *ho *as responsi!le for this cit)4s "estruction. 1e or"ere" the po*er plants to !e
"estro)e" in or"er to use the o,erall cit) as a !lack operations hea"7uarters. Dt ha" ori$inall)
!een use" as a secon"ar) location for retrie,in$ spen" fission material follo*in$ the inci"ent.
2he <o,iet $o,ernment at the time thou$ht it *as a horren"ous melt"o*n "ue to malfunction+ as
"i" e,er)one else. 1o*e,er+ ne*s *ithin the NP0s from a cancerous >ussian operati,e she" li$ht
into the or"eal. Anl) a small $roup of people actuall) kno* of the truth !ehin" Cherno!)l. 9n"
since the cit) itself has ra"ioacti,it) le,els too harsh for e,er)"a) life+ no countr) nor in"i,i"ual
!othere" to search it for )ears. /ut for Eraft+ a tall+ !ro*n haire" risk taker+ this mission *as too
$oo" to !e of a *aste.
%ast attempts at un,eilin$ the truth a!out Cherno!)l en"e" in "ea" en"s+ >ussian
contin$enc) plans+ an" faltere" national relationships. %utin for one+ *as ne,er e3ceptionall)
fon" of the F<4s secret attempts at enterin$ the emaciate" cit). 8either *as the Fnite" <tates4
presi"ent too apt at sen"in$ sp) missions into >ussia+ especiall) after the F.2 sp) plane inci"ent
of 1P60 *hich sparke" e3ceptional amounts of contro,ers). 2hou$h the creation of the %.<.9. in
the 1P80s sparke" a possi!ilit) of ?e3ten"in$ the protection of the *orl".@ Dssues *ith
"iplomac)+ time mana$ement+ an" terrorism s*a)e" the Fnite" <tates from full missions in
tr)in$ to un,eil the secrets of Cherno!)l. Af course+ the m)ster) of the fracture" cit) *as thro*n
further "o*n the paper pile follo*in$ the attacks on P11. Dnstea" of to)in$ aroun" *ith >ussia+
the %.<.9. s*itche" $ears to com!at terrorism in the -i""le Bast. 2hat *ent on for almost
another "eca"e until /in =a"en *as kille". 6ollo*in$ suit+ the %.<.9. rela3e" !ack into pla)in$
?an e3ten"e" measure of Dnterpol.@ 2hat of course+ laste" for less than a )ear !efore the 8i,ea
uprise. Connections occurre" an" 8i,ea recei,e" help from Chernko, an" his men. 6rom that
point on+ Cherno!)l *as once a$ain a tar$et of si$nificance for the Fnite" <tates as *ell as the
%.<.9. Dt seeme" o"" to those *ho kno* a!out the truth of Cherno!)l. 6or one+ it "i" not appear
possi!le. 6or t*o+ it seeme" as if the truth *as morphe" from some fictional no,el *ritten !) a
star,in$ no,elist in hi$h school. Chate,er the case+ ur$enc) calls her muffle" ,oice an" $reat
people respon" to the femini0e" cries of nee"+ *ant an" necessit).
9$ent Eraft *as notifie" earlier that *eek that >ussian /lack Aperations officials un"er
the "irect rule of Chernko,+ an" possi!l) 8i,ea+ ha,e mana$e" to capture a "o*ne" F.<.
36
<atellite *ith information to the nationKs air "efenses. 1er o!#ecti,e *as to $o in solo+ sneak past
as man) $uar"s as possi!le+ an" retrie,e the small satelliteKs chip. 2he catch *as that once she is
spotte"+ she onl) has ten minutes to $et out of the area an" reach the e3traction point !efore the
she is o,er*helme" !) the >ussian mercenaries.
Creepin$ amon$st the sha"o*s cast !) the *orn !uil"in$s+ she easil) snuck past a small
patrol of men an" "o$s. 9 lar$e+ sa!le colore" (erman shepher" turne" its hea" in Eraft4s
"irection. <he felt a chill "o*n her spine. Eraft *as appro3imatel) one hun"re" feet a*a) an"
"o*n*in" near the e"$e of a lar$e ro* of !uil"in$s. 2he "o$ slo*l) turne" a*a). Eraft felt
rela3ation.
9s she neare" the cit) center+ the (ei$er counter !e$an to $i,e small clicks to *arn her of
ra"ioacti,e pockets. <he turne" her course an" !e$an to make a "ifferent route to her tar$et.
Eraft stoppe" at a small openin$ in *hat use" to !e a small $ar"en court)ar" !et*een some
apartment !uil"in$s. 8ear a small+ ")in$ tree *as t*o >ussian /lack Aperations <ol"iers+ takin$
a !reak from scoutin$. 9!o,e+ a $reat tit chirpe" in the col". <he aime" her silence" sniper rifle
at one of the sol"iers+ carefull) ensurin$ that the recticle *as "irectl) on his hea". 2he a$ent
fle3e" her fin$ers an" s7uee0e" the tri$$er+ !ein$ careful not to #erk the tri$$er an" cause the en"
of the !arrel to rise up. 2he mu00le $a,e a sli$ht inau"i!le JpopJ as the !ullet spran$ for*ar"
*ith ferocit) an" hit one of the sol"iers ri$ht in the hea". 2he other sol"ier onl) ha" time to see
his teammate $o "o*n !efore he *as hit in the hea" as *ell. 2he secon" man fell *ith a muttere"
scream. 1e seeme" to *rithe for a split secon"+ like a !eache" *hale+ !efore !ecomin$ silent in
the col" air. 9!o,e+ the $reat tit stoppe" callin$ an" took off into the to3ic air.
J(oo"!)e an" $oo" ni$ht+J Eraft *hispere" 7uietl) un"er her !reath. <he checke" her
*atch. /ein$ ahea" of the inten"e" sche"ule5 Eraft "eci"e" to take a safer route instea" of a
"irect path. <he mo,e" throu$h an ol" apartment !uil"in$+ floor!oar"s creakin$ un"erneath her.
<he hear" a mo,ement near a pile of fallen *oo". Cithout hesitation+ Eraft "re* her pistol an"
aime" it at the source of the soun". Dt *as a small rat.
Calkin$ throu$h a crum!lin$ *all insi"e the house+ she happene" onto an ol" famil)
li,in$ room. 1an$in$ on the *all *as a fa"e"+ fra)e" famil) picture of a man+ a *oman an" t*o
chil"ren+ the $roup *as smilin$ at the camera+ all happ) an" una*are of *hat *as to !ecome of
their home. Eraft pause" to look into the picture+ the "ate rea" J-arch 1P86J #ust one month
!efore the "isaster happene". <he felt a small !it of sorro* for the famil) in the picture as she
checke" her *eapons. Ance e,er)thin$ *as in place+ Eraft *alke" to the ne3t room+ *on"erin$
*hat ha" !ecome of the once happ) famil).
<he e3ite" the apartment ,ia a fire escape an" 7uietl) strolle"+ almost calml)+ across
another ol" $ar"en. 9 "o$ !arke" in the !ack$roun" an" she coul" hear the faint ,oices of
>ussian sol"iers. 9s she ,eere" closer to her tar$et+ the lou" roars of militar) ,ehicles coul" also
!e hear".
1i"in$ !ehin" an ol" chunk of *all+ she *atche" as a "o0en assorte" ,ehicles passe".
<ome *ere #ust 'eeps *ith a fe* hi$h rankin$ ?officers+@ some *ere trucks *ith !lack operations
sol"iers+ *hile some carrie" *eapons an" supplies into the facilit). 6ollo*in$ !ehin" *as a
>ussian /-% armore" ,ehicle+ its lou" en$ine co,erin$ up the ,oices an" con,ersations of the
sol"iers. Ance the ,ehicles passe"+ Eraft picke" up her rifle an" *alke" across the roa" an"
clam!ere" !ehin" an ol" lo$ co,ere" !) tall $rass an" !ushes. <he peeke" a!o,e the lo$ an"
37
pushe" her !inoculars up*ar"s. 1a!ituall)+ she thum!e" the N%.<.9.4 insi$nia on the e"$es of her
ne* pair of !inoculars.
<cannin$ the area+ Eraft *atche" as the ,ehicles she sa* earlier enter the compoun". 2he
facilit) *as surroun"e" onl) !) a tall chain link fence. 8o person in their ri$ht min" *oul" *e
sneakin$ aroun" the perimeter so the arms "ealers "eci"e" not to in,est on top 7ualit) "efense.
Eraft counte" o,er t*o "o0en $uar"s at the entrance. -ost *ere carr)in$ 9E rifles or %P0
machine $uns+ an" a fe* ha" >%(s strappe" on their !acks. 2he entire facilit) *as sai" to !e a
?>ussian >esearch 6acilit)@ for the effects of ra"iation of *il"life. Dt *as the most simple+ )et
still effecti,e+ co,er up stor). 8o one *oul" !e allo*e" to $et close an" no one *oul" !e allo*e"
to enter the facilit) "ue to ?scientific research.@
9$ent Eraft lo*ere" her !inoculars an" "isappeare" !ehin" a ro* of fra)e" !ushes.
Ouietl)+ she pulle" out a stick) char$e an" plante" it a lar$e chunk of concrete *all of a
"ilapi"ate". Cith spee"+ she checke" to ensure it *as *orkin$ properl).
<lo*l) Eraft e"$e" for*ar" until she *as a!out one hun"re" feet a*a) from the $ate.
%ullin$ out her remote control "etonator+ she "re* in her !reath+ an" then clicke" the !utton.
2he e3plosion !le* off a lar$e section of the !uil"in$5 it also cause" the $uar"s to run at
it to see *hat *as $oin$ on. 2he) sprinte" a*a) from their positions lon$ enou$h for Eraft to
"art throu$h the open $ate. Dnsi"e+ she continue" to *alk in the sha"o*s+ stickin$ to *alls an"
the tan$le" $ro*th of i,) an" $rass. 6inall) she reache" a section of loose fencin$ *hich lea"
into the facilit). %eekin$ throu$h $rass an" !ushes+ she cau$ht si$ht of a fe* $uar"s at the front
of the entrance. Eraft counte" o,er four $uar"s5 all *ere talkin$ to each other as the) *atche"
the others check out the "i,ersionar) e3plosion Eraft ha" set. 9$ent Eraft sli" un"er the fence on
an un$uar"e" patch an" sprinte" !ehin" the lar$e !ushes surroun"in$ the facilit)4s lar$e
*arehouse. 9cross the lot+ she sa* a fe* helicopters lan" an" lar$e com!at trucks "ri,e aroun"
aimlessl) from place to place+ keepin$ an e)e on the *ron$ si"e of the fence. 9s the sun !e$an to
set+ the $uar"s slo*l) returne" to their posts after fin"in$ no intrusion or issue from the
e3plosion. -ar$aret Eraft herself kno*s that there is no *a) she coul" take on fift) men arme"
*ith assault rifles an" >%(s. <he "eci"es to *ait it out. 2akin$ out her *atch+ she 7uickl) "iale"
out a messa$e to &imitri+ her partner *ho *as in char$e of e3traction. Ance &imitri recei,e" the
messa$e+ he replie" !ack. Eraft sli" "o*n a$ainst the cool *all of the facilit)+ feelin$ the cracks+
!umps+ an" imperfections *ithin the !ricks. <he checke" her (ei$er counter. 1er "ail) "ose of
ra"iation is still *ithin the safe 0one+ !ut Eraft kne* that e3ten"e" e3posure *oul" lea" to
nothin$ !ut earl) "eath.
9fter another hour of sittin$+ Eraft "eci"e" to take a look. 2he $uar"s *ere takin$ a
!reak+ an" no* onl) one of them is sittin$ in front of one of the si"e entrances to the !uil"in$.
<he 7uickl) sei0e" the opportunit) !) $ra!!in$ her -21 sniper rifle. Checkin$ to make sure that
the $uar"s in the entrance *ere not lookin$+ she aime" "o*n the scope. 1o*e,er+ as luck *oul"
ha,e it+ the sole $uar" near the si"e "oor !e$an to *alk a*a). Eraft release her $rip on her rifle+
s*un$ it o,er her !ack+ an" crouche". 2he $uar"+ co,ere" hea" to toe *ith !lack colore" $ear+
strolle" to the front of the !uil"in$ an" "isappeare" aroun" the corner.
Eno*in$ she is runnin$ out of time+ she utilise" the chan$e of $uar" shift an" rushe" out
from her hi"in$ spot. <printin$ silentl) to the si"e "oor+ she pushe" it open *ith e,er $entle
fle3i!ilit) an" peere" insi"e *ith her $un. 8o one *as there. Ance insi"e+ the tracker on her
*atch tol" her e3actl) *here to $o. 9pparentl) the small satellite *as house" in an airplane
38
han$ar+ #ust on the *estern si"e of the *arehouse+ *hich *as connecte" to the han$ar from *hat
Eraft presume" to !e eas) access for transportation. Dn front of the han$ar *as a me"ium si0e"
airfiel" for transport of troops an" supplies . an open stretch of $roun" for mercenar) tar$et
practice is one *as to tr) an" escape in that "irection.
Eraft pro""e" on*ar". 2o her luck+ the han$ar *as completel) a!an"one" an" onl) a
small plane use" on farms alon$ *ith the satellite *as there.
J(uess the) ne,er thou$ht this *oul" happen.J she *hispere" to herself *ith a
7uestionin$ tone.
Ouickl) Eraft $ot "o*n to *ork an" !e$an unhookin$ the satelliteKs mainframe to $et to
the chip containin$ all the information insi"e. <he !e$an unscre*in$ the !olts an" nuts *ith a
*rench she foun" near!). 2he mainframe came off an" Eraft set it asi"e on the concrete $roun".
<he peere" insi"e an" sa* the chip+ a $reen . !lue "e,ice the si0e of a small calculator. 'ust as
she retrie,e" the chip from the satellite+ Eraft hear" the han$ar "oors open. /efore she coul"
e,en turn aroun"+ she hear" the soun" of rifles !ein$ lifte" as *ell as a man in a >ussian accent
shout+ J&rop )our *eapon an" put )our han"s upL@ <he felt the earth ,i!rate a !it as her rifle
lan"e" on the col"+ col" floor.
<i3
&#im!i 9ir!ase
/runner $ot off the !eaten truck an" "ra$$e" himself !ack to 1ea"7uarters+ tr)in$ to
a,oi" his skin *oun" on his le$. Dt onl) took the skin off near his heel+ !ut the scratch *as
!e$innin$ to hurt an" itch like a !ee stin$. 1e $ra!!e" more !an"a$es an" *rappe" his le$ in
futile efforts to control the anno)ance.
2he mess hall has !een temporaril) chan$e" to a me"ical emer$enc) room for in#ure"
sol"iers. 2he other $roups of transporters suffer similar fates+ althou$h none lost as man) people
as that of their $roup. Bnterin$ the mess hall+ the once !ri$htl) lit room *as "arkene" !) the
!loo" stains an" screams that echo in the "arkness. 2eams of "octors an" nurses rushe" from one
sol"ier to another+ tr)in$ to stop !lee"in$+ appl)in$ !an"a$es+ as *ell as calmin$ the patients
"o*n. /runner an" 1oll) aske" a near!) nurse if the) nee"e" an) help+ !ein$ certifie" in first
ai"+ /runner "eci"e" he shoul" "o *hate,er is in his po*er to support his teammates. 2he fiasco
*as partl) the %.<.9.4s !lame for !ein$ here an" he felt $uilt) for lettin$ loose the hor"e of
enemies.
J(o an" help the in#ure" %.<.9. an" <pecial Aperations mem!ers if the) are still a*ake.
CeK,e $i,en them a se"ati,e to keep them calm5 the) mi$ht !e sleepin$ !) no*.J <he tol" them
!efore rushin$ to stop the !lee"in$ from a sol"ier l)in$ on a stretcher.
1oll) an" /runner *ent to the corner of the room5 there *ere a fe* !e"s each *ith an
in#ure" <pecial Aperations mem!er on it. /runner looke" at the anestheti0e" people spra*le" on
the !e"s5 most onl) sustaine" non.life threatenin$ in#uries.
JCell+ looks like the /runner an" his $irl ma"e it throu$h the firefi$ht. 9renKt )ou t*o
#ust luck)+J some!o") sai" !ehin" the t*o. 2urnin$ aroun" the) sa* that it *as AK &oole).
JCe ma"e it out+ alon$ *ith Ea!ins an" /arcla)+ !ut the rest of the team alon$ *ith the
entire 9rm) force that *as sent to help us *asn4t so luck).J 1oll) 7uietl) sai"+ ?2*ent)
casualties. 6i,e "eaths as of no*.@
39
J&amn. /a" luck hits e,en the !est an" most pri"eful no* an" then. 2he %resi"ent isn4t
$oin$ to !e too happ) a!out this.J AK &oole) a""e" as he lit a ci$ar an" stuck it in his mouth.
JD think *e all can assume the issue is the truth.J /runner si$he".
AK &oole) che*e" har" on his ci$ar+ then spat out the contents into the trash can+ JBf
those "amn !astar"s+ the <.1. D mean. Chat the hell are the) up to an)*a)sHJ
<u""enl) /runner remem!ere" somethin$+ J-a#or+ *hen *e *ere pinne" "o*n at the
ri"$e+ a &rone ha" a hit on us. D thou$ht it *as frien"l) an" *as sent !) )ou $u)s to help us out
or somethin$+ !ut it turne" out that it *as there to kill us.J
J<hit+ are )ou sure it *as a "roneHJ A4 &oole) pulle" the ci$ar from his mouth.
J%ositi,e+ *e to*e" itKs *recka$e to the !ase+ (reene anal)0e" that thin$+ he #ust calle"
me ten minutes a$o to tell me that it *as "efinitel) >ussian.J
JD canKt !elie,e it $ot throu$h this 7uick.J AK &oole) sai" un"er his !reath. 1e took
another lon$ "ra$ from the ci$ar.
JB3cuse me sirHJ 1oll) aske".
JGou must not ha,e hear" )et+ the presi"ent calle" an" sai" that the Fnite" <tates
$o,ernment planne" a ne* t)pe of remote control "rone. Dt is sai" to !e capa!le of fl)in$ for
e3ten"e" perio"s of time an" has an arsenal of machine$uns+ C4 carpet "rops+ an" 9-( missile
attachments all in one. 6earin$ that the technolo$) of this "rone *as too po*erful to !e e3pose"+
the $o,ernment co"e" all the information re$ar"in$ the "rone plane alon$ *ith other secret
*eapons into a small microchip that the) installe" into a satellite. 2he satellite *as then launche"
into or!it. Ari$inall)+ the plan *as for the >ussian /lack Aperations /ranch of the (o,ernment
an" -ilitar) to consi"er the satellite as #ust another one of the man) scientific research satellites
launche" e,er) )ear. <omeho* or another+ information re$ar"in$ the satellite *as capture" !)
>ussian /lack Aps. Dn less than t*ent).four hours+ those !astar"s shot the "amn thin$ "o*n+
alon$ *ith all the information re$ar"in$ ne* *eapons an" technolo$ies such as the 21106 "rone.
2he) transporte" the <atellite to the facilit) in Cherno!)l+ *here the) ha,e "eco"e" the
!lueprints of the &rone. =uckil)+ the) ha,e not )et mana$e" to "eco"e other information 7uite
)et as far as D kno* of. 9 %.<.9. mem!er has !een sent to retrie,e the "o*ne" satellite from
Cherno!)l earlier to"a). 9n" that+ >)an an" Eaitl)n+ is *h) )ou met the "rone+ the >ussians
"eco"e" the informational !lueprints #ust a *eek a$o+ an" no*...*ell+ )ou sa* *hat )ou sa*.J
/runner an" 1oll) stare" at each each other+ then at the sk)+ then at A4 &oole)+ then !ack
at each other. /runner thre* his s*eat!an" "o*n on the san") $roun". J2hatKs #ust $reat+ more
people to ha,e to "eal *ith. D hope the >ussians arenKt as !ri$ht as the) think an" #ust i$nore the
fact that *e kno* of the satelliteKs location.J /runner sai".
Dn an anno)e" tone+ J9t least "o )ou kno* the status of the mission to retrie,e the
"roneHJ 1oll) aske".
J8ot )et+ as far as D kno* of+ it is still in the process of !ein$ retrie,e".
/runner all the information. JD #ust *ante" to think Cherno!)l *as a $host to*n "ue to
that acci"ental melt"o*n in 86K.J
J1aL@ A4 &oole) spoute". 1e checke" aroun" to make sure that no one *as listenin$+
then continue". ?2hat is *hat it al*a)s *as thou$ht of. Dn 9pril of 1P86+ Chernko, sent a team
to take o,er the facilit) !) force. 2he facilit) officers *ere force" to "etonate an" sur$e a
melt"o*n in or"er to pre,ent the po*er plant from fallin$ to enem) han"s. /ut after the *hole
inci"ent he create"+ it took a further "eca"e !efore the ra"iation le,els *ere safe for humans to
40
!e$in *orkin$ there. Af course+ that *as the *hole plan in the !e$innin$. Chernko, "eci"e" that
once the $o,ernment "umpe" concrete an" "i" all those thin$s to stop ra"ioacti,e leaka$e. 1e
*oul" $o !ack an" take *hate,er he nee"e". 8o*+ the insi"e is a massi,e *arehouse for ille$al
tra"e an" ne*+ ne,er seen *eapons. 9n" then comes to the point *here >ussia has no control
o,er *hat $oes on in there. 9ll the "ata an" information is sensiti,e an" fra$ile an" an) issue
ma) lea" to massi,e retaliation. 9h+ the $oo" ol" "a)s *hen that *as still a common termI@
1oll) close" her e)es an" shook her hea". JD still 7uestion as to *h) no one e,en
/A21B>B& or 2>DB& to e3pose this. %eople ha,e the ri$ht to kno* this kno*le"$e...an"
)etI@
JChoa+ hol" it there $irl+ D lo,e it *hen people ask 7uestions+ !ut one at a timeLJ AK
&oole) chuckle". J2he reason no!o") kne* an" no!o") checke" *as !ecause no!o") thou$ht
that an)one *ith the ri$ht min" *oul" !e sneakin$ aroun" a ra"ioacti,e cit) #ust for the $oo" of
it. 9lso+ the reason *h) )ou "i"nKt kno* *as !ecause of the fact that the presi"ent "i"nKt *ant to
*orr) e,er)one on too much information. =ike*ise+ the *hole P11 thin$ appeare" an" the %.<.9.
shifte" focus an" an)thin$ a!out Cherno!)l *as thro*n to the *a)si"e.J
1oll) si$he"+ J1o* t)pical an" clichQ+ D canKt !elie,e >ussiaKs no* in this *hole terrorist
mess+ D #ust hope *e $et out of this hell.hole no*.J
JCith luck+ *eK" !e out of here tomorro* mornin$+ !ut as far as D kno* of *eKre $oin$ to
!e aroun" for a !it.J AK &oole) tol" them as he che*e" on his ci$ar
JAne more 7uestion sir+ ho* "i" the information $et leake" outHJ /runner con,e)e" in a
tire" ,oice
J8ot sure+ !ut it must ha,e someho* slippe" "urin$ transcription. Ar *e $ot a sp) up in
our s)stem.J AK &oole) tol" him !efore he thre* his ci$ar in the trash+ J&amn+ D am tire"+ looks
like the me"ical staff is calmin$ "o*n #ust a !it+ the ones *ho can !e sa,e" are sa,e"+ an" the
ones *ho canKt are "one for it. 8ot much else *e can "o aroun" here. D nee" a <cotch to calm me
"o*n a !it+ )ou $u)s *ant to #oin meHJ
JGeah sure+ at least itKll !e !etter than stan"in$ here ri$htHJ 1oll) announce".
JDKm *ith )ou.J /runner si$he" out.
9fter ha,in$ a small amount of <an$ria+ /runner felt a lot less tense. 1e "eci"e" to take a
,isit *ith 1oll) to (reeneKs la!orator). 9t first 1oll) sai" she *oul" rather #ust *atch 2V in her
room+ !ut /runner insiste" on "oin$ so. 2he t*o *alke" "o*n to (reeneKs la!+ to their surprise+
AK &oole)+ /arcla)+ Ea!ins+ an" a fe* others *ere there as *ell. J=ooks like *e all ha" the same
thou$htsJ /arcla) sai". Bnterin$ the la!+ (reene 7uickl) tol" the $roup to come to the !ack
room.
2here he sho*e" the $roup a piece of the *recka$e of the &rone plane that /runner shot
"o*n earlier. JD $ot some important info+ so #ust listen.J (reene tol" the $roup *ith his
anno)in$l) lou" ,oice. JD ha,e anal)0e" the *recka$e e,en more. Dt is "efinitel) >ussian in
ori$in+ !ut D foun" a stunnin$ "isco,er). 2his particular section has a uni7ue lan$ua$e on it. DtKs
not >ussian or 9merican+ !ut pure %ortu$uese. <o that means that this thin$ *asnKt assem!le" in
>ussia+ !ut in a %ortu$uese speakin$ countr).J
JCell that narro*s it "o*n a !it.J /arcla) sai". 2his time he *asn4t sarcastic.
J(oo" 7uestion+ the t*o main countries D coul" think of off the top of m) hea" is
%ortu$al an" /ra0il. D thou$ht it *oul" !e /ra0il !ecause of the $an$ *ars eruptin$ o,er there. 9t
41
first D *as suspicious of the fact+ !ut this section of metal confirme" m) h)pothesis+J (reene sai"
as he sho*e" the $roup. An the piece of charre" metal+ one coul" still make out the statue of AK
Cristo >e"entor or Christ the >e"eemer.
J<o that settles the fact that there is a $oo" chance it *as assem!le" in /ra0il.J /runner
sai".
J%rett) much+ D "onKt see *here else it can !e. 2here is $oo" proof that /ra0ilian (an$s
are assem!lin$ secret >ussian *eapons.J
JCait+ *h) e3actl) are the) "oin$ thisHJ 1oll) aske".
JDtKs simple+ the >ussians $i,e mone) to the $an$s+ the $an$s !uil"s the *eapons+ the
*eapons are shippe" to *here the) are nee"e"+ an" the >ussians sa,e" !oth mone) an"
manpo*er.J (reene tol" the $roup.
J=ooks like *e nee" to inform the %resi"ent on these issues soon.J Ea!ins sai".
JGes+ he is on a fli$ht to the !ase ri$ht no* it fact.J AK &oole) commente"+ J'ust $ot the
messa$e+ the meetin$ *ill take place in an hour an" a half. 1e left the <tates for &#im!i as soon
as he $ot ne*s of the o,erseein$ "isaster. 6or the recor"+ he sent me all the information a!out
/ra0il a fe* minutes !efore )ou came here.@
J9nother restless ni$ht for all of us.J /arcla) "rone".
J-i$ht as *ell $et rea") for it+ see )ou in a !it >)an.J 1oll) sai". <he hu$$e" him an"
patte" his !ack !efore openin$ the "oor to lea,e (reeneKs la!orator). 2he smell of hot "o$s
"rifte" in from the hot "o$ stan" outsi"e.
<e,en
Cherno!)l+ Fkraine
Eraft "roppe" her $un an" raise" her arms in Cherno!)l+ Fkraine. <lo*l) she turne"
aroun" to face a "o0en >ussian mercenaries+ all *ith assault rifles aime" strai$ht at her. <he
7uietl) remo,e" the ammunition !elt an" "roppe" that on the $roun" as *ell. J(oo"+ no* *alk
for*ar".J the man sai". Dt *as a >ussian officer *ith sha$$) hair an" a $re) $oatee. 1e ha" a
menacin$ scar that ran from his chin up to his forehea". Eraft slo*l) steppe" for*ar"+ the chip
still insi"e her pocket. J(i,e it hereLJ the man or"ere".
J(i,e *hatHJ Eraft sai". 1er ,oice *as calm.
JGou kno* *hat D am talkin$ a!out+ no* $i,e it here !efore *e la) "o*n fire+J the man sai"
*ith >ussian accente" Bn$lish. Eraft *oul" ha,e lau$he" at it if it *ere not for the situation she
*as in. 2he thou$ht of spittin$ !ack escape" her min"+ for all she cares+ sur,i,al is the main
option.
JCh) the hell shoul" D !e $i,in$ it /9CE to )ou *hen it is ori$inall) oursHJ she
7uestione"+ tr)in$ to stall for time.
J<hut up+ D *ill $i,e )ou ten secon"s to respon"+ if )ou "onKt+ *e *ill pump )our "amne"
$uts full of lea".J 2he man spat out !efore he !e$an countin$ "o*n from ten.
JBi$ht...J
J<e,en...J
J<i3...J
Eraft "re* up the chip from her pocket as the man counte" "o*n to one. <eein$ the chip
in her han"s+ the man shifte" his attention from countin$ to talkin$ a$ain.
42
J(oo" $irl+ no* put it on the $roun" an" !ack a*a).J he sai" in his >ussian accente"
Bn$lish.
<lo*l)+ Eraft lo*ere" the chip to the $roun" !efore !ackin$ up a$ainst the *all. <he
kno*s that there *as no possi!le *a) for her to escape *ith the car$o at this point+ so instea" she
"eci"e" to pla) alon$ *ith the $uar"s to fin" the perfect opportunit). 9s the man !e$an to *alk
for*ar" to*ar"s the chip+ the $roup finall) lo*ere" their rifles+ unfortunatel)+ there *ere too
man) of them aroun" for Eraft to pick off. 2he man calml) strolle" for*ar" an" collecte" the
computer chip from off the $roun"+ J(oo" choice )ou ma"e. Gou ser,e" our team *ell.J
Eraft remaine" silent as one of the $uar"s raise" the 7uestion in >ussian+ JChat "o *e "o
*ith her -a#or =a$shmi,ar.J
J2ake her to the hol"in$ room in the Bast area+ once sheKs comforta!le in her cell *e can
$et some info out of her.J
JGes sir+J the $uar" replie"
J-o,e alon$ the $uar" shoute" !efore he pushe" her out of the han$ar.
&imitri =ene,ski aime" his /arrett li$ht hi$h cali!er sniper rifle at the han$ar+ *hich
happene" to !e one thousan" si3.hun"re" meters a*a). 1e *atche" as the $roup "etaine" Eraft
an" also *atche" as the $uar"s !e$an "ra$$in$ her into a !uil"in$ on the Bastern si"e of the
facilit). <lo*l)+ he raise" his rifle. 9s he $a,e out a *isp of !reath+ &imitri positione" the
crosshairs ri$ht on the chest of the officer hol"in$ onto Eraft. /efore firin$+ he looke" at the
>ussian fla$ in the !ack$roun" near the han$ar+ *hich la) "roopin$ "o*n*ar"s. JCin"+ 0ero
kilometers per hour+ perfect+J he sai". &imitri ru!!e" the %.<.9. s)m!ol en$ra,e" onto his rifle.
Cith a small "ra* of action+ he pulle" the tri$$er. 2he lou" !last echoe" into the surroun"in$
hills.
...
2he little talk *ith the presi"ent *as a!out as !orin$ as "itch *ater. 1e arri,e" ,ia
special #et #ust minutes a$o. /ein$ on a !us) sche"ule+ he *ent "o*n to !usiness as soon as he
$ot out of his plane. A,erall+ the presi"ent *as 7uite untouche" !) the "eath of the arm). 2o
/runner+ it almost seems as if he e3pecte" this outcome. Dt anno)e" him an" !othere" him !ut
/runner shru$$e" it off. 2he presi"ent has !een $ettin$ enou$h flak latel). 6ortunatel)+ the
presi"ent "i" at least mourn the "eath of <chumacherKs father+ a lon$time mem!er of <pecial
Aperations.
2he presi"ent+ name" (a,in -a#e*ski+ *as an ol" lookin$+ *hite haire" man of fift). 1e
slo*l) pace" aroun" the lo!!) room of the %.<.9. hea"7uarters as he scanne" the au"ience.
-a#e*ski stare" at 1oll)+ /arcla)+ an" then at /runner. 9fter a !it more of pacin$+ he finall)
spoke. JGou can tell D *as rushe" here !) the fastest plane a,aila!le+ "i"nKt e,en ha,e time to $et
on 9ir force Ane. 9lso+ )ou can tell that D am not in a $oo" moo" after to"a)Ks e,ents.J 1e spat
out. JD "onKt inten" for )ou all to sta) here for too lon$.J 1e repeate" for the thir" time. JD hear"
(reene ha" a suspicion that the) *ere assem!lin$ *eapons in >io+ unfortunatel) for )ou $u)s+
he *as ri$ht. -) task is for a fe* of )ou to $o an" check out *hatKs $oin$ on. D ha,e recei,e"
information that Chernko, *ill !e there. D *ant )ou to ta$ him an" ship him to the <tates+J he
tol" them in a $ruff ,oice.
43
/runner "i" not !other askin$ *here he $ot the information. JChen are *e all lea,in$HJ
he aske"+ anno)in$l).
J8ot all of )ou are+ D am $oin$ to keep a fe* of )ou here.J the %resi"ent sai" as he looke"
o,er to Ea!ins+ AK &oole)+ an" (reene. J/runner+ 1oll)+ an" /arcla).J 1e shoute" as the
%resi"ent turne" his attention to the three sittin$ in the corner. Gou three *ill !e $oin$ to >io.
9n" that is first thin$ tomorro* mornin$.J 2he %resi"ent *alke" o,er an" tosse" three packets of
papers "o*n in front of them. J>ea" these+ the) *ill $i,e careful instructions as to *hat to "o.
6ollo* them an" )ou *ill sur,i,e. D$nore them an" )ou *ill either $et capture" or kille"+J
%resi"ent -a#e*ski announce" as he picke" up his !riefcase. JD am hea"in$ !ack to the <tates+
there is !usiness to !e settle".J 1e looke" at (reene. J'osh (reene+ )ou are comin$ *ith me !ack
to the <tates.J
'osh (reene spurre" from his chair. J/ut sir+ D ha,e e3perimentation an" in,entions $oin$
on in m) la! hereLJ he proteste".
J8o pro!lem+ our !est men *ill ensure care to them. D *ill ask them to help !rin$ them
!ack to the Fnite" <tates. D am lea,in$ no* !ut )ou *ill lea,e later. 2here *ill !e a pri,ate #et
rea") for )ou ne3t *eek.
(reene "i" not protest.
9s /runner an" 1oll) *alke" !ack to their "orms+ the) !oth looke" "o*n at a packet of
paper $i,in$ instructions on their actions in >io.
/runner si$he". J<eems like *eKre not $ettin$ an) sleep toni$ht.J
J%rett) sure )ouKre ri$ht+ !ut at least rest up for the trip. D "onKt *ant to ha,e an)one
shootin$ at me *hile D am half "o0e".J 1oll) commente".
J&o )ou think the or"eal *ill $o an)*hereHJ
J9s far as D am concerne"+ this is a "ea"locke" case unless Eraft retrie,es the satellite
successfull). Df not+ the >ussians ha,e intel into all of our "efenses as *ell as Dntel into our !est
technolo$).J she sai".
J(reat+ *e also nee" a suppl) of *eapons.J
J(o an" ask 'osh (reene for that.J <he tol" him.
J<ure+ D *ill $et )ours for )ou+ *h) "onKt )ou $o an" $et some restHJ
J2hanks+ D appreciate that.J 1oll) sai" to him *ithout emotion !efore she *alke" off to
1O.
/runner strolle" o,er to (reeneKs la! an" *ent in a$ain. J'osh+ *e nee" some *eapons
for tomorro*.J /runner shoute".
JGeah oka).J 1e replie" as !e$an packin$ a$ar "ishes *ith !acteria cultures into a lar$e
thermal !a$. JD am lea,in$ ne3t *eek !ut the) *ant to sen" all of m) e3periments an" e7uipment
!ack to the Fnite" <tates tomorro*+ !ut the *eapons are in the armor) as )ou kno*. D *oul"
su$$est some short ran$e *eaponr). =etKs see+ *e *ill suppl) )ou *ith a full.auto (18 pistol+ as
*ell as ma)!e some shot$uns+ pro!a!l) a <%9<.12 or somethin$. 9s for main arms+ D pro!a!l)
$o for an -4 or an <-(. Chate,er+ the case+ D su$$est the usual.@
/runner scratche" his chin+ J2r) an" o!tain as man) ma$s as )ou possi!l) can+ *e are
"ealin$ *ith 7uite a fe* $an$s "o*n there.J
44
(reene pace" aroun" the room an" picke" up a %%< $rena"e in his han"+ JGouKre $oin$ to
nee" this as *ell+ *h) not pack )ou a trinitrium !ullet.proof ,est alon$ *ith a si"e.arm. Chat
pistol "o )ou preferHJ
JDK" sa) a /eretta or somethin$ of the like5 a,oi" re,ol,ers !ecause the) are not the !est
for stick) situations.J
(reene slo*l) *alke" o,er to a "oor5 he pulle" it open an" tol" /runner to #oin him
insi"e.
2he "oor le" to a lar$e stora$e room+ insi"e are *alls full of *eapons of all si0es. <mall
pistols+ su!machine.$uns+ assault rifles+ an" -2 /ro*nin$ machine$uns fill the room. 9s (reene
picke" up an assault rifle+ he cocke" it+ checke" if it *as loa"e"+ an" then tosse" it to /runner.
J1ereKs )our main.@ 9fter*ar"+ he $ra!!e" a pistol an" tosse" it to /runner. ?1ere is )our
/erretta. (o ahea" an" pick *hate,er )ou *ant from this room an" $et out of here. 6eel free to
take )our time.J (reene tol" /runner as he strolle" out of the room *ith a small+ protot)pe pistol
in his han".
9fter a lon$ hour of choosin$ an" thinkin$+ /runner "eci"e" he *ill pick up t*o -4
assault rifles+ t*o -21 sniper rifles+ t*o Vector su!.machine$uns+ a (18 full.auto pistol+ an an"
also a /enelli -1014 shot$un. 1e also picke" up a !a$ of o,er t*o "o0en %%< $rena"es as *ell
as t*o !a$s of flash!an$s to stun the enemies *hen necessar). 1e put all the *eapons in specific
suitcases an" tosse" them all on a cart. 9s he *as a!out to *alk out of the room+ /runner cau$ht
si$ht of a $reenish (lock 17 on the *all ne3t to the rifles.
2he room "oor automaticall) close" as /runner strolle" out. J6in" e,er)thin$ )ouKre
lookin$ forHJ (reene sai" o,er cleanin$ a ne* pistol an" packin$ his e7uipment.
J%rett) much+ !) the *a)+ "o )ou min" if D take the (lock 17HJ 1e aske".
J<ure+ D "onKt care+ *hat for thou$hH Gou alrea") ha,e o,er a "o0en other (locks+
/erettas+ an" *hat.nots.J
JDtKs for Eaitl)n. <he lost hers *hen she *as "etaine".J
JAh+ all ri$ht thatKs fine. 'ust "onKt lose it+ it kin" of is important. /ut+ since Eaitl)n *ants
it+ she can ha,e it.J
JD *ill $i,e it !ack once *eKre "one *ith the mission.J
JChat are )ou $u)s "oin$ in >io an)*a)sHJ (reene aske".
J9ccor"in$ to the papers an" *hat the presi"ent sai"+ *e are $oin$ in to "isrupt the
transport of cocaine.J
J<ince *hen is the %.<.9. $oin$ into the anti."ru$ !usinessHJ
J<ince no* apparentl)+ an)*a)s+ *e are $oin$ in an" stoppin$ an e3chan$e.J
JChat are those !astar"s e3chan$in$ no*HJ
/runner scratche" his chin+ J2he >ussians are makin$ tra"es *ith /ra0ilian $an$s. 2he)
are e3chan$in$ "ru$s+ *eapons+ an" mone) in e3chan$e for the $an$s to !uil" the "rone plane.J
J<*eet stor)+ m) $uess *as ri$ht the *hole time. 8o* $o an" kill them all.J
J9ctuall) *e canKt+ *e ha,e to capture Chernko, in or"er to o!tain information re$ar"in$
the e3chan$e of "ea"l) information.J
JChat e3actl) is )our planH Dt seems ,er) scant on information.J
J1oll)+ /arcla)+ an" D are $oin$ to !e transporte" to >io ,ia a pri,ate #et. Ce *ill meet up
*ith 9n"rea an" am!ush the e3chan$e near <lon)ia <treet 9lle) the "a) after*ar". 2he four of
45
us *ill take out all the !o")$uar"s an" capture Chernko,. 9fter*ar"+ *e transport him o,er to
the airport *here the CD9 an" *e *ill #ust interro$ate him on the information re$ar"in$ the
e3chan$e of information as all $o !ack to the states. 2hat4s all D can sa)+ the rest is classifie".J
J9n"rea huhH 9n"rea 6er$usonHJ
JGep.J
J<heKs mine.J
9*k*ar" silence.
J1o* soHJ /runner aske"
J/ecause o!,iousl)+ there is a positi,e/ne$ati,e attraction !et*een the t*o of us.J
JGou "o kno* she is pick) a!out choosin$ her partners ri$htHJ
9nother a*k*ar" silence.
J<oH Dt is o!,ious that sheKs cute+ plus+ )ou alrea") ha,e )our $irl+ no* itKs a!out time D
$et mine.J
J2ou$h luck+ )ouKre $oin$ to ha,e to !eat Chase /arcla) to it.J /runner tol" (reene.
JChase *onKt stan" a chance. Chate,er the case+ )ou nee" to $o an" $et out of here. Gou
reall) nee" to sleep *ell toni$ht5 D hear" the pri,ate #et is so !ump) an" li$ht that )ou pro!a!l)
*ill not !e sleepin$ on it at all.J
J2hanks for the o!,ious tip.J /runner sai" as he !e$an to *alk out of (reeneKs la!. 9s he
*as a!out to lea,e the room. /runner cau$ht si$ht of one of the 2riple./arrel &enial.6ire sentr)
$un sittin$ in the corner.
J-in" if D take that sucker *ith me to >ioHJ
(reene looke" up an" simpl) replie"+ ?8o.@
...
Dn Cherno!)l+ Eraft stalle" for time. JChatKs the secret *ith this place+ it actuall)
fascinates me a lot.J
J<hut up an" $et $oin$ )ou !astar".J -a#or =a$shmi,ar tol" Eraft.
JDKm $oin$+ DKm $oin$.J <he replie" in an anno)e" tone. Eraft rolle" her e)es+ !ut not *ith
sarcasm. <he *as checkin$ for opportunities.
2he t*o !e$an *alkin$ to*ar" the Bastern section of the facilit). JGou kno* )ou arenKt
$ettin$ out of this ali,e.J =a$shmi,ar tol" her.
JGou "o kno* that GAF *ill not $et out of this ali,e either.J she tol" the ma#or.
J1mm+ D *ill make a "eal *ith )ou. Df )ou tell me information re$ar"in$ *hat the Fnite"
<tates *as ori$inall) plannin$ "o*n in -o0am!i7ue+ D *ill let )ou $o+ plain an" simple.J
J1o* a!out D tell )ou *hatKs $oin$ to happen to )ou.J
=a$shmi,ar pulle" out a ci$arette an" a li$hter+ J%lease "o tell -iss+ *hatKs $oin$ to
happen to meHJ
JA!,iousl)+ )ouKre $oin$ to "ie ri$ht no*.J
JChatHJ =a$shmi,ar shoute" out in surprise.
'ust then+ a !ullet struck =a$shmi,ar s7uare in the hea". 1e ploppe" !ack*ar"s onto the
$roun". 2akin$ this opportunit)+ Eraft reache" o,er to $ra! a pistol from the holster of a near!)
sol"ier as t*o more !ullets struck t*o other enemies. <he pulle" up the -akaro, pistol an"
cappe" three >ussians consecuti,el). 9nother !ullet struck a sol"ier in the !ell)5 he fell
!ack*ar"s an" lan"e" on a sol"ier that Eraft kille". 9s the sol"ier pulle" out his 9E.47 rifle to
shoot Eraft+ Eraft aime" her -akaro, at the ")in$ $uar". %ullin$ on the tri$$er+ the ominous
46
click of an empt) cartri"$e startle" her. 2he sol"ier $ra!!e" hol" of his rifle+ !ut a !ullet struck
him in his chest #ust as Eraft prepare" to take the !ullets. J2hanks &imitri.J she sai" un"er her
!reath as she !e$an runnin$ for the e3traction point.
9t that moment &imitri !u00e" in to her ra"io. J-ar$aret+ remem!er the chipLJ Eraft
7uickl) ran !ack to fin" =a$shmi,arKs !o"). 2he !ase alarm *as in full !last an" ,oices of
hun"re"s of mercenaries+ $uar"s+ an" /lack Aperations sol"iers coul" !e hear" in the
!ack$roun".
Eraft thum!e" throu$h =a$shmi,arKs pockets an" foun" the chip+ still in $oo" con"ition.
JD $ot it+ $oin$ to =M one ri$ht no*+ meet me there in three minutesLJ she shoute" throu$h the
ra"io to &imitri.
J>o$er that+ D *ill !e there to meet )ou.J
J9ppreciate the sniper support+ D *ill thank )ou later.J Eraft tol" him as she sprinte" out
of the !ase. /ehin" her+ sol"iers *ere runnin$ an" shoutin$ at her+ rifles an" su!.machine$uns
!la0in$. 2he a$ent ran out into an open fiel" flanke" !) !are+ scarre" trees. 2he fiel" of ")in$+
$ra) $rass $a,e out an e,il aurora to the past e,ents as she sprinte" throu$h them. Fn"erneath
her+ the !reakin$ of ")in$ $rass onl) helpe" si$nal the once rich lan"+ no* "estro)e" !)
ra"ioacti,e fallout. Eraft coul" hear $unfire as *ell as the steps of the sol"iers !ehin" her. B,er)
clatter of !oots a$ainst ra"ioacti,e soil seeme" like one step closer of "eath to her. <he *as sure
that there *as a $oo" thirt) secon" lea" !et*een the sol"iers an" her+ !ut Eraft continue" to hear
the occasional $un shot as *ell as the poun"in$ of shoes as the alarm of the facilit) !e$ins to
fa"e. B,er) secon" seeme" like eternit)+ e,er) secon" seeme" like a secon" closer to her "eath.
<u""enl)+ &imitri !u00e" in on the ra"io+ J-ar$aret *atch out+ thereKs a /-% armore"
,ehicle hea"in$ to*ar"s )ou on )our three oK clockLJ
JFn"erstoo"LJ she shoute" as she "ucke" "o*n in the $rass. 9t this point a $illie suit
*oul" ha,e !een a $reat i"ea+ she thou$ht. 2he soun" of the /-% coul" !e hear"+ alon$ *ith the
footsteps of the sol"iers. =ess than ten secon"s later+ the "ark shape of the /-% coul" !e seen
o,er the tall $rass. Dt *as a li$htl) armore" ,ehicle on tracks. An top *as a turret *ith a mounte"
73 mm $un. 2he ,ehicle *as o,er t*ent) feet lon$ an" al*a)s pose" as a pro!lem to infantr).
<he hi" in the $rass+ kno*in$ that there *as a!solutel) no *a) she coul" take out the Jminiature
tankJ ahea" of her.
J<hit+ the /-%Ks stoppe" a!out fift) feet ahea" of me. 2hereKs no *a) D can sur,i,e *ith
it there.J
J(o an" hi"e in the tree line for a !it. 2he) pro!a!l) *onKt check aroun" that area.J
&imitri tol" her.
J9ll ri$ht+ D am on it.J she sai" as she cra*le" o,er to the tree line+ makin$ sure that the
$rass !ehin" her $ets raise" !ack up as not to raise suspicion. Eraft kneele" !ehin" a ")in$ tree
trunk tilte" !) the *in". Dt *as $re) #ust like the ")in$ $rass she *as #ust tramplin$. 1er (ei$er
counter !e$an to $i,e off faint clicks. 2his *as as far as she coul" $o. 2he forest *as a "eath
trap+ further in an" the ra"ioacti,e le,els *ill !e too hi$h. (lancin$ at the $roun" "eeper into the
forest+ there *as a "ea" !ir"+ a cro*+ on the $roun". Dts feathers *ere still shin) !lack an" the
!ir" *as still fresh. Eraft *on"ere" ho* lon$ it ha" "ie"+ she *on"ere" *hether her life *oul"
en" here in the to3ic forest+ #ust like the life of the cro*.
2he sol"iers from !ehin" her finall) cau$ht up to her location+ the) continue" to run past
*here she *as hi"in$ in the tree line. -ar$aret Eraft sucke" in a li$ht !reath an" counte" o,er
47
fort) people "ispatche" to fin" her. -an) more *ere !ehin" them. 'ust then+ one sol"ier+ one
*ith a maske" face an" *earin$ a full suite of camoufla$e stoppe" an" looke" "o*n in the $rass+
it *as a section that *as trample" an" flat. 2he section she for$ot to raise !ack up after pro""in$
throu$h the to3ic $ro*th that sputters itself from the $roun". Eraft kne* that the) ha,e foun"
her appro3imate location. 2he sol"ier calle" for others to come an" look at the e,i"ence. &imitri
!u00e" her in a$ain+ J-ar$aret+ )ou ha,e no*here to $o+ take the $roup out *ith )our rifle+
thereKs onl) four of them.J
JD *ill tr)+J she sai". 'ust as she *as a!out to reach for her -21 rifle+ she su""enl)
remem!ere" that the rifle *as still in the han$ar alon$ *ith the ol" airplanes an" "ea"+ "r)in$
sol"iers. <he curse"+ ? D "onKt ha,e it+ itKs still in the han$ar.J she *hispere" o,er to &imitri.
JChat "o )ou ha,e *ith )ou that are usa!le *eaponsHJ &imitri aske".
JD ha,e m) pocket knife an" one %%< $rena"e.J she tol" him. =uckil)+ her ,oice *as
"ro*ne" out !) the roar of the en$ine on the /-%.
J2hro* the $rena"e at the $roup ahea" of )ou. 2hen run for it+ D *ill co,er )ou from the
chopper.J
Eraft sucke" in a "eep !reath+ tastin$ the eli3ir of chemicals in the air+ JAka).J
2he %.<.9. a$ent pulle" the safet) off of the %%< $rena"e+ *aite" for three secon"s+ an"
then thre* it "irectl) into the $roup of sol"iers. /efore an) of them coul" react+ the $rena"e
e3plo"e" *ith a !lue hue an" sent the four sol"iers spra*lin$ !ack*ar"s. <he sprinte" into the
open to*ar"s the e3traction point. 9ll alon$ the open fiel" sol"iers arouse" !) the e3plosion
alon$ *ith the /-% !e$an firin$ at her. Eraft coul" feel the !ullets *hi00 throu$h the air all
aroun" her. <u""enl)+ one nicke" at her hair+ scarin$ her+ an" causin$ her to fall. Dt *as an
amateur mistake. <he *as #ust a!out to $et up *hen the sol"iers cau$ht up to her location an"
aime" their $uns at her.
Ane of them "ro,e the !ack en" his $un on her left scapula. <he felt it stun$ har" as Eraft
fell !ack into the $roun".
J2his is for =a$shmi,arLJ 2he sol"ier shoute".
2he hi$h rankin$ officer *alke" up an" aime" his pistol at the !ack of her hea". Eraft
close" her e)es. <he tense" up as she felt the col"+ steel !arrel #ust millimeters from her skull.
2hen came the crack of the $unshot.
Bi$ht
Cherno!)l+ Fkraine
Eraft s7uinte" her e)es e)es ti$htl). <he hear" the echo of the $unshot rin$ *ithin the
"eepest orifices of her ears.
2he rifle roun" struck the mercenar) stan"in$ o,er her. 6ra$ments of his o*n skull
spe*e" across the ?scorche" earth@ an" Eraft coul" s*ear+ for that split secon"+ taste the *arm
!loo" of her enem). 2he officer spra*le" !ack as the other sol"iers *ere too pelte". Dt *as the
most !eautiful thin$ she ha" seen.
2he frien"l) helicopter *as ho,erin$ a!o,e her5 &imitri coul" !e seen *ith a rifle+ the
rifle that sa,e" her life a$ain. <he re$aine" her stren$th an" pulle" herself off the $roun". 2he
48
other sol"iers in the "istance *ere no* firin$ at the helicopter+ *hich *as ho,erin$ a!o,e her
like a metal an$el.
J(et to the =M -ar$aretL (et to the =M+J &imitri shoute" o,er the e"$e of the smoke.
!oun" metallic !ir". <u""enl)+ a rocket propelle" $rena"e *as fire". Dt!u00e" close to the
chopperKs tail an" e3plo"e" *ithin the torpi" air. &imitri *as thro*n !ack into the helicopter an"
the chopper itself s*un$ in the air.
JCe canKt sta) here Eraft+ D nee" )ou to $o on *ith the plan+ keep that chip safeLJ he
a""e".
Eraft sprinte" to*ar"s the location of the e3traction point as the helicopter "arte"
for*ar" to*ar"s it also. /ehin" her+ the an$ere" ,oices an" $unfire of "o0ens of mercenaries
pierce" her ears. Dt *as the lon$est three minutes of her life as she scale" o,er fallen trees+ sharp
!la"es of $rass+ an" ol" !ram!le scattere" across the !arren lan"scape. 2he $unfire continue" to
*hi00 aroun" her as she ran throu$h a small patch of !urnt trees. /ullets coul" !e hear" strikin$
the ")in$ trunks an" !ranches as she plun"ere" to*ar"s the chopper one hun"re" feet a*a). <i3
9merican <pecial Aperations sol"iers alon$ *ith &imitri *ere all outsi"e *ith rifles on han"+
aime" an" rea") to $i,e support to Eraft.
<u""enl) Eraft *as cau$ht !et*een the line of fire as the frien"lies an" enemies all
tra"e" !ullets to*ar"s each other. Eraft coul" hear the ominous soun" of the /-% in the
!ack$roun" alon$ *ith "o0ens of other ,ehicles !ehin" her. 2he chopper !e$an to rise off the
$roun" as &imitri an" the sol"iers $ot !ack in.
JCe ha,e to lea,e5 the)Kre !rin$in$ out <tin$er missiles soon. Ce canKt sta) here an)
lon$er. DD "onKt *ant to ha,e to lea,e )ou hereLJ &imitri sai" o,er the ra"io. 2he chopper *as
alrea") fi,e feet off the $roun".
9s Eraft ran up closer to the chopper she prepare" herself to #ump off the $roun" onto the
chopper. =uckil) for her+ she *as a runner !) nature. Chether it *as the sprints or the marathon+
Eraft coul" sur,i,e ha,in$ her lun$s punishe". 1o*e,er+ to"a) *as "ifferent. <he felt hopeless
!et*een the crossfire. Ceak+ s*eat)+ an" out of !reath+ -ar$aret Eraft lun$e" for*ar" *ith the
last amounts of ener$). 9ll aroun" her !ullets of multiple cali!ers from multiple ,arieties of
*eapons *ere *hi00in$ aroun". Dt *as like a scene in a "rama mo,ie+ *here the cops are on one
si"e tr)in$ to kill the !ank ro!!ers on the other si"e+ an" Eraft *as the person in the mi""le of
the crossfire. B3cept she *asn4t "uckin$ an" tr)in$ to hi"e+ she *as runnin$ to*ar"s the cops.
Aut of the corner of her e)e+ she sa* a !ri$ht o!#ect hea"in$ "irectl) for the chopper.
Dnstantl) she kne* it *as a stin$er missile. 2he Chopper ,eere" up*ar"s an" "roppe" heat
"eflectors "o*n*ar"s as the stin$er turne" an" hit the soil. /) the time Eraft *as near the
helicopter+ it ha" alrea") risen up to o,er thirt) feet a!o,e the $roun" in or"er to a,oi" the
onslau$ht of !ullets from the enemies.
J-ar$aret+ the team is ,eerin$ on lea,in$ )ou. Ce are $oin$ to nee" to $o *ith plan /.
9!out half a mile to the 8orth is an ol" church *ith a lar$e+ !eaten steeple. (et o,er there+ clim!
onto the steeple an" $et on to the chopper !efore the) sen" their air forces after us+@ he shoute"
to her.
JAka)+ thanks D $uess.J Eraft replie"
2he rest of the *a) *as #ust a!out as amusin$ as !efore. Eraft thre* in the last !its of
ener$) into her !o") "ashe" for the church. Ance she !reache" the treeline+ she felt as if the
49
enemies ha" $i,en up on pursuit. 2he $unfire !e$an to fa"e !ut footsteps an" the soun" of
,ehicles coul" still !e hear". 9$ent Eraft came up on the church.
2he church *as once a !eautiful !uil"in$ *ith *oo"en structures an" stain $lass
*in"o*s. 8o* it is a pile of ru!!ish *ith stairs that *ere !e$innin$ to fall apart. Clim!in$ the
stairs+ she coul" see the helicopter ahea". J'ump for itLJ &imitri sai"+ J9lmost thereLJ <he hear"
a $unshot+ then another+ then )et another.
9t the last split secon"+ Eraft #umpe" an" lan"e" onto the /lack 1a*k chopper. 2he
chopper rose hi$her up into the air as it !e$an to fl) out of the area. Eraft an" &imitri cau$ht one
last look of the /-% an" the sol"iers+ some of them *ere #ust a!out to clim! onto the steeple of
the church. 9s the helicopter lifte" hi$her into the air+ the sol"iers !elo* *ere still shoutin$ in
>ussian. 9n >%( *as fire" at them as *ell+ !ut from this "istance+ it misse" them !) a mile. <he
*as safe. <he felt safe. <he felt safe ne3t to &imitri5 *ho ha" close" his e)es+ lifte" !ack his
hea"+ an" *as si$hin$.
?2hank )ou.@ Dt *as all she coul" ha,e sai".
...
Chernko, calle" 8i,ea later that "a). Chernko, 7uietl) ru!!e" his forehea" *ith his han"
as the phone continue" to !eep. 9fter a minute+ 8i,ea picke" up.
J2he line is secure+J 8i,ea sai".
J(oo"+ D $ot some !a" ne*s for )ou sir+J Chernko, tol" 8i,ea *ith hesitation.
J<hoot for it.J
JFh+ *ell+ *e ha" an inci"ent to"a) at the facilit). 9 %.<.9. mem!er infiltrate" to steal the
chip.J
J=et me $uess+ the) took it+J 8i,ea respon"e" *ith an an$ere" ,oice.
JCell+ *e mana$e" to "etain her+ =a$shmi,ar "i"+ then *e *ere $oin$ to take her to the
east cells to interro$ate her. Fnfortunatel)+ there *as someone else out there *atchin$ her !ack.
2hat person shot an" kille" =a$shmi,ar alon$ *ith a "o0en others in the process of her escape.
<he took the chip an" the) successfull) e3tracte" from the location ,ia the ol" churchKs steeple.J
J&amn it.@ 8i,ea pause" then continue"+ ?Victor+ *h) is it that )ou al*a)s fail to achie,e
such eas) tasksH Dt *as a facilit) "efen"e" !) almost a thousan" men. 2he !est of the !est of
$uar"s an" sol"iers. Get it *as taken "o*n !) less than a "o0en 9mericans sneakin$ aroun" the
place. Ar shoul" D sa)+ one $irl an" someone from far a*a).@
J<orr) sir+ it *as all m) fault+ D shoul" ha,e ha" $uar"s e)in$ the chip at all times.J 2here
*as a soun" of *orr)+ ner,ousness+ an" hesitance in his ,oice.
J<hut up+ itKs too late no*. RCe nee" to use *hate,er information *eK,e "eco"e". Ds the
other "rone plane rea") to !e e3chan$e" )etHJ
Chernko, hesitate" a$ain+ J8o )et+ *eKre $oin$ to $i,e it to the =ameurtia $an$ in >io to
assem!le it in e3chan$e for a fe* 9E.47s+ (rena"es an" some "ru$s the) aske" for a*hile
!ack.J
JChat the hellH Ch) not #ust assem!le it )ourselfHJ
JCell+ it is technolo$icall) a",ance" an" e3pensi,e an" m) pa)check cannot co,er the
matters for un"er$roun" assem!l) here in >ussia. Df %utin or an)one outsi"e fin"s out there
*oul" !e "o0ens of hits on me from !oth pri,ate in,estors an" e,en interpol.J
50
J2hat is e3actl) the case+ those planes that $et fi3e" !) the "amne" $an$ mem!ers are
completel) unrelia!le+ the first *as knocke" "o*n !) one %.<.9. mem!er usin$ a stupi" rifle.J
8i,ea shoute".
J9 rifle that launches miniature >%(s.J Chernko, correcte".
J<hut the hell up )ou !astar"+ $et that secon" "rone here !) the en" of this *eek or the
entire "eal is o,er. Ah+ for the recor"+ D *oul" lo,e to sen" out m) o*n hit on )ou. -a)!e then
)ou *ill actuall) $et shit "one.@
JD *as ori$inall) plannin$ to $et it in !) ne3t *eek.J Chernko, si$he" 7uietl).
J(et the hell out of )our room an" $et some "amne" thin$s "one. Chen is the e3chan$e
$oin$ onHJ 8i,ea aske".
J2omorro* afternoon+ near <lon)ia <treet 9lle).J Dt *ill !e full of $uar"s+ so the
e3chan$e *ill !e ensure" of success. D *ill !e there m)self to ensure of it.J
8i,ea pause" for a secon"+ J&oes the %.<.9 or the Fnite" <tates kno* of thisHJ
J1opefull) not+ D "onKt see an)*a) that the) coul" kno* of this meetin$.J
J(oo"+ D hope not.J 8i,ea shoute" an$ril) as he slamme" the phone+ en"in$ the
con,ersation.
Chernko, si$he". 1e ha" an a*ful feelin$ that the Fnite" <tates alrea") ha" information
on their e3chan$e. 2he >ussian "rank his har" li7uor.
...
Dt *as a 7uiet ni$ht. Ane of those that are !est spent #ust tucke" a*a) "reamin$ a!out
*hate,er the restin$ min" takes a person. /runner coul"n4t sleep+ his e)es stoo" open as the)
trie" to focus on the $re) ceilin$. 1e *as #ust not tire" enou$h to sleep on a ni$ht like this.
Fsuall)+ sta)in$ a*ake ne,er *as his fa,orite thin$ in the *orl". An most "a)s+ the lo*erin$ of
the sun makes him "ro*s) an" "o*n. Dt *as a natural thin$ for him to simpl) sta) asleep for
e3ten"e" perio"s of time+ allo*in$ the "reams to take him far. /ut on this ni$ht+ /runner felt
alone. 2he 7uiet room+ the !ri$ht moonli$ht that crept in from the ol" curtains. 1e *ante"
somethin$+ !ut coul"n4t put his fin$er on to *hat. Dt scare" him that he himself is unsure of *hat
he *ants. 2here seeme" to !e somethin$ missin$. Cas it foo"H Ar *as it *eaponsH 8o+ he has
!oth of them. Dt "i"n4t take him lon$ to fi$ure out *hat he *as missin$+ !ut he trie" not to think
a!out it. 1e trie" to remo,e the $listenin$ hair out of his min". /ut it *as so !rilliant. 'ust
perfect ho* it flo*s "o*n*ar"s. /runner shook his hea". Chat is happenin$ to himH 1as he
reall) mana$e" to lock himself into a relation *ith a *omanH Dt *as a thou$ht that !othere" him.
Dt *as. 2his *as the first time an) person of the opposite se3 has !een that close+ that close to
him. 8o* he "i" sa,e her+ he "i"+ sa,in$ is carin$ ri$htH 2hat *as somethin$ completel) unsure.
1opefull) the e,ents in the future *ill onl) !rin$ them a !it closer *ithout a*k*ar"ness+
hopefull). =o,e *as not his forte+ neither *as startin$ a relationship. 2hese t*o su!#ects *ere
completel) out of his ,ast realm of e3perience. 1e con#ure" the thou$hts+ those thou$hts that
"re* the t*o of them to$ether. Chat *as it that "re* them to$etherH 1e *on"ere" more. 9$ain+
/runner *as unsure. 1e #ust la) there+ continuin$ to stare aimlessl) at the "irt) ceilin$+ *atchin$
the li$ht caste" a!o,e. 1is attraction *as har" to resist. Cell+ she *as har" to resist. Dt *as like
fi$htin$ a po*erful "ru$ that ha" taken o,er his min". Dt *as like fi$htin$ off a "isease that ha"
taken o,er his immune s)stem. Dt *as #ust painful to i$nore her5 it *as e,en more painful not
!ein$ ne3t to her. /runner coul" onl) close his e)es an" tr) to fall asleep.
51
2he 8e3t -ornin$.
J(u)s+ letKs $et a mo,e on no*LJ 2he pilot *ith the $oatee shoute" to 1oll) an" /runner
in the mornin$ air. 1e ha" arri,e" )ester"a) ni$ht an" *as a!out as !othersome as can !e.
/arcla) $ot out a pistol an" stashe" it in his !ackpack. /runner put all the $uns an" ammunition
in their "esi$nate" suitcases. 2he three of them *ere $oin$ to take a fli$ht to >io+ strai$ht across
the 9tlantic Acean.
J=etKs !lo* this tu!LJ /arcla) sai" as he ran up the stairs into the pri,ate #et. /runner took
one last look at the 9ir!ase+ he coul" see the 9C.130+ (reeneKs la!+ the hot "o$ stan" as *ell as
multiple ,ehicles all mo,in$ across the lan". J-an DKm $oin$ to miss this place.J he si$he".
JD *onKt...J 1oll) replie" unenthusiasticall). <he ran her han" throu$h her hair. /runner
pause" to stare.
JGou "onKt nee" )ou to+ as lon$ as the fe* of us stick to$ether+ *eKll sur,i,e this thin$
like an) other.J /runner retorte". /runner felt his pocket+ su""enl) he remem!ere" somethin$.
1e pulle" out the (lock an" han"e" it to 1oll). ?D *ant )ou to ha,e this+ )eah D took it from
(reene !ut D thou$ht )ou mi$ht *ant it.J
J2hanks+ D appreciate ho* much )ou seem to actuall) care a!out me. 1a,enKt !een *ith
an)!o") 7uite like )ou. B3cept for m) parents+ DK" sa) )ou *ere the person *ho sho*e" the most
care to me.J <he pause" an" stoppe" talkin$+ /runner thou$ht he sa* some sli$ht sa"ness in
1oll)Ks e)es !ut it seeme" to ,anish 7uickl).
JCell thatKs a nice thin$ ri$ht there isnKt itHJ /runner sai" 7uickl).
1oll) rake" her !lon"e hair *ith the tips of her fin$ers an" sai"+ JD $uess )ou are #ust that
uni7ue.J
JOuite so the case+ D h)pothesi0e that this is #ust another one of those times *here *e $et
some happiness in our li,es ri$htHJ
J<ure enou$h >)an. /ut it looks like /arcla)Ks $oin$ to !e happ) the minute *e $et
there.J /runner *as some*hat $la" for the topic chan$e.
/arcla) snappe" out of his "a) "ream *hen his name *as mentione". JChat a!out meHJ
JGou are $oin$ to fin" that )ou *ill like this mission+J 1oll) tol" him.
JChat+ "o )ou think D "onKt like it alrea")HJ
JDKm not $oin$ to rea" )our !rain Chase+ !ut D "o kno* that there are t*o thin$s )ou
en#o) in )our life+ *eapons of "estruction an" $irls.J
/arcla) raise" an e)e!ro*. JChat are )ou impl)in$ there EateHJ
J2he fact that )ou ha,e the *eapons no* that )ou are part of the %.<.9. an" the fact that
)ou *ante" a $irl to !e )our partner in this mission shoul" ans*er this 7uestion. Ah an" if )ou
call me Eate a$ain )ou mi$ht fin" )ourself han$in$ from a !uil"in$ ,eerin$ to*ar"s "eath.J
JChat+ )ouKre $oin$ to "itch >)an to !e *ith me on this "e!acleHJ /arcla) sai" *ith
hope.
JFnfortunatel)+ no. D am not choosin$ an)one. Gou on the other han" can ha,e Nfun4 *ith
9n"rea *hen *e $et.J
9t the soun" of those *or"s+ /arcla)Ks face su""enl) tense". JCaitJ
52
J&on4t *orr)+ )ou *ill !e fine. Df )ou can sur,i,e *hat the) "i" to us !ack in %.<.9. !oot
camp )ou can sur,i,e talkin$ to a female.J 1oll) replie" as the plane !e$an to ta3i onto the
run*a).
2he *or"s "*elle" in /runner4s min". J<top this cheesiness an" letKs $o o,er the *hole plan.J
1e "eci"e" that it seeme" like a $oo" con,ersation starter.
J9ll ri$ht.J /arcla) replie" *ith a little enthusiasm.
JChen *e lan" at the >io "e 'aneiro.(aleSo Dnternational 9irport+ our first task is to
meet up *ith 9n"rea 6er$uson at the %uerta 'uanita 1otel. 2he first ni$ht *e *ill sta) at the
hotel room to talk a!out the *hole !usiness. Dn the mornin$+ *e *ill hea" out an" sta) un"er
co,er as *e $et !reakfast an" hea" out to check out the local shops an" *hat.not like re$ular
tourists. 9fter lunch+ Eaitl)n an" D *ill !e $oin$ to <lon)ia <treet 9lle) to check out the
situation. D ha,e reports from the presi"ent that the alle) is flanke" !) some ol" apartment
!uil"in$s. Aut of the alle) an" strai$ht across the street is a lar$e park+ the outer e"$e of the park
is full of $rass an" !ushes. <urroun"in$ the lar$e park is also a lo* han$in$ an" open metal
fence that is onl) a!out t*o feet tall. Eaitl)n an" D can set up location in the $rass an" !ushes
*ith our -21 sniper rifles. -ean *hile+ Chase /arcla)+ )ou an" 9n"rea hea" out to the opposite
si"e of the alle) *ith the truck.J
JCait+ *hat truckHJ /arcla) cut in.
J2he presi"ent *ill !e pro,i"in$ us *ith an armore" truck for transportin$ Chernko,
once *e "etain him.J
J9n" ho* e3actl) "o )ou propose 9n"rea an" D *ill "o that.J
J'ust knock him out *ith the !utt en" of a pistol. &onKt *orr)+ the %resi"ent has mana$e
to $et the local police force as *ell as the arm) to help us out *ith this one. 2he arm) an" police
for *ill !e on the other si"e *ith )ou to "etain him+ then the police an" arm) *ill escort us to the
airport an" then *e *ill take the !astar" !ack to the states.J
JDf it all $oes ri$ht+ *e shoul" !e in an" out in less then three hours.J 1oll) a""e".
JChat *eapons are *e usin$.J /arcla) aske"+ JD kne* )ou took a !unch of stuff from
(reene last ni$ht.J
J2he usual+ t*o -4s for 9n"rea an" )ourself+ t*o -21s for Eaitl)n an" m)self+ t*o
Vector <-(s+ one for )ou an" an" one as an e3tra *eapon. D also took a (38 this mornin$ as an
e3tra as *ell. 9lso the usual are the %%< $rena"es alon$ *ith a /eretta pistol for me an" the
(lock for Eaitl)n. %lus an 9E- for m)self.J
J(reat+ those $u)s *onKt kno* *hat hit them.J /arcla) sai" as he leane" !ack on his
sofa.
JCe kno* *hat *e are "oin$ *ith Chernko,+ !ut *hat a!out the rest of his menH 2he
$an$ mem!ersH 2he $an$ lea"erHJ 1oll) 7uestione" a$ain.
J9s far as *e kno* the $an$ mem!ers an" Chernko,Ks !rain*ashe" men are e3pen"a!le.
9s for the lea"er of the $an$+ catch him if *e can or kill the !itch if *e nee" to. Ce can al*a)s
ransom *ith him to see *ho to sa,e.J
J<oun"s+J 1oll) stoppe".
?<oun"s *hatH@ /runner aske".
?8othin$.@ 1oll) stare" a*a).
?Aka)I@ /runner continue"+ ?Cell+ en#o) )our fli$ht la") an" $entleman. -a) success
a*ait us at the en" of the alle).@
53
2he three of them looke" out the *in"o* an" *atche" as their pri,ate #et left the $roun".
2he) *atche" as the air!ase "isappeare"+ then the run*a) "isappeare"+ an" the) kept *atchin$
until the tall control to*er coul" no lon$er !e seen.
-ean*hile+ /runner *on"ere" *hat *as up *ith 1oll).
8ine
A,er -o0am!i7ue
J-r. %resi"ent+ *eK,e successfull) retrie,e" the satellite chip an" are en route to &#im!i
9ir!ase for its return !ack to the Fnite" <tates.J Eraft shoute" o,er the lou" helicopter hum.
J(oo" to hear lieutenant+ D *ill see )ou soon. /runner+ 1oll)+ an" /arcla) all left for >io
#ust a fe* hours a$o. Gou *ill !e on lea,e for a little !it.J
J>io sirHJ
JGes+ >io+ (reene mana$e" to fin" a fe* $oo" inklin$s that the >ussians ha,e contacts in
>io+ looks as if the $an$s "o*n there are !ein$ pai" for fi3in$ up >ussian *eaponr).J
J(reat+ more >ussians to "eal *ith. =ooks like D am nee"in$ to $et in this.J
J1o*Ks e,er)!o") else o,er thereH 9n)!o") lose their li,es o,er thereHJ the %resi"ent
aske"
J6ourt) to si3t) !a" $u)s+ 0ero %.<.9. mem!ers an" 0ero arm) $u)s.J she sai" as she
$lance" o,er to &imitri an" the others an" $a,e them a thum!s up after hearin$ her *or"s.
2he helicopter $a,e a sharp turn an" continue" on. JChat happene" at the o,erseein$
missionHJ Eraft aske" the %resi"ent.
2here *as a small si$h at the other en" of the line. JCe lost o,er a "o0en or more <pecial
Aperations $u)s an" a lar$e amount of arm) men. /runnerKs team lost e,er)one e3cept for four
people.J
J-) (o".J Eraft sai" *ith silence" !reath+
JD am pullin$ most of the %.<.9. <C<6 out of there for a fe* "a)s. DK,e kept AK &oole)+
Ea!ins+ an" (reene there. 2he rest *ere all in#ure" so D !rou$ht them !ack to the <tates *ith me
*hen D $a,e -o0am!i7ue a ,isit a t*el,e hours a$o. Ce nee" to re.think the entire strate$).J
JGes sir+ D un"erstan".J
JGou are to come !ack to the Chite 1ouse *ith the satellite chip. 2he >ussians ha,e
alrea") "eco"e" some of the information on that chip+ most nota!l) the information on our
21106 "rone plane. Dt has alrea") $otten out to them ma)!e a *eek a$o. >ussian scientists
mana$e" to "eco"e the information alon$ *ith actuall) !uil"in$ a replica mo"el that *orks
*ithin a *eek.J
J&amn+ ho* much more "o )ou kno* of thisHJ
J2he >ussians $a,e one to the terrorists an" the) use" it a$ainst us "urin$ the
o,erseein$.J
J-a)!e it is a ta" o!,ious+ !ut it looks like *eKre in trou!le a$ain.J Eraft t*irle" her hair
as she looke" at &imitri. 1e turne" to look at her.
JChat are )ou plannin$ to "o a!out it -r. %resi"entH 1o* "i" the information a!out the
satellite e,en $ot out in the first placeHJ
54
An the other en" of the line the presi"ent hesitate" for a !rief secon". JCeKre not sure
ho* it $ot out. Ce are "oin$ a thorou$h look.throu$h to check that thereKs not a sp) insi"e our
s)stem.J
J9 $o,ernment sp) *orkin$ un"er our s)stem sirHJ Eraft 7uestione".
JDtKs possi!le+ *e ha,e ones *e put in >ussia+ an" *e also ha,e a fe* inserte" into 8orth
Eorea after the "eath of Eim 'on$ Dl.J
JGou mean+ suppose" "eath am D correctHJ
JGes+ the *hole pu!lic un"erstan"s that he "ie" on the se,enteenth of &ecem!er t*ent).
ele,en. /ut in realit) heKs #ust hi"in$ from the pu!lic ,ie* to escape persecution from the Fnite"
<tates an" 9sian $o,ernments. Chich also remin"s me that if this information $ets out+ )ou *ill
!e "isa,o*e" as a national threat.J
JGes sir+ D un"erstan".J Eraft scratche" at an insect !ite. 1o* there *ere still insects near
that ra"ioacti,e *aste pile she *as still unsure.
J<o *e "i" a scan of the entire cre* at the top5 C.D.9.+ 6./.D.+ %.<.9.+ the staff at the Chite
1ouse+ Con$ress+ 'u"iciaries+ all of them. Ce foun" nothin$.J
J9re *e sa)in$ that there is someone at the ,er) topH Cho else is thereH <peakerH Vice
%resi"entH GouH CanKt !e )ou $u)s+ so there must !e another personHJ
J-ar$aret+ *e "onKt kno*+ *e #ust "onKt. /ut *hatKs happen has happene"+ e,er)thin$ *ill
$o on as planne".J 1e pause"+ ?CD== !e planne".@
J<ure+ life $oes on ri$htH Ce *ill !e lan"in$ in &#im!i 9irfiel" in an hour. Ance D lan" D
*ill imme"iatel) $et into a plane hea"in$ for the states. D ha,e to $et off at the moment. 9lso+ D
hope the line *as encr)pte".J
J&onKt *orr) -iss Eraft+ it al*a)s is. D *ill see )ou !ack <tatesi"e.J
J(oo" !)e. D appreciate the information+ -r. %resi"ent.J
Eraft un"erstoo" that to"a)Ks e,ents *ere #ust the start of somethin$ ne*+ !ut she kept the
thou$hts to herself. 8e,er in her life *oul" she fin" an) of this interestin$+ !ut it *as 7uite a task
to !e achie,e". 6or no*+ she is #ust content *ith sittin$ !ack an" *atchin$ the col"+ sno*) lan"
0oom past.
...
9n"rea 6er$uson strolle" up the stairs of the %uerta 'uanita 1otel. <he ,er) attracti,e+
mo"eratel) tall $irl *ith *ith au!urn.!ro*n hair an" "eep !lue e)es. 1er e3pression *as al*a)s
happ) an" $entle+ !ut she ha" one of the most "an$erous a$ents out there. 1er rankin$ of
Captain sho*s the time an" patience e3erte" in her #o!. 'ust last )ear+ 6er$uson *as plante" in
the human affairs section of the %resi"entKs <ecret 9rm). -ostl) her #o! in,ol,e" missions to
stop human traffickin$ amon$ the *orl". 9 lot of the time *as spent in the office an" on stealth
missions aroun" Burope an" >ussia. 'ust last month she !reache" an entire camp in <er!ia an"
rescue" o,er thirt) teena$ers "estine" to !e auctione" off to the rich in >ussia as sla,es. 9n" #ust
t*o "a)s a$o+ she !reache" a safehouse o*ne" !) a $an$ lea"er name" 1ernan 9l"olfo. 9l"olfo
*as in the "ru$ an" human trafflickin$ !usiness for o,er ten )ears. 1e ha" capture" )oun$ !o)s
an" $irls of assorte" a$es to !e sol"+ mostl) as sla,es. 2he !o)s *oul" ha,e !een sent to *ork
an" "o la!or *hile the $irls *ere ultimatel) en"in$ in prostitution. 9lthou$h 6er$uson "i" not
$et much praise o,er the acts )et+ the thankin$ from the teena$ers that she rescue" *as enou$h.
2he hotel *as one of the !est in the cit). Dt *as situate" at the at the ,alle) !elo* the tall
mountain+ the mountain hol"in$ Christ the >e"eemer. 2he insi"e *as #ust as !rilliant as the
55
outsi"e+ $ol" an" cr)stal chan"eliers hun$ across the the tall ceilin$. 2all+ potte"+ tropical plants
*ere sprea" across the lo!!)+ some $i,in$ off an her!al smell. 8ear the lo!!) *as the reception
"esk+ sil,er) an" polishe" in the "im li$hts. 9,oi"in$ the the all the "iscussions an" people in the
!uil"in$+ she *alke" o,er to the ele,ators an" *ent in.
2he room she *as $i,en *as a lar$e !e"room *ith t*o separate rooms+ separate" !) a
*all *ith a lar$e *oo"en "oor. 2here *ere t*o !e"s in each room. 2he rest *ill !e for /runner+
1oll) an" /arcla). <he has !een here for o,er t*o "a)s+ t*o ,er) lon$ "a)s. 6or to"a)+ she spent
most of her "a) messin$ aroun" the local shops an" also spent the "a) lookin$ aroun" the cit).
2o an) passer!) she seeme" #ust like the a,era$e tourist+ !ut insi"e her top.7ualit) #acket *as a
(lock 17 *ith laser si$hts attache" un"erneath the mu00le. 9lso not kno*n !) the pu!lic is the
-491 assault rifle *ith <A( si$hts an" as *ell as laser si$hts an" a $rena"e launcher
attachment. 2he $un *as locke" up in her /-C -5 sittin$ in the VD% section of the parkin$ lot.
<he took a 7uick sho*er+ $ot "resse"+ an" *alke" o,er to a tall ca!inet on the si"e of the
room. 9fter openin$ an" rumma$in$ throu$h the contents+ mostl) han$ers an" !athro!es+ she $ot
to the !ack of the of the *ar"ro!e. >eachin$ an" feelin$ aroun"+ 6er$uson $ra!!e" a lar$e !lack
case. 2he case *as o,er three feet in len$th. 9fter flippin$ throu$h some num!er com!inations+
the case opene" *ith a small Jpop.J Dnsi"e lai" a -<(.P0 rifle. 6in$erin$ the cartri"$e+ she sees
that it *as polishe" an" *ell kept. <he then opene" a locke" hatch use" for storin$ e3tra !ullets.
6er$uson peere" insi"e an" smile". J(oo" to see that that itKs still here.J she sai" to herself.
...
JD $ot the suitcases. 2he *eapons are alrea") taken care of !) /arcla).J /runner tol"
1oll)
J2hanks+ looks like )ou are stuck *ith me for a !it.J 1oll) tol" him
J8o pro!lem.J he sai".
J9ll ri$ht+ D $ot the *eapons on the cars. 1ere are )our ke)s.J /arcla) sai" as he *alke"
in.
JEe)sHJ /runner aske"
J&i"nKt )ou hear >)anH 2he presi"ent is len"in$ out cars for us to use+ *e each $et one.J
/runner $ra!!e" the ke)s an" thum!e" throu$h it+ the /-C lo$o $linte" in the li$ht as
he hel" it to the *in"o*.J
JCo*+ /-C+ not that !a".J
JCoul" !e *orse+ the three cars are out !ack *aitin$.J /arcla) tol" the t*o.
J=ooks like *e are off to a !etter start then *hat happene" in -o0am!i7ue.J 1oll)
retor"e" as she stretche" her arms.
/runner an" 1oll) pro""e" "o*n the stairs from the airplane an" $lance" at the three
/-Cs parke" neatl) on the tarmac. 2he) *ere painte" a "ark !lack *ith a "im tint to the
*in"o*s. 2he rims *ere also speciall) ma"e racin$ rims+ once a$ain painte" a "ark !lack color.
J/etter then the that !eaten truck *e ha" last time.J
JD $uess so Eaitl)n.J
J>)anHJ
JGeah *hatHJ
<he pause" for a !rief secon". J8e,er min".J
2he three $ot their *eapons from a pile near their cars. /runner *as a!out to put all his
$uns in the trunk of his car *hen a man *alke" up to him. 2he man *as "resse" in a hi$h 7ualit)
56
!usiness suit an" *as *earin$ sun$lasses *as as "ark as the three /-Cs. J<ir+ ma) D make a
su$$estionHJ 2he man aske" in an accente" ,oice.
J2hat *oul" !e appreciate".J
2he man intro"uce" himself as -arko Masla,sk). 1e *as assi$ne" as a sp) to >ussia an"
the C0ech >epu!lic !efore he 7uit as a sp) an" !ecame part of <pecial Aperations *orkin$ un"er
the %resi"ent. J2here is a secret compartment in the !ack of )our /-Cs.J 1e sai" as he opene"
the trunk. 1oll) an" /arcla) also sho*e" up to see *hat *as $oin$ on. J1ere is a section *ith
*hat seems to !e #ust pa""in$.J Masla,sk) lifte" the pa""in$ off to re,eal a four num!er lock
com!ination. J2he com!ination is liste" in )our pack of o!#ecti,es. &o )ou ha,e thatHJ
/runner fum!le" aroun" the pack !efore he foun" an" the com!ination. 1e sai" it to
Masla,sk) as the man in the "ark sun$lasses flippe" the num!ers to the ri$ht or"er. 9fter all the
num!ers *ere liste"+ there *as a small click. Masla,sk) then pulle" off the *hat seeme" to !e the
!ottom of the trunk. Dnsi"e *as a lar$e space capa!le of hol"in$ up to a "o0en assorte" rifles.
JDtKs #ust a su$$estion+ !ut D think )ouK" fin" it ,er) helpful.J
J-uch appreciate".J /runner 7uickl) !e$an loa"in$ his assault rifles an" $uns into the
secret compartment.
9s 1oll) an" /arcla) *as a!out to "o the same on their cars. 9nother !lack /-C race"
to*ar"s *here the) *ere. Dt looke" e3actl) like theirs+ *ith tinte" *in"o*s an" "arken" rims.
J1e) look Chase /arcla)+ itKs )our $irlfrien".J Masla,sk) crie" out "ull).
/arcla) shook his hea"+ ho* the heck "i" this $u) kno* thisH 1e thou$ht to himself.
2en
Cashin$ton &C+ Fnite" <tates
Eraft arri,e" at the Chite 1ouse ,ia a !lack su!ur!an. /) the time she reache" the front
$ates+ it *as alrea") "ark. Dn the "arkness+ the spotli$hts set aroun" the perimeter of the
!uil"in$s itself $a,e out an eerie cast as the car parke". Ouickl)+ some men in !lack suits secure"
a lar$e !o3+ pushin$ it up into the !uil"in$. Eraft $ot out an" follo*e" into the Chite 1ouse.
Dnsi"e+ the structure sho*e" itKs ancient si"e *ith paintin$s of past presi"ents an" important
persons alon$ *ith statues of ,arious fi$ures. J2he %resi"ent *ill !e e3pectin$ )ou =ieutenant.J
9 mi""le a$e" man in a "ark suit *ith sun$lasses sai". Eraft *on"ere" ho* he *as a!le to e,en
see in the "arkness *ith the spectacles on. J>i$ht this *a).J 1e tol" her.
6ollo*in$ the man+ she alrea") kne* she *as !ein$ lea" to a pri,ate+ unkno*n room in
the *est *in$ of the !uil"in$. Anl) a han"ful of people e,en kne* of itKs e3istence. 2he halls
*ere "ecorate" *ith once a$ain more paintin$s of historic fi$ures. <he *as lea" to the en" of the
hall. Chere the lon$ hall*a) en"s+ another !e$an+ an" so continue" the *alk to the meetin$
room. 2he !e$innin$ of the hall *as $uar"e" !) o,er a "o0en <ecret <er,ice a$ent+ all in "ark
suits an" sun$lasses. <ome ha" earpieces to communicate *ith the rest of the !uil"in$+ most ha"
holsters *ith assorte" pistols hel" in them. 9 fe* carrie" machine.pistols an" one other stan"in$
in the corner e,en ha" a riot shiel" an" a ne* mo"el of shot$un Eraft ha" ne,er seen !efore.
2here *as a metal "etector an" T.ra) as *ell as a tall officer stan"in$ there. J%ass*or"+KK he
aske" the mi""le a$e" man. J&efiance+J the man replie". 2he Afficer no""e" to*ar"s one of the
<ecret <er,ice $uar"s an" the $uar" steppe" out of the *a) to allo* Eraft an" the man to enter.
57
Eraft *alke" past the $uar"s to the T.ra) machine. <he !e$an remo,in$ the hi""en *eapons.
J2hat *onKt !e necessar) lieutenant.J retorte" the officer. 1e raise" the $ate for them to pass+ an"
then he #okin$l) a""e"+ JCe trust the %.<.9. isnKt too apt at tr)in$ to assassinate the %resi"ent.J
Eraft smile" an" *alke" past the arme" !locka"e.
2he t*o *alke" to the en" of the hall. 2here *as no "oor or ne* hall*a). 2o most
people+ it looke" like a "ea" en". /ut she kne* of the secret compartment !ehin" it. Eraft
follo*e" the mi""le a$e" man an" the t*o stoo" in front of the seemin$l) meanin$less *all.
JDtKll onl) !e #ust a secon" -iss+J he sai" to her. 'ust then he presse" his han" a$ainst a section of
the *oo"en !arrier. <lo*l) !ut surel)+ the structure !e$an to pull !ack an" open up. /ehin" the
*oo"en !arrier *as a secon"ar)+ reinforce" concrete !arrier three feet thick. Dn the mi""le of it
*as a titanium "oor capa!le of "eflectin$ a fift) cali!er anti.materiel !ullet as *ell as !ein$ a!le
to hol" up to e3plosi,es an" $rena"es.
%ressin$ his han" a$ainst a scanner on the hea,) "oor+ there *as a J!eepJ as the "oor
s*un$ open. J1ere )ou are lieutenant+ itKs all )ours. 1opefull) it *onKt !e lon$.J
J9ppreciate it+ thanks.J she replie" "r)l). Vi!rance *as not somethin$ too common
*ithin the $o,ernment a$encies it seems.
<he peere" into the lar$e room. Dnsi"e+ "o0ens of *orkers *ere a t)pin$ an" *orkin$ on
their assi$ne" tasks+ there *ere computers an" scanners e,er)*here+ all of them on an"
recor"in$ information as Eraft *alke" to the !ack. 2he front of the room house" a lar$e screen5
on it *as a lar$e map of the Fnite" <tates *ith *hat appears to !e airplane fli$ht patterns stre*n
all across it. J=ieutenant Eraft+ the presi"ent is *aitin$ for )ou in the !ack.J 9n attracti,e man
sai" to her. <he coul" not help !ut check out his stature. J9ppreciate it.J she sai" !efore lookin$
at the ta$ on his shirt+ J-a#or Collins.J Collins $a,e out a small lau$h+ J%lease+ )ou can call me
&a,i".J
2he t*o *alke" o,er to the !ack. 2here *as )et another "oor $uar"e" !) t*o <ecret
<er,ice -en+ !oth hol"in$ F-% -achine.%istols. 1e le" her into the room an" close" the "oor
!ehin". Eraft *as alone *ith the %resi"ent an" the t*o <ecret <er,ice -en *ho slippe" into the
room. JCelcome !ack to the states.J the %resi"ent sai" as he turne" aroun" from his chair at the
other en" of the ta!le. JD hope it *asnKt too !a" o,er in Fkraine.J
J8ot at all+ *e $ot into a !it of trou!le *hen the) "etaine" me for one minute. /ut thanks
to &imitri+ *e all $ot out safe.J
J2hatKs $oo" to hear.J the %resi"ent sai" as he opene" the lar$e !o3 near his chair. 1e
pulle" out the <atellite Chip an" set it on the ta!le. JGou shoul" come a little closer. D think there
is somethin$ )ou shoul" see.J Eraft *alke" o,er ne3t to the %resi"ent. 2he %resi"ent *a,e" the
$uar"s for them to lea,e the room. J2ake a look here+J he pointe" at the chip. 2here *as a small
la!el on the chip+ it *as tin) *ritin$.
JChat "oes it sa)HJ she aske".
(ra!!in$ a ma$nif)in$ $lass from near!)+ the %resi"ent put the mirror o,er the la!el. An
the la!el rea" the *or"s+ %ropert) of 6/D+ CD9+ an" %<9. JCas this suppose" to !e "irecte"
to*ar"s usHJ Eraft aske".
J9ctuall)+ it containe" information in,ol,in$ the actions of the 6./.D.+ C.D.9.+ an" %.<.9. J
-ost people+ inclu"in$+ )ourself *as informe" that it containe" secret *eapons an" futuristic
protot)pes "e,elope" !) the F< $o,ernment.J
J<o it containe" e,en more information an" "ata than *e *ere informe" a!outHJ
58
JFnfortunatel)+ )es. 2he o,erseein$+ the "rone plane+ all of it. 6ortunatel) for )ou+ the)
"i"nKt mana$e" "eco"e the information re$ar" )ou $oin$ an" retrie,in$ the "o*ne" <atellite if it
happene" to $et shot "o*n. <o luckil) for )ou lieutenant+ )ou escape" the $rasp of "eath.J
JD must ask+ *hat other information $ot out to the >ussiansHJ
JD "onKt kno*+ the >ussian $o,ernment+ its a$encies an" its $an$s arenKt $i,in$ out all too
much information. D "o kno* that Chernko, an" the $an$s "o*n at >io are e3chan$in$ *eapons
for construction of more &rones.J
JGou mean+ the >ussians are $i,in$ the $an$s *eapons in e3chan$e for the $an$s to help
!uil" the "ronesHJ
JD am afrai" so -a$$ie.J
Eraft al*a)s felt o"" *hen someone calle" her !) her nickname. Dt #ust *asn4t 7uite as
professional soun"in$. Fsuall)+ onl) &imitri calle" her !) that5 ho*e,er+ she shook it off. JCell+
heKs apparentl) not !uil"in$ them for the >ussians5 the >ussians are !uil"in$ them to $i,e to the
terrorists so that the "rones can !e use" to take out the F< troops !ase" in the -i""le Bast.J
J9ctuall)+ that is correct5 the >ussians are not usin$ man)+ if an) of the "rones
themsel,es. Ce "onKt kno* ho* man) are alrea") !uilt at this point other than the one >)an
/runner shot "o*n )ester"a) in -o0am!i7ue.J
J9n" 'osh (reene mana$e" to fin" out that it *as !uilt in >ioHJ
JCorrect a$ain+ (reene foun" a picture of Christ the >e"eemer on the plane fusela$e.
6our %.<.9. a$ents are sent to >io to stop the e3chan$e of *eapons+ the) shoul" !e there
alrea").J
JAka)+ hereKs another 7uestion+ ho* "i" 'osh (reene mana$e to fin" out that the) *ere
e3chan$in$ *eapons for !uil"in$ the planeH 9lso+ "i" )ou e,er fin" an) spies in our s)stemHJ
J6irstl)+ *e "i"nKt fin" an) spies in our s)stem. 9lso+ 'osh (reene "i" not kno* of the
*eapon e3chan$e in >io totall). (reene #ust ma"e an assumption5 he foun" out that there *as
somethin$ $oin$ on in >io ,ia a scrap piece of metal from the "rone. 9t first he ha" an inklin$ of
it+ !ut D *ent to the !ase an" tol" them m)self.J
JD kno* )ou *ent+ !ut *here "i" GAF $et the informationHJ
2he %resi"ent hesitate" for a !rief secon". Cell+ D *as informe" !) spies o,er in >ussia
*ho tol" me of this e,ent.J
J<o )ouKre o!,iousl) sa)in$ that there are spies in their s)stem at the time !ein$.J
JGes+ &imitri use" to !e one of them5 he stoppe" !ein$ a sp) after he met )ou.J
Eraft pause" for a secon". J<o *hat is it in for meHJ
JGou m) frien"+ ha,e !een throu$h enou$h+ )ouKre on lea,e for a fe* *eeks. (o
some*here nice an" take a !reak.J
J9re )ou seriousl) sa)in$ that )ou are makin$ me $o on ,acation at a time like thisHJ
J8o+ D am sa)in$ )ouK,e !een throu$h enou$h an" that )ou shoul" take a !reak.J
Eraft si$he"+ JD $uess )ouKre ri$ht+ D am $oin$ to take a !reak an" $o home. -a)!e ha,e
"inner later.J
J9h+ thatKs the spirit5 D am $uessin$ thin$s !et*een )ou an" &imitri are *orkin$ out
fineHJ
J<ort of+ he sa,e" me an" D no* o*e him one.J Eraft *asn4t too please" a!out the
7uestion. 8ot that the presi"ent aske" her a!out her personal life+ !ut the fact that she has 0ero
i"ea as to ho* far the relationship !et*een her an" &imitri *oul" $o. 2he !on"in$+ "inners+ se3
59
an" talks *ere nice+ !ut asi"e from these shallo* an" superficial e,ents+ nothin$ seems to come
out of it. 9t least not )et.
JD *ill !ook a ta!le for )ou t*o at 2he %en"ulum >estaurant for toni$ht. &imitri *ill !e
informe" of this.J 2he presi"ent sai". 1e seeme" to !e actin$ a lot nicer than usual. Eraft "i"n4t
min".
J2hanks+ D appreciate it+ !ut D reall) think itKs not necessar).J Eraft sai".
JD insist+ no* $o an" $et cleane" up for itLJ the %resi"ent tol" her. JCoul" )ou like a
"rinkH Dt is top 7ualit) ,o"ka+ D e,en ha,e ice there+ althou$h the ice ruins the fla,or. D like it
thou$h.J
J8o thanks+ D "onKt "rink that much+ D *ill see )ou soon then.J
J8o pro!lem.J the %resi"ent sai". 1e pulle" the cork of the !ottle.
Eraft *alke" out of the "oor. 2he <ecret <er,ice -en $lance at her as she *alke" out the
of the secret room. 2he t*o men $lance" at Collins. Collins no""e" an" the three *alke" into the
room *ith the presi"ent. J<heKs $one.J Collins sai" to the %resi"ent.
J(oo"+ &imitri an" herself *ill !e $oin$ to 2he %en"ulum toni$ht+ DK" sa) at se,en or so.J
2he three men looke" at each other.
<cratchin$ his hea"+ the %resi"ent looke" up at the three $u)s. JGou three kno* *hat to
"o+ no* $et to it.J
JGes sir+ *eKre on it. D *ill !ook them to the restaurant for )ou.J
J(oo"+ D hope the) ha,e a $oo" time. D kno* D am askin$ a lot from )ou latel) Collins+
!ut the situation is #ust critical. D kno* ho* )ou hate !ein$ m) *hippin$ !o) !ut D #ust can4t ha,e
all this $oin$ on ri$ht no*. Dt has !een )ears since %resi"ent A!ama succee"e" in slo*in$
terrorism+ no* that ,acation is o,er. J 2he %resi"ent sai" as he pulle" out a !ottle of ,o"ka an"
four $lasses as *ell as a !ucket of ice from a miniature fri"$e near!). J&rinks (entlemenHJ
2he three men looke" at each other. J-i$ht as *ell. =on$ ni$ht ahea" of us. D #ust hope
Eraft $ets her restJ Collins sai" as he took the !ottle to pour himself a shot.
%resi"ent -a#e*ski looke" at Collins. ?&on4t !other *ith criticisin$ Eraft+ her success
rate *as slo*l) surpassin$ )ours.@
?9n" )et D still $et the rank of -a#or an" her chances are still slim.@ 1e si$he" an" took a
lon$ "rink from his shot $lass. ?Chat a "a).@
Ble,en
>io "e 'aneiro
2he /-C stoppe" near the other three alrea") parke" on the tarmac. 9fter a !rief
secon"+ the en$ine s*itche" off an" a )oun$ *oman steppe" out+ the au!urn.!ro*n hair instantl)
tol" the three it *as 9n"rea 6er$uson. <he smile" an" ran up *ith open arms. /arcla) prepare"
himself an" stoo" as tall as he coul"+ hopin$ to impress her. 1e raise" his arms to em!race
6er$uson !ut she ran past him an" hu$$e" 1oll) instea".
J<o $la" )ou three ma"e it+ D coul" use some help o,er here.J 6er$uson sai".
60
J8o pro!lem+ *eKre happ) to $i,e the terrorists some $rief.J 1oll) replie" as the t*o $irls
hu$$e" an" em!race". 6er$uson *ent an" mo,e" on to em!race /runner.
JCell if it isnKt >)an /runner+ the $u) *ho shot a "rone "o*n *ith a rifle.J she sai" as
she kisse" him in the cheek.
/arcla) shook his hea". 1e *on"ere" *h) /runner al*a)s mana$e" to rope in the
*omen.
J9ctuall) 9n"rea+ it *as an Dmplo"er rifle that 'osh (reene create"+ he prett) much
stuffe" miniature >ocket.%ropelle".(rena"es into an -16 rifle !ase. &i" a lot of "ama$e+
unfortunatel) there *as a !it of trou!le *ith o,erheatin$+ so D en"e" up not !ein$ to !rin$ )ou
one of them. /ut it looks like )ou are alrea") *ell off+ D can $uess that )ou ha,e a (lock or
somethin$ un"er that st)lish o,ercoat )ou $ot there.J
6er$uson !linke"+ !ut not reall) in surprise+ J1o* "i" )ou kno*HJ
/runner shook his hea". JD am >)an /runner+ D kno* too much stuff alrea") that D "onKt
nee" to kno*+ like the fact that )ou ha,e a sniper rifle hi""en in that closet in )our room.J
J&o )ou creep on other peopleKs !elon$in$s CaptainHJ 6er$uson $a,e him a pla)ful
punch.
J'ust *hen necessar).J /runner shru$$e".
JAka)+ enou$h *ith the chatter+ *e ha,e some!o") )ouK" pro!a!l) like to meet.J 1oll)
!roke in as she looke" o,er to /arcla)+ *ho happene" to !e ea,es"roppin$ on the entire
con,ersation.
J9n"rea+ DK" like )ou to meet )our partner in this mission.J 1oll) sai" as she *ent an" put
a han" on /arcla)Ks shoul"er. J-eet our frien" Chase /arcla).J
J9h+ the infamous Chase+ D hear" )ou *ere $oo" at stealin$ enem) ,ehicles an" DK,e also
hear" )ou *ere $reat at pilotin$ aircraft. (reat to see )ou here.J 6er$uson sai" as she *alke"
o,er to shake han"s *ith /arcla).
/arcla) force a smile from un"er the em!rassement. JGes+ D "o like to pilot aircraft+ !ut
"oesnKt mean DKm an) $oo" at it thou$h.J
J8o pro!lem+ )ou can teach me some time.J
/arcla) stare" into her "eep !lue e)es+ the) *ere as "eep an" as stunnin$ as the ocean.
<he seeme" so *eak an" fra$ile+ )et he *as starin$ at the same person *ho took out an entire
enem) camp *ith o,er a hun"re" $uar"s !) herself. J<o *hat are )ou carr)in$HJ he mana$e" to
$et out.
J9s in *eaponsHJ
/arcla) looke" "o*n+ JFh+ )es.J
JCell+ D am prett) sure )ou hear" that D ha" m) (lock !ecause )ou hear" the
con,ersation !et*een >)an an" m)self.J /arcla) *ince" an" !e$an to feel a ta" uncomforta!le
*ith e,er)one *atchin$. J/ut D also ha,e some e3tra $a"$ets hi""en here an" there. Gou can see
them later if )ou *ant.J she tol" him in a 7uiet ,oice. <he *inke". /arcla) *asn4t e3actl) sure
*hether it *as pla)ful.
JGou kno*+ DK,e kno*n of )our e3istence for less than a fe* "a)s+ D ha,e kno*n )ou in
person for less than ten minutes. D reall) think *e shoul" slo* this "o*n #ust a !it.J /arcla)
looke" "o*n. 1e "i" not e3actl) *ant to tell 6er$uson that he ha" Jkno*nJ of her e3istence for
man) )ears.
61
J8o pro!lem+ *e ha,e all the time. Gou like $uns+ )ou ha,e them+ )ou also like $irls. 9n"
)ou *ante" a real partner for a little !it ha,enKt )ouHJ 6er$uson triumphantl) sai".
/arcla) looke" o,er at 1oll)+ then he smile an" sai" in a "efeate" ,oice+ JChen "i" )ou
tell herHJ
JChen )ou *ere asleep on the plane D calle" 9n"rea to tell her of )our situation.J 1oll)
sai" *ith a smile.
/arcla) si$he"+ JCell+ D must a"mit D am a !it attracte" to )ou. /ut ho*Ks that to !lameHJ
1e $lance" at 6er$usonKs "eep !lue e)es a$ain. 2he) *ere like a7uamarines shinin$ in the !ri$ht
li$ht.
J=ook+ *h) "onKt *e $o to the hotel an" talk all a!out this after a nice sho*er an" some
champa$neHJ 6er$uson su$$este". ?9n" "on4t *orr) /arcla)+ D am not that "esperate for )our
lo,e.@
/arcla) felt a surpresse" cou$h+ JGeah+ that soun"s fine+ D *ill nee" some time to rela3
for a *hile an)*a)s.J 1e ha" no i"ea *hat he *as e,en talkin$ a!out.
JCe all nee" some time to rela3.J 1oll) shoute" out+ J9fter that stupi" "a) of o,erseein$
D am not sure D e,en *ant to !other *ith an)more *eapons.J
6er$uson *alke" to*ar"s her /-C+ J6ollo* me there+ tr) not to lose si$ht of m) car.J
JGeah+ *eKll tr).J the three sai" simultaneousl) as the) $ot into their /-Cs.
-arko Masla,sk) *atche" as the four !lack /-Cs "ro,e a*a) from the tarmac. 1e
pulle" out a phone that *as connecte" to a pri,ate satellite an" "iale" a co"e" num!er+ J2he)
#ust left for the hotel. 9re *e rea") for the team to take the four outHJ
2he man on the other si"e of the line t*irle" somethin$+ causin$ a Jpin$J in the line+ J8o+
not until *e take out the other t*o in,ol,e" in this !usiness. 2he) are in Cashin$ton &.C. *e
*ill let those $u)s in >io "o their mission. D *ant )ou to keep me informe" a!out their situation
in >io+ #ust remem!er to sen" me the "etails after*ar"s.J
JGes sir+ ho* is -o0am!i7ue hol"in$ upHJ
J8ot so $reat+ the plan faile" as )ou kno*+ D hope it "oes not fail a$ain.J the man sai".
Masla,sk) *ipe" his forehea"+ JGes sir+ *e *ill not fail.J
J(oo" to hear.J the man on the other en" of the line sai" as he t*irle" his $lass of ,o"ka.
...
/runner almost lost 6er$uson in the afternoon traffic. =uckil)+ the !lack /-C stoo" out
a$ainst the normal traffic aroun" the poorer e"$e of the cit). 2he) *ere sta)in$ at the *ealthier
part of to*n. 2he part *here the %uerta 'uanita 1otel is locate". /arcla) an" /runner !oth
arri,e" last+ !) the time the /-Cs reache" the front entrance+ the $irlsK lu$$a$e an" !a$s *ere
alrea") !ein$ carrie" a*a) !) a !ellman. 2heir /-Cs *ere no lon$er in si$ht. /runner parke"
his car an" $a,e his ke)s to a man *ho *as $oin$ to help park his car. /ein$ a hi$h 7ualit) hotel+
the $roup truste" that the hotel clerks *onKt !e pullin$ an) tricks.
JGouKre late to the part).J 1oll) tol" him.
JGeah+ D !et )our car *as ri$$e"+ it ha" much !etter han"lin$ an" turnin$.J
J/lame the car+ )ou #ust hate a"mittin$ )ou lost to a $irl.J
JChate,er+ D am #ust $la" to see )ou in a happ) moo".J /runner $a,e 1oll) a pat on her
!ack.
62
/ehin" them /arcla) stretche" out an" scratche" at his hair+ his $lasses fell onto his nose.
JGou shoul" $et contacts+ much easier to han"le.J /runner tol" him.
/arcla) pushe" a small+ minute !utton on his $lasses+ the clear $lass soon fo$$e" up to a
$ra) coloration+ J2hermal si$hts+ $reat for seein$ in fo$.J 1e presse" another !utton+ this time a
$reenish coloration poppe" up. J8i$ht ,ision+ for seein$ in the "ark.J /arcla) sai"
/runner an" 1oll) stare".
?Ah )eah+ Chase $ot ne* to)s.@ /runner sai" *ithout emotion. 2hen he nonchalantl)
*a,e" his han"s in the air.
J=etKs $o insi"e+ 9n"reaKs *aitin$ in the lo!!)+ sheKs $ettin$ the foo" an" "rinks or"ere"
so *e can ha,e some refreshments *hile *e $o o,er the plans.J
J>emin" me to thank her Eaitl)n.J /runner sai" as he pulle" up his !ackpack. 1e felt the
pistol insi"e as he *atche" the "oor man *alk to*ar"s him.
J2hanks+ it *onKt !e necessar)+ D can $et it m)self.J /runner sai" to the )oun$ man.
JAka)+ no pro!lem.J the man sai" *ith a %ortu$uese stu""e" accent.
JCome on+ 9n"rea hates *aitin$ for people.J 1oll) tol" /arcla) an" /runner.
/arcla) no""e"+ JAf course she "oes not+ "i" )ou see ho* fast she *ent in that carHJ
JChase+ if )ou *erenKt pa)in$ attention+ she *as "ri,in$ un"er the spee" limit+ )ou $u)s
slo*e" us "o*n )ou kno* that ri$ht.J 1oll) sai" to the t*o men.
/arcla) trie" to co,er his em!arrassment. J<uit )ourself. D am $oin$ to $o in an" hit the
pool.J
6rom the top of a tall apartment housin$ comple3 a fe* !uil"in$s "o*n+ Masla,sk)
looke" throu$h his !inoculars at /runner+ 1oll)+ an" /arcla). J2he)K,e #ust arri,e".J 1e sai" into
his phone.
J(oo"+J the man on the other si"e of the line sai". J8o nee" for action )et+ D *ant them to
capture Chernko,+ once heKs secure an" taken care of+ )ou can "estro) the loose en"s.J
J>o$er that -r. 6letcher.J Masla,sk) replie".
2*el,e
>io "e 'aneiro
2he room *as !etter than *hat /runner ha" ori$inall) thou$ht it *as $oin$ to !e. 2*o
separate rooms+ one for /arcla) an" 6er$uson+ one for 1oll) an" himself+ alon$ *ith a !athroom
for each room. Ane =C& tele,ision set in each room as *ell as ni$ht lamps *ere #ust some of the
compliments of the %uerta 'uanita 1otel. 2he !e"s *ere ,er) lar$e+ *hite+ an" ha" anti7ue
pillo*s across them. /ro*n an" )ello* sheets *ith ,i!rant frills *ere spla)e" across the the
7ueen si0e" *on"ers. Bach of the rooms ha,e t*o !e"s an" each of the t*o rooms also has
cream colore" *alls a"orne" *ith lar$e pictures of the /ra0ilian lan"scape. /runner "umpe" his
!a$ "o*n on the !e" an" stretche" his arms.
6er$uson came in from the other room. JDf )ou are tire" )ou can take a nap.J
/runner )a*ne"+ J8o+ D "onKt nee" sleep+ D can sur,i,e.J
JCell if )ou "onKt nee" a nap+ then there is fon"ue+ fruit+ san"*iches+ an" champa$ne in
m) room. Dt *as #ust "eli,ere"+ D can !rin$ )ou some if )ou like.J
63
1oll) *alke" out of the !athroom+ JD *oul" "ie for a $lass of champa$ne. &o )ou ha,e
ice for itHJ
J2he ice ruins the fla,or Eaitl)n+ *h) *ant the iceHJ 6er$uson aske".
1oll) stretche" her neck. JD "onKt kno*+ the temperature outsi"e is a!o,e *hat D like.
9lso+ *eKre on the opposite si"e of the e7uator. Dn the states it is *inter+ !ut here in the southern
hemisphere+ it is summer. Ah+ )ou mi$ht *ant to chan$e )our *atches+ the time is a ta" !it
"ifferent here than *hat it is in -o0am!i7ue.J
/runner *as #ust !e$innin$ to fum!le *ith his *atch to s*itch the time *hen there *as a
knock on the "oor. 2he three instincti,el) reache" for their personal conceale" *eapons. JD !et
itKs #ust /arcla).J /runner *hispere". 1e *alke" o,er to the "oor an" peeke" into the sp).hole in
the "oor. JD *as ri$ht.J
2he "oor opene" *ith a sli$ht creak an" Chase /arcla) *alke" in. 1e sniffe" the air+
JChampa$neHJ
JDtKs in our room if )ou *ant some5 there are san"*iches an" fon"ue as *ell.J 6er$uson
sai"
J(oo"+ D nee" a $lass no*+ D hope thereKs ice.J
6er$uson shook her hea"+ JChatKs *ith )ou $u)s an" ic) champa$neHJ
J2he ice $i,es it a cool feel+ no* D am $oin$ to $et a $lass+ an)one else *ant oneHJ
/arcla) tol" the $roup as he close" the "oor an" strolle" into the room.
J-i$ht as *ell pour us each a $lass. Ce nee" to "iscuss *hat happens tomorro*+ !ut D
$uess it canKt hurt to rela3 a little !it !efore *e $et "o*n to !usiness.J 1oll) sai".
/arcla) poppe" his *rists an" slo*l) *alke" o,er to the "oor separatin$ the t*o
!e"rooms. 1e $lance" o,er into 6er$usonKs "eep !lue e)es !efore openin$ the "oor.
6er$uson steppe" up+ JChase *ait+J she starre" at /arcla)Ks sp) $lasses an" $a,e a sli$ht
hint of a smile+ J%ut a fe* cu!es of ice in mine as *ell.J
2he three others smile".
J8o pro!lem+ *h) "onKt )ou come help me prepare some of the fon"ue an" *hat notHJ
/arcla) tol" 6er$uson.
JAf course+J an" 6er$uson *ent to #oin /arcla) in the room. 2he soli" re"*oo" "oor
close" !ehin" them.
/runner an" 1oll) looke" on as the "oor close"+ an" then the) turne" an" stare" at each
other *ith a !it of a*e. 2he) sat "o*n on the !e" in silence. /runner looke" o,er to 1oll)+ not
sure *hat to sa).
J<eems like the little plan to $et the t*o to$ether is *orkin$ *ell.J 1e finall) $ot out.
JCa) ahea" of sche"ule.J 1oll) tol" him. <he $ot up an" pulle" the hair !an" from her
hea"+ her !eautiful !lon" hair traile" "o*n as she ran her fin$ers throu$h it. Dt *as the first time
/runner actuall) $ot to a"mire her !eaut)5 he sat in silence as she $roome" the stran"s+ !it !) !it.
Dt "i" not take lon$ for 1oll) to notice that /runner *as starrin$. <he *a,e" her han" to $et his
attention. 2hen she sai" *ith a chuckle+ J9re )ou all ri$htHJ
/runner snappe" out of his "a)"ream. JD think D am $oin$ to !e fine.J 1e tol" her !efore
he $ot up an" strolle" o,er to 1oll). 2he pair looke" out the lar$e *in"o* at the coast. 2here
*ere man) ships cruisin$ o,er the "eep !lue *aters. <ome *ere #ust )achts o*ne" !) rich
!usinessmen+ others *ere fishin$ !oats out har,estin$ the sar"ines that spa*n !) the millions+
still others *ere lar$e pri,ate !oats out circlin$ the !a). 2he) also spotte" a fe* patrol !oats
64
mo,in$ alon$ the !a). 2he soun" of !ir"s+ *in"+ an" the occassional JhonkJ from the horn of a
car coul" !e hear" e3ceptionall) clearl). 1e trie" to $et the coura$e to put his han" on 1oll)Ks
shoul"er !ut "i"n4t 7uite ha,e it. 1oll) e"$e" a*a) an" e3cuse" herself to the !athroom.
/runner kept starin$ out the *in"o*.
...
Masla,sk) *atche" the patrol !oat throu$h his !inoculars+ he *atche" as the !oat "ocke"
an" also *atche" as the $uar"s chan$e" shifts from the top of the apartment comple3. Checkin$
his *atch+ he e3pecte" he *oul" !e $ettin$ a call soon. 2he temperature *as startin$ to rise up as
the afternoon !e$an approachin$. 2he men assi$ne" to him *ere alrea") takin$ sha"e !ehin" an
ol" stora$e she". 1e pulle" out a !ottle of mineral *ater an" $ulpe" "o*n half of it+ makin$ sure
he nourishe" e,er) "rop. 2he sun *as un!eara!le an" the temperature $a$e on his *atch rea" a
sta$$erin$ ninet).se,en "e$rees 6ahrenheit. 2hou$h *ith the humi"it) an" their hea,) !ullet.
proof ,ests+ it felt much hotter.
Ane of his men name" Caters "unke" *ater on his hair. J<ir+ *hen are *e suppose" to $o
an" rela3 at the pool or the !eachHJ
J&onKt s*eat it /en+ once D $et the call+ *eKll ha,e the "a) off. D #ust canKt !elie,e those
"amn %.<.9. freaks are in that hotel+ "oin$ *hate,er the) please+ *hile *e are up here "oin$
nothin$.J Masla,sk) calle" out. 1is !ro*n hair *as !e$innin$ to stick to his face.
JDf *e sta) up here an) lon$er+ *eKll !e $ettin$ heat stroke. Chat are *e suppose" to "o
here a$ainHJ 2he man aske".
J9ccor"in$ to 2he 6letcherKs instructions+ *e *ere suppose" to sta) up here until
some!o") calls me on m) phone.J
Caters *ipe" his forehea" *ith a han"kerchief+ J9n" *hen the hell are the) suppose" to
callHJ
J2*ent) minutes a$o.J
J(o"+ "ammit. D canKt sta) an) lon$er+J he sai" as he splashe" himself *ith another !ottle
of *ater.
J&onKt *aste those+ *eKre $oin$ to nee" them if *e are to sta) up here an) lon$er. ChatKs
*ith )ou an" *astin$ our resources+ D for$ot to remin" )ou that )ou use" an entire ma$a0ine clip
to kill one person last time.J
J2hat $u) *as !itchin$ a!out his pro!lems+ so D "eci"e" to shut him up. %lus+ *ho cares
a!out *ater+ there are tons of it out there+ an" D am not a!out to let some 6letcher $u) ruin m)
rela3ation.J
?Gou make fun of 2he 6letcher an" this man *ill ri" of us at moment4s notice if he
*ants to. D !et he has a "rone up there scannin$ us ri$ht no*. Df *e sa) somethin$ he "oesnKt
*ant to hear+J Masla,sk) mimicke" the e3plosion from a missile usin$ his han"s. J2hen *e $o
an" rela3 at the !each not in peace+ !ut in pieces.J
Caters stoppe" talkin$5 he instincti,el) looke" up to see if there *as an) si$n of a plane.
<o far+ the skies look !lue an" clear+ almost as !lue as the ocean !elo*.
<u""enl)+ Masla,sk)Ks phone !e$an to rin$. 1e instantl) picke" it up after the secon"
rin$. JMasla,sk) here+ *ho am D talkin$ toHJ
65
J2he 6letcher has sent his re$ar"s+ -r. Masla,sk).J 8a#a 8i,ea sai" from the other en".
JDf it isnKt the lea"er of the terrorists+ -r. 8i,ea himself. Chat are *e "iscussin$ to"a)HJ
J'umpin$ to the point are *eH D !et itKs hot on that apartment comple3 roof ri$htH 'ust
"onKt !e "oin$ an)thin$ stupi"+ !ecause D assure )ou+ D *ill ha,e all of )ou kille" ri$ht there+
ri$ht no*.J 8i,ea threatene" *ith *hat appears to !e a $ro*l.
Masla,sk) ner,ousl) looke" aroun" to see if there *ere an) helicopters or "rone planes.
JCheckin$ for "rones an" helicopters are )ouH &onKt !other+ D am not $oin$ to sen" an) to
kill )ou+ instea"+ D ha,e a fe* of m) !est shooters *ith sniper rifles aime" ri$ht at )ou.J
Masla,sk) 7uickl) $lance aroun" the tops of the !uil"in$s+ tr)in$ to pick out an) snipers.
JAh+ !) the *a)+ if )ou are lookin$ for the snipers+ "onKt !other. D *ill tell )ou that the)
are on top of the %uerta 'uanita 1otel.J
9 s*eat) Masla,sk) picke" up his !inoculars. /alancin$ the phone+ he peeke" up at the
top of the hotel !uil"in$. Dt *as a $oo" t*ent) stories hi$her than their apartment comple3. 1e
mana$e" to catch the $lint of the sniper scopes as the sun shine" across the top of the !uil"in$.
2here *as a lon$ $ap of o,er ei$ht hun"re" meters !et*een the snipers an" his men. Df the shot
*as to !e accurate an" successful+ the rifle ha" to ha,e lar$e cali!er.
JDf )ou are intereste" as to *hat *eapons the) are usin$+ m) assassins up there are usin$
9merican Che)2ac Dnter,ention sniper rifles. Ver) accurate an" ,er) "ea"l). D *as $oin$ to
sneak a fe* /arrett =i$ht 6ift) Cali!ers rifles+ !ut the) *ere too !ulk) to !e mo,e" aroun".J
8i,ea sai" to him.
Masla,sk) "i" not speak.
JChat is $oin$ on -r. Masla,sk)H Gou stoppe" speakin$.J
JD am #ust takin$ it all in+ that is all. Ch) all thisH D thou$ht *e *ere #ust ha,in$ a little
chat across a cell phone.J
8i,ea s*ore+ J&onKt lo*er m) status5 no*+ listen carefull). &o )ou ha,e location as to
*here the %.<.9. are in >ioHJ
JGes+ the) are insi"e the %uerta 'uanita 1otel.J
J(oo"+ no* D *ant )ou to keep an e)e on them.J 8i,ea sai" to him
JD *ant )ou to make sure the e3chan$e tomorro* $oes *ell. -ake sure the %.<.9. "oes
not interfere *ith it. D kno* the 6letcher *ants them ali,e till after the e3chan$e+ an" D *ill keep
that promise to him. /ut if it fails+ m) assassins *ill hunt )ou "o*n an" "estro) )ou. D "onKt care
*hat )our e3cuse is.J
Masla,sk) !linke" as he trie" to take in all the information.
JChatKs it in for meH D mean+ DKm "oin$ all this shit.J
JDf e,er)thin$ $oes accor"in$ to plan. Gou $et ei$ht million.J
J2here are ei$ht of us+ one million isnKt enou$h for me m) frien".J Masla,sk) sai".
J&onKt call me as )our frien"+ an" D meant ei$ht million each.J 8i,ea replie".
Masla,sk) close" his e)es. 2he 6letcher *as $i,in$ them a 7uarter of that price.
J9n" *hat if D failHJ
J=etKs #ust sa) that D "onKt care )ou ha,e to "o in or"er to succee" in this mission.J
J9n)thin$HJ
JD think )ou *oul" un"erstan".J 8i,ea sai". J9n" D *ant those %.<.9. mem!ers "ea"+ as
in D *ant )ou to !lo* up the entire hotel if necessar) in or"er to succee" in $ettin$ ri" of them.J
66
8i,ea curse" as there came the soun" of !reakin$ $lass at the other en" of the line. Masla,sk)
assume" it *as the terrorist lea"er flin$in$ "o*n his $lass of alcohol.
Cipin$ the perspiration from his forehea"+ Masla,sk) *atche" the tourists enter an" lea,e
the hotel !elo*. 1e kille" *hen necessar) !ut "oes not like to e3tirpate ci,ilians. 2he sun !e$an
to !urn into him. J6ine+ #ust tell )our snipers to la) off an" "isen$a$e.J
'ust then+ a !ullet ricochete" off of the concrete a fe* feet a*a) from him. Masla,sk) an"
his men all flinche". J2he snipers sta)+ ar$ue *ith me a little lon$er an" that !ullet *oul" !e
aime" at )our face instea" of the concrete. 8o* shut up an" "o )our #o!.J 8i,ea hun$ up.
2hirteen
Cashin$ton &.C.
Eraft an" &imitri arri,e" at 2he %en"ulum aroun" se,en in the e,enin$. 2he presi"ent
phone" her to tell her that he !ooke" the ta!le for se,en.fifteen. Dn the *anin$ hours+ the streets
*ere !e$innin$ to !urst into ni$htlife. Goun$ chil"ren *ith their parents an" ol"er couples alon$
*ith the usual teena$ers *ere out for foo"+ shoppin$+ or out #ust to *an"er a!out after a lon$ "a).
2he t*o %.<.9. mem!ers !len"e" into the cro*" like an) other couple a!out. 8o!o") *oul"
kno* of their i"entities unless the) sa* the special !a"$e or the hi""en silence" /erretta -P
pistols sli" in holsters un"er their coats. 9ll aroun" them+ the air *as !ustlin$ *ith the soun" of
traffic+ chil"ren+ an" the shouts of ,en"ors. 9roun" the corner of the !us) street+ people *ere
linin$ up !ehin" a hot "o$ stan". <till+ others *ere enterin$ an" e3itin$ ,arious classes of
restaurants an" shops. 9cross the street from the hot "o$ stan" *as 2he %en"ulum. Dt *as a lar$e
restaurant that *as part of the lar$e pla0a. Dnsi"e the pla0a itself *as a hu$e mall *ith ,arious
shops. 2he %en"ulum situate" near the entrance of the pla0a mall *as a Buropean st)le
restaurant+ not too e3pensi,e or fanc)+ !ut still ,er) honora!le *hen it came to makin$ the ri$ht
cuisine. An the outer !ooths+ lar$e *in"o*s o,erlooke" the !us) street.
Ance Eraft *as insi"e+ she coul" alrea") smell the curr) an" spices from the ,arious
ta!les. 2he *aitress took their coats an" the t*o *ere seate" in a !ooth near the !ack of the
restaurant. Eraft sat "o*n an" looke" o,er the menu.
&imitri *a,e" o,er a *aitress. JCe *oul" like to ha,e Bn$lish champa$ne+ chille" in an
ice !ucket.J
JAn )our *a) sir+ D *ill !e !ack to take )our foo" or"ers.J 2he *aitress sai". <he *as a
)oun$ $irl of aroun" se,enteen or ei$hteen an" ha" !eautiful "ark !lon"e hair.
Eraft looke" o,er at &imitri+ he *as a mo"eratel) tall person like herself. &ark hair+
!ro*n e)e"+ an" a smile that can charm an) $irl.
&imitri use" to !) a sp) *orkin$ for the presi"ent+ his $reat $ran"father "ie" "urin$ the
stru$$le in the sie$e of <talin$ra" "urin$ *orl" *ar t*o. 2hen his $ran"parents !ecame ill *ith
cancer. 9fter*ar"s+ his parents mo,e" to the Fnite" <tates an" $a,e !irth to &imitri. 9t a )oun$
a$e+ he sho*e" e3ceptional si$ns at sports an" chemical science+ so he *as enrolle" at a pri,ate
institution for his hi$h school career. =i,in$ in a >ussian home also meant he picke" up the
lan$ua$e ,er) 7uickl). 9fter*ar"s+ in hi$h school+ &imitri #oine" a camp "esi$nate" for the
C.D.9. 1is skills at the camp *ere sho*n throu$h *hen he *as calle" upon on "a) !) the
%resi"ent to #oin the %resi"entKs <ecret 9rm). 2his *as like most of the a$ents in the %.<.9. Eraft
herself *hen throu$h the same process. 9fter ser,in$ the presi"ent on multiple occasions+
67
usuall) helpin$ the <ecret <er,ice+ &imitri *as then sent o,er to >ussia to ser,e as a sp) for the
presi"ent. 2hat *as *hen the t*o of them met. Eraft *as on a mission to $uar" the presi"ent
"urin$ a speech in -osco*+ it *as the summer !et*een her senior )ear of hi$h school an" the
freshman )ear of colle$e. 9 shot ran$ out "urin$ the speech an" &imitri an" Eraft !oth ran from
opposite "irections to pull "o*n the presi"ent. 2he) crashe" into each other as the) "i" so+ an"
thin$s *ent on from there. Af course+ the ?shot@ *as onl) a firecracker in the !ack$roun".
9fter colle$e+ the) continue" their career as the %.<.9. *atchin$ each otherKs !acks an"
often stri,in$ to !e on the same team. 2heir competition continue" as the !oth hit the rank of
lieutenant at the )oun$ a$e of t*ent) t*o.
<he snappe" out of the memories *hen the *aitress *ith the "ark !lon"e hair returne"
*ith their champa$ne insi"e a !ucket of ice. J-a) D take )our or"er no*HJ
Eraft smile". JDKll ha,e the Co" <oup <pecial for m) appeti0er.J
2he *aiter smile" !ack an" turne" to &imitri. J9n" )ou sirHJ
JD *ill ha,e e3actl) *hat m) frien" is ha,in$ he sai".J &espite him !ein$ !orn in the
Fnite" <tates+ &imitri coul" not help !ut sho* a !it of a >ussian accent.
JAn )our *a).J the *aitress tol" them. J<houl" !e here in ten minutes or less.J she sai"
!efore scri!!lin$ "o*n the or"ers on a piece of paper an" *alkin$ a*a).
JD ne,er kne* )ou like" co" soup.J Eraft sai" to &imitri.
JD ne,er kne* that )ou 7uestione" m) likin$s.J he replie".
J(reat+ a "inner *here *e are ha,in$ an ar$ument o,er *hat foo" *e are suppose" to
like. 2hatKs a $reat start.J Eraft #okin$l) sai" as she leane" !ack into her chair.
?=et4s make it a "ate.@ 1e *asn4t #okin$
Eraft sco*le".
&imitri checke" his *atch. JChate,er the case+ D *as $oin$ to tell )ou somethin$
interestin$ D hear"+ !ut D $uess that "oesnKt ha,e to happen.J
Eraft shook her hea". JCeKre suppose" to !e on a N"ate4 correctH B,en if it is one the
presi"ent set up for us.J
JCorrect.J
JCh) "onKt *e for$et *hat $oes on at *ork an" #ust en#o) it like *eKre suppose" toHJ
&imitri ru!!e" his chin. JD $uess it can *ait.J 1e kne* he *as "efeate".
2he t*o !e$an talkin$ a!out their families an" their *herea!outs. Eraft hate" to a"mit it+
!ut !ein$ close to someone *ho un"erstan"s the situations she has to $o throu$h ma"e her feel
much more rela3e" an" calm. 1er J!o)frien"J *as a sp)+ an assassin+ as *ell as a tar$et on the
>ussian /lack Aperations list+ !ut she ne,er *orr) a!out her safet) *hen there *as someone
close *ho kno*s ho* to operate a #et an" "isa!le a !om! in the "ark.
2here *as a moment of silence !et*een the t*o after she hit a soft spot of &imitri "urin$
the con,ersation+ his father.
Eraft looke" into his $loss) !ro*n e)es. J2ell me a!out )our father a$ain.J
&imitri pause". J-) father *as a $reat man+ he al*a)s ma"e me stri,e for the !est+ he
supporte" me *ith all the stu"ies+ $ot me into likin$ chemistr)+ science+ an" al*a)s ma"e me
sta) at the top of the class.J 1e sai"+ &imitri pause" for one secon". J2hen that unfortunate e,ent
happene". Dt *as m) sophomore )ear in hi$h school+ D *as #ust a corporal in the %.<.9. !ack
then. 9 !reak in occurre" at m) house on a trip. 2he man shot m) father. -) "a" ne,er ha" a
68
chance. =uckil) m) mother *as shoppin$ an" a,oi"e" $ettin$ kille". 2he police *ere aroun" the
place for "a)s.J &imitri $luml) sai".
Eraft reache" o,er an" hel" his han". J<orr).@ Chat else coul" she sa)H Eraft too5
ho*e,er+ lost her father at a )oun$ a$e+ !ut from *hat *as "ia$nose" as a parasite !orne
infection.
J-) father tol" me that kno*le"$e is po*er. 1e ma"e me sta) at the top of m) class. D
mana$e" to sta) at secon" place for m) entire hi$h school career.J
Eraft mana$e" a smile. J=et me $uess+ (reene *as num!er oneHJ
&imitri chuckle"+ JCorrect a$ain+ that 'osh (reene+ his !rain is like a freakinK ma$num
chip+ information $oes in+ an" it sta)s in.J
J/ut a ma$num chipKs memor) can !e erase"+ it can also !e altere".J Eraft pointe" out.
J8ot that it has an)thin$ to "o *ith our frien".J
J<peakin$ of *hich+ *here is 'oshH =ast D hear" of him *as a fe* months a$o an" he *as
makin$ some ne* sentr) $un or somethin$.J
J1eKs in -o0am!i7ue !uil"in$ ne* *eapons in his la! at &#im!i airport. 9n" he !uilt a
ne* sentr) $un an" a !unch of ran"om #unk that the presi"ent tol" me a!out. Canna!e O. can4t
e,en seem to pro"uce an)thin$ usa!le it seems.@
JCasnKt /runner+ 1oll)+ /arcla) an" Ea!ins as *ell as AK &oole) o,er there as *ellHJ
J2he) *ere there for the o,erseein$.J Eraft tol" him.
&imitri remem!ere" the "isaster. JD hope the) are oka).J
J2he) are fine+ althou$h a $oo" amount of other <pec Aps an" 9rm) $u)s *eren4t so
luck).J Eraft tol" him. J/runner+ 1oll)+ an" /arcla) are actuall) in >io at the moment.J
JD *as informe" a!out that+ *hat o!#ecti,e *ere the) tr)in$ to complete a$ainHJ
JChernko,Ks e3chan$in$ *eapons+ "ru$s an" mone) for manual la!or from the $an$s in
fi3in$ an" !uil"in$ the "rone planes.J
J2he ones in *hich the "esi$n *as oursHJ
JCorrect.J
&imitri stretche" his arms+ J2hen D am $uessin$ that the) are tr)in$ to stop it.J
JCorrect a$ain.J Eraft sai". J2he e3chan$e happens tomorro*+ the) are $oin$ to capture
Chernko, an" ship him here to the states.J
J1eKs $oin$ to !e unluck). >)an /runner is $oin$ to set him a!la0e.J
Eraft smile". JD !et he *ill li$ht his hair on fire. 9s lon$ as his Nfrien"4 is oka) *ith that
fact.J
JChoa+ since *henHJ &imitri no""e" in appreciation.
JDK" sa) since a!out t*o "a)s a$o.J Eraft sai".
JChoHJ 8o* he *as intereste".
JEaitl)n.J
JGou4re ki""in$L D !et it *ill take /runner a$es to sa) an)thin$. 9h+ >)an4s a ")namic
man. /ut !ack to !usiness+ are the three $oin$ to seriousl) take out all the $uar"s of Chernko,
an" the $an$s at the same timeHJ
J8ot completel)+ 9n"reaKs there.J
J9n"reaH 9n"rea 6er$usonHJ
JCorrect once a$ainLJ Eraft sai" *ith a smile. <he *inke".
JCo*+ D ha,enKt seen her for monthsL 1o* is sheHJ
69
J<heKs ali,e an" li,in$+ if that is *hat )ou4re askin$ for.J Eraft #okin$l) sai" a$ain.
JD !et. <he *as so $or$eous+ e,er) $u) *ante" to "ate her !ack in trainin$. >eall)+ same
$oes for Eaitl)n 1oll).J
Eraft smirke"+ J/ut no* )ouKre stuck *ith me huhHJ
JCell+ )ou are attracte" to me no*+ so *h) !other ar$ueHJ &imitri sai". 2ruth is+ Eraft
*as 7uite stunnin$+ !ut she kept her !arrier stron$ an" armor thick. 8o men coul" penetrate her
outer !locka"e to e,en successfull) talk to her a!out the possi!ilities...&imitri kne* this+ !ut he
!roke throu$h after he mana$e" to relate his past to hers.
2he t*o of them $a,e out a lou" lau$h.
J&i" 9n"rea mention an)thin$ a!out her ol" crush for /arcla)H 2hat *as hilarious !ack
in the $runt "a)s. Dt use" to !e funn) !ut D $uess it isn4t that funn) no*.J 1e *asn4t 7uite sure of
*hat he *as trul) tr)in$ to sa).
J8ot much *as sai"+ hopefull) thin$s *ill *ork out.J Eraft sai".
2he *aitress !e$an *alkin$ to*ar"s their ta!le *ith their tra) of foo".
J=ooks like cho*Ks here+ *eKll continue our con,ersation some other time.J
2he *aitress returne" *ith their meals+ she set them "o*n on their ta!le. <u""enl)+ the
front *in"o*s shattere" as a sin$le !ullet shot throu$h. Dt fle* throu$h the air ri$ht in the
"irection of Eraft. Df it *as not for the *aitress stan"in$ in the *a)+ the !ullet *oul" ha,e struck
Eraft strai$ht in the hea". Dn a split secon" the *aitress "roppe" to the $roun"+ the !ullet *oun"
spat !loo" an" soake" her $re) uniform. <he *as "ea" !efore an)one e,en mana$e" to scream.
6ourteen
>io "e 'aneiro
2he team of four sat !ack in recliners an" "iscusse" the e,ents "esi$nate" to happen the
follo*in$ "a). /runner *as *ith 1oll) to snipe off the $uar"s an" =ameurtia $an$ mem!ers
aroun" the perimeter of the alle). 2hen the) hope" to kill of the mercenaries protectin$
Chernko,. Df e,er)thin$ $oes ri$ht+ Chernko, *ill run in the opposite "irection an" out the !ack
of the alle)+ strai$ht into the *aitin$ arms of /arcla)+ 6er$uson+ an" the >io %olice an" 9rm).
Ance that *as accomplishe"+ Chernko, *ill !e escorte" !) the police an" 9rm) to the airport+
*here Masla,sk) an" his men *ere suppose" to "ra$ him !ack to the states. 9s for the %.<.9.+ it
*as the first part of their o!#ecti,e. 2he secon"ar) su!.o!#ecti,e *as to fin" the hea"7uarters of
the =ameurtia $an$ an" retrie,e stolen $oo"s+ *eapons+ an" "ru$s. 2he) *ere to !e here in >io
for another fe* "a)s.
JD think thatKs a!out all *e ha,e for the time !ein$. &i" an)one contact Masla,sk)H Ar the
%resi"ent for that matterHJ /runner aske".
J2hereKs !een a pro!lem tr)in$ to reach a sp) satellite to maintain a secure line. <eems
like either some!o")Ks usin$ the closest one at the moment or the satellite is in maintenence.J
/arcla) tol" the three others as he "esperatel) trie" to $et a si$nal from his cell phone !)
*alkin$ up an" "o*n the room.
1oll) shook her hea". J%ro!a!l) *e shoul" *ait. Ah+ *hat e3actl) are *e suppose" to "o
a!out Cristiano 9l"olfo+ the =ameurtia $an$ lea"erH Df *e snipe him off+ the $an$ pro!a!l) *ill
not !other cooperatin$ *ith us in $i,in$ out information.J
70
/runner !linke" an" thou$ht throu$h for a secon". JDK" tell )ou *hat+ *e coul"
potentiall) capture 9l"olfo alon$ *ith Chernko,. 2hen in e3chan$e for the return of 9l"olfo+ *e
*ill ask the $an$ for an e3chan$e of our o*n.J
J9re )ou thinkin$ *hat D am thinkin$HJ 6er$uson sai".
JD "onKt rea" peopleKs min"s+ !ut if )ou are thinkin$ a!out us tra"in$ 9l"olfo !ack in
e3chan$e for the $an$ to $i,e up all information re$ar"in$ the e3chan$e. 2hat *a) *e coul"
ha,e an e3tra source to rel) on if Chernko, "eci"es not to talk.J
1oll) )a*ne". JChat a!out the "ru$sHJ
J2he "ru$s *ill ha,e to *ait+ D *ill notif) the %resi"ent a!out the situation+ hopefull) he
*ill sen" a <pecial Aperations unit "o*n here to retrie,e the "ru$s. Ce "onKt ha,e time to
!ar$ain for the information an" for the "ru$s at the same time.J /runner e3plaine". J9n)more
7uestionsHJ
2he room *as silent for a fe* secon"s. J1ereKs a 7uestion for )ou+J /arcla) "roppe"
"o*n from the top of the !e". JChatK our secon"ar) plan+ as in+ *hatKs our plan /HJ
J(oo" 7uestion+ if thin$s $et hair)+ *e coul" "ra$ Chernko, an" 9l"olfo into one of our
/-Cs an" "ri,e off in "ifferent "irections. 2he) *onKt kno* *hich to follo*.J
J<o tell me >)an+ *hat happens *hen the) fin" enou$h helicopters or cars to follo* all of
themH 9n" *here are *e suppose" to $oH Ce canKt all hea" strai$ht for the airport+ or else the
plan *oul" #ust !e stupi".J /arcla) sai" *ith an e3hauste" ,oice.
JDf all that )ou sai" happene"+ *e coul" call plan C.J
JChich isHJ
JAne of us nee"s to cause a "i,ersion *hile the rest of us !reak for the airport.J
/arcla) no""e". J9 "i,ersion+ *hat a!out the people *ho !reak for the airportH Ce are
$oin$ to $et follo*e" an)*a)s.J
1oll) cut in+ J1eKs $ot a point+ the /-Cs are a little !it $au") amon$st the re$ular
traffic.J
/runner si$he". JCe coul" $et our han"s on ci,ilian cars+ then "ri,e at the spee" limit
an" take our time.J
J/ut that kills our precious time+ *e *ere to $et them to the airport as soon as possi!le.J
6er$uson !rou$ht up.
JChat a!out a helicopterH Ce coul" $et a chopper in+ that *a) *e coul" a,oi" the !us)
traffic an" hea" strai$ht for *here *e nee" to !e.J 1oll) su$$este".
JD $uess if *e reach that point in time+ itKs our !est !et. D *ill notif) Masla,sk) as soon as
the line clears up.J
/arcla) sippe" at his champa$ne. JChat happens after*ar"sH &o *e come !ack to the
hotelHJ
JCe shoul" !e safe hear+ onl) the %resi"ent an" a fe* others kno* of our presence here.
9s lon$ as *e a,oi" !lo*in$ our co,er+ the fe* of us shoul" !e safe at this location.J
6er$uson $ot up from her chair. JD ha,e somethin$ to sho* )ou $u)s.J <he sai" as she
*alke" o,er to the lar$e closet. 9fter openin$ it an" rumma$in$ throu$h the contents+ she
!rou$ht out a lar$e case. 6er$uson flippe" the safet) hatches an" opene" the case.
J2hatKs a nice lookin$ sniper rifle.J /runner commente".
71
JGes+ it is.J 6er$uson sai" *ith a smile. J/ut the important part is not the rifle+ !ut this.J
<he pulle" out the rifle to re,eal a small hatch in the case. Apenin$ it+ she pulle" out a ru!) the
si0e of a pi$eon e$$.
J-) (o"+ *here "i" )ou $et thatHJ 1oll) aske".
JD s*ipe" it from the !a" $u)s a fe* "a)s a$o. Dt *as insi"e a facilit) o*ne" !) 9l"olfo
an" his men. D *as to rescue some capture" ci,ilians insi"e the facilit) that *ere $oin$ to !e sol"
as sla,es. Dt *as on a ta!le in the outer re$ion of the facilit)+ so D took it.J
JGou #ust took *hat isnKt )oursHJ /runner aske".
J9ctuall)+ itKs not the ru!) that matters+ itKs *hatKs on it.J <he sho*e" them the $em. JAn
it are multiple sets of num!ers an" letters+ all co"e". D4m surprise" the securit) to protect it *as
that a*ful.J
1oll) hel" the #e*el an" thum!e" throu$h the en$ra,in$s. JChat "o the) all meanHJ
J8ot sure+ !ut D can assure )ou that there is of some importance to them+ the) are still
searchin$ for it ri$ht at the moment.J
/runner scratche" at his le$+ *hich *as itchin$ from !ein$ $ra0e" onl) a "a) a$o. J<o
are )ou sa)in$ *e coul" put this $em at stake if an)thin$ $oes *ron$HJ
JDt *oul" !e *orth a shot.J 6er$uson sai". <he then took the ru!) an" put in !ack in itKs
hatch+ sli" the rifle !ack on top of it+ then close" the case. 6er$uson finall) took the entire case
an" pushe" it to the ,er) !ack of the closet.
JCoul"nKt the housekeepin$ people look in thereHJ 1oll) 7uestione".
JB,en if the) "i" the) *oul"nKt !e a!le to open it. 2he airlock is onl) accessi!le !) me. Df
the) are to open it the) nee" a cutter ma"e from "iamon". 9s *ell as this+ the case is stain proof+
*ater proof+ scratch proof+ an" !ullet proof.J
/arcla) aske"+ J9ma0in$+ shoul" !e keep it here or take it *ith usHJ
JDK" sa) *e shoul" keep it here+ itKs reall) hea,) an" no!o") *ants to "ra$ this aroun".J
JAka)+ DKm *ith 9n"rea then+ D+ Chase /arcla)+ hate lu$$in$ *eapons aroun".J
JChate,er )ou sa)LJ 2he other three shoute" simultaneousl).
I
Chile /runner+ 1oll)+ /arcla) an" 6er$uson continue" to "rink their champa$ne in >io+
Eraft an" &imitri #umpe" !ehin" a lar$e stone counter as !ullets continue to rip apart 2he
%en"ulum. %eople screame" an" ran for co,er as the front *in"o*s *ere shattere" !) $unfire.
Ane *in"o* *as hit "ea" in the center. Eraft *atche" as it spi"er*e!!e" an" e3plo"e" off itKs
frame after another !urst from *hat she assume" *as a machine.pistol. 9 )oun$ !o) *as
crouche" in the corner+ his e)es *ere shut ti$ht as he hu$$e" his mother. 2he three men *ho
kicke" open the "oor an" *alke" into the restaurant. 9ll three of their faces *ere maske" !)
*hat looke" like !lack !an"anas. 2he) also *ore sun$lasses. Ane of them *ho *as me"ium
!uilt carrie" an -16 st)le 9merican assault rifle. 9nother man+ *ho *as shorter an" stockier
then the other t*o+ carrie" a lar$e -1014 shot$un in his han". 1e aime" the $un at the ceilin$+
fire" a *arnin$ shot+ an" tol" e,er)one to sta) put. 2he thir" *as a taller man *ith matte" !ro*n
hair an" "ark.$reen e)es. 1e also *ore sun$lasses an" *as carr)in$ a machine.pistol of some
sort. 1e also ha" a sniper rifle strappe" to his !ack.
J9ll ri$ht+ e,er)!o") sta) put. Df an)one "ares to run or $et up+ *e *ill shoot.J the taller
man shoute" throu$h his maske" face.
72
2he shorter man *alke" o,er to the "ea" *aitressKs !o"). 1e pushe" the "ea" $irlKs face
up*ar"s *ith his !oot. J&onKt follo* e3actl) as *e sa) an" )ouKll en" up like this !itch.J 2he
shorter manKs ,oice ha" a sli$ht 'erse) accent.
Eraft looke" at &imitri+ the) !oth no""e" an" sli" out their conceale" pistols. /oth
starre" at each other+ sli$htl) mouthin$ *or"s. &imitri an" Eraft no""e" !oth spran$ out of
hi""in$. 2he t*o sli" across the room from the counter in opposite "irections+ their pistols
!la0in$. Cau$ht !) surprise+ the three men "i" not ha,e time to raise their *eapons an" fire
accuratel). 9 !ullet from EraftKs han"$un struck the shoul"er of the short man. 1e crie" out in
pain as he fire" a shot from his shot$un !efore "roppin$ it. Fn"er paine" !reaths+ he $ra!!e" the
*oun". 2he !ullet hit the flesh) part of his shoul"er ri$ht a!o,e the scapula+ causin$ a clean
shot. Dt simpl) tore throu$h his flesh an" came out the other si"e.
9s the short man trie" to !an"a$e his *oun" usin$ napkins from a near!) ta!le+ Eraft
e)e" &imitri across the room. 2he) *ere onl) a!out fifteen feet a*a) from each other. &imitri
*as hi""in$ !ehin" the corri"or lea"in$ to the restrooms an" Eraft *as hi""in$ !ehin" the !ar.
<he checke" her clip+ onl) three shots left. 9cross the room+ &mitiri *a,e" to $et her attention.
1e hel" up four fin$ers+ tellin$ her that he ha" four !ullets left. Fnsure of *hat to "o+ Eraft
reache" for her cell phone+ she $rope" at her pocket for almost ten secon"s !efore reali0in$ that
she ha" left the cellphone on the ta!le the) *ere at. Cursin$ un"er her !reath+ she *as a!out to
$et &imitri to call for help *hen the men !e$an talkin$ a$ain.
Dt *as the me"ium !uilt man *ho talke" first. J/oss+ *hat are *e suppose" toHJ
2he taller man looke" at him an" then aroun" the restaurant. /) no* e,er)thin$ ha" !een
rippe" apart !) $unfire. <har"s of *in"o* trinkle" an" fell as the street !ehin" them *ere
emptie" of life. %eople hear" the $unfire an" ran.
<ome!o") must has to ha,e calle" for the police !) no*L Eraft thou$ht to herself.
<u""enl) the tall manKs attention *as cau$ht on the !o) an" his mother. 1e *alke" o,er
to them an" rippe" the chil" from her motherKs $rasp.
J8ot m) sonLJ <he shoute" throu$h tears. <he reache" to $et to her son. 2he tall man
slamme" her !ack *ith his $un stock. 2he *omen fell an" crashe" on the $roun". 1er forehea"
*as !lee"in$.
J<hut upLJ the taller man then shoute". 1e "ra$$e" the !o) to the center of the room+ !)
no* the !o) *as alrea") *ellin$ up *ith tears. 1e *as onl) a!out si3 or se,en from *hat Eraft
coul" make out. 2he man spoke a$ain. JD appreciate )our hurtin$ of m) partner.J 1e sai" as he
$lance" o,er at the short man+ *ho ha" a lar$e *a" on napkins un"er his shirt near his shoul"er.
J/ut D "onKt think )ou %.<.9. like to *atch innocent people "ie.J 1e #amme" the mu00le of the
$un to the !o)Ks temple. JD *ant )ou to thro* a*a) all )our *eapons an" come out *ith )our
han"s up. Df )ou "onKt o!e)+ itKs !)e !)e for little #unior here.J 2he man #amme" the $un painfull)
a$ainst the !o)Ks neck. JD *ill $i,e )ou ten secon"s.J
Dronicall)+ it *as not Eraft or &mitiri *ho came out from hi"in$ first. 9 hea,il) !uilt man
*ho seeme" to ha,e a 1a*aiian !loo"line steppe" up from the !ack of the room an" strolle"
for*ar".
JChat the hell "o )ou *ant+ no* sit )our ass "o*n !efore D pump it *ith lea"LJ 2he tall
man shoute".
73
2he hea,il) !uilt man kept his $rim e3pression. 1e looke" to !e a!out the same a$e as
Eraft an" &mitiri+ !ut his stark e)es an" fi$ure seems to make him ol"er an" more e3perience".
2urns out+ he *as e3perience". JGou canKt #ust shoot chil"ren.J 1e calml) sai" to them.
2he tall man pulle" off his sun$lasses+ he $a,e out a lau$h as he tosse" the !o) o,er to
his me"ium si0e" assistant. JCatch meLJ
2he follo*in$ e,ents happene" too fast for Eraft to remem!er e,er) aspect. 6rom across
the room+ the short man rushe" up an" the me"ium si0e" man tosse" the !o) to the short man.
/ut as the three "ark suite" men raise" their rifles. Eraft an" &imitri foun" out that the) *ere not
the onl) ones in the restaurant *ith conceale" *eapons. 2he m)ster) man from the !ack "re*
out a lar$e shin) pistol an" fire a sin$le shot. Dt struck the short man in the si"e of the a!"omen.
/efore all en"e"+ the tall man ran strai$ht for the front of the restaurant an" crashe" throu$h one
of the remainin$ *in"o*s an" fle". 2he m)ster) shooter fire" another shot. Ouickl)+ the !ullet
smashe" into the ri$ht chest of the mi""le !uilt man. 2he man fell !ack*ar"s !ut cau$ht his step.
<oon he ran out the "oor as *ell. >i$ht as the me"ium !uilt man ran out the "oor+ the short man
"roppe" the !o) an" sprinte" out sprinte" out of the tattere" restaurant+ his han" clenchin$ the
ne* *oun" near his stomach.
9fter the inci"ent+ the restaurant !ecame 7uiet an" calm. 8o one "are" to speak an" no
one "are" to mo,e. 9s he sli" his pistol !ack un"er his #acket+ the m)ster) man spoke a$ain.
JDK,e calle" the police+ )ouKll all !e fine.J 2he customers !e$an emer$in$ from their hi"in$ spots.
JGou t*o nee" to $ain some $uts.J
Eraft snappe" at the mention of &mitiri an" herself. <he looke" at her frien" then the)
!oth looke" at the m)ster) shooter.
JGou t*o $oin$ to come out or hi"e there for the rest of )our li,esHJ 1e aske".
Eraft an" &imitri $ot up an" *alke" o,er to the man. 2he *omen $ot !ack up an"
hu$$e" her son. <he suffere" onl) a scratch on her hea".
<he looke" "eepl) into the e)es of Eraft an" &imitri. 2hen she looke" at the m)ster)
man. <lo*l)+ she uttere" the *or"s+ ?2hank )ou. 2hank )ou all.@ <he hu$$e" her son+ *ho *as
cr)in$ into her shoul"er.
2he m)ster) man turne" to the t*o a$ents an" hel" his han" out as muffle" police sirens
echoe" in the !ack$roun". J-a#or Carter %ett)+ &elta 6orce+J he sai" to the t*o.
Eraft shook his han".
6ifteen
>io "e 'aneiro
>)an /runner turne" on the tele,ision+ he leane" !ack a$ainst his !e" an" *atche" a
translate" ,ersion of an ol" *estern film. 9s he *atche" an outla* pepper the sheriff *ith his
machine$un+ 1oll) strolle" in from the sho*er. <he *as "resse" in her ro!e an" *as "r)in$ her
hair *ith a !ath to*el.
JChat are )ou *atchin$HJ
/runner shru$$e". J<omethin$ D foun"+ )ou ha,e an) !etter i"easHJ
J8othin$ in particular+ *e coul" or"er more champa$ne if )ouK" like.J
74
JD think D nee" a ni$ht of rest. 2omorro* mi$ht "rain our ener$) faster than a hole "rains
a pitcher.J
1oll) sat "o*n ne3t to him on his !e". 2he t*o sta)e" there silent for a fe* minutes as
the mo,ie continue" to pla) on the tele,ision.
JCe shoul" *atch somethin$ other than killin$ an" ,iolence+ D think *e personall) ha,e
e3perience" too much alrea").J 1oll) finall) su$$este".
JD $uess.J /runner s*itche" the channel to a $ame sho*.
JGou kno*+ *e ne,er reall) ha" time to talk a!out each other.J /runner !rou$ht up.
JChat "o )ou meanHJ
/runner trie" to put it in a *a) that *as eas) to un"erstan". JCeK,e kno*n each other for
onl) a little o,er t*o "a)s true+ !ut D "onKt e,en kno* *ho )our parents are+ *hat foo" )ou like+
or *hat )ou en#o) "oin$. D seem to !e "eplete" of kno*le"$e a!out )ouLJ
J2hatKs *hat )ou *ant to talk a!outH D $uess *e can.J 1oll) sai".
>)an /runner put his han" aroun" 1oll)Ks shoul"er+ JCh) "onKt )ou start firstH 2ell me
a!out )our parents.J
1oll) turne" a*a) an" looke" "o*n for a secon".
JChatKs *ron$HJ
J8othin$+ itKs #ust that D normall) "onKt #ust tell people a!out m) parents.J
<ensin$ a risk) su!#ect+ /runner "eci"e" not to persist. JDf )ou "onKt *ant to tell+ )ou
"onKt ha,e to. D *as #ust curious.J
J8o+ itKs fine.J 1oll) si$he". <he fell har" onto her pillo* an" !e$an recountin$ the stor).
J<e,en )ears a$o+ D *as selecte" to !ecome a trainin$ mem!er for the CD9. 9fter some trainin$+
the %resi"ent $a,e me the permission to #oin the team. 2*o months of har" *ork *ithin the pit
an" the classroom an" the %resi"ent calle" me into his office. 6earin$ for the *orst+ D *as sure D
ha" faile" somethin$ o!,ious.@ <he pause"+ !linke"+ an" continue"+ ?2hat *as the "a) D foun"
out a!out the %<9. 1e sai" he *as $oin$ to put me throu$h ,i$orous trainin$ to $et me into %<9
shape. 2he minute D came out of the meetin$ an" arri,e" home+ D ha" an ick) am!ition. D ha"
notice" a !lack -erce"es./en0 follo*in$ me home. 9t first it *asnKt a !i$ "eal+ #ust !ecause D
ha" a fe* !o)s from school *ho *oul" !other me *hene,er the) ha" the chance. Chen D $ot
home+ the car mo,e" on an" so D for$ot the *hole or"eal. -) parents+ m) !rother an" D *ere
talkin$ an" #okin$ a!out the "a) as *ell as cele!ratin$ m) entrance to the %.<.9.+ or a shift
*orkin$ to $i,e tours aroun" the Chite 1ouse as the) thou$ht+ *hen someone knocke" on the
"oor. Dt *as prett) late+ pro!a!l) a!out nine oK clock or so. Carefull) m) "a" *ent to the "oor to
ans*er it. /efore he coul" e,en ask *ho it *as+ a !ullet rippe" throu$h the *oo" an" hit him
strai$ht in the stomach. 1e "ou!le" !ack shoutin$ for us to call the police. /efore D coul" run
an" $ra! the pistol from un"erneath the counter+ there *as a lou" crunch as the "oor fle* open.
<u""enl)+ there *as a metal o!#ect !ein$ tosse" in an" a lou" e3plosion of soun" an" li$ht that
!lin"e" me.J
J9 flash !an$HJ /runner cut in as he listene" *ith intent.
JGouKre correct+ it *as a flash !an$. Dt sent me to the corner+ D clutche" m) e)es an" m)
ears as four men in "ark suits came rushin$ in. Chen D re$aine" m) senses+ one ha" $ra!!e" me
!) m) *aist an" *as pullin$ me out. 1e stuck a lar$e piece of cloth stuck in m) mouth. 2hen he
pricke" me *ith the s)rin$e. <tars fle* an" D coul"n4t mo,e+ coul"n4t fi$ht+ coul"n4t scream. 9ll
D coul" "o *as *atch helplessl) as the men "ra$$e" me into the -erce"es. D hear" m) parents
75
an" m) !rotherKs screams an" )ells as D *as pushe" into the car. 2he tears *elle" up prett) fast
*hen one of the men close" the "oor to m) house. D hear" m) famil)Ks screams of fear+ pain+ an"
sufferin$ !efore there *ere three $unshots. 2hen there *as silence. D coul"n4t for$et ho* lon$ the
silence felt. Dt seeme" *ell o,er ten minutes !efore the "oor opene" an" the man insi"e *alke"
out. 1e shoute" a fe* *or"s in >ussian an" mo,e" to the front of the car. 9fter the four men
came in+ D starte" to cr)+ to !e honest+ D *asnKt e,en sure *hen it starte". /ut D starte" *eepin$
un"er the !in"s an" cuffs that secure" me to the seat. /) this time+ D *as a!le to $et some feel
!ack into m) !o"). D trie" to $ather stren$th an" test the !in"s. 2he) *ere too ti$ht. 2he car
"ro,e for a!out ten minutes !efore it stoppe" at an empt) parkin$ lot at an ol"er part of to*n.
2here *ere t*o men sittin$ !esi"e me+ !oth hol"in$ a pistol+ an" the "ark.haire" man sittin$ in
the front seat that kille" m) parents turne" aroun" an" $a,e me a smirk. 1e or"ere" the others to
pull the cloth out of m) mouth.J
JD....J /runner pause".
J8o+ the) "i"nKt "are tr) to assault me se3uall).@ <he si$he".
/runner felt a !it of relief.
?9s soon as one of the $uar"s sittin$ ne3t to me pulle" out the cloth+ D starte" cursin$ all of them
out. 2he "ark haire" man tol" me to shut m) mouth+ !ut instea" D leane" for*ar" an" spat on his
face+ all throu$h tears of sorro*. Dt felt $oo". 1e calml) un!uckle" his seat.!elt+ turne" aroun"+
an" took out a han"kerchief. <lo*l)+ the man *ipe" his face *ith it+ *a""e" it up in a !all+ an"
slappe" me across the face *ith his $rim) han"s. 1e then s*ore an" calle" me some "ero$ator)
names in Bn$lish. 9fter tellin$ the men to $et out of the car+ the man *ho kille" m) famil)
$ra!!e" me !) m) hair an" pulle" me across the parkin$ lot to a near!) !uil"in$+ the !uil"in$
*as their safe.house. D still felt entan$le"+ *eak+ hopeless. 2he "ru$s still ha,en4t su!si"e".
Dnsi"e the !uil"in$+ there *ere o,er a "o0en men pla)in$ car"s+ smokin$+ or cleanin$ $uns. 2he)
all turne" to look at me *hen D *as lea" to a !ackroom *here the man slamme" me "o*n on a
chair. 6inall)+ he tol" his $oons to lea,e the room. D *as ner,ous an" tears *ere still runnin$
"o*n m) cheek as he tape" his han"s. D "i"n4t kno* *hat *as to come !ut D "i" kno*. Dt *as
one of those o"" paro"ies that trainin$ ne,er seeme" to teach )ou. D felt the first !lo* to m)
a!"omen+ then to m) face+ m) chest then m) ri!s. D cou$he" !loo" an" it soake" m) *hite shirt.
D still remem!er the crimson color.@ 1oll) looke" a*a) a$ain. <he si$he"+ cou$he"+ $ra!!e" a
$lass of *ater near!) an" took a lon$ har" "rink from it. 2hen continue". JD *as cr)in$ in a$on)+
!e$$in$ for *hat he *ante". 1e finall) aske" me for *hat he *as lookin$ for. 2he man *ante"
me to tell him the location of the presi"entKs son. 1is son *as to ha,e a part) the ne3t "a). 9t the
time+ D ha" no clue *hat the) *ere "oin$. 9ll D *ante" *as to sur,i,e. 8o one *as traine" for
that.@ <he inhale"+ !ut sho*e" no tears.
? D "i"nKt kno* *here the presi"ent4s son *as $oin$ to !e. Af course that !astar" "i"nKt
!elie,e me an" took out a nail.@
6or the first time in a lon$ time+ /runner *ince".
?1e "ro,e the col" nail into m) thi$h. D felt it sear into me. -) screams echoe". /ut 1e
procee"e" to ask me *here the presi"ent4s son *as an" pushe" the nail e,er "eeper into m) le$.@
1oll) slo*l) ran her han" a$ainst her thi$h at *here /runner thou$h the *oun" *as.
76
?/ut D coul"nKt "o an)thin$ a!out it. <o D #ust took it+ D *as a!out to !reak after ten
minutes.J 1oll) pause" a$ain an" !reathe" in hea,il). <he close" her e)es an" $ra!!e" at her
pants. <he $rippe" one part of it ti$htl). J2hen he stoppe"+ $ra!!e" me !) m) hair an" pulle" it
!ack to re,eal m) face. D still remem!er those "ark e)es+ that smirk+ that $rimace. 6inall) he
stare" me in the e)e an" shoute" his name in m) face.@
JVictor Chernko,.J
1oll) no""e". Dt looke" as if she *as in a far a*a) place. J1o* "i" )ou kno*HJ <he
aske".
JD #ust $ot in to the %.<.9. aroun" that a$e an" time as *ell an" D hear" a!out an a$ent in
Cashin$ton &.C. *ho $ot "etaine" !) Chernko,. Chernko, ha" someho* slippe" into the states.
2hat *as all D $ot. 2he 6./.D. an" C.D.9. as *ell as the %.<.9. trie" to hunt him "o*n+ !ut *e
ne,er succee"e". D ne,er ha" the name of the a$ent or *hether she sur,i,e" or not.J /runner
pause" to !rush 1oll)Ks face *ith his $entle han". J/ut D $uess she "i".J
1oll) mana$e" to smile. JGes+ !ut Chernko, left the room soon after he shoute" his name
in m) face. 1e opene" the "oor an" another man+ a )oun$er one *ith a tattoo of a co!ra on his
neck came in. Chernko, aske" the man+ if he "ispose" of m) parentsK an" m) !rotherKs !o"ies.
2he man ans*ere" that he "i" in >ussian. Chernko, then turne" to look at me an" !ack at the
man. D *as pra)in$ it *as not *hat he *as $oin$ to "o !ut he "i" e3actl) *hat D "i"nKt *ant. 1e
tol" the man that he *as "one seein$ me for the ni$ht an" that the man has permission to "o
*hate,er to me as he pleases.J
/runner coul"n4t look at her. Dt *as the first time in a*hile *here he felt as if someone
$ot somethin$ that person "i"n4t "eser,e. ?<orr).@ Dt *as all he coul" mum!le.
J8o+ itKs fine. 2he man #ust *alke" for*ar". 1e *as "efinitel) lookin$ to $et me. >ape
*as not the last thin$ D ha" in m) min"+ it *as tol" to #ust en"ure an" not re,olt+ #ust hol" an"
pra)+ #ust sta) an" *ait for it to en". 1e ensure" m) han"s *ere properl) tie" to the chair an"
starte" to feel up m) le$. 1is fin$ers touche" the nail+ still em!e""e" *ithin m) flesh. D felt the
electric pain shoot up m) le$. /ut he ne,er $ot the opportunit)+ that !astar". 2he *all su""enl)
!le* open an" someone *ith a machine.pistol shot the man "o*n !efore he $ot the !etter of me.
Dt *as (arrison+ 'ohn (arrison. 1e came in an" *ith a $entle motion+ untie" me. (arrison then
tol" me to follo* him. /ehin" the "oor+ the enemies *ere all arouse" !) the e3plosion. Ce
#umpe" throu$h the hole (arrison ha" !reache" in the *all an" sprinte" to his car. 2he car #ust
mana$e" to spee" a*a) *hen the !a" $u)s came into the room. 2he) opene" fire" on the car !ut
it *as !ullet proof+ so *e sur,i,e". 2hat *as a!out it+ the %resi"ent arran$e" that D sta) in contact
*ith him an" that one of his ol" trust*orth) frien"s !e m) $uar"ian. D then atten"e" colle$e at
/oston Fni,ersit)+ -a#ore" in %s)cholo$)+ then stu"ie" for a )ear at Cest %oint as per the
presi"ent4s re7uest. 9fter*ar"s+ D *as #ust an) other %.<.9. a$ent "oin$ his or her #o!. =ast *eek
D *as sent to <outh 9frica *ith a fe* others to check on some *eapon traffickers *hen D *as
cau$ht. 2hat *as *here )ou met me.J 1oll) close" her stor)+ li$htl) smilin$+ !ut not 7uite+ *as it
sa"nessH >eliefH Ar *as it an$erH /runner ne,er coul" fi$ure out. JD ne,er sa* m) parents a$ain.
Chen the police an" the 6./.D. *ent to m) house after the inci"ent+ the) foun" no !o"ies+ #ust
!loo"stains that matche" m) parentsK an" m) !rotherKs.J
/runner inche" a little !it closer to 1oll). JDKm sorr) )ou *ent throu$h all that+ D ne,er
kne*.J <he stare" at her. 1er face *as sa""ene"+ $re)+ an" "iscolore". 1o*e,er+ no tears *ere
there.
77
J2hank )ou+ for sa,in$ me from that $uar" house in <outh 9frica.J 1oll) sli" "o*n an"
rela3e".
JGou are *elcome5 itKs+ #ust so *ron$ )ou ha" to e3perience the "eath of )our famil). 'ust
so *ron$I@
1oll) thanke" /runner a$ain+ then she *as 7uiet. 1e su""enl) ha" his han" aroun" her
shoul"er. Dt *as impulsi,e an" he kne* it. /ut !runner coul" not let $o. <he "i"n4t resist either.
/runner hel" her for almost another thirt) minutes. /) that time 1oll) *as fast asleep. >)an
/runner lai" her "o*n on the !e"+ turne" off the tele,ision+ an" *ent to !rush his teeth.
-ean*hile+ continuin$ to run 1oll)Ks stor) throu$h his min".
/arcla) fell asleep the moment he fell on the !e". 6er$uson tosse" a sheet o,er him an"
*ent o,er to the "esk. <he flippe" on the "esk lamp an" turne" off the li$hts. 2he team faile" to
maintain contact *ith Masla,sk) earlier. <he trie" to see if he *as a,aila!le at the time !ein$.
Apenin$ her laptop+ the !lack screen !linke" into life. 6er$uson t)pe" in the pass*or" to her
computer an" lo$$e" into her account. <he messa$e" Masla,sk) ,ia a pri,ate line an" *aite".
9fter ten minutes+ she t)pe" in the messa$e an" sent it a$ain. 6inall) Masla,sk) respon"e".
1is messa$e sai"+ JCe un"erstan" the situation+ !ackup is on stan"!) if necessar).J
6er$uson si$he" an" replie" that she $ot his messa$e. <he turne" off the lamp an" *ent
to !e".
-ean*hile on the other en" of the line+ Masla,sk) close" his computer an" picke" up a
knife. 1e *ipe" the knife carefull) !et*een a piece of cloth. 9fter *ipin$ the *eapon+ he
checke" it in the li$ht to ensure that it *as stain.free. 2he knife *as then put into a small sheath
an" inserte" into a "ra*er on his "esk. 2he other men *ere all in their separate rooms "oin$
*hate,er the) please"+ he *as $la" that the %uerta 'uanita 1otel still ha" rooms left for them. 9t
first+ the thou$ht of sta)in$ in the same !uil"in$ as )our suppose" enem) mi$ht ha,e !een an
untoucha!le i"ea+ Masla,sk) kne* that the closer he *as to his tar$ets+ the more opportunit) he
has in "ealin$ *ith them. A,er the )ears+ he has learne" that the first step in *ee"in$ out the
un*ante" is to comprehen" their actions. 2o "o so re7uires time+ patience+ an" ener$). /ut *ith
ei$ht million "ollars at stake as *ell as the e3chan$e happenin$ tomorro*+ Masla,sk) still ha"
an" eerie feelin$ insi"e of him. <o far from *hat he coul" pick out+ the %.<.9. still has no i"ea
that he has parte" them an" #oine" *ith the enem). 2o them+ he *as still the support the) nee"+ if
he mana$es to pull of this trick till the ,er) last minute+ he coul" succee" *ith his mone). Ance
the t*o people in Cashin$ton &.C. *ho *as in this or"eal *ere era"icate"+ there *as not too
man) *ho coul" stop him. Masla,sk) s*allo*e" ner,ousl) as he remem!ere" *hat 2he 6letcher
ha" tol" him+ to protect the %.<.9. an" ensure the e3chan$e "oes not succee". /ut 8i,eaKs plan
*as more temptin$ an" offere" a more "elicious re*ar"+ !ein$ a man of $ree"+ he coul" not pass
up the plan from 8i,ea.
1is pri,ate cellphone ran$+ Masla,sk) $ot up from his seat to ans*er it. An the other en"
of the line *as Chernko,.
J-r. 8i,ea has informe" me of )our position in this particular o!#ecti,e.J Chernko, sai".
78
JGeah+ so *hatH 2he) are #ust some a$ents out to capture )ou+ m) #o! *as to pre,ent that
from happenin$ correctH Ch) call me at this hourHJ
JCell someone asks a lot of 7uestions+ 'ust "o as )ouKre tol" an" )ou *ill $et a share of
our mone).J
JAh+ more mone) no* is itH D *as actuall) lookin$ for somethin$ else from )ou. 9s in D
*ant the ru!) *ith the co"es to acti,ate %ro#ect Culici"ae.J Masla,sk) shoute" impatientl).
Chernko, hesitate" on the other en" of the line. J9l"olfo #ust notifie" me )ester"a) that
*eK,e lost that ru!).J
Masla,sk) s*ipe" "o*n a !ook on his "esk in an$er. JChat the hell+ ho* the hell "o )ou
lose a "amn ru!)H Cas it reall) that har" to keep that $emHJ
JCell sir+ *e store" it in 9l"olfoKs compoun"+ )ou kno*+ the one *e use" to house our
sla,es !efore *e sell themH Fnfortunatel)+ a %.<.9. mem!er !reache" an" rescue" a lar$e
percenta$e of the sla,es. &urin$ the inci"ent+ 9l"olfoKs men *ere "isoriente" from the
commotion. 2hat !astar" mana$e" to slip into the room an" $ra! the >u!) !efore *e ha" a
chance to $et her.J
Masla,sk) ploppe" "o*n on the armchair an" si$he". J-r. Chernko,+ )ou seem to !e
ha,in$ man) issues in )our presence. 6irst the "rone plane inci"ent in -o0am!i7ue+ then ha,in$
to e3chan$e *eapons for manual la!or+ no* thisHJ
JDKm sorr) -arko+ !ut our fun"in$ "oesnKt appl) enou$h to ha,e the planes !e !uilt in
>ussia.J
J2hen $et this situation sol,e" !efore D lea,e >io.J
Chernko, s*ore un"er his !reath. J&o )ou ha,e an) i"ea *ho the hell stole the ru!) from
usH D kno* )ou are all rope" in *ith the %.<.9.J
2here *as a lon$ pause+ then -arko Masla,sk) sai"+ JD think D ha,e an i"ea *ho it *as.J
1e shook out a fe* files on the %.<.9. 2he i"entit) pictures of: /runner+ 1oll)+ /arcla)+ an"
6er$uson fell out of the packet an" lan"e" on the ta!le.J Masla,sk) pulle" out the file on 9n"rea
6er$uson. 2he title rea"+ J1uman 9ffairs &epartment.J
-arko Masla,sk) place" his cellphone to his ear. JD think D kno* *here to look.J 1e
calml) tol" Chernko,.
JD hope so+ that $em has the access co"es to the *ealthiest safe."eposits in the !ank. Dt
took three )ears to o!tain e,er)thin$.J
J&onKt lose an) sleep o,er this+ )ouK,e alrea") lost *a) too much resources for )ou to
ha,e to *orr). D *ill "eal *ith /runner+ /arcla)+ 6er$uson an" 1oll) tomorro*.J
Chernko, pause" for a !rief secon". J1oll)H Eaitl)n 1oll)HJ
JGes sir.J
An the other en" of the line Chernko, $a,e out a small lau$h. JD canKt !elie,e that $irlKs
still aroun". Gou "o kno* she an" her "amn frien" kille" m) son si3 )ears a$o.J
JEaitl)n 1oll) sirH <he kille" )our sonHJ Masla,sk) *as not sure if he hear" correctl).
JGou are correct in that fact. 1er an" her "um!ass frien" kille" m) son an" !le* a hole in
m) $o""amn safehouse in &.C. si3 )ears a$o. D *as tr)in$ to $et some information out of her
re$ar"in$ the presi"entKs son+ !ut she *oul"nKt talk+ so D #ust torture" her for a !it.J
Masla,sk) shook his hea". JD ne,er kne* that sir. DKm sorr) to hear.J
J8o nee" to apolo$i0e.J Chernko, su""enl) !ecame silent. 2hen he spoke a$ain. JD *ill
make )ou a "eal+ if )ou can $et me 1oll) ali,e an" in one piece+ D *ill cut )ou another ei$ht
79
million from m) account. <he an" D ha,e some unfinishe" !usiness *e nee" to take care of+J
Chernko, spat out.
An his !e"+ Masla,sk) ran the or"ers o,er his hea". JD *ill "o m) !est to fulfill )our
nee"s sir.J
J/etter $et some rest+ *e $ot a lon$ "a) after us tomorro*. Gou mi$ht *ant to !rin$ a
$oo" team aroun". D ha,e m) men setup a "efensi,e circle if necessar). Ce ha,e a fe*
helicopters aroun" that *e coul" use. 9l"olfo an" his $an$ are aroun" to assist as *ell. DK" lo,e
to $et that ru!) an" our tar$ets !) tomorro* afternoon.J
J-r. Chernko,+ *hat e3actl) are )ou plannin$ to "o *ith 1oll).J
JGou *ill see *hat happens as soon as *e "etain her+ "onKt *orr)+ she *onKt !e kille"
7uite )et. D at least *ant them to see the aftermath first.J Chernko, hun$ up the phone.
Masla,sk) "roppe" the cellphone+ *ipe" his forehea"+ an" *alke" o,er to the restroom.
1e splashe" *ater on his face+ !ut it onl) ma"e him more tire". =ater on+ he flippe" off the
li$hts+ hoppe" into the *arm !e"+ an" hope" to $et some rest !efore he takes on a$ainst the
%.<.9. the ne3t "a).
<i3teen
Cashin$ton &.C.
2he %en"ulum suffere" thousan"s of "ollars4 *orth of "ama$e from the three men. Eraft
an" &mitiri offere" to help the police !ut the 6./.D. ha" the entire e,ent un"er control. B,er)
*in"o* *as shattere"+ the *alls *ere torn apart from !ullet holes+ an" the ceilin$ tiles *ere
!a"l) "ama$e" from the shot$un !lasts. =uckil) onl) one person has "ie" from the !last itself.
2hat person happene" to !e the *aitress+ *ho took the rifle !ullet strai$ht to the heart.
Eraft scratche" at a splinter that *as in her arm. J&mitiri+ can )ou tell the 6./.D. the
"etailsH D nee" use the restroom.J
J<ure thin$.J &imitri $a,e her a pat on the shoul"er+ he *alke" off to a "etecti,e lookin$
at the "ea" *aitress.
Eraft *alke" into the restroom. <he $ra!!e" some paper to*els from the "ispenser+
soake" them *ith *ater+ an" applie" it to the scratch on her arm. Dt *as not a "eep scrape+ !ut
#ust one from *here a piece of *oo" scratche" across the surface+ creatin$ a re""ish line on her
skin. Cater coole" the sli$ht !urnin$ sensation an" she thre* the *a" of to*el into the trash.
Chen Eraft returne" !ack out to the restaurant+ there *ere a "o0en or so police cars
parke" outsi"e alon$ *ith a fe* trucks from the <.C.9.2. team. 9roun" the entrance *ere three
6or" <FVs that the 6./.D. uses. Dnsi"e 2he %en"ulum itself+ "o0ens upon "o0ens of 6./.D. a$ents+
police+ an" the man name" Carter %ett) *ere all mo,in$ a!out+ "iscussin$ the "a)Ks e,ents.
&imitri tol" the stor) to an a$ent *ho *as furiousl) takin$ notes in his notepa". 9ll aroun" her+
there *ere splintere" *oo"+ shattere" $lass+ an" !ullet shells.
-a#or %ett) came o,er. JCell+ looks like )ou *ent off !etter than the *aitress. 2hat ki"
sa,e" )our life+ )ou !etter $o an" talk to her parents later.J
JD "efinitel) *ill+ the !ullet *as aime" for m) hea".@ Eraft pause". ?<he #ust *alke"
for*ar" at the *ron$ time.J Eraft "eci"e" to chan$e the su!#ect. J<o *h) are )ou hereHJ
80
%ett) lau$he". JChatH CanKt &elta 6orce ,ets $o ha,e a nice "inner aroun" hereHJ
JA!,iousl) this "inner *as the *orst D ha" in a *hile. Ar at least+ it *as one *here D ha"
to en" up pullin$ out m) $un.J
J(oo" for )ou+ no* )ou $et practice.J 1e sai" almost *ith sarcasm as he pulle" out a
pistol. Dt *as a Calther. JGou mi$ht *ant to chan$e it from those /erettas an" (locks+ CaltherKs
are much easier to take care of.J
JChate,er )ou sa).J Eraft reache" "o*n to feel the pistol tucke" into itKs holster on her
*aist. J-a)!e )ou shoul" ha,e hit the "amn !astar"s instea" of in#urin$ them. D thou$ht )ou
*ere some !a"ass ,eteran *ho ha" a "ea"l) aim.J
%ett) lau$he" a$ain. JChat makes )ou think thatHJ
JCell )ou "o ha,e that me"al of that /ron0e <tar on )our shirt.J Eraft su$$este".
JDf )ou reall) *ant to kno* *h) D misse"+ then D *ill tell )ou.J %ett) stretche" his arm. JD
misse" them on purpose !ecause D kno* that if D shot an" kille" them+ the) *oul" #ust "ie here.
<ure *e coul" fin" out *ho these people *ere+ !ut chances are the) are #ust some assassins hire"
!) a $u) hi$her in the chain of terror. <o if the) *ere to ha,e "ie"+ a ne* !atch of killers *oul"
ha,e !een calle" upon. Dn these e,ents+ the assassins are usuall) e3pen"a!le+ if one on them "ies+
*ell+ there is al*a)s another+ ma)!e t*o more+ to replace that one person. <o D "i"nKt kill them
!ecause the) *ill pro!a!l) run !ack to their lea"er an" tell them that the mission *as
unsuccessful as *ell as e3plain to him ho* *e are capa!le of repellin$ an" attack+ forei$n or
"omestic. 9lthou$h D hi$hl) "ou!t this *as an)thin$ "omestic. =ike*ise+ it is !etter for them to
face their client rather than $et knocke" out in front of a restaurant.J
9 tall+ han"some man aroun" EraftKs a$e *alke" up to her. J=ieutenant EraftHJ
JGes sirHJ
JDKm 9n"re =ancin$+ C.D.9. -a) D ha,e a fe* *or"s *ith )ouH Dt *onKt !e lon$.J
JD $uess D ha,e time to ha,e a 7uick chat. %lease un"erstan" that D ha,e to file a report
upon firin$ m) conceale" *eapon *hile not !ein$ on a mission.J
=ancin$ smile". JDtKll onl) take a couple of minutes5 )ou can ha,e the rest of the time to
fill )our report. D ha" the honor of !rin$in$ the papers to )ou.J 1e han"e" Eraft the report. 2he
%.<.9. *as re7uire" !) la* to report their firin$ of a $un *hen not takin$ on an o!#ecti,e or a
mission. 9s lon$ as the mission is still in pro$ress+ the mem!ers "o not nee" to file. /ut in the
case of Eraft an" &imitri+ the) fire" *ithout consent from the $o,ernment+ so the t*o has to file
a report. 2he "ocument itself *as much like a police report+ it *asnKt such a !a" happenin$+ if the
t*o *ere to not ha,e opene" fire+ thin$s coul" ha,e !een a little !it hair).
JCell -a#or %ett)+ )ou can share )our stories i"eas *ith me later then.J <he tol" %ett).
J8o pro!lem.J %ett) left to talk to the other "etecti,es an" &imitri.
<he follo*e" =ancin$ to the !ack of the hall*a). =ancin$ took out a notepa" an" a pen+
the notepa" looke" much like the one she sa* *ith the other a$ent *ho *as *rittin$ furiousl) as
he listene" to &imitri.
JD ha,e a fe* 7uestions rea") for )ou =ieutenant+ are )ou rea") to tr) ans*erin$ themHJ
JGes sir+ D am rea").J
JAka) then.J 1e pause" for a secon" as he clicke" his pen. J%lease "escri!e the
attackers.J
Eraft inhale" an" let out a lon$ !reath. J2here *ere three of them+ a tall man+ a me"ium
si0e" man+ an" a shorter man. 2he taller man appeare" to !e the lea"er of the $roup of three. 9ll
81
of them *ere *earin$ a "ark #acket an" "enim pants+ their faces *ere co,ere" !) a !an"ana+ !ut
the tall $u) ha" matte" !ro*n hair an" "ark $reen e)es. 1e ha" sun$lasses on at first !ut he
pulle" them off lon$ enou$h for me to seem his e)e coloration. 9s for the me"ium $u)+ his
features *ere o!scure" !) the sun$lasses+ hoo"ie+ an" the !an"ana+ the same prett) much *ent
*ith the shorter attacker+ he *as *earin$ prett) much the same as the other t*o+ sun$lasses+
!an"ana+ an" the !lack #acket an" "enim pants.J
J2hank )ou.J =ancin$ sai" as he #otte" some notes "o*n. JChat *eapons *ere the)
carr)in$H &o )ou remem!erHJ
J2he taller man ha" a machine.pistol of some sort. D coul"nKt tell !ehin" the co,er+ !ut it
looke" like a Vector su!machine.$un. 1e also ha" a sniper rifle strappe" to his !ack+ it *as an
>700.J Eraft pause" to think. J9s for the man *ith me"ium hei$ht+ all D remem!er seein$ *as an
-16 st)le assault rifle+ he mi$ht ha,e ha" a pistol some*here on him !ut D "i"nKt see it.J
=ancin$ *rote "o*n her "escription. J9n" the shorter suspect -issHJ
J1e ha" a semi.automatic shot$un+ a /enelli ,ariet)+ pro!a!l) an -1014. 9ll three mi$ht
ha,e ha" a si"e arm hi""en in their #ackets+ !ut D coul"nKt see them.J
J&i" )ou mana$e to in#ure them in an) *a)HJ
Eraft tire" to con#ure up the ima$e of *ho shot *ho. JDKm sorr) !ut D "onKt e3actl)
remem!er if D hit an)one or not. D kno* that the taller suspect ran out *ithout an) !ullet
*oun"s.J
J9n" the other t*oHJ
J<hort $u) *as hit t*ice+ once in the shoul"er an" once in the si"e of the a!"omen. D
think the me"ium hei$ht suspect *as hit in the ri$ht chest !) -a#or %ett).J
J2hank )ou. D onl) ha,e one more 7uestion !efore D set )ou free.J =ancin$ tol" her. 1e
scri!!le" somethin$ "o*n then looke" at Eraft. JChat "o )ou think *as the reason for this
attackH D #ust nee" )our opinion.J
Eraft *as cau$ht off $uar" !) this particular 7uestion. <he e3hale". JD think the one
possi!le reason for this attack *as that some!o") out there *as tr)in$ take us t*o out.J
9 fe* hours later+ Eraft ha" finishe" the entire report. <he took it an" tosse" it onto the
"esk of her a",isor an" *alke" "o*nstairs. =ancin$ cau$ht up to her. J-ar$aret+ "o )ou ha,e a
fe* minutes )ou can spareHJ
JD $uess it is mana$ea!le. Ch)HJ
J2he *aitressKs parents are "o*n in the police station+ D think )ou shoul" talk to them an"
e3plain )our thou$hts. 2he) are "o*n near the police precinct+ !oth are ,er) "istresse" a!out
*hat #ust happene".J
Eraft si$he". J2he) *oul" !e cra0) if the) *eren4t. D *ill $o there+ can )ou #ust $et me a
ca! or somethin$ so D "onKt ha,e to *alkHJ
J9 car *ill !e *aitin$ outsi"e for )ou+ it is a !lack 6or" Cro*n Victoria.J
J2hanks+ ho* are the parents hol"in$ up ri$ht no*HJ Eraft aske".
=ancin$ shook his hea" slo*l). J8ot $oo"+ the) ha" !een in tears e,er since the) hear"
the ne*s. D think )ou shoul" $o a !it eas) on them.J
JChat *as her nameHJ
J'ennaJ =ancin$ tol" her.
82
JAf course. Cell then 9$ent =ancin$+ D !i" thanks an" a $oo" ni$ht.J
J8o pro!lem.J
2he t*o "eparte" in opposite "irections.
Autsi"e+ the *eather *as chill) an" Eraft coul" see her !reath in the col" &ecem!er air.
<he 7uickl) foun" the car that *as sent to pick her up in the front of the %.<.9. hea"7uarters. 2he
$uar" lo*ere" his $un an" no""e" as he opene" the metal $ate to allo* Eraft to pass throu$h.
<he hoppe" into the car an" the "ri,er "ro,e a*a) to*ar"s the precinct. Eraft *asn4t sure *hat
to sa) an" *as still shocke" that she ha" a hit on her.
2he <i3th %recinct *as a !ran" ne* police station !uilt #ust t*o )ears a$o. Dt ha" a fa"e"
)ello* outsi"e structure an" "o0ens of *in"o*s an" camera s)stems. An top of the !uil"in$ *as
a lar$e helicopter pa" an" satellite "ishes. Autsi"e the precinct+ a hun"re" plus police cars of all
,arients *ere parke" in their "esi$nate" spots. Eraft arri,e" at the front $ate+ she thanke" the
"ri,er+ thre* him a tip+ an" clim!e" the stairs to the front "oor.
Dnsi"e+ the !uil"in$ *as like an office+ officers an" *orkers all ha" their o*n specific
space+ each little JofficeJ ha" a computer+ telephone+ printer+ an" a "esktop or$ani0er *hich
house" files an" "ocuments. 8e3t to the files *as a cup *ith pens+ pencils+ an" other stationar)
necessar) to $et the #o! "one.
Eraft arri,e" at the front "esk+ the man no""e" at her. JD see that )ou ha,e time. D reall)
hope the parents *ill un"erstan" *hat *as $oin$ on.J 1e pointe" to*ar"s the !ack. J9 man !)
the name of <te,ens *ill let )ou in+ it is the last room to the left. 1ope )ou can e3plain the
situation to them.J
J2hanks+ D *ill tr) m) !est.J <he left for the room.
Eraft foun" the room+ an officer *as stan"in$ in front of it+ *hen he sa* Eraft he smile".
J(oo" luck.J 2he man opene" the "oor for Eraft to enter.
2*o people *ere sittin$ insi"e the !are room. Dt *as a *aitin$ room for people *ho #ust
ha" a lo,e" one past a*a). 2he) *ere there to a*ait further information. 2he t*o people stoo"
up as Eraft *hen she entere". <he intro"uce" herself to the couple. 2he man stoo" up an"
intro"uce" himself an" his *ife to Eraft+ their names *ere 'err) =a*son an" his *ifeKs name *as
2ania =a*son. 2he man *as a!out fift) )ears ol". 1e *as *earin$ a $reen coat+ "ark colore"
#eans an" ha" thinnin$ hair. 9 !al" spot at the top of his forehea" *as sho*in$ throu$h in the
li$ht. 2he *oman *as a!out the same a$e !ut looke" )oun$er. <he ha" a fau3 fur coat an" ha"
!ro*n slacks on+ her hair *as a tin$e" !ro*n much like EraftKs. /oth parentsK e)es *ere re".
Eraft reali0e" that the) *ere still cr)in$ !efore she entere".
<he *asn4t e,en sure *here to start+ this *as !e)on" her realm of e3perience. 1a,in$ to
con,e) sorro* *as #ust+ not somethin$ she felt she *as Nkraft)4 enou$h to "o. JDKm sorr) a!out
)our loss+ )ou "au$hter seeme" like a ,er) $entle+ carin$+ an" compassionate person.J <he
7uietl) sai" to them.
'err) spoke first+ he *as tr)in$ to hol" !ack his tears. J<he *as the perfect chil"+ ne,er
"i" an)thin$ to hurt someoneKs life. -) *ife an" D ne,er *orrie" a!out her+ she *as #ust our $irl
*ho ha" !i$ plans. Ce *ere #ust $oin$ to cele!rate her ei$hteenth !irth"a) ne3t *eek...J 1e
pause" to suppress as so!. J'enna *as accepte" to Cashin$ton Fni,ersit) in <aint =ouis+ she *as
plannin$ to $o on a me"ical career an" stu") micro!iolo$ical science. <he foun" a part.time #o!
83
at 2he %en"ulum to help pa) for tuition.J 1e pause" for another secon". J/ut no* sheKs $one...J
'err) *ipe" his e)es *ith a tissue.
Eraft *asnKt sure as to *hat to sa). JD am sure )ou are ,er) prou" of her...J
2ania so!!e". JCh) "oes it ha,e to !e our chil"HJ
JDt *as all m) fault.J Eraft !e$an to feel a small amount tears in her e)es+ !ut of course
she hel" them. J2he assassin *as there to kill me+ not )our "au$hter+ DKm sorr) she ha" to take
the faults D ha,e o!taine". D shoul" ha,e !een the one to $et hit+ D shoul" ha,e !een the one to
"ie+ an" D shoul" ha,e !een the one *ho is at the mor$ue+ it all shoul" ha,e !een -BLJ Eraft ha"
tears that *ere streamin$ "o*n her face. <he *asnKt sure if it *as tears of sa"ness+ sorro*+ or
an$er. J/ut D kno* one thin$+ 'enna sa,e" m) life an" D *oul" "o an)thin$ to repa) the price she
ha" sacrifice". D shoul" ha,e "ie"+ not her+ she *as an innocent !ein$LJ Eraft shoute" in an$er.
2hen she inhale" "eepl).
'err) an" 2ania *ipe" their e)es+ the) !oth $a,e out a smile.
J2hanks for !ein$ so kin" an" please "onKt take it personall)+ *e "onKt nee" )ou to repa)
us+ *hatKs happene" has happen. Dt *as terri!le+ !ut *e canKt re,erse it an" it is not )our fault
-iss. Eraft+ it *as #ust !a" timin$ an" unfortunate e,ents all piece" to$ether.J 'err) sai".
J2hank )ou.J
2ania $a,e a smile. J'enna *as a $reat person+ !ut sheKs $one+ )ou "i"nKt "o an)thin$
*ron$+ it *asnKt )our fault+ it *as the killerKs fault. 1e *as the one *ho kille" our !a!)+ not )ou.J
?1e *as after me+ D #ust kno* it. 8o one shoul" ha,e to fall for m) faults.@ Eraft *as
feelin$ 7uite uneas). <he kept lookin$ out the *in"o*+ checkin$ for scope $lare "espite the
"arkness.
'err) aske". JCho *as the person *ho kille" our "au$hterHJ
JD "onKt kno*+ he $ot a*a).J 2hat hit her an" the parents har".
2aniaKs e3pression s*itche" from sa"ness to an$er. JCell "amn him to hell for such a
cruel act.J
J9men.@ Eraft an" 'err) sai" to$ether. 8o* Eraft *ishe" that %ett) *oul" ha,e #ust
kille" the assassins instea" of let them lea,e *ith !ullet *oun"s.
<e,enteen
>io "e 'aneiro
1oll) tosse" an" turne" in her !e". <he "reame" of the "eath of her parents an"
Chernko,Ks torture on her. Dn her "ream+ Chernko, has starrin$ at her a$ain *ith his "e,ious
e)es. 1e $ra!!e" her shoul"er an" !e$an shakin$ her. 1oll) reache" out to slap his face *hen
she *oke *ith a start. /runner knelt at the si"e of her !e"+ li$htl) massa$in$ his face.
JDKm sorr)LJ <he tol" him.
JGou ha,e a prett) po*erful slap there+ m) frien".J
JChat happene"HJ
/runner si$he". JGou *ere tossin$ aroun" in )our !e"+ D thou$ht )ou *ere ha,in$ a
ni$htmare.J
JD *as. 1e *as there a$ain.J
J<orr) that )ou ha" to tell me an" !rin$ !ack those memories.J 1e sai". /runner felt !a".
84
J8o+ itKs not )our fault+ it *as #ust a memor)+ an" D4,e !een ha,in$ this "ream for the the
last fe* )ears. 9lmost e,er) ni$ht since that "a)...J
JChat can D "o to helpHJ
JCan )ou sta) *ith me toni$htH 2hat *oul" !e much appreciate".J 1oll)
tol" him.
JAf course.J
J2hanks. Gou kno* )ou are a $reat person /runnerHJ 1oll) sai". /runner coul"nKt tell in
the "arkness !ut he coul" feel that she *as smilin$.
/runner then pulle" the !lanket o,er himself an" 1oll). 1e li$htl) !rushe" her !eautiful
!lon" hair until the t*o fell asleep a$ain.
Dn the other room+ 6er$uson *as *i"e a*ake5 she thou$ht of the ru!) insi"e the closet
an" *on"ere" *hat it *as for. <he looke" o,er at /arcla)+ *ho *as snorin$ a*a) !ehin" his
sheets. 6er$uson starre" at his face an" remem!ere" ho* she use" to ha,e a crush on /arcla). Dt
*as !ack in earl) trainin$+ /arcla) *as the a,era$e teena$er *ho en#o)e" ,i"eo $ames an"
sports. 9s for his social hierarch)+ /arcla) *as not necessaril) popular or unpopular+ !ut he
seeme" to a,oi" the attention of most people. 6er$uson *as more popular *ith !o)s that
follo*e" her a!out. B,en !ack in hi$h school+ all the popular !o)s *ho *ere "oin$ sports like
foot!all or !asket!all al*a)s trie" to ask 1oll) an" herself to "ances+ e,ents+ an" parties. Fsuall)
6er$uson #ust $a,e in an" a$ree" to #oin+ !ut insi"e+ she al*a)s like a !o) *ho *as more secular+
a,oi"e" attention+ an" *as full of important kno*le"$e that *ill fuel the *orl"Ks future. <he
smile" as she *atche" /arcla) e3hale+ turn+ chan$e his sleepin$ position+ an" continue" to snore.
9 fe* stories "o*n+ -arko Masla,sk) coul" not fall asleep on his !e". 1e "eci"e" to $et
up an" surf the internet instea". (ra!!in$ his computer+ Masla,sk) opene" up a "ocument on his
har" "ri,e. 2he "ocument *as la!ele"+ J%.<.9.J it ha" the names+ ranks+ an" "escripti,e
summaries of e,er) sin$le %.<.9. a$ent in the Fnite" <tates. Masla,sk) scrolle" the pa$e "o*n to
the J6sJ an" scanne" the pa$e. 1e then clicke" open a file la!ele" J6er$uson+ 9.J an" the screen
!linke" into a p.".f. file. An it sho*e" a picture of 9n"rea 6er$uson. <he ha" shorter hair in the
picture !ut the "eep !lue e)es *as unmistaka!le. Masla,sk) $a,e out a smile. 1e rea" throu$h
6er$usonKs achie,ements an" the !io$raphical summar) of her %.<.9. career. 2he entire
"ocument *as o,er ten pa$es lon$+ most of *hich containe" her success as *ell as her histor)
an" personal information. 9fter scannin$ throu$h the "ocument+ Masla,sk) foun" nothin$ useful+
he *as !e$innin$ to close out of the entire file *hen he cau$ht si$ht of a secon"ar) "ocument in
6er$usonKs file. Dt *as a small file+ onl) a!out ten kilo!)tes in si0e. Dt *as la!ele" as JClassifie".J
-o,in$ his fin$er o,er the "ocument+ he presse" "o*n on it. Dnsi"e *as mostl) a !unch of co"e"
*or"s that he "i" not *ant to tr) fi$urin$ out. Ane line at the !ottom cau$ht his attention+ it *as
*ritten in e3ceptionall) small font+ pro!a!l) at one 9rial si0e. 2he file Masla,sk) *as on "i" not
allo* the *or"s to !e ma$nifie"+ so he copie" an" paste" the *or"s onto a Cor"%a" "ocument.
2hen he ma$nifie" it to a le$i!le font. Dt *as a link to a *e!site. 2he link *as then paste" !) him
onto an internet !ro*ser. Dt !rou$ht Masla,sk) onto a pri,ate+ $o,ernment o*ne"+ *e!site. 2here
*as a pass*or" that nee"e" to !e o,erri""en. Masla,sk) *as not sure *hat the pass*or" *as+ so
85
he put "o*n the laptop an" thou$ht throu$h an)thin$ he coul" came up *ith. 2hen he
remem!ere" *hat mi$ht !e the ri$ht pass*or". 2he computer humme" an" the *e!site ran
throu$h his co"e to see if it *as correct. Dt *as+ an" he entere" the $o,ernment section
containin$ information re$ar"in$ the %.<.9. 1e clicke" the search !o3 an" t)pe" in J6er$uson.J
9n"rea 6er$usonKs name *as the first to come up. Masla,sk) clicke" on her name. Dnsi"e *ere
multiple sections that coul" !e clicke" on. 9cross the entire pa$e *ere pictures of 9n"rea
6er$uson. Masla,sk) sa* a particular picture in the corner that he foun" of interest. 1e pointe"
the curser o,er it an" tappe" his pa". 2he photo$raph ma$nifie"+ it sho*e" 6er$uson hol"in$ a
lar$e sniper rifle *ith a smile across her face. 1er "eep !lue e)es once a$ain shine" throu$h the
photo. 8e3t to her *as a lar$e case for hol"in$ the rifle. Masla,sk)Ks attention *as cau$ht on one
section of the case+ he 0oome" in on that particular section of the photo$raph an" a smile came
across his face. J(otcha.J 1e 7uietl) sai" to himself.
An the other si"e of the cit)+ Chernko, pace" aroun" the *arehouse+ his safehouse. 2he
lar$e stora$e !uil"in$ *as like a small "epot for trucks+ cars+ an" ,ehicles that *ere not in use. Dt
ha" a tall+ thirt) foot ceilin$+ no *in"o*s+ an" the li$hts *ere all "im an" fa"in$. Chernko,
*oul" ha,e *ante" to #oin into a hotel of some sort+ !ut he "i" not *ant to risk !reakin$ his
co,er so a cheap *arehouse for one ni$ht *oul" ha,e to "o. Dt *as $ettin$ late !ut he coul"nKt
sleep throu$h this ti$ht moment an" its *orries+ so he "eci"e" to pace himself out to see if it
*oul" make him tire". Eorolo,+ one of his lea" officers+ *alke" to his ai". J<ir+ *h) "onKt )ou
tr) a sleepin$ pillH Dt *ill keep )ou "o*n for a $oo" perio" of time.J
JEorolo,+ D mi$ht !e a man of !rutalit) an" crime+ D mi$ht !e a man *ho tra"es the li,es
of people for mone) an" m) o*n $oo". /ut DKm not $oin$ to let one ni$ht of unrest stop me from
"oin$ one of the most important e3chan$es in m) lifeLJ 1e shoute" to him.
Eorolo, snappe" an" shut his mouth.
J8o* that )ou are all 7uiet+ *h) "onKt )ou $et me some Eru$ from the fri"$eH 9lcohol is
sai" to make )ou *ant to sleep.J
Eorolo, o!e)e" an" left the room. Chernko, hear" the JclinkJ of the refri$erator an"
some *ine$lasses. Eorolo, returne" *ith a small $lass of *hiske). 1e han"e" it to Chernko,+
*ho "rank the entire $lass of li7ui" in one $ulp. J(et me anotherLJ 1e or"ere".
JGes sirLJ Eorolo, sai" *ith alacrit)+ then he left for the fri"$e a$ain.
Chernko, s*ipe" the $lass out of Eorolo,Ks han" *hen he returne"+ causin$ some of the
*hiske) to spill out on the floor.
1e "o*ne" the secon" $lass #ust a!out as fast as the first one.
Eorolo, stare" in "is!elief. JCoul" )ou like another sirHJ
J8o+ DKm fine. D nee" so sa,e a section of m) li,er in or"er for it to $ro* !ack after all
this.J 1e tol" him.
2here *as a moment of silence. <u""enl) Chernko,Ks phone ran$. 1e set the line to his
satellite to ensure no!o") listens in+ the Chernko, picke" up. Dt *as Masla,sk).
J(oo" to hear from )ou a$ain.J 1e tol" Masla,sk).
JD foun" somethin$ )ou mi$ht like.J Masla,sk) sai".
J2r) me.J
JD foun" a possi!le location as to *here the ru!) is.J
Chernko, let out a percei,a!le $asp. J9re )ou sureHJ
86
J8ot one hun"re" percent+ !ut itKs the first place D *oul" look.J
JChereHJ
J9 room in the %uerta 'uanita 1otel.J
J1o* are )ou so sure it is in the hotelH %lus there are hun"re"s upon hun"re"s of rooms
in that hotel+ ho* "o )ou e3pect us to search throu$h e,er) sin$le oneHJ
JCe "onKt+ *e search throu$h one.J
JChich oneHJ
J2he one the %.<.9. is sta)in$ in.J
J<o *hatH 1o* "o )ou kno* the) ha,enKt store" it some*here safe alrea")HJ
JD think our frien" 9n"rea *oul" kno* *here it is.J
Chernko, shook his hea". JChat "o )ou kno*HJ
JD *ent throu$h 6er$usonKs "ocuments an" foun" a link to a pri,ate $o,ernment *e!site.
9fter passin$ the co"e" pass*or"+ D foun" one important section of !io$raph) on her+ it sai" that
her fa,orite *eapon is the -<(.P0 rifle an" that she likes to store her e3tra stuff in the same
case as the -<(.P0 !ecause it *as room).J
J<oHJ
Masla,sk) si$he". 1e hate" e3planations. J2here *as a picture of her *ith an -<(.P0
rifle. 8e3t to her an" her rifle *as a case. An the insi"e of the case !arel) ,isi!le unless
ma$nifie" *as a lock mechanism+ it *as perfect for hol"in$ a fe* e3tra !ullets.J
JAr a lar$e $emstone.J Chernko, sai" in "is!elief.
JCeKll search it as soon as D confirm that the) are out of the room. Ah+ make sure to not
sho* up at the e3chan$e itself+ $et Eorolo, to "o it instea". DtKs much safer. -eet me at the
%uerta 'uanita 1otel tomorro* as soon as D call )ou.J Masla,sk) sai".
JD can mana$e that.J Chernko, replie".
Masla,sk) then a""e". J-ake sure )ou !rin$ a cutter ma"e of "iamon" as *ell.J
...
Dn Cashin$ton &.C.+ a !lack /-C much like the ones /runner an" the team are usin$
spe" throu$h the late ni$ht traffic. Dnsi"e+ the tall assassin "ro,e *ith an intense spee". 1e
slippe" !et*een the traffic an" left the inner cit) an" hea"e" for the su!ur!s. 1is t*o assistants
moane" in the !ack seat+ one of his partners+ the me"ium hei$ht one+ suffere" a *oun" in his
ri$ht chest. 2he shorter assistant ha" a *oun" in the shoul"er an" another on the si"e of his
a!"omen. 2he tall assassin kno*s that the *oun"s are not fatal )et+ !ut the men nee" treatment
soon or the) mi$ht !lee" out. 2he car arri,e" in the su!ur!s an" continue" throu$h the narro*
an" 7uiet roa"s *in"in$ aroun" the outer e"$e of the cit). Dn a fe* minutes+ the /-C stoppe" in
front of a lar$e+ )ello* house at the en" of a pri,ate roa". 2he tall man ushere" the other t*o out
of the car. 2hree $uar"s *ith assault rifles !locke" the path+ the) aime" their rifles at the
assassins.
JCait+ DKm here to see 2he 6letcher.J 2he tall man sai".
2he three $uar"s looke" them up an" "o*n. Ane of them aske"+ JChere are )our
"ocumentsHJ
2he tall assassin han"e" him a !a"$e.
J2hat *ill "o sir.J 2he $uar" sai". 1e *a,e" for his partners to open up the small $ate.
2he three assassins sta$$ere" into the lar$e mansion. Dnsi"e *as "ecorate" *ith top
7ualit) *oo"+ ceramics+ an" li$hts. 9!o,e them+ a cr)stal chan"elier hun$ from the tall ceilin$+
87
near the front entrance an" to the ri$ht *as a lar$e+ Jfamil) roomJ e,en thou$h it *as not use"
for famil) rela3ation. An the *all of the famil) room *as a lar$e paintin$ of an 9frican
=an"scape. /elo* the paintin$ *as a lar$e a7uarium+ it *as fille" *ith plants an" e3pensi,e
"ecorations. 9 fe* lar$e $ol"fish s*am out from their hi"in$ spots at the si$ht of the three
assassins. 2heir mouths opene" an" close" an" their e)es follo*e" the men as the) *alke" to the
center of the room. 9si"e from the li$ht at the top of the terrarium+ the famil) room *as "ark. Dn
the corner sat a man+ *ho also ha" a li$ht source on his lap+ a laptop. 1e cau$ht si$ht of the three
men an" close" his computer. 2he man ha" $re) hair an" looke" to !e in his late thirties or earl)
forties. 1is fi$ure *as no* almost completel) o!scure" !) the "arkness+ onl) the spark from his
e)es sho*e" throu$h.
2he tall man spoke first. J-r. 6letcher+ the entire e,ent *as unsuccessful5 *e coul"nKt kill
the t*o %.<.9. mem!ers. 2he mission *as a failure.J
2he 6letcher scratche" at his neck. J2he ori$inal plan *as+ kill A> capture. Ch) "i"nKt
)ou think a!out trickin$ them into custo")HJ
JDt "i"nKt seem possi!le5 the t*o are too smart to #ust fall for a "um! trick. Ce "onKt ha,e
time to set up our o*n stin$ operations an" $o un"erco,er here at the moment. 9lso+ m) men
nee" me"ical treatment5 the)K,e !een shot up !a"l).J 2he t*o in#ure" assassins t*itche" in the
!ack$roun" an" trie" to stan" as still as possi!le "espite the pain.
JD e3pecte" !etter results than this.J 2he 6letcher replie" plainl).
JD "i" too sir+ *e almost pulle" it off if it *erenKt for that stupi" &elta 6orce $u).J
JB3cuse meHJ
2he tall assassin s*allo*e". J1e *as this !i$ ,eteran $u) that sho*e" up from no*here+
pulle" out a pistol+ an" shot up m) partners. D ran as soon as D sa* the /ron0e <tar on his shirt.J
JChat the hellH Gou ran #ust !ecause )ou sa* someone *ith a $unHJ 2he 6letcher
shoute" out.
2he tall man !acke" off+ "efeate". JGes sir+ it *as m) fault.J
9 fe* feet in front of him 2he 6letcher si$he". J1o* man) people "ie"HJ
JAne sir+ a )oun$ $irl+ the *aitress. <he *as the one *ho !locke" the !ullet that shoul"
ha,e taken out Eraft.J
JGou hit an innocent $irlH D thou$ht )our accurac) *as much !etter than thatL D kno* *e
are $oin$ on assassinations an" all !ut D certainl) "o not en#o) the "eath of innocent people.J 2he
6letcher4s ,oice slo*l) increase" in ,olume.
J<orr) sir+ !ut can )ou sa,e m) assistants+ the) are !lee"in$ reall) !a".J /ehin" him+ the
short man an" the me"ium !uilt man *as !e$innin$ to shake. 9 !it of the !loo" "rippe" "o*n to
the pearl.*hite carpet.
2he short man spoke first. J%lease sir+ D canKt hol" it too much lon$er+ DKm feelin$ col" an"
D nee" me"ical treatment soon. -a)!e )ou can make me ,anish from the pu!lic e)e or
somethin$. 2he same $oes for m) partner.J 1e sai" as he looke" o,er to the me"ium !uilt man.
2he me"ium !uilt man no""e" 7uickl) as he *ince" in a$on).
JD *ill tell )ou *hat+ D *ill make )ou ,anish. Come here5 let me see )our *oun"s.J 2he
6letcher tol" the t*o.
2he t*o sta$$ere" for*ar" *ith trou!le. J-) partner is hit in the chest an" DKm hit in the
shoul"er an" the si"e of m) stomach.J 2he short man sai". J%lease $i,e us me"ical treatment an"
88
make us ,anish from the pu!lic e)e after*ar"s "ear sir.J 1e plea"e" as his arms t*itche" from
the loss of !loo"5 his forehea" *as "renche" *ith perspiration.
2he 6letcher smirke" an" $a,e out a short lau$h. JDKll make )ou t*o ,anish all ri$htLJ 1e
pulle" out a silence" pistol an" shot the short man an" the me"ium !uilt man !oth in the hea".
2he pistol onl) $a,e out a small pop from the silencer5 no one else *oul" ha,e hear" the
$unshot. J2hat takes care of them. 8o*+ $et some of m) men to "ispose of the !o"ies.J 2he
6letcher looke" at the tall man. JD hope )ou un"erstan" that )ou *ill en" up like those t*o if )ou
"onKt succee". D like )ou an" D "onKt *ant to kill )ou+ !ut if push comes to sho,e an" trou!les
start+ D *ill "o BT9C2=G *hat D "i" to )our partners there+ un"erstan"HJ
2he tall man s*allo*e". JD un"erstan" sir.J
J(oo"+ no* *e #ust nee" those $u)s "o*n at >io to take care of the e3chan$e !efore D
$et ri" of them as *ell. 2o !e honest+ D coul" care less *hether the) e,en $et Chernko, at this
point. Bither *a)+ the en" result is the "eath of them. 9n) ne*s on the fe* %.<.9. mem!ers o,er
at -o0am!i7ueHJ
2he tall man $a,e out a short smile. JD $ot them taken care of+ those !astar"s are $oin$ to
$et a nast) surprise. Dt *ill all en" in a !oom.J
2he 6letcher $a,e out a "e,ious lau$h. J(oo"+ $oo"+ D kno* that )ouKre still "epen"a!le+J
2hen he a""e". J-r. Collins.J
Bi$hteen
-o0am!i7ue
/ack at &#im!i 9ir!ase+ =ieutenant =iana Ea!ins an" Captain 'osh (reene *ere !oth
furiousl) t)pin$ on their computers. 2he presi"ent "i" not sen" them on the mission to >io "e
'aneiro+ so the t*o *as stuck at the !orin$ air!ase+ "oin$ nothin$ !ut paper*ork. 2he room *as
one *ith air con"itionin$+ thanks to the re7uest !) the presi"ent. Dt is mi".summer an" the
temperatures *ere soarin$ hi$h e,en thou$h the countr) *as close to the southern tip of 9frica.
<he sat $luml) in front of her "esktop computer an" close" her e)es as she reste" her fin$ers+
*hich *ere sore from t)pin$ all "a). Barlier+ the %resi"ent ha" $i,en them multiple "ocuments
in,ol,in$ the e3chan$e of !ioto3ins !et*een >ussia an" Dra7. (reeneKs #o! as *ell as herKs *as to
*rite a possi!le tactic in repulsin$ this act as *ell as *ritin$ possi!le locations for stora$e of the
>ussian !ioto3. 6or her+ this *as a time of lost sleep an" for$otten meals. <he ru!!e" her e)es
an" "rank some *ater from a !ottle near!).
8e3t to her+ (reene )a*ne". JAh m) (o"+ DK,e !een t)pin$ nonstop for three hours+ there
are o,er one hun"re" an" t*ent) locations *here the !ioto3 coul" !e store" at+ t*o hun"re"
areas of pro!a!le facilities+ an" all across ninet) or more cities. 1o* the heck is he suppose" to
make us fin" out e3actl) *hich one it is *ithout the consent *ith the >ussian $o,ernmentHJ
J9lso "o remem!er the fact that *e "onKt e,en kno* if this particular "e!acle is real or
not. %erhaps the !oss #ust *ants us to ha,e !us) *ork *hile those freaks are o,er at >io part)in$
a*a) *ith the locals5 D !et the) are lau$hin$ at us *ho $ot stuck here.J
JGeah+ !ut the %resi"ent su$$este" *e sta)+ D reall) "onKt kno* *hat for. 1onestl)+ D think
*e coul" !e of help to them in >io.J
89
J9n e3planation coul" !e that the) *ant to ha,e an operation that *as un"er the ra"ar
an" pri,ate. Df there *ere too man) of us sneakin$ aroun"+ there *as a !i$$er chance of our
co,er !ein$ !lo*n.J
JCell )ou 9>B the !est assassin+ )ou an" )our sneakin$ skills+ small si0e+ an" harmless
outlook make )ou the !est for stealth operations an" e,er more "an$erous.J
Ea!ins lau$he". J2hanks for the compliments+ D think+ !ut D !et it *as a full.on attack
that re7uire" stren$th an" $uts.J
JAh ri$ht+ )ou hate the si$ht of people !ein$ !lo*n to !its !) $rena"es an" shells.J
(reene tol" her as he leane" !ack to stretch his le$s. JGet )ou "onKt care all too much *hen
some!o") is slice" open *ith a knife.J
Ea!ins fin$ere" the han"le on her pocket knife. J&onKt make me take it out an" thro* it
at )ou. 8o* )ou #oine" the %.<.9. a lon$ time a$o. <houl"nKt )ou !e use" to this stuff alrea")H
9n" *h) "onKt )ou #ust !uil" !etter *eapons+ ma)!e then the %resi"ent *onKt make )ou "o stuff
like this.J
J<hut up+ m) *eapons are $reat. D ma"e the !est sentr) $un in the *orl".J (reene
retor"e".
JAh+ the &enial.6ireHJ
JGes+ an" it has hi$h accurac)+ fire rate+ little recoil+ an" no o,erheatin$.J
<he smile" an" $a,e out a sarcastic si$h. JD "ou!t it *ill e,er !e as $oo" as the (ecal 50
that e,er)!o") is usin$ aroun" the *orl". %lus+ that thin$ of a *eapon )ou create" hasnKt e,en
!een "eplo)e" in com!at+ ho* e3actl) C98 )ou conclu"e of its usefulness if it *as ne,er teste"
in the fiel". GouK,e ne,er e,en let it fire )et.J
(reene looke" at Ea!ins. JDt *ill !e use" soon+ D $a,e one to /runner an" he took
&enial.6ire to >io.J
JDt is hi$hl) "ou!te" !) m)self that the *eapon *ill see an) usa$e there.J <he !lan"l)
sai".
J<uite )ourself+ )ou 9sian Ba$le.J (reene sai".
Ea!ins smirke"+ 9sian Ba$le+ her nickname from the %.<.9. <he o!taine" it for the fact
that she *as !orn in China an" is no* in the Fnite" <tates+ thus completin$ the J9sianJ part as
*ell as the JBa$leJ part. 1er histor) at a )oun$ a$e *as m)sterious+ an 9merican 6./.D. a$ent !)
the name of &arr)l Ea!ins *as in China on a trip to sp) on the re!els aroun" the 2i!etan lan"
0ones. 2hose 0ones *ere full of a$$ressi,e an" !rutal lea"ers *ho *ill kill to suppress their
an$er. An mornin$+ near a street in Bastern /ei#in$+ the &arr)l Ea!ins ha" #ust !ou$ht coffee
from a near!) shop for !reakfast. 1e *as sippin$ at his coffee *hile *aitin$ at an intersection to
cross *hen out of the corner of his e)e+ a mo,in$ !un"le *as *rithin$ un"er a tree ne3t to him.
&arr)l Ea!ins thou$ht it *as a "o$ or cat+ !ut he "eci"e" to check an)*a)s. 2o his surprise an"
"isma)+ it *as a !a!) $irl. 1e checke" her o,er an" foun" that she *as losin$ temperature. /ein$
a person for chil" support $roups+ he "roppe" the entire mission to sen" the chil" to the Fnite"
<tates for a safe home. 2his particular !a!) $irl *as =iana Ea!ins. Ea!ins $re* up *ith an
9merican famil)+ *hen she *as )oun$er+ Ea!ins ha" small thou$hts a!out fin"in$ out *ho her
!iolo$ical parents *ere. /ut after careful consi"eration she "eci"e" to !e content *ith *hat is
a,aila!le an" $o on *ith life as it is.
1er e3ceptional skills at martial arts an" split secon" timin$ *as !rou$ht forth to
attention *hen there *as a !ank ro!!er). Ea!ins *as insi"e the !ank at the time an" ori$niall)
90
*as tol" !) her parents to Jsta) "o*n an" a,oi" the e)es of the ro!!ers.J 2he !ank ro!!ers ha" a
fe* 9E.47s an" shot$uns at the rea"). 9t the time she spran$ into action+ the mana$er *as
"esperatel) lo!!in$ cash from the safe "eposit !o3es into the !a$s pro,i"e" !) the ro!!ers. <he
mo,e" so 7uickl) out*ar"s that her parents "i" not ha,e a chance to tell her to stop. Ea!ins
rushe" for*ar" at one of the ro!!ers *ith a shot$un+ smacke" the $un from his han"+ an" then
pulle" out a knife from the pocket of the ro!!er. 2hen she sta!!e" the knife once at the le$ of the
ro!!er an" another time in his a!"omen. 2he ro!!er s*un$ his fist at Ea!ins+ !ut her short
hei$ht meant that the fist simpl) fle* o,er her hea" an" ri$ht into another ro!!er stan"in$ ne3t
to the one she sta!!e". 2he other ro!!er "i" not ha,e time to react either+ he *as 7uickl) sta!!e"
!) her as *ell. A,er !) the safe "eposit !o3es+ the t*o remainin$ !ank ro!!ers turne" aroun" to
see *hat the commotion *as. <eein$ t*o of their men "o*n as *ell as a )oun$ $irl *ith a
!loo") knife+ their first thou$ht *as to raise up their assault rifles an" fire. 9cross the tile"
$roun"+ !ullets ricochete" all aroun"+ Ea!ins ran for the nearest co,er+ *hich happene" to !e
!ehin" one of the 92-s aroun" the corner. 2he !ullets hammer the other si"e of the 92- as she
trie" to hi"e herself as !est as possi!le. 9t that time+ Ea!ins hear" footsteps an" she took in a
"eep !reath an" let it out. /oots an" $unfire coul" !e hear" as she $rippe" the knife in her small
han".
Chat happene" ne3t shocke" the *orkers+ her parents+ an" other hosta$es in the !ank.
Ea!ins #umpe" up*ar"s as the t*o ro!!ers *ere reloa"in$ their *eapons. <he thre* the knife at
one of the ro!!ers+ it hit him strai$ht in the stomach an" he "ou!le" o,er in a$on). 2he other
ro!!er "esperatel) trie" to pull out a pistol+ !ut he *as too late. Ea!ins crashe" into him *ith her
small !o")+ causin$ the pistol to fl) !ack*ar"s an" out of reach. <he then slamme" her foot
"o*n on the most sensiti,e spot on a manKs !o")+ the ro!!er $roane" in pain. /ut the little $irl
*as not "one )et+ Ea!ins *ent on to $i,e four punches+ all "irecte" at the face of the ro!!er. 9t
the last punch+ the !ank ro!!er *as knocke" unconscious.
=ater that "a) she *as inter,ie*e" on tele,ision for the ne*s+ !ut for Ea!ins+ this *as
not the hi$hli$ht of her "a). =ater that afternoon+ a lar$e en,elope *ith an 9merican $o,ernment
postal stamp *as sent to her. <he $ra!!e" the en,elope an" tore it open. Dnsi"e *as an in,itation
to tr) for enterin$ the %resi"entKs <ecret 9rm)+ si$ne" !) the presi"ent himself #ust a fe* hours
prior to *hen she recei,e" it. Ea!ins shoute" out in #o) an" happiness+ she *as onl) fifteen at
the time+ t*o )ears )oun$er then *hen 1oll)+ /arcla)+ 6er$uson+ (reene+ or /runner *as
selecte". Ea!ins $a,e a sheepish smile as she thou$ht of the stor) o,er her hea". <he shook it off
7uickl) an" *ent !ack to *ritin$+ it *as then "i" she reali0e that (reene *as not in his seat
an)more+ he must ha,e $one to use a restroom !reak for his computer *as still on an" runnin$.
Ea!ins *as so into remem!erin$ her prou" teena$e )ears that (reene left the room *ithout her
noticin$. JAh *ell.J <he si$he" to herself.
9fter a $oo" fi,e minutes+ (reene returne" *ith a $lass of oran$e #uice. 1e *as follo*e"
into the room !) -a#or %att) AK &oole)+ *ho *as hol"in$ a ci$ar !et*een his lips+ it *as not lit.
JGou kno* -a#or+ those thin$s are !a" of )ou+ )ou shoul" tr) to s*itch to somethin$ else
thatKs a""icti,e an" $oo" for )ou at the same time.J Ea!ins sai".
AK &oole) lau$he" as he !rou$ht out a little flask+ it *as fille" *ith <cottish Chiske).
JGou mean thisHJ
91
Ea!ins moane".
J9im for somethin$ that "oes not shorten )our life. D like a $lass of *ine or champa$ne
e,er) no* an" then+ !ut ne,er har" li7uor or to!acco.J (reene sai" as he pla)e" aroun" on
(oo$le Barth to see if there *ere possi!le /ioto3 stora$e sites.
AK &oole) $a,e out a J%fft.J an" chan$e" the su!#ect. JCh) not #ust use a satellite
(reeneHJ
J&onKt *ant to !other controllin$ one *ith case.sensiti,e "ata *hen DKm half asleep+ D
shoul" ha,e $otten tea or somethin$ instea".J 1e sippe" his oran$e #uice.
JD see+ *h) "onKt )ou t*o $o an" take a !reak+ $o an" take a *alk+ $et some air+ D "unno+
#ust rela3 for a !itH Df an)one asks+ #ust sa) D tol" )ou to "o so.J AK &oole) tol" them.
J<ure+ *h) not.J Ea!ins sai".
JD *ill "o that.J (reene also commente".
2he t*o left for the ,en"in$ machines in the 1O !uil"in$.
JCell+ at least D $et a !reak from all this+ D hope D see some action soon.J Ea!ins si$he".
JD hi$hl) "ou!t it+ the !oss "oesnKt *ant )ou to poke aroun" *ith enemies ri$ht no* so all
)ou $et are ,i"eos of people killin$ each other.J (reene tol" her.
J2hanks for makin$ me *ant to shoot somethin$+ no* *h) "onKt )ou $i,e me some of
)our to)s in )our armor)HJ
(reene pause". J<top referrin$ to m) *eapons as m) to)s.J
J>eall)H 2he) are notH 9re )ou sureH Gou seeme" prett) content *ith #ust sittin$ there
an" a"mirin$ them all "a).J
J<hut up.J (reene sai" to her.
2he t*o stoppe" !) the ,en"in$ machines+ one *as for soft "rinks an" the other *as for
snacks. 2here *as a thir" one in the !ack *ith actual *eapons insi"e it. 9ll )ou nee" to "o *as
put some cash in it an" it *ill $i,e )ou a $rena"e or a stick of ")namite. Dt fascinate" man)
people *ho ,isite" the !ase an" most 7uestione" *hether it *as usa!le or not. 6or Ea!ins an"
(reene+ it *as not a necessar) act to !u) $a"$ets from a ,en"in$ machine that coul" kill people+
the onl) *eapon shop she *as e,er) intereste" in *as one o*ne" !) a *oman name" 9!!)
?(ail@ /esthorn !ack in the <tates. Dt *as a lar$e ?shop@ *ith multiple *eapons+ the usual
inclu"e": pistols+ machine.pistols+ shot$uns an" assault rifles. /ut the shop o*ners *ere all top
kno*le"$e chemical scientists *ho *ere in process to "e,elop ne* *eapons for their countr)+ or+
reall) for the *orl" in $eneral. Ane such in,ention *as a uni7ue proton.!ase" assault *eapon
that launches an intermittent stream of atoms out throu$h the mu00le. 2he protot)pe *as capa!le
of clippin$ a helicopter out of the air *ith one flash. 2hou$h still e3perimental+ the scientists
kne* Ea!ins *ell an" that she *oul" !e one of the first to test out the ne* *eapon after
o,erheatin$ measures are !alance". has once sai" to Ea!ins that the reaction itself *as of
1)"rocar!ons force.!on"e" *ith o3)$en+ thus creatin$ a com!ustion reaction. 2he reaction itself
is *hat causes a hi$h ener$) !olt to !e shot out. Af course Ea!ins an" (reene himself kne* it
*as a much more complicate" process+ !ut the t*o *ere !oth ,er) apt at tr)in$ out *eapons of
the future *hene,er the) ha" the chance to "o so.
<he smile" at the thou$ht of the *eapon. JD >B9==G hope *e $et some action soon.J
<he sai" out lou". Dt *as "efinitel) force" if an)thin$.
92
1er call *as surprisin$l) ans*ere" !) an e3plosion outsi"e near the Cestern e"$e of the
9ir!ase. 9t first Ea!ins an" (reene i$nore" the e3plosion thinkin$ that it *as #ust a "rill the
9rm) *as "oin$. /ut soon the) foun" out that it *as not an acci"ent or a "rill *hen the 9ir!ase
alarm soun"e" #ust as $unfire *as echoe" outsi"e in the *arm !ree0e. Ea!ins an" (reene !oth
rushe" !lin"in$l) to the *in"o* to see the situation outsi"e. <he cau$ht si$ht of o,er t*o "o0en
terrorists mo,in$ in from the *est. /ehin" them follo*e" multiple trucks full of e3tra sol"iers.
2he trucks carr)in$ the sol"iers *ere flanke" !) pickup trucks mo"ifie" *ith a fift) cali!er
machine$un attachments on the !ack. -en mounte" the machine$uns an" *ere firin$
confusin$l)+ !ut effecti,el)+ at the sol"iers in the 9merican !ase. 2he "ull+ Kputt+ putt+ puttK of the
roun"s ran$ 7uietl)+ )et ominousl)+ in the "istance.
<oon the t*o coul" see a fe* /-% armore" ,ehicles that traile" !ehin" the entire $roup
of trucks an" sol"iers. /) this time+ 9merican sol"iers all aroun" *ere rushin$ out in "efense of
the 9merican !ase from the terrorists. -ost *ere runnin$ a!out callin$ for !ackup or settin$ up
!locka"es an" "efenses. Dt seeme" futile. Ea!ins *atche" as a )oun$ sol"ier *as struck "irectl)
in his shoul"er. 1e tum!le" to the $roun" as another sol"ier ran out to "ra$ him to safet)+ onl) to
$et torn apart !) the mounte" machine$uns on the trucks. 2he $unners *orke" efficientl)+
menacin$l)+ hauntin$l)+ pickin$ one sol"ier off at a time.
JChat are *e suppose" to "oHJ <he sai" in a*e.
JGou *ante" action an" shootin$H Gou $ot some+J (reene shoute" as he tosse" Ea!ins a
<C9>.1 assault rifle from a near!) emer$enc) *eapon !o3. 1e himself $ra!!e" an >BC7
assault rifle *ith $rena"e launcher an" <A( si$hts. Dt *as almost funn) to see (reene carr) a
rifle. 9lmost+ !ut not 7uite.
JCe nee" to help them outLJ Ea!ins shoute" ur$entl). <ome *oul" later sa) "esperatel).
(reene 7uickl) checke" the surroun"in$s5 there *ere multiple tar$ets alrea") in the outer
e"$e of the !ase+ alon$ *ith a fe* trucks. JD *ill $o *ith the other sol"iers to help out *hate,er
possi!le.J 1e sai" as he stuffe" some me"ic packs in his pocket. JGou $o an" tr) to $et as close
as possi!le+ take out an) enemies as necessar). Df *e can all $et to m) la! *e mi$ht ha,e a
chance+ there are hun"re"s of $uns in there plus the secret room can also act as the panic room.
Ce ha,e $uns+ foo"+ *ater+ an" a ra"io insi"e.J
Ea!ins starre" at the onslau$ht as more e3plosions rocke" the !uil"in$s. 2he shortest
*a) to the la! *oul" !e to $o strai$ht across the run*a)+ !ut that meant e3posin$ herself to
"irect $unfire of the enemies+ so she "eci"e" to take a lon$er+ !ut safer roun" !ehin" the mess
hall. 2he t*o of them ran "o*n the stairs to the first floor. Ea!ins an" (reene stoo" in front of
the "oor lea"in$ to the outsi"e. Autsi"e *here $uns+ e3plosions+ screams+ an" *histles of rockets
coul" !e hear".
JCith luck+ D *ill see )ou on the other si"e.J (reene sai".
J(oo" luck to )ou too.J <he replie".
2he) !oth loa"e" put on a !elt *ith multiple ma$a0ines for their *eapons. 2hen the t*o
%.<.9. a$ents inserte" a fresh ma$a0ine into their $uns+ cocke" them+ checke" the si$hts+ an"
flippe" off the safet).
(reene+ !ein$ a hi$her rank than Ea!ins+ $a,e the or"ers. J>ea")H An three+ D *ill kick
open the "oor an" *e *ill sprint out. D *ill make for the sol"iers near the pill!o3es an" san"!a$s+
)ou make )our *a) o,er to m) la!+ D *ill see )ou there in a fe* minutes oka)HJ
Ea!ins si$he". JGes.J
93
'osh (reene checke" his rifle one last time. JAn three+ one+ t*o...J /efore (reene coul"
count to three+ an >%( rocket shell !laste" onto the close" "oor+ sen"in$ the t*o %.<.9. a$ents
spra*lin$ !ack*ar".
8ineteen
>io "e 'aneiro
Dt *as a !ri$ht mornin$ "a) in >io "e 'aneiro+ *orkers an" la!orers *ere #ust *akin$ up
to the earl) sunli$ht to start the "a). -ist) "e* shrou"e" o,er the cit) itself+ the !lanket $a,e a
cool+ calm+ an" $entle tin$le to the hot afternoon to come. %eople of all a$es *ere a!out outsi"e
to catch the mornin$ air !efore the sun !reaks throu$h the ha0e an" "ra$s the temperature hi$her.
2he !ellmen at the hotel s*itche" into ne* faces for the mornin$ shift. <ome *ere still
)a*nin$ *hen the) took their positions !) the "oor. 9cross the entire lo!!)+ custo"ians moppe"
the floors an" polishe" the "esks. 9 man *ho happene" to !e the hotel mana$er *as millin$
a!out !) the front "esk+ tr)in$ to or$ani0e the mess he ha" create".
9ll the *hile+ the %.<.9. a$ents *ere still soun" asleep upstairs+ curle" up in their o*n
co0) !e"s+ separate" from the shiftin$ *in"s of the outsi"e *orl". An the ni$htstan"+ the clock
ticke" on+ one secon" at a time+ slo*l)+ carin$l). 1oll) turne" in her sleep+ she slo*l) opene"
her tire" e)es an" li$htl) ru!!e" them *ith her han"s. Eaitl)n 1oll) turne" to look at /runner+
*ho *as a fe* inches from fallin$ off the !e". 1is e)es flicker as he "reamt. %uttin$ on her
slippers+ 1oll) ma"e her *a) to the !athroom+ *hich *as a near the "oor to the outsi"e hall. <he
*alke" slo*l) o,er to the sink an" turne" on the faucet. Cool+ clear+ *ater came out of the
sil,er) tap. Cuppin$ the *ater in her han"s+ she splashe" it on her face+ a fe* "roplets fle* to her
hair+ then follo*e" the silk) !lon"e stran"s "o*n*ar"s. Ane "rop slippe" to the en" of her hair
an" fell "o*n to the tile" $roun"+ then another "rop+ then another+ an" another. 1oll) $ra!!e" a
*ash.to*el ne3t to the lar$e mirror an" soake" the soft to*el in the cool *ater. <he then !urie"
her face in the cool+ "amp+ cloth. 2he fi!ers tin$le" the sensiti,e areas on her face an" ma"e her
more a*ake. <he then turne" on the sho*er+ careful as to keep the *ater cooler to *ake her up
instea" of make her sleep). 9fter a minute or so+ the *ater *as at the perfect temperature.
<lo*l)+ 1oll) pulle" off her !e".clothes an" hoppe" in+ closin$ the )ello* sho*er curtain !ehin"
her.
Autsi"e in the room+ >)an /runner opene" his e)es+ he stare" at the ceilin$ *ith
!ore"om. <u""enl) he remem!ere" that he *as not in the Fnite" <tates+ not in -o0am!i7ue+ !ut
in >io+ the countr) *here he *as sent to in or"er to stop an ille$al e3chan$e of *eapons !et*een
$an$s an" >ussian terrorist $roups. /runner then remem!ere" also that he *as sleepin$ ne3t to
1oll) "ue to her ni$htmares. 1e turne" aroun"+ e3pectin$ to see her asleep. 1oll)Ks
"isappearance from her si"e of the !a" $a,e /runner a sli$ht shock. /ut he hear" the sho*er
$oin$ in the restroom+ so /runner *as soon !ack to his normal self. >)an /runner poppe" his
neck an" *rists then pulle" out a !ook from his !ackpack. Dt *as a cop) of 2he 'u"as (ate he
ha" !ou$ht a fe* )ears !ack. 8e,er ha,in$ time to sit "o*n an" #ust rea"+ /runner treasure"
e,er) moment a,aila!le. 9fter thum!in$ throu$h the chapters+ /runner fin"s the particular pa$e
he *as lookin$ for an" !e$an to rea". 1e ha" taken out his contacts last ni$ht+ !ut /runner "i"
not *ant to !ar$e into the restroom *ith 1oll) insi"e the sho*er+ so he put on his $lasses instea".
1e felt a smile comin$ on his face *hen he hear" the *ater in the restroom stop an" the ruffle of
plastic as 1oll) pulle" open the sho*er curtain.
94
Dn the other room+ 9n"rea 6er$uson *oke to the soun" of /arcla)Ks snorin$. 1e *as
soun" asleep *hen she $ot out of her !e" an" *alke" o,er to his. /arcla) ha" his sp) $lasses on
the ni$htstan" an" one of his han"s *as han$in$ o,er the si"e of the !e". <he smile" an" leane"
o,er /arcla). 1e t*itche" in his sleep+ !ut soon *ent !ack to his normal !reathin$. 6er$uson
tosse" !ack her hair an" *ent to the restroom. <he "i" the e3act same process as 1oll) an" *as
also in the sho*er *hen /arcla) *oke up startle". 1e #ust ha" a "ream *here he *as shot !)
someone he truste" for all his life. J(uess )ou shoul"nKt trust people.J 1e si$he" to himself.
/arcla) checke" 6er$usonKs !e"+ it *as empt)+ !ut he soon reali0e" that the sho*er *as runnin$
as *ell as the faint ,oice of 6er$uson insi"e. /arcla) remem!ere" in hi$h school+ he "i"nKt kno*
6er$uson all too *ell for she *as popular *ith e,er)one an" he *as not. /ut he coul" ha,e
s*orn that *hen he passes !) her locker an" all her Jfrien"sJ+ 6er$uson seeme" to al*a)s $lance
at him for a split secon". Ance+ she ran into him in the hall*a) in the cro*"e" school. 6er$uson
7uickl) apolo$i0e" in an o"" tone an" !riskl) *alke" off !efore /arcla) coul" sa) a *or". 1e
al*a)s ha" a sli$ht crush for 9n"rea 6er$uson e,er since the "a) she ran into him+ !ut he ha"
al*a)s kept that thou$ht to herself. /arcla) ne,er share" the thou$hts re$ar"in$ 6er$uson *ith
an) of his frien"s+ not e,en 'osh (reene+ -ar$aret Eraft+ or >)an /runner for that matter. 2he
information insi"e him *as not e,en let out *hen the) entere" the %.<.9. J6or the $oo" of
themsel,es+J *as *hat /arcla) ha" ori$inall) thou$ht of for not sharin$. Chen he *as startin$ to
*ake up+ /arcla) smelle" an o"" o"or. Dt *as not stink) or putri"+ !ut a containe" a $entle+ s*eet
smell of cherr) !lossom+ $in$ko lea,es+ an" !err) e3tract. 1e felt his cheek+ it *as sli$htl) moist
*ith somethin$. /arcla) put his fin$ers to his nose. Dt *as "efinitel) the source of the smell+ he
*as #ust !e$innin$ to *on"er *here it came from *hen he looke" o,er at 6er$usonKs ni$htstan".
An it *as a small !ottle of face.lotion. 1e picke" up the !ottle an" rea" throu$h the in$re"ients.
1e *as not surprise" to fin" that cherr) !lossom+ $in$ko lea,es+ an" !err) e3tract *ere the first
three in$re"ients in the lotion. /arcla) slo*l) put the !ottle !ack on the ni$htstan"+ *alke" o,er
to his !e"+ an" sat "o*n. 2hen he shook his hea"+ smile"+ an" ru!!e" the area of his cheek *here
9n"rea 6er$uson ha" kisse" him.
9 fe* floors !elo* the %.<.9.+ -arko Masla,sk) ha" alrea") taken a sho*er an" also ha"
or"ere" room ser,ice. 1e took out his phone+ after a fe* secon"s Chernko, picke" up.
J=ineKs secureH ChatKs the status o,erHJ Chernko, sai".
J2he tar$ets are pro!a!l) *akin$ up at the moment+ *e nee" to act fast. 2here *ill !e a
chan$e of plans.J
J9 chan$e of plans this lateHJ
Masla,sk) cou$he". JGes+ )ou $o an" sho* up to the e3chan$e+ then allo* )ourself to !e
cau$ht.J
JChat the hellH 9renKt )ou suppose" to !e on m) si"e instea" of theirKsHJ
JD am on )our si"e+ preten" )ou "onKt kno* me. 2he $u)s are plannin$ to #ust toss )ou in
a car an" "ri,e )ou to the airport. D *ill falsel) lea" /runner an" his team into a trap that )ou an"
D *ill create.J
JCill createH Ance a$ain+ isnKt it a little late to chan$e plansHJ
J&o )ou *ant to remo,e the loose en"s an" $et )our ru!) !ackHJ Masla,sk) 7uestione".
JAf course.J
95
J2hen D su$$est listenin$ to me. -ake )our men set up "efense am!ushes alon$ =e)ia
roa". 2here *ill !e lots of police escorts alon$ *ith a lar$e amount of 9rm) infantr) as *ell+ so
!rin$ in hea,) *eapons for fullest impact.J
JAka)+ !ut the roa" is a main roa"+ *e coul" kill lar$e amounts of ci,illians if *eKre not
careful.J Chernko, tol" him.
2hinkin$ !ack to *hat 8i,ea ha" sai" to him a!out "estro)in$ the hotel+ Masla,sk)
continue". JDt "oesnKt matter *hat it takes+ D *ant those "amn %.<.9. mem!ers capture" if not
kille".J
J<o are )ou sa)in$ that innocent ci,ilians ha,e to "ie #ust !ecause of our faultsHKK
Chernko, aske".
JChat in the *orl" is *ron$ *ith )ouH Gou use" to kill an" slau$hter *ithout !linkin$+
no* *h) are )ou so ne$ati,e a!out itHJ
Chernko, pause" for a secon". JD ha,e a lot of m) frien"s here at stake+ 9l"olfoKs son is
officiall) m) (o".son. 1eKs onl) se,enteen. D think heKs $oin$ to !e at the e3chan$e as *ell. D
"onKt reall) *ant his son to "ie in the crossfire. 2hose %.<.9. mem!ers ha,e "ea" accurate shots5
one of them took out -a#or =a$shmi,ar at o,er fi,e hun"re" meters.J
J<o )ou are *orrie" for 9l"olfoKs sonH D thou$ht )ou "i"nKt care for an)one+ )ou
consi"ere" e,er)one aroun" )ou as e3pen"a!le.J Masla,sk) sai".
J2hat *as until D lost m) son+ he *asnKt a $reat ki"+ !ut he C9< m) chil". 9fter his "eath
D #ust lo,e" 9l"olfoKs son like heKs m) o*n. 9l"olfo himself "i"nKt treat his chil" ,er) *ell. <o in
the en" D *as the one *ho reall) raise" him.J
Masla,sk) si$he". JCell *ith all "ue respect sir !ut D "onKt ha,e time to mess *ith )our
lo,e" ones. -) mission is to ensure the sur,i,al of )ou+ not 9l"olfo or his son.J
JD $uess )ou are ri$ht. 'ust make sure )our men keep an e)e on the !o) as *ell. D "onKt
*ant an)thin$ to happen to him.J
JDKm all up for that.J
Chernko, "rank somethin$. 2hen pause" for a fe* secon"s. JGou still are $oin$ to $et me
6er$uson an" 1oll) correctHJ
JD *ill tr) m) !est+ personall)+ D *oul" ha,e to $o there+ "o the !usiness+ an" then 7uickl)
come !ack to the hotel to search 6er$usonKs $un case+ D nee" 9l"olfo or Eorolo, here *ith me if
possi!le.J
J9l"olfoKs not $oin$ to the e3chan$e itself then+ his secon" in comman". >a$narius+ *ill
!e there to take his place+ D *ill notif) him of this.J
Masla,sk) no""e" e,en thou$h Chernko, coul" not see him. JCell then *e *ill meet in a
fe* hoursK time sir.J
J(oo" to *ork *ith )ou. -ake sure this "oes not $o !a"l) or else itKs comin$ out of )our
pa)check.J
J8o pro!lem -r. Chernko,+ D *ill han"le the situations m)self. 2he) "onKt suspect a
thin$. DKm still someone trust*orth) to them+ the) *ill #ust fall for all m) traps.J
JAka)+ then that is all for no* m) frien".J
JD *ill see )ou soon sir.J 2hen !oth Chernko, an" Masla,sk) hun$ up.
Masla,sk) "roppe" the phone on the ta!le an" fell !ack onto his !e". 1e close" his e)es
an" trie" to $ain some ener$).
96
9 fe* miles "o*n south+ closer to the !each. 6ernan"o 9l"olfo+ 1ernan 9l"olfoKs son+
*as sittin$ insi"e a lar$e mansion o*ne" !) his father from the man) *eapons "eals o,er the
)ears. 1e *as a tall !o) of se,enteen an" in his senior )ear of hi$h school. 9lthou$h !orn in
-e3ico an" raise" in /ra0il+ 6ernan"o *as almost fluent in Bn$lish+ minus the fact that he has a
sli$ht accent. 1e learne" Bn$lish mostl) from 9merican an" /ritish *eapons tra"ers o,er the
)ears. 1is father *as a 7uiet man *ho makes 6ernan"o sho* up for his meetin$s. &ue to this+
6ernan"o has $ro*n a sli$ht hate for his father. Dt *asnKt a total hate relationship+ !ut he *as
certainl) closer to Victor Chernko, if an)thin$. 6ernan"oKs main characteristics *ere his uni7ue
!lue e)es. 2he ha" an iri"escent shine to them+ especiall) on a *arm+ sunn) "a). 2hese e)es
"re* in the attention from man) $irls his a$e. 1is !lack hair *as lon$er then most an" ha" a
matte" effect from the moisture in the air.
6ernan"o *atche" as Chernko, calle" someone on his cell. 1e $uesse" it *as pro!a!l)
Masla,sk). /ein$ onl) se,enteen+ the $an$ lea"erKs son *as "epri,e" of man) materials+
inclu"in$ a $un. 1is father *oul" not allo* him to carr) an) kin" of *eapon an)*here. Chere
e,er he *ent+ a !o")$uar" or t*o al*a)s follo*e" him aroun". 1e hate" his life+ e,er) aspect of
it. 1e hate" ha,in$ to sta) up late to finish school *ork an" *ake up earl) to ha,e to $o sell
*eapons. 1e hate" ha,in$ to replace his father in his line of *ork. 1e also hate" the fact that he
"oes not kno* *ho his mother *as. 1ernan 9l"olfo ne,er mentione" *ho his mother *as or
*here she *as. Chances are she *as #ust some $irl ori$inall) inten"e" to !e sol" that his "a"
knocke" up an" kille" after he *as !orn. 1e "i"nKt kno*+ 6ernan"o kne* himself that no!o")
tol" him the *hole truth a!out an)thin$. Chen a 7uestion *as aske"+ the response *as al*a)s
the same. JGouKre too )oun$ to kno* a!out that.J 9s for his career in the future+ 6ernan"o
actuall) *ante" to !ecome part of la* enforcement. 1e hate" the fact that he *as $oin$ a$ainst
the *ill of man) treaties an" enforce" la*s+ !ut a !o) of his a$e has nothin$ to "o a$ainst the
crime !usiness an" *ar !et*een $an$s an" the mafia. Ane "a)+ he+ 6ernan"o 9l"olfo *as to $o
a$ainst his fatherKs *ill an" re!el a$ainst his famil)Ks histor). <ome"a) that *ill happen. 1e
clenche" his fists an" slo*l) close" his e)es. <ome"a)...
/runner+ /arcla)+ 6er$uson+ an" 1oll) sat in the room+ the) *ere all "resse". 8)lon fi!er
enhance" pants+ !ullet proof ,ests+ as *ell as an ammunitions !elt. 9ll the) *ere *aitin$ for *as
Masla,sk)Ks si$nal.
JGou rea") for thisHJ /runner. 1e *asnKt sure *hat else to reall) sa).
J>ea") as D *ill e,er !e.J
/arcla) took out an assault rifle. J<o our #o! is #ust to catch himHJ
J9ffirmati,e.J /runner replie". Dt seeme" ri$ht.
J<o *h) "i" the presi"ent sen" us here an)*a)H D am prett) sure the re$ular arm) shoul"
ha,e !een a!le to "eal *ith them.J /arcla) sai".
JGou ha,e no i"ea *hat Chernko, an" 9l"olfoKs men are capa!le of+ "o )ouHJ
JD sure "onKt+ !ut not enou$h *here a fe* $rena"es *oul"nKt "o.J /arcla) thum!e" his
%%< $rena"es alon$ *ith his stun $rena"es.
97
J-ake sure )ou $ra! him !efore *e can run. Masla,sk) *ill sho* us the !est route to the
airport after*ar".J
J<o )ou t*o are the ones "oin$ all the shootin$HJ /arcla) aske" a$ain.
JGes.J
J2hen *h) "i" )ou $et us all these *eapons+ the)Kre pro!a!l) $oin$ to slo* us "o*n.J
/runner smile". JGou ne,er kno* *hat pro!lems *e mi$ht run into.J
2here *as silence for a fe* secon"s. J&o )ou $u)s e,er *orr) a!out "eathHJ 1oll)
su""enl) !rou$ht up. J9s in+ are )ou afrai" a!out ")in$HJ
2he $roup *as silence" !) the 7uestion.
9fter a full minute+ 6er$uson spoke. J2his mission shoul" !e an eas) one+ *e #ust $ra!
him an" $o. 8o hassle.J
/runner trie" to keep it positi,e. JGouKll !e fine+ DKll al*a)s co,er )our !ack for )ou. 2his
9E- assault rifle has a $oo" rate of fire.J
1oll) $a,e out a smile. <he turne" o,er to 6er$uson an" then $lance" o,er to /runner. JD
tol" >)an a!out *hat happene" si3 )ears a$o.J
6er$usonKs e3pression "imme". JGou "i"...J <he *as unsure as to *hat to sa).
JGes D "i"+ it hurts to remem!er the facts. /ut D thou$ht he ha" the ri$ht to kno*.J
/arcla) *as sli$htl) confuse". JChat e3actl) *as thisH DKm sorr) to 7uestion+ !ut D "onKt
kno* *hat is up.J
6er$uson turne" to*ar"s 1oll). JD think Chase has the ri$ht to kno*.J
1oll) no""e" an" looke" at /arcla). JD lost m) parents *hen D *as se,enteen+ Chernko,
kille" them an" capture" me. 2he) $a,e me pain for a !it !efore 9$ent (arrison sho*e" up an"
!roke me free.J
/arcla) no""e". 1e remem!er seein$ 1oll) !ein$ a !it upset one "a) !ack in hi$h
school+ he $uess that that mi$ht ha,e !een the reason. JDKm sorr) a!out that.J
J8o+ itKs fine+ it has !een si3 )ears+ D tr) to for$et as much as possi!le. =ife $oes on
ri$htHJ
J=ife for the $oo" $u)s+ the !a" $u)s en" up losin$ to the !a" $u)s.J /arcla) replie".
2hen their recei,erKs !u00e"+ it *as Masla,sk). JChernko, an" 9l"olfo has !e$un settin$
up shop in <lon)ia <treet 9lle). 2he mission is a $o+ D repeat+ the mission is a $o.J
1oll) replie" to Masla,sk)+ then she scanne" her e)es across the other three %.<.9. a$ents.
J=etKs $o.J
J>ea").J 6er$uson an" /arcla) shoute" simultaneousl).
Eaitl)n 1oll) turne" to*ar"s >)an /runner. 1e no""e" an" sai"+ J=etKs catch that
!astar" that kille" )our parents.J
Chile the three a$ents in >io left for their risk) mission to capture Chernko,+ the rai" on
&#im!i 9ir!ase *as on full throttle. =iana Ea!ins stru$$le" to pull 'osh (reene !ack on his feet.
2he e3plosion left multiple scratches across his face an" a small $ash on the palm of his han".
Ather than that+ (reene *as still *ell an" ali,e.
JDKm fine+ $et on *ith it.J 1e shoute" to her o,er the $unfire.
JAka)+ sorr) for !ein$ nice.J <he replie".
98
/ecause (reene took most of the !lo*+ Ea!ins "i" not $et seriousl) hurt+ her knee lan"e"
a*k*ar"l) an" *as no* startin$ to stin$. Eno*in$ it *as $oin$ to hurt an" ma)!e $et !ruise"+
she "i" not hesitate to run out of the open $ap *here the "oor use" to !e. Ance outsi"e+ she ma"e
a sharp turn an" *ent !ehin" the 1O !uil"in$. Ouietl)+ the 9sian Ba$le follo*e" the !ack of the
!uil"in$s until she *as perpen"icular to the la!. 2hat *as *here she kille" her first enemies that
"a). 2*o terrorist mercenaries "resse" in "esert com!at $ear an" carr)in$ 9E.47 rifles ran up
!et*een t*o !uil"in$s. 2he) ne,er $ot to fire at Ea!ins since !) the time the) !oth raise" their
$uns. <he alrea") ha" sent a knife into each of their necks. /ehin" her+ she coul" hear the
"istinct soun" of an >BC7+ (reeneKs+ !ein$ fire". /ut she "i" not stop to check if it lan"e" an)
hits. Ea!ins ran strai$ht to the si"e of the !uil"in$s+ she pause" to catch a !reath. 9s Ea!ins
poke" her hea" out from the si"e of the !uil"in$+ a !ullet struck the concrete+ !arel) missin$ her
hea". 2he soun" instantl) tol" her it *as a sniper rifle. 9n" the "ama$e tol" her it *as a >ussian
&ra$uno, rifle. 2he concrete poppe" a$ain as another !ullet hit. 2here *as no *a) she coul" $et
past the sniper+ unless the sniper runs out of !ullets. 2hat *as *here the smart pro!lem sol,in$
skills of the %.<.9. came in. <he 7uickl) calculate" a formula in her hea" an" fi$ure" that there
*as a!out t*o hun"re" feet !et*een herself an" the la!. Fsin$ trian$ulation+ Ea!ins kne* that
she ha" to fin" co,er an" use "ia$onal paths in or"er to a,oi" $ettin$ hit. <he cau$ht si$ht of a
!urnin$ truck on the tarmac of the 9ir!ase. J%erfect.J <he sai" to herself.
<he sprinte" out of her hi"in$ spot an" ran strai$ht for the "estro)e" truck. 9s she left+
!ullets kicke" up ne3t to her feet. Ea!ins "i,e" !ehin" the truck #ust as !ullets coul" !e hear"
hittin$ the metal hoo"+ *hich *as la)in$ crumple" ne3t to a pile of of ol" tires.
Ea!ins rushe" out once a$ain for the entrance of the la!orator) as !ullets kicke" at her
le$s. Ane mana$e" to scrape her arm as she ran past. <he looke" at the scrape. Dt *as a near miss
to flesh an" onl) a section of skin *as !rushe" off+ a small amount of !loo" oo0e" throu$h. JAh
!other.J <he tol" herself as she kicke" the "oor open into (reeneKs la!. Ea!ins reache" the secret
!unker armor) *hen (reene came crashin$ throu$h the *in"o*. /ehin" him *ere t*o an$r)
(erman shepher" "o$s sprintin$ to !ite him. Ane hur"le" the *in"o* an" #umpe" ri$ht on top of
(reene+ he stru$$le" to $et the lar$e !east off of him. 9s Ea!ins raise" her rifle to fire at the "o$+
the other shepher" spran$ into the air an" knocke" her !ack*ar"s into a pile of san"!a$s.
J(et off me )ou filth) !eastLJ <he shoute" as she stru$$le" to pull her pistol out of her
holster.
2he "o$ continue" to $nash at her *ith its lar$e teeth. <he #ust ha" enou$h po*er to $ra!
the "o$Ks neck an" hol" it !ack. Ea!ins "esperatel) $rope" for a *eapon+ her han" lan"e" on a
shar" of $lass. Cithout thinkin$+ =iana Ea!ins picke" up the shar" of $lass an" slice" it *ith
sur$ical perfection across the (erman shepher"Ks neck+ !loo" miste" out an" the "o$ fell
!ack*ar"s+ "ea".
(reene *as still ne3t to her on the $roun" tr)in$ to *restle the other "o$ off of him.
Ea!ins pulle" out her pistol+ *alke" o,er to the shepher" an" shot it in the hea". 2he "o$
"roppe" "o*n on (reene. (reene moane" an" pushe" the "o$ corpse off of him an" stoo" !ack
up+ !rushin$ fur off of his clothes.
J&amn+ D ha" "o$s+ thanks for $ettin$ ri" of that one for me lieutenant.J
Ea!ins no""e" 7uickl). JGouKre *elcome !ut *e nee" to enter the sanctum no*LJ
Dt *as then the t*o reali0e" that the 9merican sol"iers ha" fallen all the *a) !ack to the
opposite si"e of the !ase. 2he) *ere !ein$ o,er*helme".
99
JCe ha,e to help them.J Ea!ins shoute" o,er $unfire.
J8o time for that+ $et to the armor) sanctum no*LJ (reene spat out as he pushe" Ea!ins
for*ar". 'osh (reene *as a!out to t)pe in the pass*or" *hen the t*o of them notice" that the
"oor *as alrea") opene". /efore (reene coul" react 7uickl) enou$h+ some!o") !ar$e" out of
their safe room *ith a pistol an" shot (reene in the shoul"er+ he "ou!le" !ack an" "roppe" to the
$roun"+ onl) a fe* feet a*a) from the "ea" "o$s. Ea!ins 7uickl) raise" her rifle !ut it *as too
late as *ell+ she felt a sharp !lo* to her shoul"er an" the pulse of !loo" leakin$ throu$h.
=ookin$ "o*n+ it *as then that she reali0e" she *as hit from !ehin". 2he !ullet *ent ri$ht
throu$h her small frame. <he felt another !lo*+ this time to the !ack of her shoul"er5 =iana
Ea!ins kne* it *as not from a !ullet+ !ut from a tippe" "art. <he "i" not ha,e time to
comprehen" the entire situation as she "roppe" "o*n ne3t to *here (reene *as.
Dn >io "e 'aneiro+ >)an /runner an" Eaitl)n 1oll) looke" throu$h their !inoculars. 8e3t
to them la) their assault rifles an" spare sniper rifles. 2he t*o *ere in the si"e of the <lon)ia
%ark+ #ust "irectl) across the street from the alle) in *hich the e3chan$e *as takin$ place. 2he
outer e"$e of the park ha" a sparse metal fence alon$ *ith tall+ *ee") $rass. 9n) passer!) from
the street *oul" not ha,e !een a!le to see the t*o %.<.9. mem!ers in camoufla$e. Dn <lon)ia
9lle) across the street+ the =ameurtia $an$ mem!ers *ere *aitin$ near a lar$e ta!le+ there *ere
a!out a "o0en of them alrea") stan"in$ an" *aitin$. 9l"olfo an" Chernko, *ere not in si$ht.
J=ooks like tar$et 9lpha has not arri,e".J /runner *hispere" to his ra"io+ *hich *as
connecte" to 1oll)Ks+ 6er$usonKs+ an" /arcla)Ks earpieces. J9lphaJ *as the co"ename the) $a,e
to Chernko,.
JCop) that.J /arcla) an" 6er$uson replie" simultaneousl). Dt *as a !attlefiel". 2he) *ere
sol"iers. B3cept the) *erenKt. 1o*e,er+ the) *ere inserte" into a *ar0one. 9 place of 7uestion. 9
place *here none of them reall) ha" felt !efore. Dt *as ecstas).
JGou think heKll sho*HJ 1oll) *hispere" o,er to /runner as she concentrate" throu$h the
scope of her rifle.
JAf course he *ill+ that fool *oul"nKt turn this "o*n.J /runner hope" he *as ri$ht.
J>)an+ *e ha,e a 'a$uar sports car mo,in$ to )our location+ please check tar$et.J
6er$uson ra"io him from the other si"e of the alle).
J(ot it.J
2he 'a$uar pulle" up in front of the alle)*a)+ a "oor opene" an" a )oun$ !o) steppe"
out. 1e *as onl) in his teens.J
JCait+ *e ha,e a ki"+J /runner sai"+ sli$htl) surprise".
J2hat must !e 1ernan 9l"olfoKs son+ 6ernan"o. 1e takes his fatherKs place in man) areas
of *ork.J 6er$uson replie".
JCh) is that ki" hereH 9n" more importantl)+ *hat "o *e "o *ith himHJ 1oll) aske" the
others.
/runner turne" to look at 1oll)+ the t*o *ere in a prone position. 2he) *ere l)in$ so
close that the t*o *ere practicall) touchin$. 1oll) put one of her han"s on top of the rifle an"
lo*ere" it.
JD "onKt kno*. 9n) i"easHJ /runner aske" 1oll). 2hat *asnKt e3actl) the !est sho* of
capa!ilit)+ !ut he actuall) *asnKt sure ho* to enact at that moment.
100
J8o clue+ "o *e #ust take him out like an) other enem)HJ 1oll) aske" to no one in
particular.
J1e is here to take his fatherKs place. 2hat means 9l"olfo senior *ill not !e sho*in$ up
to"a)+ "ammit.J 6er$uson sai" o,er the ra"io. JD *oul" keep an e)e on him+ "onKt kill him if )ou
"onKt ha,e to.J
2he con,ersation *as interrupte" *hen a "ark -erce"es pulle" up to the front entrance
of the alle). 9 man *ith $re) hair an" a ra,a$e" e3pression came out from the shin) !lack car.
2here *as no mistake that this *as Victor Chernko,. 1e ner,ousl) $lance" aroun" the *hole
area an" a"#uste" his suit. 9fter*ar"s four !o")$uar"s all *earin$ ur!an com!at $ear an"
carr)in$ machine.pistols $ot out of the -erce"es as *ell. 2he) follo*e" Chernko, into the
alle)*a).
Anl) thirt) meters a*a)+ 1oll) $a,e out a small+ force si$h. 1er han" shook a little an"
she $rippe" the rifle+ menacin$l). %erhaps a little too ti$ht.
6eelin$ her $rip out of the corner of his e)e+ /runner *hispere"+ JDtKs all ri$ht+ calm
"o*n. >e,en$e is in si$ht+ !ut "onKt !reak parameters+ a$ent.@
JGou nee" not *orr) a!out me.@ Dt *as #u3taposin$. 9 !ea" of s*eat traile" "o*n the
crest of her forehea" an" skimme" her 0)$omatic !one !efore "roppin$ into the ari" soil
!eneath.
/runner turne" to look at her+ she *as startin$ to crin$e a !it+ an" the moisture *as
!e$innin$ to mat her !eautiful !lon"e hair+ !ut she hel" stron$.
1e $rippe" his rifle ti$hter as *ell. 2he reticule traine" on Chernko, like a perfecte"
laser.
2*ent)
Cashin$ton &.C.
2he streets *ere #amme" packe" from late traffic as Eraft left the precinct+ the police
officers an" the cr)in$ parents. <he ha" to skim passe" some a*k*ar"l) parke" patrol cars as
she slippe" o,er to the si"e of the street to hail a ca!. <o much for !ein$ part of the %resi"entKs
<ecurit) 9$enc). Ance insi"e+ Eraft tol" the "ri,er to take her !ack to her apartment. <he "i" not
reall) ha,e a permanent home+ it *asnKt *orth the mone). %lus+ there al*a)s *as a chance that
someone a$ainst the Fnite" <tates (o,ernment mi$ht initiate a ,en"etta a$ainst her. <he *asnKt
surprise" it hits *ere alrea") calle" on her. Dn fact+ it happene" in the past alrea").
1er apartment *as on %earson <treet. Dt *as an ol"+ minor+ an" some*hat "ilapi"ate"
,ersion of -ain <treet. 2he asphalt *as crackin$ in places *here the *ater fell in+ fro0e+ an"
e3pan"e" the cracks. /ein$ in the "o*n.point of the econom)+ the $o,ernment "i" not ha,e
enou$h e3tras to "eal *ith minor roa"s. Dn the lon$ run+ Eraft *as sent to the $hettos e,en
thou$h she *as a respecte" part of the Fnite" <tates. <he a"mits that there reall) *as not too
much to *orr) of. B,er) no* an" then there mi$ht !e a shootin$ or fi$ht+ !ut as lon$ as she has a
conceale" *eapon at all times an" "irect access to her home+ there *as little that an)one coul"
"o to her.
2he ca! screeche" to a halt in front of a tall !rick !uil"in$ . her apartment. <ha"es of
!ro*n+ )ello*+ an" moss) $reen pulse" throu$h the ori$inal re" coloration that ha" fa"e" after
the man) storms o,er the )ears. Fpon closer inspection+ one coul" tell that the moss) $reen in
101
fact *as real moss. 1ea,) rains ha" cause" !its of moss to $ro* ri$ht on the outer e"$e of some
of the !ricks. D$norin$ the outer si"e+ the insi"e *as ama0in$l) *ell furnishe". Dt *as clean an"
neatl) kept+ *ithout an) leaks or cracks. 2he "oor opene" to a comfortin$ staircase that *as
li$htl) carpete". Dt lea" all the *a) up to the top of the fifteen stor) !uil"in$+ !ut no one uses it
an)more. &ust an" "irt ha" collecte" o,er the fra)e" carpet "ue to lack of use an" maintenance.
/ehin" the ol" staircase *as the ele,ator+ intro"uce" onl) a fe* )ears a$o. Dt still containe" a
ru!!er) Jne*J smell insi"e it.
Eraft pai" the "ri,er an" opene" the "oor to the !risk air. <he coul" sli$htl) see her
!reath in the cool air. Dt *as alrea") "ark+ aroun" nine oK clock. 2he street *as "eserte" e3cept
for a fe* men near the en" of it smokin$ an" chattin$. <he *atche" as the ta3i "ro,e a*a)+
continuin$ to e)e it as it "ro,e to the corner+ turne" left+ an" "isappeare". 2he "oor on the
!uil"in$ ha" a lock s)stem that can onl) !e opene" *ith ke)s to that particular !uil"in$+ e,er)
person that li,e" there ha" his or her o*n ke). Eraft reache" into her pocket+ to her surprise+ it
*as not there. 9t first she thou$ht it *as hi""en in some pocket or her purse+ !ut after checkin$
for a fe* secon"s+ it *as then that she reali0e" that the ke) must ha,e slippe" out "urin$ the
shootin$ at the %en"ulum. <i$hin$+ the %.<.9. a$ent "eci"e" to call the lan"lor". Ance a$ain to
her surprise+ her cellphone *as not there. 9n" once a$ain she reali0e" that it *as left on the ta!le
at 2he %en"ulum+ pro!a!l) still there as the 6./.D. *rappe" up the in,esti$ation for the ni$ht. <he
s7uatte" "o*n an" !urie" her hea" in her han"s an" moane". Dt ha" !een a lon$ ni$ht+ all she
*ante" *as some rest+ !ut she coul" not e,en $et into her o*n home. 2here *as the option of
pickin$ the lock itself+ !ut she "i" not ha,e an) of the necessar) materials nor "i" she ha,e the
ener$). (lancin$ aroun" the ,acant !ack roa"+ Eraft felt alone in a *orl" of sha"o*s. Dn the
"istance a "o$ !arke"+ peerin$ o,er some of the shorter !uil"in$s+ she coul" make out the
!rilliantl) lit sk)scrapers in the !ack$roun". <he *as not in the inner cit) an)more+ she *as in
the outer e"$e+ an" she *as alone+ alone+ alone. Eraft repeate" the *or"s o,er an" o,er in her
hea". <u""enl) a thou$ht came o,er to her. Ch) not *alk o,er to the cit) "istrict an" fin" a
phone to call &imitriH 2he cit) "istrict *as onl) a fe* !locks "o*n+ it ha" lots of people+ *as
clean an" !ri$htl) lit *ith stores of all kin"s flankin$ the si"e of the roa". Dt *asnKt #ust
e3citement or a *a) to $et to &imitri+ it *as her ni$htl) safet). <he let out a lon$ !reath+ tie" her
hair up+ an" fin$ere" her pistol+ makin$ sure it *as still there. Dt *as+ loa"e" *ith hollo*.point
cartri"$es+ makin$ it ha,e hi$her "ama$e. =ieutenant 9$ent -ar$aret Eraft $lance" aroun" the
street for a secon". Dt *as e3ceptionall) "ark5 ho*e,er+ she coul" make out the *a) usin$ the
"im+ flickerin$ streetli$hts that *ere a!out to !urn out. 8o one *as aroun"+ all e3cept for the
four men on the mouth of the roa". 2he) *ere all chattin$ lou"l) an" *ere also smokin$ an"
"rinkin$. (oin$ out throu$h the mouth of the roa" *oul" !e the closest *a) to the cit) "istrict+
!ut Eraft "i" not *ant to $et the attention of a fe* "runk men. <o she "eci"e" to take the !ack
alle) instea". Dt *as e,en "arker than the roa" itself an" it took lon$er to $et to her "estination+
!ut a least she "i"nKt see an) people there. Eraft $lance" one more time at the "runken men an"
slippe" silentl) to the !ack alle). 2he alle) *as a mess+ there *as trash littere" e,er)*here.
%lastic !a$s an" ol" pieces of paper s*irle" aroun" from the li$ht *in". B,er) no* an" then a
so"a can *oul" roll aroun"+ creatin$ a metallic soun" an" scare the hell out of Eraft. <he trie"
not to !e afrai". <he kne* that "urin$ the "a)+ she o*ns the entire nei$h!orhoo" like a ha*k+ !ut
at ni$ht+ she falls Jpre)J to ni$ht stalkers like cats an" o*ls. /efore lon$ a mo,ement in a trash
"umpster cau$ht her attention. 2here *as a rustlin$ an" rippin$ soun" insi"e the "umpster. Eraft
102
put her han" on her pistol+ not 7uite turnin$ off the safet) or pullin$ it out. 1er heart *as racin$
as she hear" more relentless tearin$. 6inall)+ the thin$ #umpe" out of the "umpster an" lun$e" at
her.
<he rippe" out her pistol an" fire" a shot. 2he silencer onl) $a,e out a small+ inau"i!le
JpopJ as the !ullet struck the thin$. Dt *as a raccoon. 8o* that she shine" the li$ht from her
pistol attachment+ the "ea" creature finall) sho*e" its face+ there *as a !ullet hole "irectl) on the
furr) creatureKs forehea"+ "irectl) a!o,e the mask co,ere" e)es. Dt *as a )oun$ raccoon+ much
smaller than the ones she *as use" to seein$. Dt *as a!out ei$hteen inches from hea" to tail. 2he
sha"o*s an" scratchin$ ma"e it more scar) than it reall) *as. Eraft put the pistol !ack in her
holster an" si$he". <he *as seein$ thin$s+ it *as #ust an alle)+ nothin$ *as $oin$ on in the alle)+
it *as #ust an alle). -o,in$ on+ she onl) thou$ht of the fact that there *as $oin$ to !e a report to
ha,e to !e *ritten #ust !ecause she fire" a shot at the raccoon. Cursin$ un"er her !reath+ the
a$ent !riskl) strolle" on*ar".
<he *as onl) a!out t*o !locks a*a) from the "istrict+ alrea") Eraft coul" hear faint
noises from people in the far "istance. <he $athere" her coura$e an" *alke" e,en faster as the
moon rose hi$h a!o,e her. 1er leather !oots $a,e a clickin$ soun" as she i$nore" the mice an"
other creatures scurr) a*a) from her. Eraft *as #ust a!out one !lock a*a) from the cit) "istrict
*hen out of no*here she hear" a sli$ht Kchink.K 9hea" of her+ !acke" a$ainst a telephone pole+
*as a suspicious man *ith "enim pants an" a #acket *ith the hoo" pulle" o,er his hea". 2he
e3pression an" his entire face *as hi""en. 1e fin$ere" his ci$arette an" #amme" it in his mouth.
9fter takin$ a lon$ hit from the ci$arette+ he e3hale"+ the smoke !ello*in$ out from his nostrils
an" mouth. Eraft pause" an" starre". 2he man turne" e,er so sli$htl)+ he ha" seen her+ there *as
no "ou!t.
%.<.9. or not+ the a$ent su""enl) !ecame a ta" ner,ous. /ut !ein$ spotte" an" !ein$ so
close to safet)+ she "eci"e" to risk the chance. 9s she *alke" past the man+ Eraft "i" not keep
e)e contact+ she stare" "o*n at her shoes an" strolle" past. 2he man let out a *isp of smoke in
her face as she *alke" past. Eraft $a,e a small si$h of relief *hen the man sta)e" put an" slo*l)
smoke" his ci$arette. <he *as seein$ an" ima$inin$ thin$s+ !ut *hat can she !lameH 2he relief
*as cut short *hen Eraft su""enl) reali0e" that she hear" footsteps+ it *as not her o*n+ it *as
!ehin" her+ turnin$ aroun"+ she sa* that the man smokin$ *as not at the telephone poll an)more+
a streetli$ht cast a $loom) *hite li$ht on the a!an"one" telephone poll. Chere the man *as a
fe* secon"s a$o+ a smokin$ ci$arette la) on the $roun"5 the small flame slo*l) !urnin$ a*a) at
its unfinishe" contents.
<he turne" to look at the si"e of the !uil"in$s+ a sha"o* "arte" out of si$ht. Cithout
thinkin$+ Eraft sprinte" on*ar"+ the footsteps continue" to follo* her as she ran *ith all her
mi$ht. 2he cit) "istrict+ her safet)+ *as onl) a !lock a*a). 2he soun" of chatterin$ people
shoppin$+ e3citin$ restaurants an" stores !ecame lou"er an" lou"er. 2he a$ent ran an" ran+
sprintin$ ri$ht o,er a mouse. 2here *as a "ull JcrunchJ an" a s7ueal as her !oots crushe" the
helpless creature. Dt su""enl) occurre" to Eraft that <1B *as the helpless creature. /ehin" her
the soun" of footsteps !ecame lou"er+ there *ere t*o sets of them no*+ !oth poun"in$ a*a) as
she "arte" throu$h the ol" street. 9ll of a su""en+ her toe cau$ht on a crack on the si"e*alk+ she
trippe" an" lan"e" hea,il) on her chest+ knockin$ the air out. 2he footsteps !ehin" her stoppe".
(lancin$ !ack+ the ominous shapes of t*o men coul" !e seen. 9hea" of her+ t*o other men+ !oth
"resse" in hoo"ies sho*e" up. <he *as cornere"+ trappe"+ trappe" like a )oun$ $a0elle !et*een
103
four lions. 2rappe" like a fl) on a lar$e spi"er *e!. 2here *as no *a) she coul" escape+ she
*asnKt sure *hat the) men *ere lookin$ for from her+ !ut she "i"nKt tr) con#urin$ *orst case
thou$hts an" scenarios. Dnstea"+ almost instincti,el)+ -ar$aret Eraft "re* out her pistol+ aime"+
an" fire".
An the <outhern hemisphere+ /runner stea"ie" his look throu$h the rifle. 2he act of
happiness an" care slo*l) "raine" from his face. 9cross the roa"+ the e3chan$e *as in full force+
6ernan"o 9l"olfo tosse" an 9E.47 on the ta!le set up. 8e3t to the rifle *as a stockpile of
ammunition an" three !a$s of *hat looke" to !e "ru$s.
J&eath to the $uar"sHJ 1oll) *hispere".
J8ot )et+ *e nee" proof+ *ait until the shipment of the "rone parts arri,e. 2hatKs the onl)
*a) *e coul" sa) that there is an e3chan$e $oin$ on.J
J<et up the assault rifleHJ
J-i$ht not !e *orth the time+ #ust keep an e)e on the !a" $u)s.J 1e shifte" his position
an" *ipe" the sniper rifle stock.
/arcla) !u00e" in. JChatKs the situationH &i" the truck *ith the "rone parts arri,e )etHJ
J8e$ati,e.J /runner si$he". JDtKs a!out ten minutes late+ if it takes an) lon$er *e coul"
!e in trou!le. 2he afternoon traffic is alrea") pickin$ up. 9n) lon$er an" it *ill !e rush hour+ the
trafficKs $oin$ to "eplete the entire process.J
JD un"erstan"+ contact me *hen it arri,es.J /arcla) replie".
2he car$o ne,er arri,e". Dt *as not too apparent to /runner an" the team *as not sure as
to *hat *as happenin$. 6ernan"o su""enl) picke" up his phone. 1e listene" *ith intent an"
no""e". 9fter the call en"e"+ 6ernan"o shook han"s *ith Chernko,+ *ho *as ner,ousl) smokin$
a ci$ar. Chernko, no""e" as *ell an" the t*o *as $oin$ !ack to their cars.
JCeK,e $ot a pro!lemL Chernko, an" 6ernan"o are lea,in$ the tar$et location+ D repeat+
the tar$ets are lea,in$ the tar$et area.J /runner shoute" o,er to /arcla) an" 6er$uson.
J<hoot them+ this is our chance. -iss it an" *e ma) not $et another. 2ake out the "ri,er
of their cars.J 6er$uson shoute" !ack.
J>o$er that+ *hat ne3tH &o *e continueHJ
JGes+ continue on+ /arcla) an" D as *ell as the police an" the 9rm) are all on stan"!). An
)our si$nal+ *e *ill #ump into action.J
JAka)+ DKm on it.J
>)an /runner looke" o,er to 1oll)+ *ho he assume" ha" her crosshair aime" at
Chernko,. JBas) Eaitl)n+ eas)+ $o for the $uar"s+ not him.J
1oll) si$he"+ JFn"erstoo".J
2he t*o of them aime" their *eapons at the $uar"s an" the $an$ mem!ers. 2he) !oth
"re* in a "eep !reath+ stea"ie" their sniper rifles+ an" fire" the shots.
9cross the street 6ernan"o *as a!out to enter his car. 1e *as "one !ein$ !osse" aroun"
for the "a) an" *as un"ou!te" pisse" off a!out ha,in$ to "eal *ith or"ers. Masla,sk) ha"
notifie" them ,ia cellphone that he is a!out to search the %.<.9. room at the hotel. 1e also tol"
104
6ernan"o that the) *ere !ein$ am!ushe". Cithout thinkin$+ 6ernan"o opene" the "oor to his car+
his "ri,er at the rea").
<u""enl)+ the *in"o* shattere" as a !ullet struck his "ri,erKs hea". /loo" spe*e" out the
other si"e an" his "ri,er fell o,er to the passen$er seat. 1e *as "ea" *ithin a millisecon".
6ernan"o "roppe" out of si$ht as more !ullets pierce" throu$h the *in"o*s. 1e *atch helplessl)
at the $an$ mem!ers an" Chernko,Ks $uar"s *ere pelte". 9ll of them "roppe" "o*n !efore e,en
ha,in$ a chance to react. Victor Chernko, sprinte" in the opposite "irection of the alle). 1e ran
out of si$ht !ehin" t*o !uil"in$s.
6ernan"o peeke" o,er the open car "oor+ all of the $an$ mem!ers an" all four of
Chernko,Ks $uar"s *ere "ea". Fnfortunatel) for him+ he *as stuck insi"e the car. 1e prepare"
for himself to !e capture"+ or at the least+ !e kille". Cith a sli$ht t*ist of luck+ the t*o people+ a
man an" a *oman "resse" in *hat appears to !e stealth suits an" hol"in$ pistols+ ran past his car
*ithout turnin$ to look to see if an)one *as insi"e. /oth each ha" a sniper rifle strappe" to their
!ack. 2he t*o of them simpl) sprinte" after Chernko, into the alle). 1e $a,e a premature si$h of
relief an" pulle" out his cellphone. %eople on the street *ere all hi"in$ !ehin" o!stacles of all
sorts. 2raffic ha" stoppe" ri$ht in front of the alle)+ ha,in$ fear that the) mi$ht $et hit. 2he
usuall) lou" street *as no* screamin$ *ith the noise of a thousan" cica"as. 8o one "are" to
e,en speak *or"s. 2hose *ho ma"e an) soun"s *ere the soun"s of fear.
6ernan"o "iale" Masla,sk)Ks phone num!er an" *aite". 9fter a fe* secon"s+ Masla,sk)
picke" up. JD ha,e searche" the %.<.9. room at the hotel *ith )our "a" an" t*o of his men as
*ell as t*o of mine.J
J<i3 people to search a small roomHJ
JDt keeps it !alance" in case there *as trou!le.J
6ernan"o coul" hear /en#amin Caters+ Masla,sk)Ks assistant+ talkin$ in the !ack$roun".
Masla,sk) spoke a$ain. JChat is $oin$ on "o*n thereHJ
J%art one of the o!#ecti,es complete. 2he) ha,e chase" Chernko, into the alle)+ heKs
$oin$ to $et capture" prett) soon.J
J(oo"+ our men are *aitin$ to am!ush them. D *ill $et "o*n there as soon as possi!le.
Gour "a" an" the others *ill sta) at the hotel room in case an)one "eci"e" to $o !ack+ for no*+
#ust keep )our hea" "o*n.J
JDKm alrea") "oin$ that. 8o* )ou nee" to $et )our !utt "o*n there an" $et Chernko,
!ack+ *h) the heck "i" )ou e,en let him sho* upH D thou$ht )ou *ere to protect him+ not risk his
life.J
JCell+ if Chernko, "oesnKt sho* up+ o!,iousl) the %.<.9. arenKt $oin$ to stick aroun".
2he) *ante" to capture Chernko,. 2hat *as prett) much *hat their o!#ecti,e *as. D ori$inall)
inten"e" for a replacement+ !ut then D thou$ht that if someone *as to replace Chernko,+ the
%.<.9. *oul" not fall for m) plans.J
J<uit )ourself+ e,er)one e3cept for Chernko, an" D are "ea"+ )ou *ere ri$ht+ the) "o
ha,e accurate aim.J 6ernan"o ma"e it as if sur,i,in$ *ithout $ettin$ in#ure" or capture" *as not
a !i$ "eal.
JD *as ri$ht an" *ill !e ri$ht+ no* $o an" make )ourself scarce !ecause D nee" to $et
there 7uickl). D am alrea") in m) car on m) *a) there to meet our %.<.9. frien"s as *ell as $ra!
Chernko, !ack.J 1e cut off the line.
105
6ernan"o shook his hea"+ si$he"+ an" tosse" the phone asi"e. 1e took a look aroun"+
people *ere still hi"in$ an" peekin$ out from !ehin" o!stacles.
Dn the alle)+ Chernko, *as runnin$ for his life+ the onl) pro!lem is+ he kne* he *as
$oin$ to !e cau$ht. Dn fact+ Masla,sk) Jor"ere"J him to !e capture". Chernko, reall) hope" that
the "ou!le a$ent kne* *hat he *as talkin$ a!out5 he nee"e" the return of the ru!) as *ell as the
"rone plane to $et !uilt. 9s Chernko, ran "eeper into the narro* alle)+ his lun$s *ere $i,in$ out
on him. 8e,er actuall) e3ercisin$+ his *ei$ht ha" risen si$nificantl) in the past )ear. 1e *as
runnin$ out of !reath #ust as the footsteps of the tailin$ %.<.9. mem!ers coul" !e hear". D$norin$
that fact+ the >ussian ro$ue tra"er continue" to #o$ out the last !it. 9s Chernko, #ust e3ite" the
alle)+ a $un stock *as s*un$ at him. Dt connecte" him ri$ht in the stomach an" he fell "o*n.
/efore Chernko, ha" a chance to $et !ack up+ he *as knocke" in his !ack *ith the same $un.
-oanin$ in pain the ol" man curse" as the attacker han"cuffe" him an" "ra$$e" him on his feet.
Chase /arcla) looke" o,er his $un that he use" to !ash Chernko,. Dt still looke" *ell an"
there *ere not an) scratches on it. 1e !le* off some of the fi!er "ust on the !arrel an" stare"
Chernko, o,er. 2he >ussian terrorist comman"er looke" him in the e)e+ !ut he "i" not speak.
/oth #ust stare" at each other. 6er$uson came up to search for *eapons on Chernko,. 6in"in$
none+ she no""e" at /arcla) an" the police officers as *ell as arm) men !ehin" them. 2he) *ere
$la" that !ackup *as a,aila!le. Df the team ha" to "o the entire operation !) themsel,es+ it *oul"
ha,e !een a hassle. /arcla) $ra!!e" Chernko, !) the han"cuffs an" *as a!out to pull him into
the transport ,ehicle+ an armore" truck+ *hen 1oll) an" /runner cau$ht up to them from the
alle). 2he) *ere !reathin$ hea,il) from carr)in$ e3tra *ei$ht. 1oll) stoppe" short *hen she
cau$ht si$ht of Chernko,+ she !acke" up nonchalantl)+ !ut e,er so sli$htl)+ !ehin" /runner.
1oll)Ks han" immi$rate" to*ar"s her holster+ !ut onl) as a $uesse" $esture.
Victor Chernko, lau$he" his 1eh.1eh lau$h. JCell if it isnKt Eaitl)n 1oll)+ the $irl *ho
escape".J
J<hut up+ )ou "o not ha,e the ri$ht to talk.J /runner shoute" !ack. -a)!e a !it
unprofessional+ !ut necessar).
Chernko, smirke" an" looke" at 1oll). JD remem!ere" *hen D shot those !astar" parents
of )ours. D sa,ore" e,er) moment. D remem!ere" *hen the) screame" for merc) of )ou.J 1e
looke" at her a$ain. J/ut D #ust kille" them for the sake of it. Gou look nice. (oo" to see that )our
ass hasn4t faltere" from its+ as )ou 9mericans sa)+ Nse3iness4 o,er these si3 )ears.@
1oll) !reathe" hea,il). 9n e,er small tear ran into the corner of her e)e. Dt *as more or
less a tear of an$er+ !ut a$ain+ she suppresse" it. %ressin$l)+ Chernko, continue". JD also
remem!ere" ho* D felt )our *eakness+ )our stru$$le+ an" hear" )our screams for for$i,eness.
DtKs so comfortin$ to see others in pain *hile )ou sit !ack an" en#o) the sho*.J
1oll) !roke. <he rippe" the pistol on /runner *aist an" aime" the $un at Chernko,. 9
$ust of *in" !le* !) an" cau$ht on to a fe* stran"s of her untie" hair. <he s*ore an" #amme"
the en" of the !arrel onto Chernko, until she *as sure he coul" smell the $unpo*"er..
106
JD *ant to kill )ou !astar" so !a"l)+ m) parents *ante" onl) the !est for me. 9n" )ou ha"
to $o in an" ruin their li,es #ust !ecause of me. D *as the one )ou shoul" ha,e kille"+ not them.
Ch) must one pa) their life for the faults of othersHJ
6or a secon"+ Chernko, *as 7uite stunne" at the fact that 1oll) ha" the same thou$ht as
him re$ar"in$ "eaths for the faults of others. 1e su""enl) remem!ere" that 6ernan"o *as $oin$
into the car as the shootin$ !e$an. Con"erin$ *hether his (o".son has sur,i,e"+ Chernko, shut
his mouth.
1oll)Ks $rip on the -P pistol *as so ti$ht that the tips of her fin$ers *ere turnin$ a fa"e"
*hite. /arcla) an" 6er$uson *as unsure as to *hat to "o. 2he) looke" at /runner an" looke"
!ack at 1oll).
6inall)+ >)an /runner came up an" put his han" on the pistol 1oll) ha" raise" in the air.
JBas)+ itKs oka)+ e,er)thin$ is $oin$ to !e fine. %ut the pistol "o*n+ itKs oka).J he sai" e,er so
$entl). 2hat *as honestl) a!out as calm as he $ot in the last fe* )ears.
1oll) slo*l) o!li$e" an" !e$an lo*erin$ the $un. <he hel" it in her han" for one secon"
an" then flippe" on the safet). 2hrou$h a fe* $asps of !reath+ the $un *as pushe" !ack into
/runnerKs holster. 2he a$ent inconspicuousl) inhale" a !reath of air+ picke" up the sniper rifle
she *as carr)in$+ an" *alke" off to her /-C parke" a*a) from the $roup.
/arcla) turne" to Chernko,. J-o,e it )ou son of a !itch.J 1e pushe" Chernko, to*ar"s
the open "oor of the armore" truck as the police an" arm) !ehin" them looke" on. Chernko, *as
force" into the !ack section of the truck *ith his han"s still cuffe". 2*o policemen close" the
"oors an" locke" them as /arcla) *atche" in satisfaction. 1e came !ack o,er to 6er$uson+ *ho
*as talkin$ to /runner.
JD think )ou nee" to talk to Eaitl)n. 2hat !reak"o*n is unaccepta!le.
JD kno*+ D kno*+ !ut *hat am D suppose" to "o a!out itH <heKs the one *ho ma#ore" in
%s)cholo$)5 she pro!a!l) un"erstan"s her situation !etter than D "o.J
J'ust $o an" let her talk+ sit ne3t to her+ let her cr)+ let her rant an" "o *hate,er necessar)
to make her feel happier. Ce are mo,in$ out in fi,e minutes+ !ut )ou can use that time to at least
allo* )ou to un"erstan" ho* she is feelin$. 2here mi$ht !e somethin$ insi"e that is !u$$in$
her.J
B,en thou$h /runner kne* a lot !etter than the others as to *h) 1oll) !roke a fe*
minutes a$o+ he "eci"e" to $o alon$ an)*a). J<o *hat "o D "o+ #ust talk an" ask 7uestionsHJ
J&onKt #ust ask 7uestions+ *hen )ou are sa"+ )ou hate ans*erin$. 2he !est option is to
allo* her to sa) *hate,er she *ants. =et her $et the profanit)+ s*earin$+ cursin$+ an" hate out. Df
she cries+ let her cr). 'ust make sure )ou *rap it up in fi,e minutes.J 6er$uson sai".
JD *ill tr)+ thanks 9n"rea.J
J8o pro!lem.J
/runner *alke" off to talk to 1oll) as /arcla) slo*l) pro""e" o,er to*ar"s 6er$uson+ he
put his han" on her shoul"er. <he "i" not mo,e.
JD hope Eaitl)nKs oka)+J she sai".
JD hope so too+ it must !e tou$h losin$ )our parents at a )oun$ a$e.J
6er$uson si$he". J2rue to that.J
JChat e3actl) happene"HJ
6er$uson si$he"+ JD *ill tell )ou...J she e3plaine" the stor) on the "eath of 1oll)Ks parents
si3 )ears a$o.
107
9fter she finishe"+ /arcla) no""e" *ith crestfallen satisfaction. J9ll "irecte" from the
man insi"e the truck.J 1e looke" at the armore" truck hol"in$ Chernko,. J2he sick life of
people+ *hatKs ne3tH 2reasonHJ
2*ent).one
Eraft struck the t*o attackers ahea" of her ri$ht in the stomach5 the) !oth "ou!le" !ack
an" fell to the $roun"+ "ea". /ehin" her+ the t*o others sprinte" for*ar" an" knocke" her
"o*n*ar"s #ust as she *as a!out to $et up. Ane kicke" the pistol out of her han" !efore she ha"
a chance to fi$ht !ack. 2he attackers pinne" her han"s an" "ra$$e" her to her feet.
2he one *ho *as smokin$ a ci$arette earlier *alke" up to her face. JChereKs the ru!)HJ
Eraft ha" a small amount of fear in her ,oice. JChatHJ
J2he ru!)+ *here is itH 2ell me the e3act location of the ru!) an" *e *ill spare )our life.J
JD "onKt kno* *hat )ou are talkin$ a!outH Chat ru!)HJ
2he man $runte". J9 $irl like )ou kno* lots of information an" )ou an" D !oth kno* it.
<o letKs $et that out or )our entire team is at stake. Gou took out t*o of our men so start talkin$.J
Fnsure+ Eraft sta)e" silent.
J&onKt *orr)+ if )ou "onKt *ant to talk+ *e can make )ou talk.J
JChat "o )ou e,en *ant from meH Chat ru!)HJ <he *as !ecomin$ sli$htl) ner,ous.
JGou %.<.9. stole a ru!) *ith $reat ,alue to the terrorists.J
JD "onKt kno* *hat the hell )ou are talkin$ a!out. 9n" D "o not e,en !elie,e the fact that
)ou arenKt part of the terrorist or$ani0ation )ourself.J
J2hatKs not part of the 7uestion+ the ru!) is of $reat importance+ tell us the e3act location
an" *e *ill let )ou $o.J
JChat if D sa) noHJ
2he men slamme" his fist into her stomach5 she "ou!le" !ack*ar"s an" hit the *all.
J%erhaps *e tr) a$ain+ *here is the ru!)HJ
JD "onKt kno*.J Eraft *as li$htl) massa$in$ her stomach. JD "onKt kno* *here it is.J she
sai" *ith a "efeate" ,oice. 2*o $uns *ere stille" aime" at her. <he ha" no*here to $o.
JChat shoul" *e "o !ossHJ 2he secon" man aske".
JCeKll #ust ha,e to tr) a "ifferent tactic. 2he) arenKt ma"e to talk5 *e ha,e to make them
talk.J
Eraft $lance" at her pistol+ it *as t*ent) feet a*a) or so+ too far for her to run an" $ra!.
JAka)+ letKs tr) a$ain+ no*+ *here is the ru!)HJ the man *ho *as smokin$ earlier *alke"
for*ar" an" "re* out a re,ol,er from un"er his ra$$e" #acket. 1e slamme" Eraft "o*n on the
$roun" an" stuck the $un to the !ack of her hea"+ "irectl) un"er her occipital !one.
Eraft $raspe" the last !its of ener$) left in her5 she stare" at the pistol on the $roun". Df
there *as a "i,ersion+ she mi$ht !e a!le to $et to it in time. JCho kno*s *here it isH D !et it has
!een taken !) one of us if D am not mistakenHJ
2he man s*ore. J2hat is true+J he release" his $rip on his shoul"er+ there *as a small
JclinkJ as he "roppe" his pistol. J2ell us *here it is.J
J2ell me *ho )ou are.J she trie" to pla) alon$ for as lon$ as possi!le+ hopin$ to stall for
the perfect moment.
108
8e3t to her+ the man !rou$ht out another pistol from his pocket. /oth aime" their
*eapons at Eraft.
J2hereKs no nee" for us to tell )ou *ho *e are+ *e are #ust messen$ers+ kill us an" there
*ill !e more after )ou. -a)!e )ou shoul" ha,e cooperate" !ack the restaurant *ith m) frien"s.J
8o* that -ar$aret Eraft has fi$ure" out that the t*o $roups *ere to$ether+ she !ecame a
little !it tenser. /ut the ,eteran %.<.9. a$ent trie" to camoufla$e it as !est as she coul". J1o* are
the)HJ she aske" sarcasticall).
2he smokin$ man $ot up to her face+ in the "im li$ht+ a fa"e" scar *rithin$ itself from his
neck up to his chin coul" !e seen. 1e ha" a $rim e3pression *ith strikin$ $reen e)es. &o*n
un"er his e)es sat an as)mmetrical nose+ *hich Eraft assume" *as !roken a fe* )ears !ack an"
"i" not heal correctl). 2he man looke" a!out fift) or so an" also ha" a lar$e !ear" #ettin$ out
from one si"e of his face to the other. 2he !ush) !ear" *as enhance" further !) the tip of the
front+ *hich *as "arker an" ha" a !its of ash stuck on it+ she assume" it *as from the ci$arette.
JD "onKt take )our st)le of humor as entertainin$ or funn).J he ran his han" up the front of
her shirt. J/ut D !et )ou *oul"nKt min" #oinin$ m) frien" an" D for a little chat at our apartment.J
Eraft felt the $narl) fin$ers run up her torso+ !ut she i$nore" it. J2hat mi$ht actuall) !e a
$reat i"ea+ *e can communicate properl) correctH ChatKs )our nameHJ
2he !ear"e" man *as not ha,in$ an) of this. J<hut the hell up an" listen to me.J he
slamme" her "o*n on the $roun" an" #amme" the pistol at her hea" a$ain. J2ell me *here the
hell this "amn ru!) is an" D *ill let )ou $o off easil).J
JCh) "o )ou *ant this thin$ so !a"l)H 2ell me the reason an" D mi$ht $i,e )ou an
ans*er.J Eraft picke" herself off the $roun"+ the pistol still aime" at her hea".
J2hatKs 8A2 important to )ou.J the man shoute"+ JGou tell us the location no*+ or *e
*ill paint )our cute.ass !rains all o,er this *all.J he shoute".
JChill+ no nee" for this kin" of a$$ression.J she s*allo*e". JD "onKt kno* *here it is+ !ut
D can ask someone *here it is.J
2he !ear"e" attacker looke" at his assistant+ *ho *as stan"in$ !ack *ith a pistol aime"
at Eraft+ unsure as to *hat to "o. J(et the ,an+ *e *ill "ra$ her !ack to our apartments+J he
pause" to look at the t*o attackers that Eraft kille" earlier. J=ea,e them+ the) "onKt e3ist on an)
of the profiles an)*here+ no!o") *ill kno* of *hom the) are.J
2he other+ )oun$er man+ *ho *as *earin$ a ,est on top of a !ro*n #acket+ no""e" an"
$lance" at Eraft *ithout speakin$. 1e then ran off out of the alle) an" ma"e a left turn as he left
for the street.
Cith his assistant $one+ the !ear"e" man turne" his attention !ack to Eraft+ *ho *as still
e3actl) ri$ht *here she ha" !een since he "etaine" her. JD *oul" su$$est that )ou talk no* an"
spare the pain.J
JDKm fine *ith pain. %ain is *hat heals us+ #ust like ho* pain heale" )our scar an" )our
nose.J
1e pause" an" looke" for*ar"+ !ut still ha" his $un aime" on her hea". JChate,er )ou
sa). 8o* *e #ust take )ou to our lo,el) house first+ then *e *on"erfull) allo* )ou to "ream out
*hat *e *ill "o to )ou.J
J2hatK #ust !loo") *on"erful.J Eraft trie" to continue her calmness. JD hope it isnKt that
!a".J
109
J&onKt *orr)5 *e *onKt "o an)thin$ to kill )ou #ust )et.J Fsin$ his other han"+ the man
"re* up a small $un an" fire" it at Eraft. 2he a$ent felt the stin$ of the "arts from the ten foot
shot an" sa*+ throu$h her tire" e)es+ the !lack ni$ht turnin$ to a )ello* tan$. 2hen she fell on
the col" $roun"+ unconscious.
-ar$aret Eraft *oke+ "ro*se" out from somethin$. Chen she trie" to mo,e+ Eraft
"isco,ere" that her ankles *ere tie" to a hea,)+ *oo"en chair. <hiftin$ her position cause" a
sta!!in$+ thro!!in$ pain on her chest an" hea". <he moane" in a$on). Chen the %.<.9. a$ent
finall) $aine" full consciousness+ it *as then of notice to her of her surroun"in$s. <he *as in a
"ulle"+ fa"e" room. 2he carpet *as *orn an" "irt). 2he !e" *as unma"e an" ha" a uni7ue+ urine
staine" smell en,elope" to$ether. <tarrin$ across the empt) cell+ she sa* the onl) source of li$ht
*as a flickerin$ lamp that stoo" a fe* feet from her location. 2he room *as relati,el) empt)+
#ust a t*in si0e" !e" *ith a !roken ni$htstan"+ proppe" up !) a lar$e !ook. Dn front of the !e"
*as a ,anit) ta!le+ reflectin$ from the !attere"+ )ello*e" mirror *as the *in"o*. 2he *in"o*
*as co,ere" !) torn curtains that Eraft $uesse" *as !lue ori$inall)+ !ut ha" fa"e" to a "ust) $ra)
after !ein$ uncare" for. 'u"$in$ from the amount of li$ht penetratin$ throu$h the *in"o*+ she
$uesse" that it *as still "ark outsi"e. 1o* lon$ ha" she !een outH Ane hourH 2*o hoursH 2hreeH
Eraft *asn4t sure+ *hat she *as sure *as the o!,ious fact that her han"s *ere !oth tie" !ehin"
her !ack. 9 thick la)er of "uct tape $lue" her *rists to the !ack of the hea,) chair. <he trie" to
mo,e her han"s+ !ut the) *ere stuck fast an" so *ere her le$s. 9fter feelin$ a!out for a fe*
secon"s+ Eraft finall) trie" con#urin$ up *hat ha" happene". <he remem!ere" $ettin$ hit in the
!ack of the hea"+ thus the thro!!in$ stin$. <he also remem!ere" !ein$ "ra$$e" into a ,ehicle of
some sort. 9n" she picke" up !its an" pieces of the ri"e. /ut other than that+ Eraft ha"
completel) lost thou$ht of *hat ha" happene".
<he slo*l) t*iste" to see if the "uct tape coul" !e un*oun". 8o luck+ it *as triple
la)ere" an" *as tie" *ith a !unch of knots an" t*ists+ she $uesse" that it *as also not #ust one
piece of tape+ !ut a lar$e clump of them intert*ine" to$ether. 9s Eraft tu$$e" on the !in"s+ she
su""enl) reali0e" somethin$5 &imitri. Chere *as he atH &i" he e,er fin" out a!out herH 9
su""en *a,e of ner,ous thou$hts rushe" across her hea". <he *asn4t e,en sure *here she *as.
Coul" &imitri e,er fin" her *ithout kno*in$ her locationH 9$ain an" a$ain+ more an" more
"ou!ts shot throu$h. Dt spran$ a trap in her hea" an" she curse". /ut it *as one fille" *ith
ner,ousness+ not one *here she *as frustrate". 'ust then+ the "oor to the room opene". 2he man
*ith the !urnt !ear" came in+ she coul" #ust make out that he *as carr)in$ a small !o3 in his
han". Fpon closer inspection+ it *as e,i"ent to her that the !o3 *as ,er) small+ a!out the si0e of
a "eck of car"s. Eraft straine" to see *hat *as $oin$ on *hen the man *alke" up an" spoke.
?(oo" to see )ou a*ake+ no* let4s see if )ou are a !it more responsi,e after )our !eaut)
sleep.@
?<hut up+ no* *here the hell am DH@ she shoute" into his face.
?Calm it $irl+ *e are #ust at an ol" apartment !uil"in$. &on4t *orr)+ the ,ie* isn4t too
$reat+ !ut )ou *ill like it here.@
Eraft felt a sli$ht sta! of pain *hen the man ran his han" across the sore in a!o,e of her
chest. <he *as sure the "art ha" left a nice re" s*ollen "ot on her skin.
110
?2ell me *here D am an" ma)!e cooperation *ill !e accepte". Ather*ise+ it is #ust an
impossi!le compromise.@ Eraft ha" a small trem!le in her ,oice+ !ut she retaine" it as !est as
possi!le.
2he !ear"e" man smile"+ ?Gou are in &.C. still+ #ust on the outer e"$es of the cit).@ 1e
*alke" o,er to open up the fra)e" curtains. Autsi"e in the "istance+ the $lo*in$ sk)scrapers
coul" !e seen. ?2here+ )ou $ot *hat )ou *ant+ no* tell me *hat D *ant.@ he sai" *ith impatience
in his ,oice.
?Ane more thin$.@ <he coul"n4t hi"e the sli$ht tremor in her ,oice. ?Cho are )ouH 9n"
*hat "o )ou C982 from meH@ there *as "efinite fear *hen she sai" those *or"s. /ut e,er so
sli$htl).
9cross the room+ the man pulle" the curtains !ack to$ether an" sat on the !e". ?D am in
no li!ert) to tell names+ especiall) to people like )ou.@ he $a,e her a sco*l. ?/ut most call me
6rost.@ he $runte". ?9n" D nee" )ou to tell me *here the ru!) is.@
Eraft si$he"+ ?D "on4t kno*.@
6rost "roppe" out of his ?nice@ trance an" kicke" off the !e". 1e strolle" o,er to Eraft
an" retrie,e" his !o3. <he sa* that it *as a ci$arette pack. 6rost then pulle" out one of the
ci$arettes an" lit it *ith a li$hter that materiali0e" from his pocket. 1e sucke" on the ci$arette+
inhalin$ the to3ic fumes+ then he reache" o,er an" #amme" the !utt into Eraft4s neck. <he crie"
out in surprise an" a$on). 2he !urnin$ ci$arette left a re""ish spot on her "irectl) un"er her chin5
she coul" #ust make it out from the staine" mirror. /ut !efore Eraft coul" react+ 6rost ha"
#amme" it a$ainst the e"$e of her forehea". Dt stun$ !ut she *as traine" to hol" out. <o she #ust
0ippe" an" let it happen. 9fter a fe* secon"s+ 6rost $ot tire" of the ?$ame@ an" "roppe" the !utt
into an empt) trashcan. 2hat *as *hen the other man that *as *ith him+ *alke" into the room.
1e *as much )oun$er an" ha" no !ear"+ the onl) hair *as a patch*ork of re"s an"
!ro*ns that stretche" o,er his hea". <lo*l) he !rou$ht out somethin$ from his pocket+ a small
kitchen knife+ the t)pe use" to slice fruits on the counter. Eraft coul" see the shin) tip $listen in
the "im li$ht. <he coul" almost feel it !ein$ use" to slice her throat *hen the )oun$er man
han"e" it to 6rost. /ut instea" Eraft #ust $a,e out a cou$h.
J&onKt *orr)+ *e *onKt *e hurt )ou 7uite )et+ D *ill $i,e )ou ten minutes to tell us the
location of the ru!) !efore *e enact.J 6rost sai".
-ar$aret Eraft *ince" at the thou$ht. 1onestl) she has a!solutel) no i"ea *hat 6rost *as
talkin$ a!out. &i" the) fin" the *ron$ personH Ar *as it #ust somethin$ she ne,er kne* a!out.
<u""enl) she thou$ht of &imitri a$ain+ !ack at the restaurant. 1e *as $oin$ to tell her somethin$
important5 she remem!ere" scol"in$ him for *aitin$ till after "inner. 8o* there *as re$ret
insi"e her. &i" the ru!) ha,e to "o an)thin$ *ith *hat &imitri *as $oin$ to tell her !ack at 2he
%en"ulumH Cil" thou$hts !e$an racin$ throu$h her hea" as she prepare" to *hat *as to happen
ne3t. 2o tell the truth+ Eraft kne* that she *as ha,in$ trou!le at hi"in$ her fear+ she ne,er
e3pecte" to !e knocke" unconscious. Ari$inall)+ she *as $oin$ to *ait for the opportunit) to
escape *hen her captures *erenKt pa)in$ attention. 2ime tick "o*n to the last minute an" she
still hasnKt thou$ht of somethin$ to sa) )et. <he simpl) stare" at the *orn curtains+ the !e"+ an"
the t*o men in the room. 2he )oun$er man still ha" not talke" since she sa* him+ he pulle" out a
!ottle of somethin$+ Eraft assume" it *as !eer+ an" poppe" the cap off.
9s the )oun$er man *as a!out to take a sip+ 6rost shoute" at him. J&ecker+ stop *ith the
li7uor+ "rop it an" help me out.J
111
2he )oun$er man+ &ecker+ instantl) "roppe" the !ottle of !eer on the $roun". Dt hit the
carpet+ turne" o,er+ an" the alcohol spille" onto the *orn fi!ers.
J8o* look *hat )ouK,e "one+ clean this mess up *ith a ra$ an" help me $et a *or" out of
this fool.J 1e stare" at Eraft an" pulle" out the knife a$ain.
Cithout hesitation+ &ecker 7uickl) left the room. 9 fe* secon"s later+ he returne" *ith a
cloth in his han". 6rom *here Eraft *as sittin$ she coul" see that the cloth *as a !ran".ne* one.
Dt *as so ne* in fact that it *as still insi"e the plastic *rappin$ that hel" it !efore. -a)!e it *as
the fact that the ra$ *as insi"e the plastic or some other ran"om thou$ht+ !ut Eraft coul"nKt help
$i,e out a small lau$h at ho* out of place the ne* piece of cloth seeme" in this ol" an" "irt)
cell.
&ecker *ent to *ork openin$ up the plastic an" pullin$ out the ne* piece of cloth. 1e
$in$erl) "a!!e" it a$ainst the section of carpet *here the !eer ha" spille" onto. 9t this point+ it
*as soake" completel) throu$h an" e,en after tr)in$ *ith all his mi$ht at scru!!in$+ there *as
still a stain left o,er.
J(o" "amn+ canKt )ou "o an)thin$ correctl) )ou !astar".J 6rost shoute" as the room
!e$an to reek *ith a mi3ture of alcohol an" urine.
Eraft crunche" her nose an" *atche" the e,ents pla) on.
&ecker looke" up *ith his !ro*nish e)es. 2hen he spoke for the first time since Eraft
sa* him. J<ir+ D am "oin$ *hat )ou tol" me to "o. 8o* if )ou *ant to tell me to "o somethin$
else+ feel free to "o so.J
2hose *or"s cause" a spark insi"e 6rost. 1e spran$ up an" pace" himself o,er to &ecker.
6rost thre* "o*n a har" punch on &eckerKs !ack+ the )oun$ man "ou!le o,er an" lan"e" face.
first in the *orn carpet. 9s &ecker *as a!out to $et !ack up+ 6rost slamme" his fist "o*n on his
!ack a$ain. Eraft looke" at the entire scene+ stunne". 6rost notice" her $a0e" an" stare" !ack at
her. JD *ill "eal *ith )ou later+ "onKt )ou $o an)*hereLJ he shoute".
Eraft tu$$e" on the "uct tape !in"s+ the) *ere still ti$ht an" in place+ she *asnKt $oin$ to
$o an)*here an)time soon.
-ean*hile+ the in,esti$ation of the "eaths of t*o men in an alle)*a) near -ain <treet
continues. 6./.D. an" police alrea") ha" JCautionJ tapes *rappe" all aroun" the area. 9 "o0en
police cars alon$ *ith half a "o0en !lack <FVs !locke" the entr).*a) to the alle). 8e* stations
an" camera cre*s for the stations *ere !us) at *ork on the opposite si"e of the street. Dn the
"istance a "ark -erce"es./en0 "ro,e closer to the site. 2he !lack car stoppe" at the cur! an"
&imitri came out. 1e *alke" o,er to the site+ no* fille" *ith police an" 6./.D. a$ents all runnin$
a!out. 9n officer sa* him an" came o,er to &imitri. /efore the officer coul" "en) his access+
&imitri flashe" him his %.<.9. !a"$e. Dnstantl) the officer no""e" an" unhooke" a section of the
caution tape to let them throu$h.
JChat happene"HJ &imitri aske".
J8ot sure )et+ !ut there are t*o $u)s "ea" at the mouth of this alle)*a). %ro!a!l) !een
there for a fe* hours. 9 car that *as "ri,in$ !) sa* them an" calle" us.J
J9n) si$n as to *hat happene"HJ
J<hootin$+ the *eapon is a ne* stan"ar" /eretta -P pistol.J
112
&imitri flinche" an" felt his o*n -P in his pocket. J1a,e )ou ma"e i"entifications on
the "ecease"HJ
JFnfortunatel)+ *e searche" them an" foun" no papers or an) le$al "ocuments or
i"entification car"s. 9ll *e foun" are a fe* "ollars4 *orth of ci$arettes an" a !unch of pocket
chan$e. 2he $u)s are pro!a!l) $oin$ to run an autops) an" $et a &89 test to see *ho those t*o
are.J the officer no""e" o,er to the t*o "ea" men+ *ho !oth ha" a chalk outline" aroun" the
locations the) fell on.
J9n) si$n as to *hat happene" here other than the fact that it *as a shootin$HJ
J8ot that *e coul" tell.J 2he officer scratche" at his han". J9s far as *e kno*+ the
shooter is still out there. Ce "i" fin" a serial num!er on the pistol as *ell as some fin$erprint
marks on it. /ut *e nee" to $o !ack to sen" those to the la! for further i"entification. Chances
are+ *e *ill fi$ure out *ho it is !) this e,enin$.J
&imitri checke" his *atch5 it *as alrea") t*o oK clock in the mornin$+ almost fi,e hours
since the restaurant inci"ent. Call himself paranoi"+ !ut he !e$an ha,in$ secon"ar) thou$hts. &i"
this shootin$ an" the restaurant inci"ent ha,e an)thin$ in commonH 9re the t*o cases
connecte"H 1e *asnKt sure as to *hat *as $oin$ on+ !ut he kne* that he shoul" at least help out.
JChatKs there that D can "o to helpHJ he aske" after a fe* secon"s.
JCell+ )ou coul" talk to the ne*s $u)s.J the officer $lance" across the street at the ne*
stations+ *aitin$ to sei0e the opportunit) to inter,ie* someone. J/ut unless )ou *ant to talk+ DK"
sa) *e are prett) much *rappe" up in this mess. <houl" !e "one in less than thirt) minutes+ )ou
mi$ht as *ell $o home an" $et some sleep+ *h) are )ou up so lateH Gou $u)s "onKt nee" to take
the ni$ht shift.J
2o &imitri+ it *as an interestin$ "ilemma+ althou$h the %resi"entKs <ecret 9rm) *as
suppose" to !e secret+ most $u)s kno* of their or$ani0ationKs e3istence+ !ut as far as most people
kno* of+ the %.<.9. is nothin$ $reater than the C.D.9. or 6./.D. 1e kne* that crime scene
in,esti$ations are not out of his le,el of kno*le"$e+ !ut terrorist acti,ities are a more persistent
task.
2he officer *a,e" his han" in front of &imitriKs face. J1e)+ )ou oka)H &onKt )ou ha,e to
$o some*hereHJ
&imitri su""enl) snappe" out of his "a)"ream an" remem!ere" *here he *as $oin$.
JGes+ D "o ha,e to $o some*here.J
J-i$ht as *ell $o no*.J the officer checke" his *atch+ !efore the ne*s stations come
s*armin$ in like !ees to hone).J
&imitri !i" the officer $oo" luck an" left for his -erce"es+ he $ot into the front seat an"
put his ke) into the i$nition. 9fter a fe* secon"s of stretchin$+ he !uckle" the seat!ealt an" took
one last look at the in,esti$ation+ the caution tape+ an" the officer+ *ho ha" !usie" himself to
callin$ someone on the ra"io. 9fter*ar"+ he "ro,e off+ the car $i,in$ a small hum as it spe" off
into the street.
2*ent).2*o
-ean*hile in >io+ /runner an" the team $athere" up materials for the route to the
airport. 9cross the street+ a lar$e amount of police officers *ere shoutin$ throu$h their ra"ios
tr)in$ to $et the streets to !e cleare" an" altere". %eople from the surroun"in$ shops *ere
113
peakin$ at out from !ehin" counters+ o!,iousl) intereste" in the situation $oin$ on !efore them.
<ome ha" the luck to catch si$ht of Chernko,4s !eat."o*n #ust a fe* minutes a$o *hile other
#ust #oine" in from all the e3tra commotion. 9s the cro*" thickene" aroun" the team an" the
arm)+ the police actuall) ha" to $et off their feet an" hol" !ack the cro*". 9 mi""le.a$e"
policeman *ith a thick+ furr) mustache shoute" to the $roup in %ortu$uese+ he then calle" his
assistant+ a lean man *ith !ro*n ")e" hair+ to help him out. Chen the t*o officers !e$an to push
!ack a cro*" a*a) from the street to open a route+ 1oll) strolle" up ne3t to /runner. <he si$he"
an" $entl) "u$ her han" into his shoul"er.
?D ha,e a !a" feelin$+ almost as if it an une,entful premonition is a!out to occur.@ she
sai".
?%ro!lems occur *ith e,er) perfect plan. B,en the most appreciate" an" accepte" course
of action still is speckle" *ith fla*s an" errors.@ /runner tol" her.
1oll) let her han" slip from his shoul"er5 it caresse" the fi!ers of his !ullet.proof ,est as
it sli" "o*n. ?Chat happens no*H@
?2he four of us an" the police an" militar) escorts *ill make our *a) to the airport+
*here *e *ill meet up *ith an" the others to take Chernko, !ack to the states. Dt4s a simple
matter reall)5 the most ner,e.rackin$ part is the actual route to the ren"e0,ous point.@
?8o+ D mean+ *hat happens to us after*ar"sH@
?Ce sta) to ten" a "ru$ relate" $an$ operation.@
?-ore "a)s in this forsaken place+ #ust *hat one nee"s to keep one4s self in honor an"
trust.@
?2rust an" honor nee"s to !e $aine"+ )ou can4t #ust trust someone #ust !) lookin$ an"
meetin$ them.@
1oll) put her han" on his shoul"er a$ain. ?D truste" )ou from the start+ "oes that mean D
shoul" stop an" reconsi"erH@
?Dt all "epen"s on ho* one person *orks. Df )ou !elie,e that D+ >)an /runner+ am
trust*orth)+ then !) all means+ $i,e in to trust. /ut if )ou think D nee" areas that re7uire
impro,ement+ then that *ill also allo* )ou time to $ain that trust.@
?Chat a!out 9n"rea an" Chase+ the) seem to en#o) each other4s presence 7uite nicel)+
are the) suppose" to trust one anotherH 9re *e suppose" to trust themH@
?Gou ask a lot of 7uestions Eaitl)n+ )ou are "eeper than the e)e can see.@
?/ut D am not *orrie" a!out me+ !ut )ou. &on4t )ou un"erstan" hereH@
/runner smile". ?D appreciate that+ )ou seeme" to consist of a lo$istical )et still recepti,e
st)le for me. /ut "on4t *orr) 9$ent 1oll)+ D *ill !e fine. 'ust *atch )our !ack+ an" D *ill *atch
mine.@
?>)an+ am D suppose" to like this i"ea of primar) approach to*ar"s )ouH@
?Ds that )our *a) of askin$ *hether )ou are suppose" to lo,e me or notH@
?%ossi!l).@ <he stoppe"+ ?Ges.@
?Df )ou think D am *orth) of !ein$ lo,e" !) a person like )ou+ then that ans*er is a
"efinite )es. /ut+ if )ou think )ou are !etter off *ith a man that is of a safer "ecent+ then that is
)our choice as *ell.@
1oll) seeme" confuse". ?Chat e3actl) "o )ou mean !)+ a man of safer "ecentH@
?Eaitl)n+ D am a sp)+ secret operati,e+ an" an assassin traine" to kill+ sooner or later there
*ill !e someone after to $et me !ack for all these )ears of entit) remo,al.@
114
?9n" D am not an) of the a!o,eH@ 1oll) aske".
?Gou ha,e )our !eaut) an" $entleness to mask )our po*erful presence5 D "o not ha,e that
option to "o so. 2he a$$ressi,e "isposition locke" insi"e Eaitl)n 1oll) is a *orth the !reath of a
thousan" "ra$ons+ )et it is locke" all insi"e a *omen of !eaut)+ kin"ness+ respect+ an" care.@
/runner cou$he"+ en"in$ his short rant.
1oll)4s mouth curle" up*ar"s in a sli$ht smile+ it *as /runner si$n of success. ?=ooks
like some!o") has "one his research.@ she sai" *ith minute amounts of intimate closeness.
?Fnfortunatel)+ research onl) lasts so lon$. Coul" )ou rather rea" a!out the moon online
or *oul" )ou rather *alk on itH@
?>esearch is from the safet) of )our surroun"in$s+ the actual "eal of $oin$ on the #ourne)
to the o!#ecti,e itself is a "an$erous one.@ 1oll) pointe" out.
?/ut *ith a person+ is it all that "ifferentH@ /runner aske"+ ?>ea"in$ a!out )ou makes
)ou seem like an) other secret operati,e+ !ut actuall) meetin$ )ou in person $i,es a *hole ne*
aspect a!out )our life. Chen the) ask *ho Eaitl)n 1oll) is+ the response is all the same+ the
!eautiful $irl on the team that has *hat e,er) man on this earth is lookin$ for. Get meetin$ )ou in
person+ D can safel) sa) that she is person of not onl) !eaut)+ !ut compassion an" trust.@
?2rust.@ 1oll) mouthe" the *or"s.
?2rust.@ /runner replie".
2he) hel" each others han"s for one secon"+ completel) i$norin$ the s*armin$ cro*" aroun"
them. 2he t*o coul" ha,e sta)e" there for the rest of the "a) if it *ere not for one of the officers
shoutin$ o,er to them that the route *as cleare"+ open+ an" rea") to transport Chernko,.
?Aff to *ork a$ain.@ /runner si$he".
?2he route to "estructionH@
?8o nee" to the call it that 7uite )et.@ 1e pulle" up his assault rifle an" flun$ it o,er his
shoul"er.
2he t*o of them 7uickl) scram!le" an" foun" their /-Cs parke" near the front of the
con,o). 2he front of the operation *ill !e spearhea"e" !) a "o0en police cars follo*e" !) a t*o
militar) 1ummers *ith mounte" machine$uns. &irectl) !ehin" the t*o 1ummers follo*e"
/runner an" 1oll)4s pitch !lack /-Cs. 2a$$in$ !ehin" them *as the lar$e armore" truck that
hel" Chernko,+ *ho *as no* !oun" to a chair an" $uar"e" !) half a "o0en militar) sol"iers. 2he
line after the armore" car consiste" of more police cars an" militar) support ,ehicles. 2*o lar$e
trucks fille" *ith top honor militar) sol"iers fell after the police cars. 2railin$ !ehin" the entire
con,o) *as 6er$uson an" /arcla)4s /-Cs+ still sleek in the "ust) con"itions.
/runner $ot into his /-C an" close" the "oor. 1e turne" the i$nition an" pushe" to
"ri,e. 1e took a "eep !reath an" let the air slo*l) si$h out of his nostrils. 1oll) came o,er to his
car+ she smile" an" /runner rolle" "o*n the *in"o*.
?(oo" luck.@ she 7uietl) sai".
?Gou too+ sta) in ra"io contact5 D *ill see )ou once *e hit the airport.@
?Chere is Masla,sk)H D ha,e lost contact *ith him e,er since this reall) last ni$ht.@
/runner checke" his phone an" "iale" Masla,sk)4s num!er. 2he line !eepe" for a fe*
secon"s an" then *ent "ea". ?=ooks like some!o")4s not in a moo" to ans*er 7uestions. Ce *ill
stick *ith the plan5 he shoul" ha,e scoute" a $oo" route for us to take. Ance *e hit the thir"
intersection+ he shoul" !e there to meet us an" $ui"e us on.@
115
?D $uess so.@ she $a,e him a kiss on the forehea". /runner felt the soft lips on his !ro*.
1e smelle" the faint perfume of lilies an" roses that 1oll) ha" spra)e" as she pushe" !ack an"
left for her /-C. >)an /runner *atche" as 1oll) entere" her car+ he *atche" all the *a) until
she close" her "oor an" starte" the i$nition. 2hen /runner rolle" up the *in"o* an" !lare" his
horn three times+ the si$nal to $et $oin$+ an" the entire con,o) of assorte" ,ehicles !e$an
mo,in$ of in or"ere" unison.
2hree intersections "o*n+ -arko Masla,sk) sat *aitin$ in his $ra) -erce"es./en0. 1e
ha" #ust $otten *or" that the con,o) *as startin$ to mo,e. 9fter scoutin$ for the entire "a)+ he
has foun" a route that *oul" lea" the entire $roup into a "eath trap set up !) his small team+
Chernko,4s men+ an" 9l"olfo4s $an$ mem!ers. 1is $oal *as to lea" the lar$e con,o) of ,ehicles
into a choke point. 2ake out the militar) ,ehicles+ an" $ra! Chernko, !ack *hile still tr)in$ to
catch Eaitl)n 1oll) an" or 9n"rea 6er$uson for Chernko,. 6or him+ the secret ?stin$@ operation
*as a risk) one. 2his inclu"e" ha,in$ ei$ht million "ollars at stake+ a fe* hun"re" ci,ilians at
stake+ an" his part in the *hole scheme at stake. Df he *as to fail at his task+ then 8a#a 8i,ea
*oul" most likel) fin" a man to hunt him "o*n. Df e,er)thin$ $oes accor"in$ to plan+ then he
*oul" recei,e his mone)+ an" $et the respect from 8i,ea an" Chernko, alike. Af course+
Masla,sk) kne* that he *oul" !e proclaime" as a fe"eral enem) !) the %resi"ent of the Fnite"
<tates. 1o*e,er+ the *innin$s for the "ark si"e *ere more *orth) an" massi,e. Masla,sk)
kno*s that as lon$ as he "oesn4t !reak his co,er an" allo* the %.<.9. to fi$ure out his status+ he
*ill ha,e a chance. <lo*l)+ the man *ith a chan$e" status shifte" to "ri,e an" the -erce"es
roare" into life #ust as /runner4s /-C *as a!out to pass the first intersection.
>)an /runner *as in a state of hei$htene" sensi!ilit). 9ll of his senses *ere tune" to the
sli$htest mo,ements as the thir" intersection *as passe". Masla,sk) an" his $ra) -erce"es./en0
mo,e" ahea" in front of him an" he tol" e,er)one on the ra"io to follo* the -erce"es. Cithout
o!li$in$+ he follo*e"+ i$norin$ completel) the fact that he *as hea"in$ off course from the route
to the airport.
9fter ten more minutes of "ri,in$+ it su""enl) occurre" to /runner that somethin$ *as
*ron$+ the) *ere suppose" to make a ri$ht turn half a mile a$o. /ut instea"+ Masla,sk) ha" ma"e
a left. 1e trie" to ra"io e,er)one !ut all he ha" *as static. Checkin$ his phone+ /runner also
foun" out that it ha" no ser,ice. =ookin$ outsi"e+ he sa* that the team *as pinne" !et*een a ro*
of ol"+ tall+ an" "irt) apartment !uil"in$s to the left. 2o the ri$ht *as an ol" park that *as
o!,iousl) uncare" for. (rass *as !al" aroun" poles *here "o$s ha,e urinate" for "eca"es. 2rees
*ere either ")in$ or "ea". 9 lar$e+ ol"+ "ea" oak in the center of the small park ha" a
*oo"pecker peekin$ out from a hole it ha" "rille" for *ho kno*s ho* lon$. 9n" the once
!eautiful flo*er !e"s *ere replace" !) ,ines+ *ee"s+ an" "an"elions. 2o top thin$s off+ some of
the $rass on the une,en ri"$e reache" almost three feet in hei$ht.
/runner rolle" "o*n his *in"o*+ stuck his han" out+ an" motione" for e,er)one to stop.
Dn less than a secon"+ the mi$ht) con,o) $roun" to a halt. >)an /runner opene" the "oor an" $ot
out of his car. 1oll)+ most of the police+ an" sol"iers !ehin" him "i" the same.
?Chere e3actl) are *eH@ /runner finall) poppe" the 7uestion !efore someone e,en
!other ask *h) the) stoppe".
?Cell+ accor"in$ to m) kno*le"$e of these streets+ *e are ten miles south of our
"estination.@ one of the officers sai" in a %ortu$uese accent.
116
?<o *h) the hell are *e not *here *e are suppose" to !eH@ 1oll) aske" *ith a hint of
anno)ance in her ,oice.
/runner turne" aroun" #ust as Masla,sk) opene" the "oor an" came out.
?<ir+ *here e3actl) are *eH@ /runner aske" Masla,sk) suspiciousl).
?Bn.route to the airport+ isn4t that *ere *e are suppose" to $oH@
?D $et that part. 2he onl) 7uestion is *h) )ou turne" left instea" of ri$ht half a mile a$o
"i".@
?2oo much traffic+ D scoute" the roa"s earlier an" D learne" that the most "irect roa" *ill
al*a)s !e clo$$e" aroun" this time of "a). Dt *oul" ha,e taken at least another hour an" a half to
$et to the airport.@
?Ce are off course an" )ou ne,er ans*ere"+ *h)H@
Masla,sk) pause"+ ?%ro!lem CaptainH Gou al*a)s seem to *ake up on the *ron$ si"e of
the !e".@
?Chat the heck is $oin$ on hereH@ /arcla) shoute" as he ran up.
?-isse" a turn *e *ere suppose" to take half a mile !ack.@
?Can4t )ou un"erstan" that *e are ha,in$ a traffic #am on the re$ular routeH@ Masla,sk)
shifte" his *ei$ht.
?Cell aren4t )ou the one *ho *as suppose" to make sure the routes are clear !efore CB
arri,e on the sceneH@
?<ome thin$s are #ust !etter *hen "one "ifferentl).@
?=ike *hatH@ /runner 7uestione".
?=ike this+@ Ma,sla,sk) snappe" his fin$ers an" 9l"olfo4s $an$ rushe" out from !ehin"
the co,er.
2*ent).2hree
/runner 7uickl) raise" his $un an" starte" spra)in$ the incomin$ enemies that scattere"
a!out ahea" of his team an" himself. 1e picke" off ones an" t*os at first !ut *asn4t too keen
a!out keepin$ ammunition to his o*n $oo". 9fter a fe* clips *ere e3pen"e"+ /runner "eci"e"
that sa,in$ !ullets like usual *oul" ultimatel) en" his life+ *hich thus resulte" in him $oin$ full)
automatic a$ainst the $an$ mem!ers. 9lthou$h initiall) the %<9 *as unsure as to *hat ha" #ust
happene"+ there *as no "ou!t that Masla,sk) *as "efinitel) in,ol,e" in this turn of e,ents.
1e trie" "esperatel) o,er the lar$e amount of fire to catch a $limpse of -arko Masla,sk)
an" his *herea!outs !ut that *as i$nore". 2oo man) $an$ mem!ers *ere rushin$ a!out for him
to e,en care a!out the re$ar"s of the traitor. Chether the rest of the team has comprehen"e" as to
*hat has happene" escapes /runner for the time !ein$. 1e $lance" !ack to see 1oll) positionin$
herself !ehin" a ,ehicle+ "an$erousl) an" a$$ressi,el) fee"in$ ma$a0ine after ma$a0ine into her
$un. /arcla) *as hunche" o,er tr)in$ to call someone for help on his phone *hile 6er$uson
co,ere" the $oo" of all of them *ith a 7uick !urst of fire e,er) other secon" from her rifle. 2he
entire street *as in chaos+ not onl) *as the team an" the transport trucks takin$ hea,) firin$
from all "irections+ ci,ilians rushe" out from man) points an" *ere scattere" a!out tr)in$ to
escape the carna$e. 9 man *ith trousers an" an ol" shirt almost *as cau$ht in the spra) of
!ullets "irecte" !) /runner. 1e #ust happene" to run out in his ma$a0ine *hen the man sho*e"
up. -otionin$ for him to take co,er+ /runner "irecte" his attention no* to a lar$e $ro* of
117
$an$sters co*erin$ in the center of the park near a lar$e clump of $rass. 1e aime" an" fire" into
the $roup+ killin$ off t*o of the $an$ mem!ers. 2he remainin$ t*o pose" up*ar"s an" finall)
/runner sa* *hat the) *ere hi"in$ !eneath the $rass tan$le. Dt *as a rocket.propelle".$rena"e5
the shape of the pro#ectile *as a tell.tale si$n for /runner to focus his attention on. 1e $lance"
!ack at 1oll)+ *ho *as at the moment !us) slammin$ enemies !ack to hell $roun"s *ith her
$un5 she *as also firin$ full) automatic.
2heir e)es met for a !rief secon"+ in that !rief secon"+ the secon" that seeme" to last
eternit)+ /runner capture" the !eaut) of the !lue topa0 e)es. <he $a,e him a 7uick thum!s up
an" he 7uickl) turne" !ack an" shot the t*o $an$sters *ith the >%(.
?(an$sters an" >%(s+ *hate,er happene" to 9E.47 assault rifles an" !leach !om!sH@
/runner muttere" to himself.
'ust as he *as a!out to sla) his tenth enem)+ a police officer calle" out to him. 2he officer
*as a man in his late t*enties or earl) thirties5 he ha" !ro*nish e)es !ut a sli$ht !lon"e hi$hli$ht
to the e"$es of his thick hair. 9t first /runner *as tie" "o*n at shootin$ that he misun"erstoo"
him. Dt *as seein$ the trail of !loo" that ran "o*n from his a!"omen that he reali0e" the officer
has !een hit.
/runner pause"+ checke" !ack to his team+ an" then 7uickl) *ent forth to pull the officer
a*a) from the open an" !ehin" the /-C+ *hich !) no* ha" !een ri""le" *ith "ents.
9ma0in$l)+ /runner "isco,ere" that the /-Cs *ere speciall) ma"e to "eflect !ullets of all
cali!ers+ !ut for the moment that important thou$ht *as at the peripher) of his thou$hts. 1e tore
open the officer4s shirt to reali0e that the !ullet+ *hich *as unmistaka!l) from an 9E.47+ ha"
struck the officer in the area of the li,er. 2he li,er is infuse" hea,il) *ith !loo" ,essels an"
o3)$en rich !loo". Chen hit+ a person *ill ha,e a massi,e !lee" from that area. -ore or less+
after $ettin$ puncture" !) a !ullet+ the person ten"s to ha,e a small chance of sur,i,al. /runner
"i" the !est he coul" at the "ire situation+ he $ra!!e" some $au0e from a first.ai" kit that *as
l)in$ near him an" tol" the officer to put pressure on the *oun". 1e $ot !ack up #ust as 1oll)
*ent "r) *ith ammunition.
?&ammit+ D4m outL@ <he shoute" to him.
/runner looke" aroun" an" sa* an 9E.47 rifle la) near his location. 1e picke" it up an"
tosse" the hea,) $un o,er to 1oll).
1oll) accepte" *ith a small smile. ?Al" fashione" still *orks D sa)L@
/runner no""e" an" *ent !ack to the officer. 2he officer tol" him to $o an" help the
others an" sa,e the team. /runner o!#ecte" !ut he sai" he *ill !e fine. 1earin$ this+ /runner
looke" up an" sa* that the entire team has fallen to sham!les. 9ll the arm) ,ehicles *ere stre*n
across the narro* roa". <ome trucks *ere alrea") on fire an" still !urnin$+ others hol"in$
to$ether lon$ enou$h for the sol"iers to use as co,er.
?Eaitl)n+ D4m mo,in$ up to help the others+ keep e,er)thin$ in control !ack here.@
?8o pro!lem@ 2hen she a""e"+ ?<o >)an+ *hen are *e $oin$ in missions 'ames /on"
st)le instea" of a $iant arm) slu$festH@
?9n) "a) !ut to"a) apparentl)L@
?/e careful. 'ust !e careful.@ <he tol" him.
?D *ill. Can Chase $et an)one onlineH@
?8ot that D kno*.@ 1oll) shoute" o,er an e3plosion.
118
?Cell keep tr)in$5 *e can4t hol" them off for lon$.@ 1e en"e" his sentence an" sprinte"
for*ar" into a $roup of arm) men an" officers hi"in$ !ehin" a *recke" truck.
?Can )ou $u)s $et an)one onlineH@ /runner aske" them.
9 )oun$er police officer *ith "ark !ro*n hair an" pale e)es replie"+ ?8o sir+ *e ha,e
trie" our !est call help+ no possi!le help aroun".@ 1e shoute" !ack *ith an accent.
?Can *e $et a <C92 team inH Chat a!out <pec ApsH <ome!o") *ith hea,) *eaponsH@
?Ce ha,e trie"+ !ut somethin$ is #ammin$ our ra"ios an" lines of communication.
?Gou $u)s keep tr)in$+ hol" them off for as lon$ as possi!le+ lieutenant /arcla) !ack
there+@ 1e pointe" to /arcla)+ ?Ds also tr)in$ to $et someone online+ see *hat )ou can "o.@
?Ges sirL@ 2he officer replie".
>)an /runner 7uickl) sprinte" !ack to the area *here /arcla)+ 1oll)+ an" 6er$uson *ere.
?(u)s+ *e $ot a pro!lem. /a""ies are #ammin$ out our ra"io an" communication
s)stems5 *e can4t $et an) *or" in or out. /asicall) *hat D4m sa)in$ is that *e are alone on this.@
?(reat+ so tr)in$ for the last ten minutes of callin$ *as a fail. 'ust $reat.@ /arcla) shoute"
o,er the $unfire.
?=ooks like *e nee" some more !ullets.@ 6er$uson sai" as she tosse" "o*n her emptie"
$un an" pulle" out a pistol. 1er 69-9< rifle ploppe" on the $roun"+ "ance" aroun" a !it+ then
fell ne3t to a small pile of ru!!le.
1oll) si$he". ?(u)s+ let4s "o *hat *e al*a)s "o+ stall them out until a $oo" opportunit)
allo*s us to en$a$e them off an" $et our asses out of the situation.@
B,er)one no""e". /runner "i"n4t challen$e an)thin$.
/runner reloa"e" the last ma$a0ine into his $un5 he ru!!e" some "irt off of the !arrel.
=ookin$ aroun" he trie" $et a $oo" shot on somethin$. ?Chat the hell coul" !e !lockin$ us
completel) off for helpH@ 1e aske" the $roup.
1is 7uestion *as ans*ere" !) the silhouette of a fl)in$ o!#ect scannin$ o,er the clear
!lue skies. 2he ominous !lack shape of a plane sha"o*e" the team for a split secon". Dt $a0e"
upon the helpless %.<.9.+ arm) men+ an" police officers like a co!ra e)ein$ a helpless rat.
/runner stare"+ e)es *i"e. ?8ot this shit a$ainL@ 1e shoute".
2hen it raine" "o*n the missiles an" "roppe" the C4 e3plosi,es+ killin$ the $roup that /runner
ha" #ust secon"s !efore talke" to instantl).
I
/ack in Cashin$ton &.C.+ &imitri "ro,e up to the ol" apartment that Eraft *as li,in$ in. 1e *as
unsure of *hat to e3pect after the "a)4s e,ents. Dt the moon *as !e$innin$ to lo*er "o*n from
the sk) !ut the area *as still Chill) an" 7uiet. 9ll aroun" there *as "arkness an" onl) the li$ht
from a lo*l) lamppost "o*n the street illuminate" the "ull !lock. 1e strolle" for*ar" an"
opene" the "o*nstairs "oor *ith a ke) that Eraft ha" $i,en him a fe* *eeks !ack. &imitri ha"
onl) !een insi"e her apartment a fe* times an" e,er) time he arri,es to the area he $ets sli$htl)
ner,ous. Chether it *as his paranoia a!out his o*n tie not !ein$ strai$ht or himself thinkin$ that
there is tomato sauce on his face+ he ne,er $ot o,er the fact that !ein$ insi"e the home of another
person ma"e him step outsi"e of his comfort 0one. Calkin$ up the stairs+ he foun" Eraft4s room.
&imitri e3hale" a nice lon$ !reath. ?2his is itL@
1e knocke" on the "oor. 8o ans*er.
1e knocke" on the "oor a$ain. <till no ans*er.
?2hat4s interestin$I@ he sai" to no one in particular.
119
9fter a fe* secon"s+ he "eci"e" to call Eraft on her phone. 'ust then in "a*ne" on him that 1B
*as carr)in$ Eraft4s phone. 1e ha" #ust reali0e" his *hole point in comin$ here in the first place.
9fter the *hole inci"ent !ack at the restaurant+ Eraft ha" apparentl) left the phone sittin$ on the
ta!le. &imitri *as ori$inall) $oin$ to $i,e it !ack to her !ut *as "istracte" !ack at the site *ith
the police aroun" the corner. <ometimes he seeme" to $et "istracte" !) the smallest of thin$s. 8o
necessaril) a !a" thin$+ he consi"ers. Chen )ou are constantl) on )our toes a$ainst the *hole of
the enem)+ )ou ha,e to keep an e)e on the "etails+ inclu"in$ *hat the police has to sa). /ut *hat
reall) trou!le him more the fact that -ar$aret Eraft is not ans*erin$ the "oor. 9t first &imitri
thou$ht that she *as asleep+ so he calle" out her name+ hopin$ to *ake her if she *as in a "eep
sleep. 9fter shoutin$ her name for a fe* times+ there *as still no one ans*erin$. Dt *as a stran$e
act for him+ if Eraft reall) *as insi"e+ she *oul" ha,e ans*ere" for sure. %.<.9. are kno*n to
sleep li$htl)+ in case someone "eci"es to !acksta! them in the ni$ht.
'ust then the "oor ne3t to Eraft4s apartment opene". 9 )oun$ *oman a!out Eraft an"
&imitri4s a$e came out. <he *as o!,iousl) asleep an" *as *earin$ a li$ht pink ro!e.
&imitri 7uickl) turne" an" apolo$i0e". ?D4m sorr) to *ake )ou -rs. <mith. -ar$aret left
her phone an" D *ante" to $i,e it !ack to her+ !ut it seems like she4s not home at the moment.@
?&imitri+ D ha,e not seen -ar$aret come !ack home e,er since the afternoon+ she sai" she
*as $oin$ to ha,e "inner *ith )ou or somethin$.@
?Ges+ are )ou sure she ne,er came !ack after*ar"sH@
?8o+ she ne,er calle" or an)thin$+ as far as D kno* of she has not !een !ack+ ma)!e la*
enforcement is makin$ her sta) after*ar"s at the officeH@
<ince the %.<.9 is kept as a secret+ an)one *ho asks a %.<.9 mem!er a!out their #o! is
re7uire" to ans*er that the) ?*ork for la* enforcement.@ Ather than that+ no more information
*as to !e $i,en out to an)one.
?Cell $reat+ notif) me if she sho*s up+ as D sai"+ D ha,e her phone so she *on4t !e
respon"in$ to phone calls an)time soon.@
?Aka)+ no pro!lem+ D *ill notif) or ha,e her notif) )ou if she sho*s up.@
?2hank )ou.@
-rs. <mith smile" an" close" the "oor.
Fnsure+ &imitri stoo" there for a moment. 1e honestl) ha" no i"ea *here Eraft *oul" !e
at this time of the "a). B3hauste"+ he "eci"es to $o home an" call !ack in the mornin$. 1is
*orries are !e$innin$ to $et o,ersha"o*e" !) the e3haustion. /efore he left+ &imitri "eci"es to
$o into her apartment to see if he coul" look for clues.
Dnsi"e+ the apartment *as fairl) mess)+ Eraft ten"e" to !e on the neater si"e of thin$s+ !ut
&imitri instantl) kne* of her a!sence from the scene. %iles of ne*spapers an" ma$a0ines *ere
stre*n across the sofa an" coffee ta!le. 8e3t to a stack of ne*spapers *ere a pair of scissors+ a
fe* hi$hli$htin$ markers+ an" tape. &imitri turne" to the *all of the apartment+ on the *all
mounte" a thirt).t*o inch li7ui" cr)stal tele,ision. 2he "ull *all !ehin" the tele,ision *as full of
ne*spaper articles an" clippin$s tape" onto it. 1e strolle" o,er an" $lance" at a fe* of the
clippin$s. -ost of the clippin$s consiste" of ne*s re$ar"in$ the $o,ernment5 one in,ol,e" an
election frau" t*o months a$o *hile another sho*e" a picture of %resi"ent -a#e*ski
announcin$ a pro#ect to stop terrorism in 9frica. 1e $a,e a small chuckle as he un"erstoo" that
the secret ?pro#ect@ *as the %.<.9. Calkin$ throu$h a narro* "oor+ he entere" Eraft4s !e"room.
2he scene in the !e"room *as a*k*ar"l) similar to the li,in$ room. -a$a0ines sprea" all o,er
120
the !e"+ ne*spaper clippin$s "otte" the *alls like !lack an" *hite !utterflies+ slo*l) fa"in$
a*a) "a) !) "a). An Eraft4s "esk *as a lar$e note!ook+ it *as Eraft4s personal #ournal+ &imitri
un"erstoo" that he reall) "i" not ha,e the ri$ht to rea" her secrets+ !ut he coul"n4t resist an"
opene" to a pa$e. ?
?'ust one pa$e.@ 1e sai" 7uietl)+ ?D4m #ust $oin$ to rea" one.@ 1e flippe" throu$h the
!ook an" stoppe" at a pa$e *ith a picture on it+ it *as one taken a fe* months a$o+ of him an"
Eraft "urin$ a ,acation !reak in =on"on+ Eraft4s arm *as $entl) *rappe" aroun" his shoul"ers+ a
face *ith a sli$ht smile. &imitri raise" his arm an" felt his shoul"ers+ *ishin$ she *as here.
Ouietl)+ he close" the !ook an" lai" Eraft4s cellphone "o*n on the "esk ne3t to her #ournal.
&imitri then !acke" out of the room an" checke" the restroom+ a$ain+ nothin$ out of the
or"inar). 8e3t to the sink on a hook *as a to*el+ !elo* that in a small rack *as a tooth!rush an"
toothpaste. 1e "isre$ar"e" the rest of the restroom an" *as #ust a!out to lea,e *hen he hear"
someone openin$ the "oor.
?-ar$aretH Ds that )ouH 2his is &imitriL@
8o ans*er.
?1ello+ )ou oka)H@
<till no ans*er. &imitri *alke" out of the !athroom an" #ust *as out of the !e"room
*hen he sa* the man *ith the tall stature ahea" of him.
?Chat are )ou "oin$ hereH@ he shoute" to him.
?'ust t)in$ up some loose en"s.@ 2he man pulle" out a pistol an" fire" it+ &imitri "roppe"
"ea" like an in#ure" "o,e.
I
?&amn+ D ha,e no shot on that "roneL@ /runner screame" out.
?(et in position+ D "on4t feel like ha,in$ this happen to me all o,er a$ain+@ 1oll) shoute"
!ack.
2here *as a small+ ?Choosh@ in the sk)+ ?Dncomin$ missileL@ someone tormente". 2he
air $ui"e" missile cou$he" itself a*a) from the "rone plane an" "irecte" hea"e" for the lea"
1ummer. 9 mi""le a$e" sol"ier *ith crisp) !lack hair an" a ci$ar in his mouth *as firin$ the
machine$un mounte" on top of the 1ummer *hen the missile hit the ,ehicle. 1is screams *ere
muffle" !) the e3cruciate" t*istin$ of steel as the <FV e3plo"e" apart. /its an" pieces of it fle*
hi$h into the sk)+ an" then fell "o*n upon the scorche" earth like fier) rain infuse" *ith millions
of $ol"en "ust particles.
2he a$ents coul" onl) *atch in a*e as another missile struck an infantr) truck+ sen"in$
the sol"iers hi"in$ ne3t to it into the air like soil off of a $e)ser.
9s the smoke from the e3plosions cleare"+ /runner looke" throu$h the "ust) air. 2o his
"isma)+ another $roup of $an$ mem!ers *ere rushin$ ri$ht for them+ !) no*+ he *as unsure of
ho* much the con,o) *as left+ !ut there *as one thin$ certain in his min". 1is team+ the) *ere
ali,e+ the) mi$ht not !e safe+ !ut the) *ere ali,e+ an" it *as his #o! to keep them *ell. /arcla)
trie" to continue callin$ for help *hile 6er$uson an" 1oll) "ra$$e" in#ure" sol"iers an" ci,ilians
close !) !ehin" their !ullet proof /-Cs. 1e *as #ust unsure of *hen the "rone *as $oin$ to
make another pass. Ouickl)+ he s*un$ his sore "r) e)es aroun" the area+ tr)in$ to fi$ure out a
*a) to take out the "rone. 1e sa* a machine$un l)in$ not too far from him+ !ut the !uil"in$s
aroun" *oul" pre,ent an) means for him to $ain an) $roun" a$ainst a fast fl)in$ o!#ect. 2he task
of takin$ out the "rone *as set asi"e *hen the $an$ mem!ers rushe" closer to the team4s
121
location. -ost of the other sol"iers an" police officers ha" fallen at this point. 2he) *ere prett)
much the onl) ones left ali,e. /runner raise" his rifle an" fire" at the char$in$ $an$ mem!ers.
/ut it *as of no use+ there *ere immense num!ers of them+ it *as like tr)in$ to kill arm) ants on
the march+ *hen one $oes "o*n+ another simpl) replaces the fallen one. 1e si$he" a "esperate
si$h+ an" ,o*e" his min" to the sur,i,al of his team.
?>)an+ its comin$ a$ainL@ 1oll) sai" to him o,er the rushin$ enemies.
1e looke" upon the "arkene" sk)+ the silhouette of the "rone *as !ack+ this time+ e,en more
ominous a$ainst the clou") ,ie*s. Dt neare" an" neare"+ then fire" a missile ri$ht at the team.
=uckil) for them+ it struck far from their location+ an" onl) sent a shock a$ainst the team.
2he "ust) air *as 7uickl) ma"e more "ust) after the missile lan"e" upon a lar$e clump of "rie"
"irt+ spra*le" *ith the !loo" of man) li,es.
Dn the mist of the commotion+ /runner for$ot one ke) piece of the plan+ ?(u)s+ *here4s
Chernko,H@
?<hit+ D thou$ht he *as *ith one of the officers.@ /arcla) sai".
1oll) trie" to look aroun" as she !an"a$e" a )oun$ !o)+ his mother *as l)in$ motionless
ne3t to him. ?6or all *e kno* he coul" !e "ea".@ 2hen she turne" to the !o)+ *ho ha" a !a" $ash
on the si"e of arm. ?&on4t *orr)+ )ou are $oin$ to !e fine+ e,er)thin$ is $oin$ to !e oka).@ <he
sai" it so calml) that /runner *as taken !ack from the $entleness in her ,oice. 1e kne* she *as
"ealin$ *ith stress+ !ut keepin$ such a calm ,oice *as somethin$ that escapes his capa!ilities
completel). 2he little !o) *as cr)in$ no*+ slo*l) tu$$in$ at the lifeless !o") of his "ear+ "ear+
mother. ?&on4t *orr)+ )ou are in $oo" han"s.@ 1oll) li$htl) kisse" him in the forehea". 1e set
the !o) "o*n an" looke" at /runner. ?%lansH@
?D nee" to kno* *here Chernko, is or if he is "ea" or not.@
6er$uson 7uickl) interrupte" his 7uestion+ ?Dsn4t that him o,er thereH@ <he pointe" o,er
ne3t to a sil,er) colore" car aroun" the corner.
2hrou$h the $unfire of the remainin$ $an$ mem!ers+ /runner an" the rest of the team
cau$ht si$ht of Chernko, an" Masla,sk) rushin$ into the car. 2he car 7uickl) inche" for*ar" an"
mo,e" off.
?&ammit+ he4s $one.@ /runner si$he".
2he) *ere still e3chan$in$ shots *ith the $an$ mem!ers. <u""enl)+ the "rone reappeare"
in the sk). 2his time+ it *ent strai$ht for the team in their fortifie" space of *recke" cars an"
their /-Cs.
?<hit+ here comes that !itch a$ain.@ /runner shoute".
?B,er)!o") $et rea") for impact+ >F8L@ 1oll) shoute" !ack as the air $ui"e" missile
stuck *ithin fifteen feet of their location+ sen"in$ them runnin$ !ack*ar"s !ehin" a the tall !rick
apartment houses.
?(u)s+ #ust hi"e. 2here4s nothin$ *e can "o a!out it+ sa,e )our sel,es.@ /runner *ipe"
his face.
2he "rone ha" alrea") turne" aroun"5 it *as "esi$nate" to clean them off the planet+ once
an" for all. 2he #et !lack !o") $listene" in the "ust) air as slo*l) turne" on i$nition an" fle*
ri$ht at them *ithout "espair.
/runner coul" see the missile !ein$ rea"ie" up5 he coul" ima$ine the *eapon !ein$
aime" "irectl)+ for his face+ or at Eaitl)n4s. 1e looke" "o*n at Eaitl)n *ho *as kneelin$ o,er
some chil"ren *ho *ere in#ure" an" cau$ht in the !la0e. 1er !lon"e hair *as infuse" *ith ashes
122
an" "ust particles from the e,ents. /runner *ante" to feel the hair+ to see the topa0 e)es5 he
*ante" to #ust en#o) her presence for one last time.
2hen the miracle happene".
9s the "rone *as a!out to !last them a*a) *ith a missile somethin$ else shot at the
enem) "rone. Dt *as machine$un fire+ 7uick rapi" machine$un fire+ like the soun" of art paper
!ein$ torn apart !) han"s. 2he !ullets pierce" the li$ht armor of the "rone an" cause" the
missiles in it to e3plo"e+ there *as a lou" piercin$ screech as the once mi$ht) "rone plane that
em!o"ie" the po*er of the air fell from the sk)+ almost rh)thmicall)+ like charre" ash !ein$
tosse" onto a ")in$ campfire. Dt *as ama0in$l) another "rone that ha" shot "o*n the enem) one.
2his one thou$h+ !ore the !ri$ht 9merican fla$+ $entl) painte" o,er the propellers an" the
fusela$e. Dt *as a ho,er"rone+ a ne* "esi$n )et to !e teste" in *arfare. 2his "rone consists of
four roun"e" propeller !la"es infuse" in steel metal rims. Dt ha" the capa!ilit) of sta)in$ in one
position or mo,e in an) "irection *ith ease. Bn,elope" in the technolo$) of this "rone *ere
)ears of perfecte" measurements+ countless hours of lost sleep+ an" creation ,ia the stan"point of
en$ineerin$ $enius. Dt *as technolo$) )ears ahea" of *hat the enem) "rone *as usin$+ e,en
thou$h the !lack ominous "rone use" !) the enem) *as suppose"l) mo"ern. 2his piece of
e7uipment+ costs almost si3 million "ollars to create. /ut it *as this piece of e7uipment+ that
en"e" up sa,in$ the li,es of /runner+ 1oll)+ /arcla)+ 6er$uson+ an" countless other ci,ilians an"
frien"lies in the ,icinit).
9fter the enem) "rone has !een taken care of+ the 9merican ho,er"rone turne" its
attention to the remainin$ $an$ mem!ers+ *ho *ere "esperatel) tr)in$ to escape certain "eath.
Fnfortunatel)+ the) "i" not mana$e to $o too far !efore the "rone "estro)e" the li,in$ hell out of
them.
=ike *hat ha" happene" !ack in 9frica+ the enem) "rone *as the source of the ra"io
#ammin$+ once it *as $one+ ra"ios *ere all !ack up online. 9 static !u00e" throu$h all of the
team4s hea"sets an" a ,oice came to li,e in it.
?2his is -a#or 'esse Cor!ett of the 8ational Dntelli$ence 9$enc) at Cashin$ton &.C.
speakin$+ there is not much time+ D ha,e notifie" the location an" officers an" more sol"iers are
hea"in$ )our *a) to clean up the mess. 9m!ulances an" me"ical personnel are hea"e" to )our
location to treat the in#ure". Gou must lea,e an" procee" *ith tr)in$ to track "o*n Chernko,
!efore he mana$es to *ormhole his *a) out of >io an" possi!l) !ack to >ussia+ D am controllin$
the ho,er"rone m)self an" can scan the cit) for si$ns if necessar).@
/runner interrupte"+ ?2his is Captain >)an /runner of the %resi"ent4s <ecret 9rm)
speakin$+ D ha,e lost location on Chernko,+ also+ Masla,sk) has !etra)e" the s)stem an" is on the
run *ith Chernko, in a sil,er car+ notif) the %resi"ent imme"iatel).@
?2hat *ill !e "one5 also+ "o an) of )ou ha,e location on a ru!)H@ Cor!ett aske".
?Ges.@ 6er$uson sai" as the sirens of the police can !e hear" in the !ack$roun"+ ?&oes it
ha,e si$nificance sirH@
?(reatl)+ D "on4t kno* the "etails 7uite )et+ !ut from *hat D un"erstan" it contains
microscopic co"es en$ra,e" on it that tells of a lock com!ination to a safe insi"e a !ank pro!a!l)
in <*it0erlan"+ there coul" !e multiple co"es to multiple !anks. Chat is in those safes *e ha,e
no clue+ ma)!e it is #ust mone)+ !ut for all *e kno* it coul" !e somethin$ else.@
?Ds this line secure"H@ 6er$uson aske".
?Dt is.@
123
<he looke" aroun" the place. <ome of the police ha,e starte" to arri,e on the scene+
/arcla) *a,e" them on. ?D ha,e it store" in a $un !o3 in the room at the hotel5 D *ill retrie,e it
as soon as possi!le. Chat shoul" D "o *ith itH@
?(et to the airport 9<9%+ there *ill !e a plane *aitin$ there for )ou+ $i,e the $em to the
a$ents an" the) *ill take it an" take care of it for )ou.@
?Chat a!out Chernko,H@ 1oll) aske".
?D nee" )ou $u)s to split up lookin$ for him+ a pu!lic *arnin$ has !een $i,en out to
capture him an" Masla,sk) as of t*o secon"s a$o+ !ut *e nee" )ou all to $o hunt him "o*n.
6i$ure out ho* )ou are $oin$ to set it up. Ce nee" one of )ou to $et the ru!) to the plane+ *hile
the rest of )ou $o hunt for Chernko, an" Masla,sk).@
?2hat can !e arran$e"+ *e *ill tr) to "o it 9<9%.@
?(oo"+ D hope D can count on )ou all. (oo" luck *ith )our task. D *ill see )ou statesi"e.@
Cor!ett cut off an" the ho,er "rone mo,e" up*ar"s into the sk) an" "isappear !ehin" a ro* of
!uil"in$s+ /runner ima$ine" it *oul" !e hea"e" "irectl) for the cit).
?Aka)+ this is ho* *e set it up.@ 6er$uson spoke out. ?D am $oin$ !ack to the hotel to
retrie,e the ru!)+ )ou three $o ahea" an" search for Masla,sk) an" Chernko,+ an" *e *ill meet
near the airport in three hours.@ 6er$uson checke" the clock+ ?&amn+ it is $ettin$ a lot later than
*hat D *oul" ha,e thou$ht+ ei$ht o4 clock p.m.+ make sure )ou are at the airport+ south terminal.
/lack /-Cs shoul" not !e too har" to miss.@
?(ot it.@ 2he other three sai" simultaneousl).
?D am $oin$ to take a hea" start5 )ou three "eci"e *here to $o look an" ho*.@ 6er$uson
7uickl) ran off into her /-C+ it *as co,ere" *ith "ust) an" !roken pieces !ut *as still intact.
<he turne" on the en$ine an" the machine roare" to life. Dt then took off into the street as the
police an" am!ulances came to the scene.
?=et4s split up+ D *ill take the southern part of the cit)+ >)an+ )ou take *est+ an" Chase+
)ou take east+ tr) to *ee" him out if possi!le.@ 1oll) retorte".
/runner no""e". ?Aka).@
?8o pro!lem.@ /arcla) replie".
1oll) !ent "o*n to kiss the )oun$ !o) *ho lost his mother+ he *as still clutchin$ onto
1oll)4s pant le$. ?Dt4s oka)+ it4s o,er+ the police are here+ an" )ou *ill !e safe.@ 2he little !o) let
out a small so! an" let $o of her pant le$. <he turne" her attention to /urnner. ?<ta) safe.@
?D *ill tr).@
?D4ll !e *atchin$ )our !ack.@
?2r) not to make me retrie,e )ou a$ain.@ /runner sai".
2he t*o kisse" in the "immin$ li$ht !efore hea"in$ off in "ifferent "irections.

2*ent).6our
9n"rea 6er$uson rushe" throu$h the cro*"e" cit) streets. <he !rushe" off the "ust an"
smoke+ an" also trie" her !est to pull out the rock) fra$ments stuck in her hair. 2he air
con"itionin$ of the /-C *as !roken "urin$ the constant poun"in$ of !ullets so she ha" her
124
*in"o*s "o*n. 9s the *in" "rifte" throu$h her fine !ro*n hair+ it helpe" !lo* loose some of
the "ust an" "irt particles stuck in it. <he si$he"+ this "a) ha" laste" lon$er than *hat she *oul"
ha,e like"+ *as it #ust this mornin$ that she $a,e /arcla) the kissH Dt felt like eons a$o. 1er "r)
throat *as !e$$in$ for *ater+ !ut she "i"n4t ha,e time+ she "i"n4t ha,e the time to stop+ she ha"
to keep $oin$. 2he traffic *as un!elie,a!l) horri!le aroun" the cit). Cars of all shapes an" si0es
*ere on the free*a)s an" !oule,ar"s+ slo*l) cra*lin$ for*ar" like caterpillars across !a)
lea,es. 9cross the street+ a ,en"or *as sellin$ hot "o$s+ the salt)+ !urnt+ aroma "rifte" from the
outsi"e *orl" into the confinement of her car. 6er$uson inhale" "eepl)+ catchin$ the luscious
scent of the foo". Dt remin"e" her of her hometo*n of 8e* Gork.
Chen she *as little+ her father *oul" take her to the hot "o$ stan" e,er) *eek. <he *oul"
al*a)s smother the sausa$e *ith ketchup an" sa) hello to the ,en"or there. 2his occurre" for a
fe* )ears+ until one "a)+ as she *as *alkin$ o,er to !u) foo"+ she *atche" as a man in a hoo"ie
thro*n o,er his hea" *alk o,er an" "eman"e" the ,en"or for cash. 2he ,en"or "i" not o!li$e
an" the man took out a shin)+ "ark pistol from un"er his s*eater an" shot the ,en"or ri$ht on the
scene. 9t the time+ the street *as still empt)+ an" the onl) people in si$ht *ere 6er$uson an" her
father+ she *as onl) si3 or so an" 7uickl) clun$ onto her father4s le$s. 1er father tol" her to sta)
calm an" "on4t cr). 1e also tol" her+ that ?e,er)thin$ *as $oin$ to !e fine.@
9cross the street+ the man turne" his attention to the t*o of them5 6er$uson remem!ere"
*atchin$ the ,en"or+ !lee"in$ a trail of !loo" from his a!"omen+ the !loo" slo*l) "riftin$ "o*n
the cur! onto the pa,ement like a tenacious co!ra+ slo*l) "ra*in$ the life a*a) from its ,ictim.
2he man *alke" closer to her father an" herself. <he *as still clin$in$ onto his pant.le$.
6er$uson "oes not remem!er e3actl) *hat happene"+ !ut *hat she "i" remem!er *as the man
*alkin$ o,er to them+ keepin$ his $a0e "o*n on the $roun". 2he entire con,ersation !et*een the
shooter an" her father still clun$ insi"e her for these man) )ears.
1er father reache" "o*n an" hel" her firml) *ith his han"s5 the) $entl) massa$e" her
!ack+ calmin$ her "o*n. ?Gou can ha,e all m) mone). 'ust "on4t hurt us.@
?Ah D *ill $et )our mone)+@ he "re* out his $un an" pointe" at her father.
?<ir+ D *ill $i,e )ou m) *allet+ there is no nee" for the $un+ an" )ou can ha,e all the
mone) on me.@ 1is father looke" "o*n on her5 she cau$ht a $limpse of his "eep !lue e)es.
1er father slo*l) raise" !oth of his han"s+ stoo" there for a secon"+ then reache" "o*n
slo*l) an" retrie,e" his *allet+ a !ro*n tin$e" *allet *ith a !luish hue. ?2his is all D ha,e+ *hat
*oul" )ou like me to "oH@
?'ust "rop the "amn thin$ on the $roun" an" !ack a*a) from it.@
1er father "roppe" it on the $roun"+ it ma"e a small ?plink@ as it lan"e" on the pa,ement.
2he man in the hoo"ie 7uickl) lo*ere" his $un+ *alke" for*ar"+ an" picke" up the *allet from
the $roun". 1e $a,e a small no" of satisfaction as he thum!e" throu$h the contents insi"e.
2hrou$h the smok) air+ the "im e)es looke" !ack at the t*o of them. 1er father still ha" !oth his
arms aroun" her5 it ma"e her feel safe+ calm+ an" almost rela3e". 6er$uson remem!ere" as she
cau$ht a 7uick $lance o,er at the ,en"or+ *ho *as unconscious an" l)in$ ne3t to the hot "o$
cart+ the smoke an" aroma of !urnt meat still "riftin$ off into the air.
1o*e,er+ the shooter in the "ark hoo"ie *as still there+ his $a0e lo*ere" from her father
onto her+ or more specificall)+ her han"s. Dn her shakin$ han"s+ clutche" three "ollars+ the mone)
ori$inall) inten"e" for !u)in$ her lunch.
?(i,e it hereL@ the man or"ere".
125
6er$uson *as at a loss of mo,ement5 she ha" no i"ea as to *hat to "o an" 7uickl) looke"
up at her father+ searchin$ his e3pression for hints.
?9n"rea+ #ust la) the mone) on the $roun" an" *e *ill !ack a*a)+ oka)H@ 1er father sai"
it *ith such $entleness that+ for a secon"+ she for$ot a!out the situation.
<lo*l)+ a )oun$ 6er$uson lo*ere" her han" "o*n upon the col" pa,ement+ an" then
opene" her palms. 2he mone) fell onto the $roun" like ")in$ !utterflies+ flutterin$ upon their
in#ure" *in$s.
<u""enl)+ there *as a lar$e $ust of *in"+ it !rushe" *ith its mi$ht) han"s across the
mone) an" sent it rocketin$ into the air. Dt fle* hi$her an" hi$her an" separate" into "ifferent
"irections. 2he man in the hoo"ie !reathe" out a *hoosh of air+ 6er$uson coul" remem!er seein$
the *arm mist) stream fl) "irectl) out from his nostrils.
?Gou little !astar"L@ 2he "im e)es stare" "o*n at 6er$uson+ *ho *as shakin$ *ith fear.
2he hoo"e" man then pulle" out his shin) !lack pistol+ raise" it up+ an" fire".
2he !ullet fle* out like the po*er of a thousan" horses5 it slice" throu$h the !risk
mornin$ air an" struck flesh. <he smashe" her e)eli"s shut+ it seeme" to separate her spirit from
the rest of the *orl"+ #ust for a fe* !rief secon"s. Chen 6er$uson opene" her e)es+ she sa* the
*ater) re" li7ui" oo0in$ across the $roun" in front of her5 the )oun$ $irl almost fainte" at the
si$ht. B3cept+ it *as not her+ it *as her father. 1e ha" !locke" the !ullet from 6er$uson an" *as
hit in the chest. /loo" seepe" an" soake" his shirt+ turnin$ the *hite fa!ric to a !rilliant fier)
crimson.
<he crie". =ou"l). 6er$uson "i" not kno* *hat to "o5 it *as the feelin$ of !ein$ in a
state of shock. 2he ,en"or spra*le" a fe* feet in front of her+ her father ri$ht ne3t to her+ !oth
*ith a snakin$ trail of !loo" slitherin$ across the pa,ement. Dt scare" her+ it scarre" her+ an" it
haunte" her+ that si$ht. 6er$uson looke" up at the hoo"e" man5 he looke" aroun" reall) 7uickl)
then slippe" the *allet into his #acket !efore runnin$ off into the alle)*a).
6er$uson felt the salt) "rops trail "o*n from the corners of her e)es onto her ton$ue5 she
taste" the "roplets+ the e,er salt) "roplets. <lo*l)+ her han" *ent up*ar"s an" felt her father+
*ho *as !reathin$ "eepl).
?&a"H@ she *hispere" in *ith a so!.
?9n"rea+ D4m+ D4mI@
?Gou4re hurt "a".@
?D am s*eetie+ D am hurt reall) !a"l).@
9n"rea 6er$uson $rippe" her father4s col" han"s. ?D nee" to call an am!ulance...@
?9n"rea+@ her father interrupte"+ ?ha,e D e,er tol" )ouH@ he cou$he" !loo".
?Ges "a"")H@
9fter a fe* !loo") cou$hs+ her father $aspe" for !reath+ ?ha,e D e,er tol" )ou ho*
ama0in$ of a "au$hter )ou areH@
?&a"+ please.@ <he pulle" out her father4s phone an" calle" for an am!ulance+ so!!in$ the
entire *a) throu$h.
?9n"rea+ *hat is $oin$ onH@ her father4s !reaths *ere much more rapi".
?9n am!ulance is on the *a)+ )ou *ill !e fine "a".@ <he *hispere".
126
9fter a fe* $asps+ her father looke" at her. <he starre" !ack+ into those !lue e)es. ?9n$ie+
D am so prou" of )ou. <o !eautiful+ so talente"+ )ou are $oin$ to $ro* up "oin$ $reat some"a).
Gour kno*le"$e has life cutout for )ou.@
?&a"+@ she pause".
?GesH@ 1er father con#ure" up a smile throu$h the pain.
?D lo,e )ou.@
<he coul" see the tears *ell up in his e)es+ the !eautiful !lue e)es that she e,er so much
inherite". Cas it the colorH Cas it the "epthH Ar *as it the uni7ue stor) it tol"H 6er$uson *as not
sure.
?2here are times in life 9n"rea+ *hen )ou *ill face stru$$les+@ he so!!e" in air. ?9n"
althou$h the) ma) !e tou$h in the !e$innin$+ life *ill fi$ure out itself. Gou *ill al*a)s !e m)
"au$hter.@
?&a"+ D think D can hear the am!ulances+ )ou are $oin$ to !e fine.@
?<ometimes+ )ou ha,e to make sacrifices in life+ )ou ha,e to hol" )our $roun"+ fin"
someone )ou trust.@
?&a"")+ )ou can tell me this all toni$ht+ *hen *e are all safe an" tucke" into !e".@
?9n$ie+ D ha,e lo,e" )ou more than D ha,e lo,e" an)thin$ in m) life. 2ake care of mom
for me *ill )ouH@ 1e smile" sli$htl) a$ain.
?&a"+ please "on4t $o.@ <he *as !lee"in$ out snakes of tears no*.
?&on4t *orr)+ )ou nee" not to *orr) a!out me+ D am safe+ in the arms of (o"+ in the
safet) of m) min". 9n" in the safet) of )ours.@
2he) *ere silent. 9n"rea 6er$uson then looke" at her father.
1er father looke" !ack+ ?Gour e)es shine like a thousan" $ems. &o )ou kno* thatH@
?&a"+ )ou ha,e the e)es+ mine are #ust fakes.@
?8o 9n$ie+ the) trul) !elon$ to )ou. Gou can4t i$nore that. 8o one can. >emem!er to
lo,e+ remem!er to remem!er+ an" learn the trust+ learn the trustI@ he repeate" the phrase a$ain
an" a$ain+ each time lo*er an" lo*er in ,olume.
?D lo,e )ou "a".@ <he shook her hea" an" kisse" her father4s cheek.
?D lo,e )ou too 9n"rea+ sta) *ell+ sta) stron$+ learn to trustIlearn to trustI@ 1er father
*hispere" the last line an" close" his e)es.
9n"rea 6er$uson sniffe" her nose an" li$htl) *ipe" her e)es on the slee,es of her shirt.
B,er) time she remem!ere" the stor)+ the tears *elle"+ she ha" not share" the memor) of that
"a) to man) people+ perhaps she shoul" aim onl) to those *ho she feels comforta!le *ith+ or
those *ho she trusts. B,er) "a) after the "a) she ha" lost her father+ 9n"rea 6er$uson *ent to the
same spot of her father4s "eath. B,er) "a)+ she *oul" continue to remem!er the last moments of
her father4s life. 2he smell of hot "o$s *as !e$innin$ to !ecome o,erpo*erin$ an" 6er$uson
rolle" up the *in"o*s of her car as she spe" alon$ !ack to the %uerta 'uanita 1otel.
Chen she arri,e" at the %uerta 'uanita 1otel+ the outsi"e *as #ust as the same as the "a)
!efore+ tourists arri,in$ in+ people lea,in$+ "oormen openin$ the "oors to let people throu$h. Dt
seeme" completel) normal consi"erin$ *hat #ust happene" on the other si"e of to*n. 6er$uson
crin$e" as she coul" still smell the copper) !loo" an" smoke from the *hole inci"ent.
127
<i$hin$+ 6er$uson took off her #acket an" left the smoke smellin$ #acket in the car. <he
li$htl) spra)e" on some perfume to tr) to mask off the po*"er) fumes then ran her fin$ers
throu$h her hair to "ispatch the tin) fra$ments of ru!!le. 9fter a fe* more secon"s of "oin$ the
!est she can to make herself look ?presenta!le+@ 6er$uson left the car an" 7uickl) ran to the hotel
from the parkin$ lot. 2he )oun$ "oorman $a,e her a smile an" opene" the "oor for her. 1e "i"
not suspect a thin$. <he thanke" him *ith a smile an" *alke" into the lo!!). 2he lo!!) "i" not
chan$e5 it still sta)e" e3actl) the *a) it *as. %eople *aitin$ insi"e it "i"n4t seem at all !affle" !)
the e,ents of the "a). %erhaps the) ha,e not kno*n of the e,ents )et+ 6er$uson $uesse". &i" the)
*atch the ne*sH Ar *ere the) reall) that careless to the su!#ect. 2o tell the truth+ 6er$uson *as
careless a!out *hether the people care" at all a!out the e,ents. 9ll she *ante" to "o *as $et the
ru!) an" $et out. Ane of the ele,ators *as ha,in$ malfunctions an" people line" up in front of
the other one like pi$s *aitin$ for the slau$hterhouse. <he clim!e" the tall "ark stairs that snake"
its *a) up to the top+ the *in"in$ coils rope" aroun" an" aroun" the corri"or. 6inall)+ 6er$uson
reache" her floor an" pushe" open the "oor into the hall*a). <he 7uickl) foun" her room an"
fum!le" to sli"e the car" ke) to open the lar$e *oo"en "oor. Ance insi"e+ she "i" not hesitate to
run into the room an" pr) open the lar$e closet. 9fter "i$$in$ aroun" for a fe* secon"s+ she
mana$e" to pull out the lar$e case that containe" her rifle an" the ru!) out onto the carpet. 2he
%.<.9. a$ent *as a!out to open the case *hen su""enl) she sa* that a section of the case *as
missin$. 2he area o,er the pocket hol"in$ the ru!) has !een cut a*a). <he 7uickl) checke" an"
foun" out that ru!) *as missin$.
?=ookin$ for somethin$H@
6er$uson 7uickl) turne" aroun" at the ,oice !ut she *as knocke" "o*n !) a !lo* to her
!ack. /efore she coul" re$ain herself+ someone $ra!!e" her !) her hair+ pulle" her up+ an"
slamme" her "o*n on the carpet+ knockin$ the air out of her lun$s.@
<he $aspe" for !reath as someone tie" her han"s !ehin" her !ack. 6er$uson trie" to
retaliate !ut someone simpl) sat on her an" pinne" her "o*n. <he *as trappe"+ trappe" like a
tuna in fishin$ nets+ trappe" like a !utterfl) in a spi"er *e!. 2he person pinnin$ her lifte" her
hea"+ it *as Masla,ks).
?1ello -arko+ ho*4s the "ark si"eH@ she $aspe" as Masla,sk) close" a han" aroun" her
throat+ !lockin$ off her air passa$es. 6er$uson stru$$le to take in a !reath throu$h the ti$ht $rip.
<he raspe" out+ ?<o )ou *ere the one *ho tol" the >ussians a!out the "rone an" the satellite
chip huhH@
?<hut up+ the less )ou talk+ the more ener$) )ou ha,e for us to take a",anta$e of.@
Masla,sk) pulle" her face close to his. ?Gou kno*+ D ne,er notice" ho* cute )ou *ere+ the other
$u)s are $oin$ to lo,e that.@
6er$uson $a,e a muffle" noise. <he *as afrai" that he *oul" suffocate her+ #ust kill her
off then an" there+ an" lea,e her to rot *hile the) lea,e *ith the ru!).
9fter a minute+ Masla,sk) finall) let $o of her throat. (aspin$ "esperatel) for !reath *as
#ust natural+ nothin$ $reat. 6er$uson looke" up an" sa* Chernko,+ smirkin$ sli$htl) as he
polishe" the ru!) *ith a small *hite cloth.
?Cell+ *ell+ *ell+ if it isn4t 9n"rea 6er$uson+ D $uess *e meet a$ain.@ 1e sai" *ithout
makin$ an) e)e contact.
6er$uson cou$he". ?Gou kno* )ou aren4t $ettin$ a*a) from this.@
Chernko, i$nore" her+ ?>emem!er si3 )ears a$o+ !ack in the statesH@
128
?D remem!er it like it *as )ester"a).@ <he trie" to keep calm.
?>emem!er ho* )ou "estro)e" m) *arehouseH@
?Dt *as a $reat feelin$.@ Masla,sk) slamme" her "o*n a$ain.
Chernko, stoppe" polishin$ the ru!). 1e pause" to la) the $em "o*n on the !e" an"
"rop the cloth on the $roun". ?>emem!er that $u) that )ou shotH@
6er$uson remaine" as calm as she coul"+ ?Chich oneH D fire" so man) roun"s D "i"n4t
e,en see *ho *as hit.@
Victor Chernko, 7uickl) rose from his seat in the !e" an" *alke" o,er to 6er$uson+ *ho
Masla,sk) *as still pinnin$ to the $roun". 2he footsteps almost echoe" in her ears as he stoo"
ri$ht in front of her.
Chernko, then procee"e" to slap 6er$uson across the si"e of her face. 2he lou" ?*hack@
left her face *ith a re"+ fi,e fin$ere" mark.
<he close" her e)es an" ma"e a muffle" soun" *ith "i" not o!li$e to retaliate.
?(o""am !itch+ )ou kille" m) o*n son that "a). Gou kno* ho* it feels to ha,e to !ur)
someone )ou lo,eH@
6er$uson 7uickl) $aspe" in surprise.
Chernko, smirke"+ ?Geah+ )ou "o un"erstan" "on4t )ou. 1o* "i" it feel to *atch )our
o*n father !lee" out ri$ht in front of )our ,er) faceH@
1er e)es *ere !e$innin$ to $et *ater)+ in a "esperate ,oice of sa"ness+ she aske"+ ?1o*
"i" )ou kno*H@
?-arko tol" me all a!out )ou.@
<he looke" up at Masla,sk).
?&o )ou kno* ho* har" it *as for me to *atch )ou fall pre) to i"iots like /arcla)H Dt
sucks to !e alone an" *orkin$ in this shit "epartment for )ears an" no one respects me+
especiall) not an) *omen. Gou *ere the closest D coul" reach. /ut )ou ha" to !e too stu!!orn
an" $o for the *ron$ $u).@
?Chat *as it that D e,er "i" *ron$ to )ouH@
?8othin$+ )ou ha,e "one nothin$ to me at all5 all )ou ha,e "one is make me hate people
like /runner an" /arcla) more an" more.@
6er$uson "re* out a small smile+ ?'ealous) is not uncommon -arko+ ha,e to $et use" to
it.@
?2o hell *ith that+ )ou are officiall) un"er m) control. D $et to "o *hate,er the hell D
*ant *ith )ou.@
6er$uson "i" not speak. Dnstea" she *on"ere" *hat the others *ere "oin$. <urel) the)
*oul" suspect her a!senceH Ar *ere the) also !ein$ attacke" at the same timeH 2here *as no
*a) for her to fin" out.
Chernko, looke" at 6er$uson for a !rief secon"+ ?9ctuall)+ D *oul" =AVB to kno*
*here )our frien"s are. D !et the) lo,e to #oin the part).@
?/eats me.@ 6er$uson $ot out.
Victor Chernko, $ra!!e" her hea" an" slamme" it a$ain onto the carpet. ?D !et the) lo,e
to see )ou a$ain. D !et the) *oul" lo,e to see *hat *e are $oin$ to "o to )ou.@
6er$uson trie" to reco,er from the pain. <he onl) ha" the ener$) left to lift her hea".
?2o hell *ith this+ take her to the car. D think our fli$ht is rea") to lea,e soon.@ Masla,sk)
shoute" out.
129
?D4" "rink to that.@ Chernko, replie". 1e $lance" at 6er$uson+ ?2hink it *oul" !e easier
to #ust knock her out an" take her alon$H@
?Geah shoul" !e.@ Masla,sk) sai"+ then he a""e"+ ?Gou sure )ou "on4t *ant to $et the
others as *ellH@
?8ah+ *e ha" enou$h fun to"a)+ mi$ht as use her to "ra* in the others later.@
Masla,sk) no""e"+ he then procee"e" to take out a s)rin$e fille" *ith a !ro*n flui".
9s Chernko, an" his assistants hel" onto 6er$uson+ Masla,sk) in#ecte" the flui" into her
s)stem.
6er$uson fou$ht !ack at the attackers !ut soon her *orl" *as fille" *ith ,arious circles+
s7uares+ an" shapes. 9fter a fe* more secon"s+ she !lacke" out into "arkness.
I
>)an /runner race" "o*n the !us) roa"+ cur,in$ !et*een the man) ,ehicles that ran
"urin$ rush hour. 1e ha" no i"ea *hat to "o or ho* to follo* Cor!ett4s plans. B3actl) ho* the
fe* of them *ere suppose" to scout out the entire cit) lookin$ for Chernko, escapes his min".
Chat "oesn4t escape his min" is 1oll)4s /-C+ tailin$ ri$ht !ehin" his+ li$htl) s*er,in$ in the
asphalt roa"s+ $entl) tune" to his e,er) mo,e. 1e li$htl) smile" from the feelin$ of the $entle
$a0e "ri,en !) her e)es+ oh those "eep !lue e)es that *ere the colors of lit sapphires.
1e snappe" out of his "a)"ream an" continue" as he *atche" the cars ahea" of him stop
at a re" li$ht. /runner close" his e)es+ stretche" his arm+ an" poppe" his fin$ers. <hakin$ his
hea"+ he "islo"$e" some "ust particles stuck in his hair from the earlier encounter. <till
*on"erin$ ho* the team mana$e" to sur,i,e+ he remem!ere" the o!#ecti,e $i,en !) Cor!ett+ to
fin" an" capture Chernko,.
Basier sai" than "one he kne*+ !ut *hat *as the planH Chere *ere the) to lookH 1o*
*ere the) to take him outH
8ine of ten $uesses+ there *oul" !e $an$ mem!ers an" mercenaries surroun"in$
Chernko, from "usk to "a*n+ so *ith that in han"H 1o* are four people $oin$ to fin" the tar$et
in a cro*"e" cit) like thisH
2he 7uestions pulle" at his hurtin$ hea" until finall) 1oll) !u00e" in throu$h her hea"set.
?(u)s+ D think this isn4t $oin$ to *ork.@
/arcla) cut into the line+ ?A!,iousl) Cor!ett has no i"ea *hat he *as talkin$ a!out+ ho*
e3actl) "o *e fin" Masla,sk) an" Chernko,H Dt is likeI@
/runner cut into his *or"s+ ?9 nee"le in a ha)stackH@
?8o+ more or less like fin"in$ a piece of ha) in a stack of nee"les+ e,en if *e "o
someho* e,en mana$e to see him+ *hat are *e to "oH <hoot himH Eill himH@
?Capture+ actuall).@ 1oll) si$he" out.
?Dmpossi!le.@ /arcla) s*er,e" his /-C a*a) from the center of the street an"
continue" to pull throu$h.
2he three of them has mana$e" to e3it the cit) center an" enter into the poor outskirts+
/runner sa* the lar$e statue of Christ the >e"eemer in the !ack$roun"+ he coul" also see the
lar$e fa,elas+ *hich *ere poor housin$ "e,elopments+ that snake" their *a) up all o,er the hills.
?<o+ *e are no* officiall) in $an$ territor)+ *hat4s the plan no* !o)sH@
?Eaitl)n+ #ust 0ip )our #acket.@ /arcla) sai" *ith a scoff.
?<hut up.@
130
?9t this rate+ *e *ill ne,er fin" him5 perhaps *e shoul" #ust $o to the airport an" *ait for
9n"rea to $et here *ith the ru!).@ /runner massa$e" his neck *ith one han" *hile keepin$ the
other on the *heel.
?9n"reaI@ /runner coul" almost see /arcla) mouth the *or"s. ?D hope she4s oka).@
1oll) si$he"+ ?&o )ou think it *as a $oo" i"ea to ha,e let her $o !) herselfH@
/arcla) si$he"+ ?D shoul" ha,e $one *ith her.@
?Corries are too late no*+ )ou can4t al*a)s $uar" *hat )ou ha,e+ )ou #ust can4t+ )ou #ust
can4tI@ 1oll) sniffe" an" si$he" as *ell.
/runner su$$este" an option+ ?<houl" *e park an" fi$ure out a planH@
/arcla) slo*e" "o*n his car+ ?-i$ht as *ell+ nothin$ !etter to "o an)*a).@
2he three of them parke" near an ol" crum!lin$ *all surroun"in$ an ol" nei$h!orhoo".
<ome people looke" at them as the) $ot out of their cars.
?Gou kno* >)an+ there 9>B !etter places to stop an" rest. 6or instance+ a CafQ+ or a mall+
!ut )ou of course ha" to choose the ol" run"o*n nei$h!orhoo"s *ith "ru$ a""icts+ alcohol
fien"s an" territorial $an$s all o,er.@ 1oll) sai" 7uietl). <he $lance" aroun"+ in the "istance+ a
fe* men smokin$ aroun" the corner of the street stoppe" to look at the three of them.
?&on4t *orr)+ *e ha,e $uns.@ /runner replie" *ith a !lan" tone.
?D "on4t nee" people takin$ notice of us+ the less *e seem out of place+ the !etter.@
?Aka) Eaitl)n+ perhaps )ou *oul" like to $o first an" tell us of an) possi!le strate$ies.@
>)an /runner enunciate" *ith a smirk.
1oll) smile"+ ?Cell+ there4s no $oo" plan+ the !est *e coul" "o is $o to the airport an"
hope for 6er$uson to sho* up.@
/arcla) *as !us) starin$ at the skies+ *atchin$ out for "rones. 1e *atche" an" talke" at
the same time+ ?D *ant to fin" 9n"rea.@
2he) *ere silent for a fe* secon"s.
1oll) li$htl) smile"5 her e)es still $listene" in the li$ht. ?Gou reall) like her "on4t )ouH@
?Ges D "o+ ha,e D e,er tol" )ou t*o ofI@ /arcla) pause"+ the men *ho *ere smokin$
earlier ha" starte" to *alk to*ar"s them+ a fe* more ha" arri,e" an" *ere slo*l) stri"in$
to*ar"s their location.
?D think *e shoul" $o.@ 1oll) *hispere".
/runner checke" his pistol in the holster+ *hich *as hi""en !) his shirt. ?Ges *e shoul".@
?=et4s #ust $et out of here.@ /arcla) tol" them+ ?D am "one ha,in$ trou!le to"a).@
2he) each hoppe" into their /-Cs an" "ro,e a*a)+ mean*hile+ the smokin$ men
!ehin" them still *atchin$ their cars roar a*a) from the ol" outskirts.
2he three of them ha" no i"ea as to *hat to "o+ it *as alrea") a!out si3.thirt) !) the time
the three reache" the cit) center. Cithout an) lea"s from Cor!ett an" 6er$uson+ the three a$ree"
that it is the !est in their interest to #ust $o to the airport an" *ait for 6er$uson to sho* up *ith
the ru!). 9s the) "ro,e throu$h the securit)+ the three each flashe" their i"entification !a"$es
an" the $uar"s 7uickl) let them throu$h. 2he airport *as !e$innin$ to ha,e hea,) traffic+
/runner *atche" as lar$e passen$er planes lan" from the sk)+ their *heels lou"l) screeche" on
the *arm $roun". 1e *atche" as the planes slo*l) snake" their *a) throu$h the lanes an" ta3ie"
131
their *a) to one of the !oar"in$ $ates. 1e also mana$e" to $limpse planes of ,arious si0es line
up on the run*a)+ *aitin$ for the control to*er to $i,e them the si$nal to take off. 1e *on"ere"
*here the planes *ere $oin$5 he *on"ere" *here his team *as $oin$ to !e $oin$. 1e *on"ere"
*hether the) coul" all lea,e an" #ust $o home to a ,acation+ or *hether the) *oul" return in
!o") !a$s. /runner li$htl) $ulpe" at the latter thou$ht. Dt *as not in his interest to "ie5 he ne,er
thou$ht a!out "eath+ ne,er reall) feare" it or kept a*a) from it. 2he career re7uire" man)
situations *here he *oul" ha,e "ie" multiple times if it *as not for his "um! luck. 9t least+ that
*as *hat /runner like" to call it: "um! luck. Dt *as "um! luck that $ot him here to >io+ it *as
"um! luck that he cau$ht Chernko,+ it *as "um! luck that allo*e" him to escape+ it *as "um!
luck he ha" fallen for 1oll). 1e reconsi"ere" *hether it *as "um! luck that allo*e" him to fall
for her. 1e thou$ht a!out *hat she meant to him. Chat "i" she meant to himH /runner coul"
onl) close his e)es+ e3hale+ an" shake his hea". <he meant e,er)thin$ to him. <he truste" him+ he
ha" $aine" the trust from her+ he kno*s a!out her past+ he kno*s a!out *hat 1oll) fears+ an"
*hat she lo,es. Chat trou!le" him *as not *hat she feare"+ she feare" Chernko,+ that *as
o!,ious+ !ut it *as the secon" thou$ht that !it at him like (reat /ritain to (erman) "urin$
Corl" Car DD. Dt *as *hat she lo,e". <he lo,e" him. 1e *as the one thin$ she cares a!out the
most. 1oll) lost her parents an" has !een separate" off from her famil) for *ho kno*s ho*
lon$. /runner *as all she ha". 1e #ust ha" to sta) ali,e5 he #ust ha" to+ for the sanit) of himself+
an" to protect 1oll) from her fears. 1e+ >)an /runner+ *as the !arrica"e that split Chernko,
a*a) from 1oll)+ if he *as $one+ Chernko, *oul" onl) take her thou$hts. 6or the hun"re"th
time that "a)+ >)an /runner si$he" a lon$ si$h+ the trust has !een $aine" !) her+ !ut no* he has
#ust that much more pressure on him+ #ust 2192 much more $roun" to lookout for. /runner
*atche" as 1oll) $ot out of her car to stretch+ he smile" as she com!e" her han" throu$h her
!lon"e hair.
2*ent).6i,e
Masla,sk) an" Chernko, alon$ *ith a fe* of their $oons slo*l) "ro,e "o*n the streets of
>io "e 'aneiro. /ehin" them+ tie" to the !ackseat+ *as 6er$uson+ she *as still hea,il) se"ate"
an" *as slo*l) !reathin$ a*a) in her sleep.
Masla,sk) shook his hea"+ ?<he4s too $oo" to #ust lea,e alone.@
?Calm )our ass "o*n+ )ou aren4t $oin$ to !e the first in line.@ Chernko, s7ua*ke" at
him.
Masla,sk) scoffe"+ ?>eall)+ D *as the one that tricke" her into the plan+ )ou think )ou are
#ust $oin$ to lea,e her !eH@
?D use" to remem!er ho* stupi" people like )ou *ere -arko+ no*5 people like )ou are
still "um!asses.@
?<hut the hell up+ like )ou *ant this more than me. Gou "on4t nee" to fin" *omen.@
?D sell them.@ Chernko, sai" as he *atche" his "ri,er+ Caters+ make a left turn at a
stopli$ht.
?Gou "o+ an" ho* much "o )ou make+ ma) D askH@
?&epen"s on *hich market.@
?1o* a!out the >ussian oneH@
?-ake a $oo" million or so for a nice one.@
132
?1uman traffickin$ ehH 2hou$ht that *as 8i,ea4s #o!.@
?Dt *as+ !ut the !usiness is !oomin$ at a pace that is faster than !oth the "ru$ in"ustr)
an" !lack.marketin$ *eapons. Gou $ot to #ump at opportunities *hen the) sho* -arko.@
Masla,sk) cracke" his knuckles+ ?<o *hat4s our plan *ith herH@
Chernko, turne" aroun" an" $lance" at 6er$uson+ her au!urn !ro*n hair flun$ o,er her
face. ?-eh+ *e coul" easil) lure her frien"s into traps+ plus+ the) *ill come lookin$.@
?<o *hatH 9re *e $oin$ to tie her at a post an" *ait for them to sho*H@
?2hink "eepl) -arko+ "on4t !e an i"iot+ "o )ou reall) think the) are #ust $oin$ to sho*
up an" free herH Fse common sense+ *e $et them to a location that *e ha,e more kno*le"$e of+
an" then tie her to a post+ or so to speak.@
?ChereH@
?>ussia.@
?Gou4re takin$ 6er$uson to >ussiaH@
?-i$ht as *ell+ she coul" keep a fe* of m) $u)s compan)+ or so to speak.@
?9n" *hen "o D $et m) turn.@
?Chen D feel like it+ 8i,ea4s alrea") pa)in$ )ou ei$ht million5 D think )ou are in $oo"
han"s.@
?Ch) are )ou so apt at keepin$ 6er$usonH@
?2he same person+ *ho kille" m) son+ "eser,es some pain an" humiliation.@
?Ah an" *h) "on4t )ou #ust kill her off as *ellH@
?2hink -arko+ if she "ies+ the %.<.9. *ill ha,e no reason to fall for an)more traps. 'ust
like ho* 8i,ea lost 1oll)+ if *e coul" $et our han"s !ack on the !oth of them+ life *oul" !e
$ol"en.@
?Victor+ "o )ou "espise the t*o of them that muchH@
?Cith all m) heart+ !ut no *orries+ *e ha,e half the pu00le complete+ #ust nee" to $et the
other half in m) han"s. Cith an) luck+ D shall o!tain !oth an" m) hate shoul" once an" for all !e
re,ampe"L@
?Chat are the t*o of them to )ou VictorH@
?-i$ht as *ell not *aste their !eaut)+ to m) men+ the) are nothin$ !ut o!#ects of se3.@
?Df )ou sa) so.@
?&arkness isnKt too fun at times+ !ut the concept of pleasure *ill surel) moti,ate the
lackluster mercenaries to actuall) $et shit "one.@
2he) continue" to "ri,e to*ar"s the airport+ the same airport that the other %.<.9.
mem!ers *ere hea"in$ toI
I
2he team *aite"+ *aite" at the airport for *hat seeme" like hours. 6er$uson still has not
sho*n up )et.
/arcla) *as !e$innin$ to !ecome an3ious. 1e starte" pacin$ across the small trian$le
forme" !) the three /-Cs an" starte" checkin$ his *atch e,er) other secon"+ almost seemin$l)
lost in his o*n *orl".
?Chase+ calm "o*n+ it4s #ust se,en fort).fi,e.@ 1oll) 7uietl) sai" to him.
133
?Ds 9n"rea usuall) like thisH Ar "oes she arri,e on time a lotH@ /arcla) starte" pacin$
a$ain+ this time reachin$ for his cellphone an" "ialin$ *hat the others assume" to !e 6er$uson4s
num!er.
Chile he put the cellphone to his ear+ 1oll) replie"+ ?8o+ 9n"rea is almost al*a)s on
time+ the onl) time D remem!er *here she *as a little late *as *henI@ <he *as cut off !)
/arcla).
?<he4s not pickin$ up. (o"+ D4m freakin$ out+ pick up 9n"rea+ pick upL@
?Chase+ she4s pro!a!l) #ust !us)+ #ust for$et it+ ma)!e 9n"rea ran into traffic.@ /runner
"eci"e" to sa) to him to calm him "o*n.
?Geah+ !ut she shoul" at least pick upL@ <*eat *as !e$innin$ to slo*l) trickle "o*n from
the top of his forehea".
1oll) looke" aroun"5 she ran her han" throu$h her hair to pull it !ack !ehin" her ears.
?/ein$ on the phone an" "ri,in$ is "an$erous.@ 1oll) finall) $ot out. /runner kne* she *as out
of i"eas.
?D am sure 9n"rea4s smart enou$h to #ust use the earpiece.@ /arcla) looke" into the
hori0on as a lar$e /oein$ 747 took off *ith a roar+ the en$ines !itin$ into his ears like a snake
smashin$ into a rat.
/runner si$he" an" checke" his *atch+ onl) t*o minutes ha,e crept !)+ )et it felt like an
eternit). 1e trie" to keep it natural as he e"$e" a !it closer to 1oll). /runner felt fascinate" !)
the $ol"en !lon"e hair that flo*e" "o*n. 1e *ante" to touch it+ to feel the softness+ to feel the
$entle tin$le. /ut he "eci"e" not to+ instea" he #ust stare" at it. <tare" at it like a hatchin$
!utterfl) !ehin" a terrarium.
1oll) turne" to look him in the e)es5 the !lue e)es ha,e "roppe" to a "im $re) in the lo*
li$ht. /ut to him the) *ere still the colors of cr)stals+ #ust as !eautiful as !efore.
<he "i"n4t speak+ she "i" not mo,e+ she #ust stare" !ack. /runner *on"ere" *hether
1oll) coul" see the happiness an" honor of the fire !ein$ lit in his e)es+ the flames "ancin$ upon
the !ack of his retinas as it slo*l) as it rises up from the ashes+ an" flies off into the hori0on. 1e
*on"ere" *hether she *as happ). Con"ere" *hether she felt safe+ an" more importantl)+ he
*on"ere" *hether she ha" $aine" his trust.
?Gou ha,e !eautiful e)es.@ <he tol" him !efore turnin$ a*a).
>)an /runner stare" at 1oll)4s hair a$ain+ he #ust *ante" to reach out+ to feel it+ !ut a$ain
he "i" not+ instea" he simpl) cur,e" his mouth up to a small smile. ?2hanks. /ut it reall) is
)ours that shine up upon the *orl".@
1oll) "i" not turn to look at him+ instea"+ she looke" "o*n. ?-) parents use" to sa) that
to me a lot.@
?D !et the) *ere prou"+ "i" the) ha,e the same e)es an" the same flo*in$ hairH@ 1e trie"
to make small con,ersations *ithout soun"in$ too i"iotic.
9fter a fe* secon"s+ 1oll) "eci"e" to replie"+ ?B,er)one in m) famil) ha" !ro*n hair
an" $ra) e)es. D am the recessi,e one.@
?9n" recessi,e traits aren4t al*a)s !a".@ 1e kept lookin$ at the fine+ silk)+ stran"s that
streame" "o*n across her shoul"ers.
1oll) turne" !ack to $a0e at him+ #ust for a secon"+ he coul" make out small pockets of
tears "eep *ithin her e)es+ the )ears of sorro* an" $rief+ "esperatel) !ein$ hel" !ack.
/ut she hel" them !ack+ ?2hat4 usuall) not the case.@
134
/runner scratche" his hea"+ tr)in$ to fin" somethin$ from the !ack of his min". ?Cell+ it
is like a fiel" of re" flo*ers+ usuall)+ re" is a ,i!rant color that *arms the e)es. /ut *hen )ou
ha,e a lar$e fiel" of them+ the) are nothin$ more than en"less "ull !ro*n shapes that snake off
e,er) "irection. 1o*e,er+ if )ou fin" a rare purple in"i,i"ual !loomin$ amon$st the en"less fiel"
of re"+ the "ark+ "im ,iolet coloration *ill stan" out upon the rest. Dt is a nee"le in a ha)stack+ or
!etter )et+ a !lue "iamon" formin$ 7uietl) amon$ the ,ast sea of ru!ies.@ Dn his min" he thou$ht
he ha" reache" 8ir,ana thinkin$ of this sa)in$+ !ut /runner trie" not to sho* his e3citement.
1oll) smile"+ ?Gou ha,e a *a) of *or"s.@
?9ll thanks to m) trust*orth) peers.@
?2rustI@ 1oll) mouthe" the *or"s5 she sai" it almost in a tone of acceptance+ a tone of
un"erstan"in$.
/runner looke" into the "im sk)+ ?2rust.@
<ilence ha" fallen upon the $roup+ the "eafenin$ silence. 9cross the airport+ the planes
seem to lose their $as+ lose their po*er. Dt *as a silence of eerie composition+ so 7uiet that the
crickets scuttlin$ across the tarmac coul" !e hear". <ilence.
2he silence *as !roken !) /arcla).
?(u)s+ D ha,e a !a" feelin$ a!out this+ it is almost ei$ht o4 clock+ 9n"rea has not sho*n
up )et an" she4s also not pickin$ up.@
?Chat4s there to "oH@ 1oll) 7uestione"+ *e faile" tr)in$ to fin" Chernko,+ as far as D
kno* of+ she is #ust still !ein$ tie" "o*n in traffic like >)an sai".@
?Ges+ !ut this is reall) startin$ to *orr) me. <he mi$ht !e in trou!le.@
/runner cut in. ?Chat "o )ou suppose *e "oH@
?Ce shoul" $o look for her.@
?Chase+ the cit) is too !i$ for the three of to search.@
?Chat a!out Chernko,+ he4s still runnin$ lose+ the $oal for the four of us is to fin" him.@
?(oo" luck *ith that.@ /runner replie" *ithout enthusiasm.
<u""enl) someone !u00e" in on their earpieces+ !ut it *as not 6er$uson+ instea"+ it *as
'esse Cor!ett.
?2he pri,ate #et mo,in$ to )our location to o!tain the ru!) *ill arri,e in thirt) minutes.@
?<ir+ *e "o not ha,e location on >u!)+ *e ha,e lost location of 6er$uson e,er since the
fe* of us split up an hour or so a$o. 6er$uson has not !een pickin$ up the line.@
?Ce nee" )ou to fin" her an" $et that ru!) 9<9%. D ha,e scoute" the area *ith the "rone
an" the !uil"in$s an" ,ast communication ser,ices ha,e "rasticall) re"uce" the effecti,eness.
Gou nee" to fi$ure this "e!acle out imme"iatel) or the presi"ent4s not $oin$ to !e happ). 2here
alrea") *as a planne" assassination of Eraft an" &imitri #ust earlier a fe* hours a$o.@
?&amn+ in &.C.H@ 1oll) $aspe".
?Ges 9$ent 1oll)+ the t*o ha,e escape" "eath for the time !ein$+ !ut *ho kno*s *hat
*ill !ecome of thin$s. Ce kno* there are or$ani0ations in the states that are tr)in$ to take out
%.<.9. mem!ers5 *e nee" )ou to finish the mission an" $et out of >io as soon as possi!le. D "o
not kno* if an)one is sent specificall) )et to kill )ou.@
?Cop) that Cor!ett+ the ru!) is still not here )et. Ce "o not kno* *here 6er$uson is+ like
*hat D sai" !efore.@ /runner *as !ecomin$ a little !it impatient.
?6in" her.@ Cor!ett cut the line.
135
?Ane of us nee"s to $o !ack to the hotel to see if she is or has !een there.@ 1oll) 7uickl)
sai".
?D *ill $o.@ /arcla) spoke out *ith alacrit).
?Aka)+ if )ou *ish to "o so.@
?D am the one *ho is suppose" to protect 9n"rea+ it is m) responsi!ilit). Gou t*o #ust sta)
here an" sta) safe. /e on the lookout for an)thin$ out of the or"inar)+ )ou alrea") hear" of those
people tr)in$ to take out the %.<.9. in the states+ *ho kno*s if the) *oul" !e after us.@
?8o pro!lem+ Eaitl)n an" D *ill hol" fast+ )ou $o an" take care of !usiness+ !e careful+@
/runner replie".
?Eeep )our e)es peele"+ "on4t let people $et the "rop on )ou+ an" please *atch for
snipers if the) are pla)in$ assassination $ames no*.@ 1oll) *alke" for*ar" an" $a,e /arcla) a
7uick hu$.
/arcla) no""e" an" 7uickl) #umpe" into his /-C+ after a fe* secon"s+ the car roare" off
of the tarmac to*ar"s the "irection of the %uerta 'uanita 1otel.
?'ust us t*o a$ain.@ 1oll) si$he".
/runner scratche" at a mos7uito !ite on his left arm. ?Gou *ant to $o sit insi"e the cars
instea"H@
?Geah+ the !itin$ insects are comin$ out no*+ mi$ht as *ell.@
/runner opene" the "oor to his car an" *as a!out to $et in *hen 1oll) su""enl) spoke+
?Cait+ *oul" )ou min" if D sat in )oursH@
/runner pause"+ he *as surprise". ?Fm+ )es+ that *oul" not !e a pro!lem.@
1oll) smile" an" opene" the "oor to his car. <he inhale" a lar$e !reath of air+ then sat
"o*n an" close" the "oor. 2he t*o *ere close enou$h to smell each other4s scents.
/arcla) ha" no intention of fearin$ the *orst5 he ten"e" to !e optimistic at most.
%rotectin$ someone else *as a ne* aspect to him. Cell+ in the ol" "a)s it *asn4t much of a
pro!lem. 1e simpl) *ent the *a) he *ante" to $o. =ife to him *as a strai$ht path+ not a c)cle.
6or instance+ *hen he lost a frien" a )ear a$o in a car acci"ent+ /arcla) #ust !it his lips an"
strolle" on *ith life. <he""in$ tears upon the earth seeme" too *eak for him5 he like" keepin$
his a$$ressi,e "isposition+ *ell+ a$ain+ some*hat an a$$ressi,e "isposition. Anl) person capa!le
of !u$$in$ the hell out of his min" *as -a#or <hah+ !ut <hah *as far a*a) an" out of his senses.
Dt *asn4t anno)ance or an3iousness itself that shrou"e" his min" at the moment as he spe" his
car !ack to the %uerta 'uanita 1otel. Dt *as more or less+ 6er$uson. 9n"rea 6er$uson+ he ha"
fallen in lo,e *ith her+ possi!l). /ut then a$ain it coul" #ust !e an ol" crush. /arcla) *as not
e3actl) in the moo" to start a relationship an" "efinitel) not one that *as *a) too serious an"
intimate. 6or the time !ein$ thou$h+ the fear of losin$ her *as $reat. 6or the time !ein$+ he C9<
*orrie" an" an3ious. 9t least+ that *as the onl) e3planation he coul" think of. Comen+
somethin$ ne,er e3actl) thou$ht of !) him. &urin$ his trainin$+ he *as traine" to resist his
se3ual ur$es from *omen. Cas he !reakin$ the ,o*H 8ot reall)+ the rule!ook ne,er sai"
an)thin$ a$ainst "atin$. /ut *as 6er$uson too much for himH 9ll these 7uestions circle" aroun"
in his hea" like sharks circlin$ a ")in$ *hale. 9n" he *as the *hale+ slo*l) $aspin$ for !reath+
slo*l) makin$ him more an" more tire". Dt *as like a fe* )ears a$o in 8i$eria+ *here he *as on
a trip to listen in on $o,ernmental issues after the Coup "e ta. 9merican am!assa"ors *ere
136
suppose" to !e protecte" !) him+ )et he *as suppose" to also follo* in on the situation itself.
2he one *eek sta) *as his pain.*aters. Gearl) harmattan *in"s that !le* throu$h the emaciate"
lan"s $na*e" at his sinuses+ causin$ his aller$ies to react. 1e hate" that feelin$+ he #ust hate" it.
Fnfortunatel)+ that *as ho* he felt no*5 sensiti,e+ e3pose" an" *orrie". 1e *orrie" for
6er$uson+ !ut also *orrie" for the safet) of the team as a *hole.
2he lea"in$ position of the team *as not him+ it *as pro!a!l) /runner+ as he #ust assume".
/runner *as a $oo" lea"er+ usuall). <ometimes he almost *ishes he *as of hi$her rank+ to not
ha,e to follo* or"ers. /ut then a$ain+ /runner "oesn4t reall) ?or"er@ him to "o an)thin$5 he #ust
speaks *or"s+ *or"s that /arcla) *as allo*e" to scan throu$h his hea"+ carefull) pickin$ out the
!etter si"es. 1e *as a likea!le person+ #ust one that $a,e o"" impressions for the sh)ness earlier
on in his career. 8o* thou$h+ the a$ent *as much more talkati,e+ much !ra,er at startin$
con,ersation+ an" sometimes+ startin$ skirmishes in,ol,in$ *eapons.
Chase /arcla) ha" man) thou$hts+ too man) to $o o,er. /ut a$ain+ all %.<.9. mem!ers ha,e ha"
some kin" of thou$hts in the past. -ost think too har". 1e smile" as he thou$ht of (reene4s
lecturin$ ra$es. Get the) seem much softer than the special operations people. 2he %.<.9. sa* the
*orl" aroun" them "ifferentl)5 the *orl" aroun" them *as a !eautiful place+ a natural ha!itat for
man) "i,erse or$anisms *on"erin$ a!out their "ail) li,es+ not a "eath fiel" of !ullets+ mines+ an"
e3plosions. /arcla) un"erstoo" that the) operate" not as militar)+ !ut as traine" assassins+ $oin$
upon missions that re7uire too much thinkin$.
1e si$he"+ remem!erin$ a!out 9n"rea. 2he palms of his han"s are !e$innin$ to s*eat5
his forehea" also "ri00le" *ith $rains of li7ui"+ meltin$ off his pores as the /ra0ilian sun spla)e"
"o*n upon him. &roplets *oul" fall off an" lan" near his mouth+ the stale saltiness stun$ his
ton$ue. /arcla) *oul" then *ince an" spit+ tr)in$ to e3pel the s*eat.
9s the traffic slo*e" him "o*n+ the memories of his 6er$uson coul" not escape from his
hea". 1e remem!ere" the au!urn !ro*n hair5 it *as so natural+ )et so !eautiful. Can sometime
so natural !e so !eautifulH Dt #ust occurre" to him that nature *as his "efinition of !eaut). B,er)
"a) "urin$ his )outh+ he *oul" run onto *et+ $rass) fiel"s of Eansas an" pick the "an"elions that
spran$ up. Dt *as one of the most en#o)a!le memories of his life. 1e *oul" kneel "o*n on the
*et earth+ *atchin$ the small ants an" *orms cra*l an" *i$$le their *a) out of their soake"
homes an" mo,e across the s*eet smellin$ earth. Carefull)+ /arcla) *oul" pick each flo*er off
from the "an"elions+ makin$ sure the stem *as clean cut+ an" then the flo*ers *oul" !e put into
a little !ottle of *ater. 2here *as a $oo" amount of memories o,er the )ears of takin$ flo*ers
an" *atchin$ the $rasshoppers fl) off in "ifferent "irections later in the )ear.
Ane "a)+ *hen /arcla) *as a!out fourteen+ he *as out on the same fiel"+ searchin$ for
"ifferent plants for an ecolo$) pro#ect. /ut upon arri,al+ the )oun$ teena$er foun" that he *as
not alone. 9nother person+ a $irl+ *as also there. 1e *as instantl) mesmeri0e" !) the "eep !lue
e)es+ an" the "ark.chestnut colore" hair. 1er name *as 'enn) 9m!ers. 'enn) *as also there to
collect samples for her ecolo$) pro#ect. <oon+ the t*o *ere paire" to$ether like <iamese t*ins.
2he) coul" not !reak apart for too lon$. =unch *as eaten to$ether+ classes *ere taken to$ether+
an" those class pro#ects often in,ol,e" them partnerin$ to$ether as *ell. Dt *as an ama0in$
feelin$ for /arcla). 1e coul" onl) *atch *ith a*e" !eam as he *atche" her $ro* more !eautiful
each "a)+ each month+ an" each )ear. <he *as perfect to him. 9n" soon after their si3teenth
!irth"a)+ /arcla) finall) o!taine" the coura$e to ask her out to a mo,ie. 2he t*o sat ne3t to each
other an" share" a small tu! of popcorn. 'enn) leane" on his shoul"ers. /arcla) almost "ie" from
137
the passion !et*een them. Dt *as like $ems to his e)es !ein$ a!le to see her e,er) "a). Ane time+
she *ent on ,acation+ an" /arcla) sta)e" up all ni$ht to te3t to her. Dt *as perfect. Chat ma"e
him e,en more content *as the fact that 'enn) respecte" him #ust as much. Af course other
teena$e !o)s trie" their luck *ith her. /ut she simpl) refuse" their actions. 'enn) like" him+ he
kne* that. 2he) *ent to the same fiel" of $rass e,er) *eek of e,er) season. Ane "a) "urin$ the
fall of *hen the) *ere !oth se,enteen+ she $a,e him a #a"e stone that *as in her collection. 2hat
*as the same "a) the t*o kisse" un"er the "immin$ sun. Dt *as perfect. Bach "a)+ he *oul" $o
to the fiel"+ la) "o*n a !lanket an" *ait for her to arri,e a fe* minutes later. <he *oul" sa) ho*
he *as ?al*a)s earl).@ 9fter that+ the t*o *ere insepara!le. &a) after "a) he *oul" $o there+ la)
"o*n the !lanket+ an" ma)!e !rin$ some foo" an" *ater for them to en#o). &a) after "a) it *as
a similar routine. 9n" /arcla) coul" ne,er ha,e !een happier. /ut then one "a) it stoppe". 'enn)
ne,er arri,e" for an hour so /arcla) "eci"e" to pack up an" $o home. 1e trie" to call her !ut no
one ans*ere". Chen he arri,e" home+ there *as a car parke" on his "ri,e*a)+ it *as a police
car.
2he officer *as talkin$ to his mother+ *ho looke" solemn. /arcla) remem!ere" the entire
con,ersation. 2he officer sa* his car pull up an" he turne" aroun". 2he "oor opene" 7uietl) an"
he steppe" onto the *et $rass as the officer came "o*n his "ri,e*a) to $reet him. 1e ha" a lar$e
!ear" that co,ere" his face. 2he !ear" mo,e" like a little shi,erin$ ra!!it as he spoke.
'enn) 9m!ers ha" "ie" in a car acci"ent #ust thirt) minutes prior. 1e *as the last contact
on her phone so the police "eci"e" to track the num!er to his a""ress. /arcla) #ust stoo" there+
limp+ helpless+ crestfallen. 1e *as not sure *hether to cr) or to !e an$r). 1e simpl) stoo" there+
motionless.
9pparentl)+ 'enn) *as on her *a) to the $rass fiel" to meet /arcla) *hen a lar$e <FV
pilote" !) a "runken man *as spee"in$ ri$ht in her "irection. 2he <FV colli"e" *ith her car
hea" on an" she *as instantl) kille". 2he "runk "ri,er ho*e,er+ sur,i,e" *ith no in#ures much
to /arcla)4s an$er.
1e *as an$r)5 he kne* he *as+ not #ust *ith the "runk "ri,er+ !ut also *ith himself. Df he
*as to not ha,e ?pressure"@ her to come to the $rass) fiel"+ she *oul" ha,e !een fine. /arcla)
!lame" himself for her "eath e,en after the calmin$ from his peers an" parents that he *as not to
!lame. 2he "a)s passe" on as if her "eath *asn4t announce". 1er "esks in all the classes *ere
remo,e". 1er locker *as cleane" out an" left empt). 2he si$ht of her !eautiful e)es an" !ro*n
hair *as no more+ no more+ no more.
/arcla) *ent to the $rass) fiel" e,er) "a) after her "eath. 1e *oul" la) "o*n the
!lanket+ la) out the foo". <ome "a)s+ *hen it *as cool an" mist)+ he coul" almost see the ima$e
of 'enn)+ arri,in$ to the seen+ tellin$ him that he *as ?al*a)s earl)+@ an" sharin$ the foo" *ith
him. <ome "a)s+ he remem!ere" the passion the) share". /arcla) coul" still feel her lips on his+
soft+ smooth+ an" $entle.
1e *ent to the fiel" e,er) "a) of the )ear unless he *asn4t in to*n. B,en *hen /arcla)
*as "o*n *ith aller$ies+ the flu+ or some other illness+ he still *oul" sho* up. 9n" e,er) "a) the
!lankets an" foo" *oul" !e lai" out. 9ll !eautiful an" neat+ #ust like ho* 'enn) lo,e" it.
/ut then one "a) that stoppe". 2he $rass) lot that *as his safe ha,en a*a) from the
*orl" *as torn apart. 9 lar$e truck fille" the "estro)e" fiel" *ith concrete. Cithin a fe* months+
it ha" turne" into a lar$e parkin$ lot for the e,er e3pan"in$ supermarket across the roa". /arcla)
coul" feel the memories !et*een 'enn) an" himself !ein$ torn e,en farther apart. <ometimes+
138
the teena$e /arcla) *oul" "ri,e !) the parkin$ lot an" stop to stare. Dt *as #ust not the same5 the
natural !eaut) *as replace" !) concrete" u$liness. 2he $narle" surface *oul" reflect the li$ht
into /arcla)4s e)es+ causin$ him to lea,e.
1e trie" not to cr). 2ears *ere hel" !ack as !est as he coul" e,er mana$e. /ut on a
storm) "a) one *eek after 'enn)4s "eath+ he coul" no lon$er hol" it in. /arcla) locke" the "oor+
hi" in the corner of his room+ an" let all his emotions out. 1e $raspe" the #a"e stone she ha"
$i,en him so ti$htl) that his han"s turne" *hite. /ut he "i"n4t care5 it *as one of the thin$s he
coul" ph)sicall) feel that *as from her. Dt sa""ene" him that e,er)thin$ ha" to en" so 7uickl).
/ut he kne* it *as out of his reach of po*er. 2he #a"e $linte" in the li$ht an" /arcla) polishe" it
*hen it $ot "ust)+ !ut it har"l) e,er "i"+ he han"le" it almost "ail). 9!out t*o *eeks after her
"eath+ /arcla) recei,e" an enclose" letter to meet at the *hite house for a special e,ent. 1e left
2opeka+ Eansas took a trip to Cashin$ton &.C.+ *here he *as chosen to !ecome part of the pre.
trainin$ pro$rams for the %.<.9. after the) foun" a uni7ue com!ination of his athletic an"
intellectual skills. 2he summer of that )ear+ he traine" in &.C.+ !ut no matter *here he *ent+ he
carrie" the #a"e+ it remin"e" him of that au!urn hair an" "eep !lue e)es. 9s *ell as that !eautiful
smile on her !ri$ht face. Dt ma"e him happ). Dt is perfect.
2*ent).<i3
/runner an" 1oll) sat in the car. Dt *as 7uiet outsi"e+ almost as if the Barth ha" stoppe"
rotatin$ on its a3is. 1e felt as if it *as *aitin$ for him to make a mo,e+ to ask her a 7uestion to
start a con,ersation. Chat *as he to sa)H 2here alrea") *ere man) sensiti,e su!#ects Eaitl)n
1oll) *oul" rather not "iscuss. Chat if he !rou$ht somethin$ up that offen"e" herH 9n" another
"istur!ance continue" to lin$er in his min"5 1as 1oll) $aine" his trustH Ar *as she still insecure
enou$h to hi"e secrets from himH 9ll a!out his !loo" $ur$le" throu$h his !o")+ col" an" "amp5
"amp like the urine soake" trenches of Corl" Car D. &amp like the mil"e* that $re* across his
to*els "urin$ the mist) "a)s of summer. 1e *as unsure. 1e *as more or less+ e3tremel)
ner,ous. 1oll) "i"n4t look him in the e)es. <he *as starin$ off into the sunset. <he seeme" to
like the sunsets. /runner lo,e" *atchin$ her as she *atche" the sunset. Dt hei$htene" the color of
her silk) hair. 2o sa) the least+ it turne" him on. 1e coul" spen" all "a) #ust *atchin$ the hair.
2he si$ht ma"e him happ).
<till thou$h+ the silence aroun" *as turnin$ a*k*ar". 2he a$ent un"erstoo" that he
*ante" to connect to 1oll)+ after all+ the) alrea") kisse"+ alrea") share" their passion to some
e3tent. Cas there somethin$ to *orr)H Dt *as like talkin$ to a $o""ess+ *ell+ he "i" see her as
one. 9fter all+ 1oll)4s !eaut) *as har" to i$nore+ !ut it frustrate" him to !e a!le to con,erse *ith
the top criminal $an$s across the *orl" *ith pistols aime" at him )et he+ >)an /runner+ Captain
>)an /runner+ an a$ent in the %resi"ent4s <ecret 9rm)+ "i" not ha,e the ner,e to speak *ith a
$irl. Dt ma"e him s*eat.
/runner looke" at 1oll). <he still *as #ust as !eautiful as e,er. 1e turne" a*a). 1oll)
reache" o,er *ith her han". /runner s*allo*e".
<he li$htl) reache" an" hel" his han"+ li$htl) s7uee0in$ it. /runner "i"n4t mo,e. 1e
s*allo*e" a$ain. Dt ma"e him feel a little uncomforta!le for some reason. &i"n4t he #ust kiss her
139
)ester"a) !ack at the hotel as the) *ere lookin$ on into the !lue seaH Ch) *as he ner,ous
a$ainH
?Gou kno*+ )ou are one of the onl) people *ho kno* a!out m) ni$htmares+@ 1oll)
7uietl) sai".
?>eall)H@
?Ges+ e,er since m) parents "ie"+ D ha,e ha" "reams almost ni$htl) of them ")in$ *hile D
*atch helplessl)+ almost like a pane of $lass !lockin$ me from helpin$ them.@
?D4m sorr)+@ he *asn4t sure *hat to sa). /runner *asn4t $oo" at makin$ personal
con,ersation.
?8o+ it4s oka)5 D #ust *ante" )ou to kno*.@
?Chat *as it likeH@ 1e pause".
<he $raspe" his han" ti$hter. ?2he first *eek *as painful5 e,er)*here D *oul" $o D4"
think of the last time D *as there *ith m) parents or *ith m) !rother.@
/runner pause" a$ain+ ?2ell me a!out )our !rother.@
?Chris+@ she li$htl) smile"+ ?D *as al*a)s his !i$$est fan. Anl) t*o )ears ol"er than me
)ou kno*L 1e *as a freshman in colle$e at the time. 2hat ki" *as onl) there to ,isit us for a fe*
"a)s !efore hea"in$ off !ack to colle$e.@ 2he smile "isappeare".
?Ah+@
?Ges+ if Chris *as to not ha,e come !ack to con$ratulate me on m) #o! at the Chite
1ouse+ *ell+ he *oul" still !e here to"a).@ 1oll) si$he". 2he color of her !lue e)es seeme" to
ha,e fa"e" to a "im $ra). /ut she *asn4t cr)in$+ #ust simpl) crestfallen.
?D !et )ou lo,e" him+@ /runner mana$e" to $et out. 1is throat *as !e$innin$ to ti$hten
as a !ea" of s*eat trickle" "o*n his neck.
1oll) mana$e" to smile a$ain+ ?1e use" to al*a)s anno) me. D use" to lock the "oor to
m) room #ust so he "oesn4t come in an" rearran$e e,er)thin$ in m) closet.@ <he pause" an"
looke" "o*n+ ?D kin" of miss that no* actuall).@
/runner con#ure" up a 7uestion. ?Chat *as he likeH@
?1e *as someone D al*a)s looke" up to. Chen D *as )oun$+ D *oul" follo* him
e,er)*here. %eople use" to call me his sha"o*. 2hose *ere the times.@ 1oll) continue" her
sli$ht smile. ?D remem!ere" ho* on the first "a) of hi$h school+ he fen"e" some !ullies a*a)
from me. Chris al*a)s *oul" anno) me as to ho* m) hair is so )ello* that it looke" like D
*ashe" it *ith mustar". 1e *oul" poke fun of ho* D trie" to #ust !e like him.@ 1oll) pause". <he
reache" into her pocket an" pulle" out a *allet. 9fter she carefull) opene" it+ 1oll) pulle" out an
ol"+ fra)e" picture of a famil) photo. 1er parents+ *ho *ere stan"in$ e,er so prou"l) ne3t to
their t*o chil"ren+ smile". <he han"e" the photo to /runner.
/runner $raspe" the thin+ flak) piece of paper+ tr)in$ not to "estro) it more. 1e looke" at
the ?!o)@ stan"in$ ne3t to Eaitl)n. Chris *as almost as tall as >)an /runner himself. 1e ha"
$re)ish e)es+ an" *as e3tremel) *ell !uilt+ much more muscular than /runner4s o*n !o"). Chris
*as *earin$ a $reen 2.shirt *ith !a$$) shorts. 8e3t to him *as a )oun$er ,ersion of the Eaitl)n
1oll) sittin$ ne3t to him. B,en !ack then+ she ha" the lon$+ flo*in$ hair+ the piercin$ !lue e)es+
an" a smile. 2hat smile. <he seeme" happ)+ prou"+ content+ an" certainl) happier than *hat she
is ri$ht no*. Dt *as a true smile+ somethin$ /runner has )et to *itness in 1oll) herself. 2o"a)+
she !arel) raises her lips to sho* happiness. Dn fact+ >)an /runner *on"ere" *hether 1oll) *as
happ) to"a) at all from the e,ents she ha" to *itness+ #ust si3 )ears a$o.
140
1er parents *ere hu$$in$ the t*o of them5 to the ri$ht *as her father. 9 funn) lookin$ man *ith
!ro*n hair infuse" *ith *hite ones. 1e *as openin$ his mouth *i"e. 2o the other si"e *as her
mother+ a !eautiful *oman+ almost a true representation of the ol"er Eaitl)n+ she *as also
smilin$. /ut *hat struck /runner the most *as the teena$er stan"in$ ne3t to Eaitl)n 1oll). Chris
ha" "ark !ro*n hair+ much more "im an" "ark than the li$ht frail )ello* of Eaitl)n4s. /ut e,en
throu$h the ol" photo+ /runner coul" make out #ust ho* fine the hair *as+ it *as silk)+ *arm+
an" soft+ #ust like that of Eaitl)n4s. 1e passe" the photo !ack to 1oll).
?Gou ha,e a *on"erful famil)+ D am sorr) for *hat )ou ha" to "eal *ith. D kno* D am an
i"iot talkin$ to )ou an" tr)in$ to make )ou feel !etter. /ut D #ust am not $oo" at su!#ects like
this.@ 1e si$he" out in !oth sa"ness an" "isappointment to himself.
?Gou aren4t "oin$ too !a"l).@ <he leane" o,er ne3t to him an" $entl) !rushe" her lips
a$ainst his cheeks.
/runner shi,ere"+ !ut she #ust mo,e" on an" plante" them a$ainst his lips. 1e taste" the
li$ht scent of cherries mi3e" *ith all the fra$rances he coul" not make out. 1e coul" feel her
$oose !umps risin$ on her arms. /runner coul" feel !oth of their heart!eats risin$. /ut he coul"
onl) tr) to i$nore them as the a$ent slo*l) lifte" his han"+ an" ran it carefull) throu$h her fine+
silk) hair+ separatin$ each stran" as it caresse" the thin filaments.
/ehin" them+ the sun *as settin$+ castin$ a li$ht oran$e $lo* upon the airport run*a)s.
9 fe* miles a*a) an" a!o,e the airport+ there *as a Fnite" <tates $o,ernment plane
carr)in$ four %.<.9. a$ents *as !ein$ rushe" to /runner an" 1oll)4s location. 2he four of them
*ere rushe" to the location to not onl) help fin" Chernko, an" Mas,la,sk)+ !ut also to secure the
ru!) *ith the encr)pte" information. Bach of them carrie" a /eretta pistol slippe" un"erneath
their suits. Ane of them+ a )oun$ *oman a!out 1oll) an" /runner4s a$e+ name" 'o)ce 'ohnson+
*as sittin$ still+ ner,ousl) t)pin$ on her computer. <he *as easil) spooke"+ an" ha" li$ht !lon"e
hair like that of 1oll)4s e3cept that it *as rou$her an" *as left in e3treme curls. 8e3t to her sat a
man *ho *as half asleep on the couch. 1is name *as -ike Binspahr+ a skinn) man *ho al*a)s
#okes aroun" on the #o!. 1e ha" shorter+ some*hat matte" hair that sta)e" on his hea" like it *as
$lue" "o*n *ith ru!!er cement. Binspahr *as fairl) tall !ut his thinness allo*e" him to !e sl)+
*hich thus allo*e" him to carefull) creep across fiel"s of people to fin" his tar$et+ his o!#ecti,e+
or as he calls it+ his ?8e3t Bnem) Victim.@ 9cross the aisle sat t*o shorter men. Ane *as name"
>ei" As!orn+ *ell5 his real name *as Een !ut the presi"ent felt that ?Een@ soun"e" e3tremel)
*eak+ *hich thus cause" >ei" to $i,e himself a ne* nickname. 9fter a *hile+ the nickname #ust
stuck to as !ein$ >ei". 1e ha" short hair that li$htl) co,ere" his roun"e" hea". 1is ,oice ha" a
ki".like tone to it+ thus makin$ some people call him+ ?2he Chil" of the %.<.9+@ or in the instance
of his frien"s+ ?2he 8oo!.@ 2he last man sittin$ in the plane *as one !) the name of 1a""ock+
%orter 1a""ock actuall). /ut he hate" it *hen people call him %orter "ue to an ol" hi$h school
!ull) as *ell as the connection to a t)pe of alcoholic "rink. B,er)one ha" #ust resi"e" to call him+
?1a""ock@+ ?2he 1a""ock@+ or ?=ieutenant 1a""ock.@ 1e *as short+ #ust like As!orn+ *ith
lon$er hair+ a "eeper ,oice+ an" more serious attitu"e to*ar"s his *ork. 1a""ock poppe" his
fin$ers an" rea" throu$h some notes $i,en !) the %resi"ent.
9ll of the four a$ents *ere lieutenants5 the) all un"erstoo" that /runner *ill run aroun"
!ossin$ them all o,er the place if he *ante" to. /ut the) kne* !etter a!out >)an /runner+ the)
141
kne* that he *ill ha,e to !e controlle". 2he four onl) hope" that /runner *as in a $oo" moo" so
as to not ha,e to listen to or"ers an" instea" "eci"e on their o*n *hat *oul" !e the !est plan.
2he) "on4t hate /runner+ in fact+ the) like /runner much more as a lea"er than sa)+ -a#or <hah.
9s for 1oll)+ 'ohnson herself un"erstoo" 1oll)4s soft past+ an" it *as also un"erstoo" !) at least
'ohnson herself that 1oll) *asn4t as a$$ressi,e an" tenacious as some officers. <he $ets the
*ork "one of course+ !ut she $ets it "one *ithout ar$uments or #u"$ment+ *hich is *hat
=ieutenant 'o)ce 'ohnson+ lo,es. 2he four of them thou$h+ *eren4t in the !est of all moo"s for
$oin$ on this mission. Cell+ at least the plan *as for t*o of them to mo,e out an" help /runner4s
$roup fin" Chernko, *hile the rest sta) at the airport an" !e rea") to lea,e at moment4s notice.
2hose *ho sta) at the airplane *oul" !e in char$e of securin$ the ru!)+ *hich the $roup has no
i"ea as to *hat it "oes+ the) *ere #ust tol" of the fact that the $em *as of ?Ftter Dmportance.@
2he #et !ounce" an" rum!le" as it hits some tur!ulence in the air+ causin$ Binspahr *ake
up *ith a s7uirme" #ump. Dt *as o!,ious to the other three that he *as sli$htl) ner,ous+ >io *as
a countr) completel) out of his realm of e3perience. 1e ha" spent most of his operation times in
=on"on an" /erlin. 8ot e3actl) the same en,ironment as >io. A!,iousl)+ the continue"
e3clamation on the $an$s in >io itself "i" not calm Binspahr4s fears an) more than caffeine
causin$ people to sleep soun"l). Binspahr !e$an to tap his han" on the *oo"en armrest.
?<top tappin$+ it4s anno)in$ as hell+@ 1a""ock announce" as he looke" up from his pile
of papers. 1a""ock ne,er seeme" to sho* fear or an3iet)+ onl) an$er an" anno)ance.
?<orr)+ #ust a !it ner,ous.@
?<till+ stop tappin$.@
?Aka).@ 1e stoppe" tappin$ his han" an" took out his phone. 2he ner,ous a$ent !ean
scrollin$ throu$h the flat+ touch.screen cellphone+ his fin$ers makin$ inau"i!le taps as it fle*
across the screen.
?<o an)one has !een here !eforeH@ As!orn aske".
?Ges an" >io is horri!le+@ 1a""ock e3claime".
As!orn inhale" "eepl)+ ?1o* is it horri!leH Dt can4t !e that much *orse than >ussia.@
As!orn *as sent mostl) aroun" >ussia to check up on the *eapons pro$rams that are secretl)
hi""en from the Fnite" <tates. A,er the )ears+ his co,er *as almost !roken t*ice+ !ut the tou$h
min"e" %.<.9. a$ent still mana$e" to escape out of the countr) unscathe".
?6irstl)+ *e ha,e the streets. 9t ni$ht+ the) are ri""le" *ith "ru$ a""icts+ $an$ mem!ers+
prostitutes+ an" a ,ariet) of o""ities *aitin$ to snatch )our *allet+ )our ,ir$init) if )ou still ha,e
it+ or *orst )et+ )our life. <econ"l)+ re,ie* m) first reason.@ 1a""ock still *as rea"in$ throu$h
his notes+ his e)es traine" upon the tin) *or"s like a pre"ator) !ir"+ e)ein$ his ne3t meal.
?8o*here 8B9> as !a" as >ussia+ *here D *as sta)in$+ the) simpl) capture" people an"
kille" them if the $o,ernment *as incapa!le of $i,in$ out the necessar) fun"s. 9lso+ traffickin$
is almost as !a" as the *eapon pro$rams in >uskie territor)+@ As!orn e3claime".
?9h )es+ the human traffickin$+ >io is #ust as !a" )ou kno*H >an"om ki"s an" teens are
snatche" from the streets "ail). 9nother reason *h) )ou ne,er $o out at ni$ht+ the roa" is #ust a
minefiel" *aitin$ to !e "etonate" !) the steps of the un*ar) pre).@
As!orn pause"+ ?Gou think 6er$uson *oul" $i,e me a chance if D focuse" more on
human affairs instea" of *eapon !lack.marketin$H@
142
?>ei"+ the "a) 9n"rea 6er$uson $ets close enou$h for )ou to see her e)es is the "a) the
thir" *orl" *ar en"s+@ 1a""ock replie" *ithout much emotion. 9$ain+ his e)es *ere still
skimmin$ across the pa$es of "ocuments.
?<o much for fin"in$ *omen+ it4s a lot har"er than 'ames /on" ma"e it to !e.@ As!orn
$luml) sai".
1a""ock finall) stoppe" an" looke" up from the notes+ ?8o *orries m) !o)+ )ou *ill $et
)our chance some"a)+ #ust ha,e to *ork to $et it. -ean*hile+ )ou #ust ha,e to let /arcla) run his
course *ith 9n"rea 6er$uson+ if he "eci"es to en" the lo,e+ )ou mi$ht actuall) ha,e a chance.@
1a""ock took a sip of champa$ne+ cou$he"+ an" *ent !ack to skimmin$ his packet of
"ocuments.
'ohnson un"erstoo" this con,ersation *as $oin$ no*here+ !ut she "i" not interrupt+ if
an)thin$+ it *oul" #ust make her face turn re" an" also create massi,e frustration. 8othin$ much
to "o a!out that+ it *as ho* the )oun$ a$ent ha" !een for as lon$ as an)one can remem!er.
6rustration *as somethin$ har" for her to i$nore an" mo,e on *ith+ somethin$ that+ to sa) the
least+ ?frustrates@ her.
2he four of them sta)e" 7uiet+ a fe* minutes later+ Binspahr !e$ins to tap a$ain+ this time
a$ainst his o*n packet of "ocuments. /ut 1a""ock *as pro!a!l) too tire" to respon". 2he
1a""ock simpl) shook his hea"+ )a*ne"+ an" *ent !ack to skimmin$ the "ocuments. 9roun" the
room+ the noises "roppe"+ e,er)one remaine" silent. 2he "eafenin$ silence frustrate" 'ohnson5 it
ma"e the situation a*k*ar" for her. /ut+ once a$ain+ e,en 'ohnson *as too tire" to respon"5 she
#ust simpl) sat there+ crosse" her le$s+ slouche" "o*n on her seat+ an" continue" to t)pe on her
laptop. <lo*l) !ut surel)+ the #et *as arri,in$ soon at the >io "e 'aneiro.(aleSo Dnternational
9irport.
Chase /arcla)4s /-C screeche" a$$ressi,el) has it !rake" in front of the %uerta 'uantia
1otel. 1e 7uickl) rushe" out of it an" ran up the stairs+ not e,en checkin$ to make sure that the
car "oor *as close". 2he "oorman tippe" his hat an" open the "oor to let him throu$h+ he rushe"
ri$ht past *ithout stoppin$+ causin$ the "oorman4s hat to fall to the $roun". Ouickl)+ he muttere"
out an apolo$) an" continue" to run throu$h the lo!!). 2he lo!!) *as the same as !efore+
chan"eliers lit+ people talkin$+ tele,isions 7uietl) shinin$ in the !ack$roun" *ith their noise
"raine" out !) the constant chatter of the people.
9 line ha" forme" in front of the ele,ators5 people *ere as usual+ moanin$ a!out ho*
lon$ the) ha" !een *aitin$. -ost of them *ere tourists from Burope an" the Fnite" <tates an"
man) *ere still carr)in$ lu$$a$e. /arcla) "i,erte" his path an" opene" the "oor to the stairs. 1e
race" up*ar"s throu$h the stairs+ his heart poun"in$ !oth from the lack of o3)$en an"
ner,ousness. 2he a$ent reache" the floor to their rooms an" "ashe" throu$h the "oor. 9hea" of
him+ the hall*a)s stretche" on like cells+ each reflectin$ the li$ht from their shin) $ol" num!ers.
Fpon reachin$ the room *here the) *ere sta)in$ at #ust hours !efore+ /arcla) instantl)
kne* somethin$ *as not ri$ht. 2he "oor *as sli$htl) open an" the lock ha" !een cut throu$h.
/arcla) 7uickl) "re* his pistol an" kicke" open the "oor. 9hea" of him+ the li$hts in the room
caste" a $loom) $lo* that sprea" across the *alls like the slo* e3pansion of mol". 1e pause"
an" stare" at the surroun"in$s. B,er)thin$ actuall) looke" #ust the *a) it *as *hen the) left it
this mornin$. /e" *as ma"e+ the lamp *as turne" off+ an" the to*els *ere fol"e" across the !e".
143
/arcla) *as #ust a!out to "ismiss the *hole scene *hen the shin) o!#ect near the front of
the *ar"ro!e cau$ht his e)es. 1e sprinte" o,er an" looke" at it. Dt scare" him+ that o!#ect. 2he
shin)+ sil,er) o!#ect *as the *eapon case that 9n"rea 6er$uson keeps her sniper rifle. Dt "i"n4t
take lon$ for him to notice the four !) four inch section of metal that *as cut a*a) from the case
itself. /arcla) "roppe" "o*n an" 7uickl) reache" insi"e the *hole. Dt *as o!,ious to him+ !ut he
#ust ha" to check as a firstl) human nature.
8o "ou!t+ the ru!) *as $one+ an" it *asn4t 6er$uson *ho has it+ her $un *as still there+
!ut the ru!) *asn4t. /arcla) 7uickl) scanne" the room in a small panicke" mo"e+ tr)in$ to look
for clues. 2here "i"n4t seem to !e an) that stoo" out to him. B,er)thin$ *as perfectl) cleane"
an" put to *here it !elon$e". Dt *as *hen /arcla) scanne" the !e" that he notice" somethin$.
An it *ere small speckles of $re) "ust. 1e ran his han" in the speckles of ash) "ust an" ru!!e"
his fin$ers. /rin$in$ his fin$ers up to his nose+ /arcla) sniffe" the particles. Dt smelle" like
smoke+ it smelle" like $unpo*"er+ he instantl) !ecame *orrie".
9s he !rushe" off the po*"er from his fin$ers+ his e)es cau$ht hol" of a "im patch on the
*hite carpet. /arcla) leane" closer5 it *as a small "rop of !loo". 2he a$ent !ecame e,en more
*orrie" an" an3ious. Dt seeme" to him that there *as a small kafuffle that happene" not too lon$
a$o. 2he "roplet of !loo" that staine" the fluff)+ *hite carpet *as still crimson re"+ almost still
li7ui". 9s he leane" closer+ somethin$ else cau$ht his e)e+ an" that somethin$ horrifie" him e,en
more. 1e $aspe" in fear as the a$ent scram!le" to pull out his phone to call /runner an" 1oll) as
he picke" up the little+ thin o!#ect.
2*ent).<e,en
>io: 2hat <ame &a)
2hat o!#ect+ 21B o!#ect that la) across his shakin$ han"s. Dt *as a thin hair!an". 2he
hair!an" *as tin$e" *ith a cross !et*een )ello* an" !lue+ !lue that *as the color of the rich+
,ast ocean. /lue that *as the color of sapphires. Chat struck /arcla) e,en more a!out the
hea"!an" *as that it *as snappe" in one spot+ the ori$inall) roun"e" !an" ha" !een !roken into
a sin$ular line. 9 line that cause" )et more *orrie" upon his cro*"e" min".
1e instantl) kne* it *as 6er$uson4s+ he #ust kne* it+ the colors+ he sa* her *ear that
same hea"!an" #ust the "a) !efore. /ut one "a) !efore+ it *as still perfect+ not !roken. 2o further
lo*er his sense of hope+ he reali0e" that it ha" her initials on them. Dt *as *ritten on it+ actuall)+
it *as em!roi"ere" on it. 2hose initials+ the t*o letters: 9.6.
/arcla) "roppe" the hea"!an" an" it fell+ fell slo*l) "o*n*ar"s+ "o*n*ar"s onto the
carpet. Dt "i"n4t e,en make a soun". Dt coul"n4t make a soun".
1is phone !eepe" 7uietl) in his ears as he picke" up the !roken hair!an" a$ain. (entl)+
/arcla) thum!e" the piece of fa!ric. Dt *as then that he notice" somethin$ else. 2he piece of hair
stuck on it. Cith $reat care+ /arcla) picke" out the piece of hair *ith his free han". Dt *as !ro*n+
au!urn !ro*n to !e e3act. B,en *ith #ust a sin$le piece of it+ the a$ent kne* that it *as
6er$uson4s+ no*here else has he e,er seen hair like this+ so fine+ so smooth+ so !eautiful.
Get he no* reali0e" that the !eaut) *as out of his reach. 1e ha" lost his sense of lo,e+ his
sense of hope+ his sense of 6er$uson. /arcla) "esperatel) con#ure" *hat short memories he ha"
of her+ an" tacke" them into his min". 9 small tear touche" the ,er) corner of his e)e. Dt 7uietl)
144
rolle" "o*n to his cheek+ an" then "roppe" onto the carpet *here it *as a!sor!e" !) the "r)
cloth.
2he phone continue" to !eep+ no one *as pickin$ up. /arcla) *on"ere" *hat /runner
*as "oin$. 1e $uesse" it *as !ecause the t*o of them *ere i$norin$ him+ !ein$ to$ether.
/arcla) en,ie" that no*5 it no* struck him that he has a$ain lost someone he has lo,e". Get
a$ain+ *hen *as this e,er $oin$ to en"H 2he a$ent coul" onl) *on"er. 9fter t*o full minutes of
!eepin$+ no one ans*ere". Chase /arcla) *alke" to the *in"o*+ starin$ out onto the ,ast cit)
that lies ahea" of him+ he *on"ere" *here 6er$uson *as+ or if she *as oka). 2hat *as a!out
*hen the line connecte". /runner *as on the other si"e+ his ,oice *as happ).
?ChaseH@
/arcla) si$he"+ ?Chat took )ou so lon$H@
?2he %.<.9. #et has #ust arri,e"+ "i" )ou fin" 9n"rea or the ru!).@
1e so!!e"+ it *as actuall) 7uite e3treme+ an" /arcla) #ust so!s echoe" across the line. Dt
*as the first time he has crie" since the "eath of 'enn). ?2he) $ot her >)an+ she4s $one.@
/runner sta)e" 7uiet. 9ctuall)+ no one talke" for at least a $oo" full minute. Anl) -ennen4s
7uiet so!s continue" to pierce across the line.
Chen the other si"e starte" talkin$ a$ain+ it *as 1oll) *ho replie"+ her ,oice *as also
paine"+ ?Chase+ *here are )ouH@
?9t the hotel.@
?ChatH@
?D4m at the hotel+ in the ,er) room *here *e sta)e" last ni$ht.@ 1e si$he" out a lon$
!reath of air+ tr)in$ to keep his emotions roun"e".
?Ds she+@ 1oll) pause"+ ?thereH@
?<he4s not here+ she4s $one.@
1oll) pause" a$ain5 it seeme" as if she *as searchin$ for the correct *or"s+ ?D mean+ is
she+ 21B>B+ *here )ou areH@
?8o+ Chernko, $ot her+ D4m sure of it.@
?<o 9n"rea4s not $one.@
/arcla) lost his temper an" shoute" an$ril) throu$h the phone+ ?<he4s $one Eaitl)n+
"on4t )ou un"erstan"H D ha,e no i"ea *here 9n"rea is+ !ut if Chernko,4s $ot her+ then she mi$ht
as *ell !e "ea"L Dn fact+ )ou kno* *hatH D *oul" hope for her to "ie an" not ha,e to suffer *hat
Chernko, is $oin$ to "o to herL@
1oll) pause" a$ain+ o!,iousl) taken a!ack !) /arcla)4s tenacious out!urst+ she sai"+
?Gou kno* )ou "on4t mean that.@
?Gou kno* D mean BT9C2=G thatL@
?Chase+ it4s not the en" of the *orl" )et.@ 1e hear" her sniff+ ?Ce can still $et 9n"rea
!ack+ *e still ha,e a chance Chase+ )ou 19VB to un"erstan" that.@
?Ah reall)+ an" ho* "o )ou propose *e "o that no* CaptainH 8ot 7uite the same since
the person )ou lo,e is sittin$ >D(12 8BT2 2A GAFL@
1oll) pause" )et a$ain+ ?Chase+ D think )ou nee" to come "o*n here to the airport. 2he
other four are here.@
/arcla) si$he"+ ?Chat4s the pointH Chat are *e $oin$ to e,en "oH <earch for Chernko,H
%lease+ *e fin" him 9n"rea4s chance of sur,i,al has #ust hit ne$ati,e ten+ her chance of sur,i,al
in his custo") alrea") is at point t*o percent.@
145
?Gou ha,e a *a) *ith )our num!ers /arcla)5 ma)!e )ou coul" trian$ulate a formula that
$i,es the chances of fin"in$ her hi$her. 9s a hi$her rankin$ officer+ D am paine" to ha,e to sa)
that D A>&B> )ou to come "o*n to the airport.@
?Ah !ein$ all !oss) no* huhH Ch) are )ou so calmH D thou$ht it *as 9n"rea that sa,e"
)our ass a fe* )ears a$o.@
1oll) pause" a$ain+ then she sai"+ ?Chase+ D kno* it is a tou$h time for )ou+ !ut *oul"
)ou come "o*n here to the airportH@ 2hen after a secon"+ she a""e"+ ?pleaseH@
/arcla) *ipe" a*a) !oth s*eat an" tears *ith his shirt+ the s*eat stun$ his e)es+ !ut he
coul" care less a!out the pain. 9ll he kne* *as that the pain he *as sufferin$ *oul" !e much
less than *hat 9n"rea *ill ha,e to "eal *ith. 1e kicke" the !e" in an$er.
?6ine+ D *ill !e "o*n.@
?2hank )ou Chase.@
/arcla) pause" at the *in"o*. 1e *as lookin$ a$ain+ lookin$ at the traffic that *as
slo*l) mo,in$ across the ol" roa"s. 1e *on"ere" a$ain+ *on"ere" *here 6er$uson *as+ it
*orrie" him that her "eath *as imminent+ *hat *orrie" him e,en more *as *hat she *as to
suffer !efore it en"s. ?1e) Eaitl)nH@
?GesH@
?<orr).@
?Dt4s oka).@
?D4ll !e there in fifteen minutes.@
?/e careful.@
Chase /arcla) "isconnecte" the line+ he then looke" out the *in"o* for one last time.
2he a$ent raise" his han"+ his han" that *as still hol"in$ the !roken hea"!an". /rin$in$ it up to
his nose+ he smelle" the uni7ue !len" of fruits an" $un.smoke+ it actuall) ma"e him happ). Cith
care+ the !roken hea"!an" *as put into his pocket. Chase /arcla) patte" the pocket after*ar".
9s he *as a!out to lea,e the room for the last time+ /arcla) cau$ht si$ht of the shin) !o3
a$ain. 1e pause"+ then turne" aroun" an" $ra!!e" the !o3. /efore he left+ /arcla) opene" the
!o3 an" hel" the sniper rifle in his han"s. Dt *as a !eautiful *eapon+ *rappe" $or$eousl) in
*hite tape camoufla$e. 1e smelle" the *eapon as *ell+ an" it also containe" the !len" of her!al
an" fruit) mi3ture. 2he %.<.9. a$ent put the $un !ack into the !roken !o3+ locke" it+ an" sho,e"
it into a lar$e plastic !a$ from the closet. 2hen /arcla) hel" the !o3 *ith his han"+ careful to not
e3pose it to the pu!lic e)e. /arcla) opene" the "oor+ close" the li$hts+ inhale" a "eep !reath+ an"
left the room.
2*ent).Bi$ht
9t the airport+ the entire $roup *as consoli"atin$ as to *hat to "o on their ne3t plan of
action. 1oll) *as startin$ to tear up an" /runner hu$$e" her ti$htl) ne3t to him. 1e felt sa"+ !ut
he sho*e" no emotion. 9$ain+ it *as not somethin$ that >)an /runner *as too apt at e3posin$
himself for all to see. 1is emotions *ere seemin$l) locke" up ti$htl) in a titanium safe "eep
*ithin his heart. Dn realit)+ he felt much sorro*+ especiall) for /arcla)+ it *asn4t somethin$ he
took honors upon.
9cross him an" 1oll) *as 1a""ock+ *ho ri$ht no* *as fum!lin$ *ith a /eretta pistol
strappe" to his *aist. 2o the ri$ht of 1a""ock *as =ieutenant Binspahr *ho *as still ner,ousl)
146
lookin$ aroun" *hile keepin$ his han" on his o*n pistol. 8e3t to Binspahr *ere As!orn an"
'ohnson+ !oth lookin$ $lum an" tire" as the others+ 'ohnson *as on the phone *ith the %resi"ent
of the Fnite" <tates+ her ,oice *as ent*ine" *ith sa"ness an" small traces of an$er.
?Ges -r. %resi"ent+ *e un"erstan"I@ <he si$he"+ ?D kno* of the situation+ !utI)es+ D
un"erstan"I ho*e,er+ accor"in$ to the circumstances that arri,e"+ D4" sa) it is the !est option
for the se,en of us toI@ <he pause"+ si$he" an" rolle" her e)es+ the $roup looke" on. ?8o+ that
*oul" !e impossi!l) "ifficult for the timeI*e C9842 "o that -r. %resi"ent+ she4s $one an" *e
nee" to fin" her+ !ut there is no *a) *e can ha,e t*o "eals $oin$ on at once+ D4" sa) her safet) is
of concern hereL@
Dn the "istance+ /arcla)4s /-C *as mo,in$ to*ar"s them.
?Cait+ /arcla) is a!out to arri,e+ *e4ll see *hat he has to sa). 1onestl) sir+ D think it is
the !est option if sit ti$ht an" see *hat Masla,sk) an" Chernko, has to sa) to us. 2he) *ill call
since the i"iots are lookin$ for somethin$ ri$htH@ <he pause"+ face re"+ o!,iousl) frustrate".
2here *as a lou" click on the other line. 'ohnson turne" to the $roup an" sai"+ ?Cell+ D can4t
!elie,e D am sa)in$ this !ut %resi"ent -a#e*ski #ust hun$ up on me. 1e kept askin$ me *hat
*as on the ru!) an" *h) it *as important to the <.1. an" Chernko,. Ce are tol" to fi$ure out
*hat is the "eal *ith this N$em4 !efore an) e3tra or"ers are $i,en.@
1oll) pushe" /runner a*a) for a secon"+ she steppe" for*ar"+ her hair !lo*in$ in the
sli$ht !ree0e+ ?Chat the hellH Ce4re #ust suppose" to sit here *hile *e *ait for 9n"rea to "ieH@
'ohnson sai"+ ?9pparentl) so+ he4s stresse" ri$ht no*+ the *hole issue !ack at
-o0am!i7ue+ the "o*ne" satellite+ failure to capture Chernko,+ the chan$in$ of the si"es for
Masla,sk)+ as *ell as the capture of 6er$uson. 9ll of this action tires out the lea"er of the $roup.@
<he trie" to soun" positi,e !ut e,en her ,oice ha" a sense of pain an" sorro*.
2ears *ere rinsin$ a*a) at 1oll)+ !its of her e)eliner smu"$e"+ she *ipe" them off.
/runner hu$$e" her a$ain+ his han" $entl) ru!!in$ her !ack. <he !urie" her face "eeper into his
shoul"er.
/arcla) pulle" up. 2he car screeche" to a halt an" stoppe". 9fter a secon"+ the a$ent
opene" the "oor+ steppe" out+ an" 7uietl) shut the "oor !ehin" him. 1e slo*l) *alke" for*ar"5
the $roup coul" see that his e)es are still re".
?<orr) Chase.@ /runner sai"+ the rest of the $roup follo*e" suit *ith their apolo$ies.
1e si$he"+ !ut he "i"n4t speak+ /arcla) *as simpl) too lost for *or"s. 6inall)+ after a fe*
secon"s of 7uiete" silence+ he sai"+ ?<he4s $one.@
2hen the silence fille" the air once a$ain.
Dt *as 1oll) *ho spoke first+ ?8o she4s not+ *e *ill fin" her an" !rin$ her !ack+ for the
countr)+ for the team+ for )ou.@
/arcla) !roke "o*n at that point+ he returne" to his car 7uietl). 1oll)+ *ipin$ a*a) her
tears sai" to the $roup+ ?D think D shoul" $o talk to him.@
2he others no""e" silentl).
<he *alke" to*ar"s /arcla)4s car.
1e *as sittin$ insi"e+ his face !urie" "eep into his palms. 1oll) *asn4t sure *hether he
*as cr)in$ or not !ut #ust opene" the "oor. <he "roppe" into the passen$er seat5 a hea,)+ so!!e"
si$h escape" her throat.
?D can4t !elie,e D lost her alrea").@
147
?Geah+ me neither+ sorr) D *as a little a$$ressi,e earlier.@
?Dt *asn4t )our fault. Gou ha" the ri$ht to use )our rank.@
1oll) pause"+ ?8o+ D shoul"n4t ha,e pushe" it. 9ll D *ante" )ou to "o *as return.@
/arcla) ran his han" across his pocke"+ he ease" an" pulle" out the hair!an". ?D foun"
this in the room.@
1oll) took it an" ran her fin$er across the stretch) fa!ric. ?Dt4s "efinitel) hers+ this *as
her luck) !an"+ an" she ha" !een *earin$ this almost e,er) "a) since she lost her father.@
?Cait+ 9n"rea lost her fatherH@ /arcla) sai" *ith a surprise" tone.
?<he "i"n4t tell )ouH@
/arcla) stoppe" talkin$ for a fe* secon"s+ an" then he 7uietl) sai"+ ?8oI@
6or a fe* minutes+ 1oll) e3plaine" the e,ents that occurre" to 6er$uson4s father to
/arcla) *hile he listene" intentl). Chen she finishe"+ /arcla) $a,e out a lon$ e3hale of !reath.
?D ne,er kne*I@
?D $uesse" 9n"rea "i"n4t *ant )ou to !e *orrie" a!out that. <he tol" me too keep a little
!it 7uiet a!out this+ !ut D thou$ht that )ou pro!a!l) ha" the ri$ht to kno*.@
?D4m+ D4m not sure *hat to sa).@ 1e *ipe" at the corner of his e)es.
?2here4s no nee" to cr) )et+ it4s onl) the !e$innin$.@
?9 little h)pocritical thereH@ 1e pushe" a sli$ht smile.
?Aka)+ )ou $ot me+ !ut the thin$ is D came here to tell )ou somethin$ that ha" !een
aroun" for a !it !ut *as ne,er re,eale" to )ou.@
?Chat4s thatH@
1oll) sniffe"+ ?9n"rea has ha" a crush on )ou e,er since hi$h school.@
/arcla) snappe"+ ?>eall)H@
?2his is startin$ to soun" like another teena$e "ream !ut it is 7uite true. <he ne,er tol"
an)one !ut me+ #ust like ho* she ne,er reall) tol" too man) a!out her father4s "eath. 9n"rea4s
mourne" of it for a lon$ time )ou kno*H &o )ou kno* *h) she feels safe ne3t to )ouH@
?Ch)H@
?<he trusts )ou.@
/arcla) pause" an" looke" across the tarmac at an airplane preparin$ to takeoff. ?D ne,er
kne*.@
?B,er since she lost her "a"+ 9n"rea *as ne,er the same. <he lost him !efore she e,en
met )ou.@
?D kno*.@ he stoppe" talkin$+ then after a !rief pause+ /arcla) continue"+ ?1o* "i" she
chan$eH@
?9n"rea use" to !e more open. <he4s+ 7uieter no*I@
?Gou kno*+ D mi$ht ne,er hear her ,oice e,er a$ainI@
1oll) turne" to him. ?8onsense.@
?=ook Eaitl)n+ D kno* )ou lo,e 9n"rea+ !ut let4s face the truth+@ tears !e$an to return to
his e)es !ut he hel" them !ack+ ?Df the presi"ent "oesn4t e,en $i,e a "amn a!out her life nor "oes
he $i,e us the or"er to fin" her !ack. <he4s $one+ she4s out of our reach+ an" she4s !een ensla,e"
upon the !astar" $an$ mem!ers.@
?Ges+ !utI@
?/ut *hatH Df )ou care for her so much+ *h) "on4t )ou think of a plan to keep her safe
an" let her see her famil) a$ainH Ar see us a$ainH@
148
1oll) let out a lon$ !reath. <he turne" a*a) an" looke" out the *in"o* at the rest of the
$roup. 2he) *ere still stan"in$ ne3t to the plane talkin$ a!out somethin$. ?Gou kno* Chase+ if it
*asn4t for 9n"rea+ D *oul"n4t !e here to"a) talkin$ to )ou.@
1e turne" to 1oll). Dt *as his first time noticin$ the silk) !lon"e hair that flo*e" "o*n
her shoul"ers. /arcla) *on"ere" *hether /runner notice" the hair as *ell. ?Ges+ D un"erstan".@
1e si$he"+ ?D #ust can4t !elie,e D lost her. Dt4s funn) actuall)+ one minute *ere tra"in$ a kiss an"
the ne3t she4s out of m) reach. 2his *as m) fault. D shoul" ha,e follo*e" her instea" of lettin$
her $o alone. Chat the hell *as D thinkin$H@
?Chase+ it *asn4t )our fault+ )ou coul"n4t ha,e kno*n the future to pre,ent this.@
?Ges+ !ut "on4t )ou feel $uilt)H@ 1is ,oice *as !e$innin$ to rise hi$her. ?Df D *oul" ha,e
#ust ma"e the act of follo*in$ her to the hotel instea" of comin$ here to this "amn airport+ *e
*oul" still !e a!le to see her no*L 9ll m) i"iotic thou$hts an" actions ha,e struck me a$ain.@
?9$ainH@
/arcla) stoppe"+ he turne" an" looke" 1oll) in her e)es. 2he) *ere so similar to
6er$uson4s. 2he e)es *ere color of sapphires in the e,enin$ li$ht. 1e su""enl) *ent mute+
unsure *hether to e3plain his past. 2he a$ent pause"+ *ipe" some s*eat off his forehea"+ si$he"+
an" procee"e". ?<ince )ou tol" me a!out )ou past earlier an" 9n"rea4s past #ust no*+ D mi$ht as
*ell tell )ou m) o*n ,ersion of a paine" chil"hoo".@ /arcla) recline" !ack the seat of the
/-C+ close" his e)es+ an" then tol" 1oll) the entire stor) of his time *ith 'enn).
Chen he *as finishe"+ 1oll) *as 7uiet. <he simpl) looke" at him *ithout mo,in$.
/arcla) coul" see the sorro* !urie" *ithin the sapphires as it $a0e" on him.
6inall) she spoke+ ?D4m sorr).@
?Dt *as m) fault too.@ 1e si$he" a$ain+ ?9n ol" author of a !ook D rea" in hi$h school
e3presse" the *hole *orl" as an en"less c)cle. %eople *oul" make the same mistakes o,er an"
o,er a$ain until he pass the *retche" con"itions "o*n the $enerations. D $uess D am still stuck in
the hellhole of stupi"it) an" still am una!le to fi3 these mistakes after so lon$. 2o"a)+ D finall)
un"erstan" *hat she *as tr)in$ to sa). Chat she *as tr)in$ to sa) is that the human race is #ust
too la0) an" pathetic to chan$e.@
1oll) looke" at him+ ?/ut Chase+ the c)cle can !e !roken.@
1e looke" !ack at her. ?D kno* it can !e !roken. /ut D ha,en4t seeme" to !e a!le to !reak
it )et. D ha,e mourne" of 'enn)4s "eath e,er since that "rea"ful "a). 8o* D ha,e to !lame m)self
)et a$ain for losin$ such a close frien".@
1oll) $a,e out a 7uick !urst of air+ ?Dt4s interestin$ ho* much each of our li,es sucke"
ass.@
/arcla) mana$e to pull off a smile. Chen 1oll) sa* it+ she kne* that talkin$ to him *as
a $reat i"ea+ )et insi"e her+ she still felt the nee" to help a,en$e for 6er$uson+ !ut like *hat
/arcla) ha" sai" #ust a fe* minutes !efore+ she ha" no i"ea ho*.
?2hank )ou for talkin$ to me.@ 1e *as still in a crestfallen moo"+ !ut much !etter than
*here he *as !efore she talke" to him.
?8o pro!lem. =ook+ D "on4t *ant )ou to feel that D ha,e /runner *hile )ou "on4t ha,e
an)one. Ce are in this to$ether+ *e still are a team.@
?2hanks Eaitl)n+ D kne* there is still hope left for humanit).@
149
8o* she mana$e" to smile+ ?D think the others are still *aitin$ for us.@ <he looke"
outsi"e5 the sk) has "imme" to a t*ili$ht color. 2he $roup *as still stan"in$ ne3t to the airplane+
chattin$.
?Geah+ time to $o an" see *hat to "o.@
2he t*o of them opene" the "oor an" steppe" into the *arm+ humi" air.
/runner *atche" as /arcla) an" 1oll) approache" them+ !oth of them seeme" to !e in !etter
moo"s. 1e *as happ) a!out that. 1e himself *asn4t a man that normall) *as use" to make
someone happ). 1e ne,er reall) ha" that e3perience+ !ut seein$ the sli$ht shift for the $oo" in
1oll) ma"e him feel !etter as *ell.
'ohnson spoke first+ ?1o* *as the talkH@
1oll) replie" *ith a "ull e3pression+ ?-a"e us feel !etter than !efore.@
?Ce #ust reali0e" ho* alike our li,es *ereI@ /arcla) replie".
?D4m $la" it *ent *ell. 9$ain+ the others an" D ha,e !een talkin$ a!out a possi!le plan to
$et 9n"rea !ack.@ /runner sai" to the t*o of them.
?Ah.@
?Ah.@
2he t*o stoppe" talkin$ an" stare" motionlessl) at the $roun".
?Ce can tr) the usual tactic of Na tra"e for a tra"e4 to see if Chernko,4s intereste".@
1a""ock reporte".
'ohnson a""e"+ ?2he onl) pro!lem is fin"in$ somethin$ that Chernko, or Masla,sk)
*ants. 2he) alrea") ha,e the ru!)+ so that is o!,iousl) not possi!le. <econ"l)+ the t*o !astar"s
are pro!a!l) alrea") !ein$ pai" for this #o!+ so mone)4s out of the 7uestion.@
?Chat else *oul" Chernko, *antH@ Binspahr aske" to no specific person in particular.
?2his is $oin$ to !e strictl) off the charts+ !ut *e coul" $i,e him information re$ar"in$
the "rones.@ 'ohnson su$$este".
?9n" !reak the co"eH Chat a $reat i"eaL@ 1a""ock *as sli$htl) anno)e" a$ain.
2he $roup *as silent for a fe* secon"s. Dt *as /arcla) *ho steppe" up an" !roke the
silence. ?&i"n4t the presi"ent call )ou $u)sH@
?Ges he "i"+@ 'ohnson replie"+ she scratche" at her hair+ *hich *as !e$innin$ to curl in
the humi"it).
?Chat "i" he ha,e to sa)H@
<he ans*ere"+ ?%resi"ent -a#e*ski tol" us to fin" out *hat the ru!) *as a!out. Ce can
9== $uess that there is somethin$ si$nificant a!out the $em asi"e from the fact that it is #ust an
e3pensi,e stone. Come to think of it+ D4m actuall) surprise" that 6er$uson e,en mana$e" to sna$
the thin$ *hen she !reache" the sla,e cells earlier this *eek.@
?<he4s $oo" 'o)ce+ she4s $oo"I@ /arcla) replie" to her.
?D kno*+ 9n"rea is the a$ent in human affairs. 2he) kept her at the "esk for much of the
time !ut *hen she4s on a mission+ she takes matters a$$ressi,el). 6er$uson is the ea$le in the
fiel" of her #o!. <he is the !est.@
?D< the !estI@ /arcla) mouthe" the *or"s. 9fter takin$ a fe* "eep !reaths+ he sai" to
the $roup+ ?D think *e shoul" #ust "o as the presi"ent sa)s+ *ait a "a) or so an" let Chernko,
calm himself first+ then ask. 9lso+ *e nee" to research the ru!) first as to *hat is so important
150
a!out it. Gou *oul"n4t ha,e a picture of the inscriptions *oul" )ouH@ 1e turne" to 1oll) an"
/runner.
?8o+ 6er$uson ha" the pictures. <he shoul" ha,e sent them out alrea") thou$h. Dt mi$ht
!e collectin$ "ust on Cor!ett4s "esk as of no*. /ut as )ou kno*+ he is e3perimentin$ *ith his
ne* to) "rones so he *as pro!a!l) too !us) to "o an)thin$. <peakin$ of *hich+ *hat e,er
happene" to that "rone that Cor!ett *as pilotin$+ "i" he #ust $i,e up on the matter an" lea,eH@
1oll) poppe" her fin$ers.
?8o clue+ D *ill call him later to see the situation. Dn the meantime+ Chernko, is still at
lar$e in the cit). /ecause of this+ *e ha,e to !e careful of his actions an" his henchmen. D su$$est
*e "itch the hotel an" fin" a nice+ cheap place at the e"$e of to*n an" sta) there for the ni$ht.
2he onl) place he coul" lea,e *oul" !e this airport an" Cor!ett alrea") has informe" us that the
securit) of the airport alrea") ha,e a lock"o*n on their faces. Df an)one *ho remotel) looks like
either of them pop out aroun" the airport+ the) *ill !e 7uickl) "etaine". %lus+ this also means that
6er$uson is still here in the cit)+ !ut searchin$ "o*n the street *ill !e impossi!le+ plus+ Chernko,
pro!a!l) has a satellite lookin$ "o*n ri$ht as us to pinpoint our location.@ /runner replie".
?Cait isn4t that *orkin$ for us as *ellH@ /arcla) chime" in.
/runner turne" to him+ ?Chat *as thatH@
?2he satellites+ shoul"n4t CB ha,e pinpoints on the t*o !astar"s as *ellH@
?2hat4s true. D *ill nee" to talk to Cor!ett a!out that also.@ /runner )a*ne".
?D think *e nee" to $o fin" a place to sta) for the ni$ht.@ 1a""ock su$$este".
'ohnson sai" to the $roup+ ?Gou kno*+ *e coul" #ust sta) on the plane+ it4s co0)+ it4s $ot
foo" an" "rinks+ an" it has air con"itionin$.@
?Chat D am *orrie" a!out is the suspicion it *ill cause. Ce are not suppose" to e,en !e
here !ut *e4,e !een sta)in$ ne3t to this plane for such a lon$ time that it is !e$innin$ to !ecome
7uite conspicuous.@ Binspahr e3plaine".
?/est i"ea is still to fin" a place to sta) for the ni$ht. =ike *hat Chase sai"+ *e shoul"
#ust fin" a place to rest for one ni$ht an" then "eal *ith the issues in the mornin$.@ 1oll) pulle"
uneasil) at her hair+ ?D think that4s still the most ,ia!le option. %lus+ *e *ill $et to see the cit)
an" ma)!e keep an e)e on suspicious acti,ities.@
?9lso+@ /runner cut in+ ?Ce nee" to $et ri" of the /-Cs+ the) are fast an" all !ut after
to"a)+ the cars ha,e !een sli$htl) !eat up. 9 re$ular /-C is $au") enou$h+ !ut one that has
suffere" scratches from !ullets is like seein$ a *il"fire "urin$ a sno*storm in the artic.@
?1e4s ri$ht. Ce nee" to $et ri" of them.@ /arcla) affirme".
?1o* "o )ou propose *e "o thatH@ 1oll) aske".
?2here is a #unk)ar" near the southern e"$e of to*n+ *e coul" "ri,e our cars there+ smash
them+ set them on fire+ an" people *oul" e,er fin" the e,i"ence. 9fter that+ *e take the *alk
o,er to the motel+ *hich shoul" #ust !e a fi,e minute *alk.@ /runner commente".
1oll) looke" uneas) a$ain+ ?Chat a!out the *eapons *e ha,e in the trunkH Ce can4t #ust
carr) that into a motelL@
?2he si"e arms *e *ill nee" to carr)+ that4s "efinitel) nee"e"+ !ut the !i$ !o)s *ill nee"
to !e left in the plane.@ As!orn finall) sai" after sta)in$ 7uiet for so lon$.
?'ust lea,e it in the planeH@ 1oll) 7uestione".
As!orn replie"+ ?Aur pilots+ <er$eant Conners an" Corporal &unne has ha" e3perience in
9f$hanistan an" Dra7+ these t*o shoul" !e a!le to han"le themsel,es. 2he) are still in the plane
151
ri$ht no*+ pro!a!l) restin$+ !ut D can tell them to sta) here for the ni$ht an" keep an e)e on
thin$s.@
?2hanks >ei"+@ she s7uee0e" his shoul"er. As!orn $aspe".
?Ah please.@ 1oll) *alke" off to $ra! her *eapons from the /-C.
'ohnson *ent insi"e the plane to e3plain the situation to the pilots.
As!orn stare" at 1oll) as she *alke" a*a).
?Bas) >ei"+ she4s not )ours+ )ou4re $oin$ to nee" to fin" someone else.@ 1a""ock "ull)
sai".
As!orn snappe" out of his trance. ?>i$ht+ sorr) >)an.@
/runner shook his hea" an" slappe" As!orn in the !ack *ith a lau$h. ?Come to think of
it+ D4m prett) luck) aren4t DH@
As!orn4s e)es s7uinte" to a line. ?<ureI@
?Cell+ !etter $et )our !utt use" to this place. Dt4s a *hole lot "ifferent than -osco*.@
?D4,e $i,en up tr)in$ to aim for *omen.@ As!orn sai" in a "efeate" ,oice.
?Ane #ust nee"s to *ait for the perfect purple !loom to e3pose her *ithin a fiel" of re"
flo*ers+@ /runner replie".
?Df it *as as eas) as the mo,ies make it+ D *oul" !e $ol".@
?2oo !a" >ei"+ real life is horri" !e)on" the !elief of a person. 9s a male+ )ou still ha,e
)our prime,al instinct to ha,e intercourse *ith a person of the opposite se3. Dt4s una,oi"a!le.@
?1a,e )ou t*o+ )ou kno*I@
/runner smacke" his o*n forehea". ?8o >ei"+ *e ha,e not. 2he t*o of us ha,en4t talke"
a!out it at all. D "on4t think *e are rea"). Dt4s #ust !een t*o "a)s since *e4,e officiall) met each
other. 'ust t*o "a)s a$o D *as rescuin$ her from the $rasps of 8i,ea. &amn that felt like a lon$
time a$o.@
?Cell+ D $uess )ou ha,e )our reason to *ait.@ As!orn respon"e".
?=ook >ei"+ D *ill tell this to )ou since )ou are a fairl) close frien". Eaitl)n4s a little !it
sh) *hen it comes to talkin$ a!out lo,e. -akin$ out is fine+ !ut an)thin$ farther+ that4s a little
too much for her.@
?1o* soH@
/runner $lance" o,er to 1oll). <he *as still $ra!!in$ some !its an" pieces of her thin$s
from the /-C. ?Aka)+ D think *e all shoul" ha,e the ri$ht to kno*.@ /runner e3plaine" 1oll)4s
stor) to As!orn.
?&amn. Ch) *ere *e ne,er tol" of this !eforeH@
?2hat4s the reason *h) she is touch) a!out the su!#ect on her parents. 9n" that is the
reason *h) she is also sensiti,e a!out+ er+ se3. 9lso+ that is *h) she is so close to 6er$uson.
9n"rea *as a rescuer of people in trou!le+ $enerall) speakin$@
?9n" no* *e ha,e to rescue to rescuer.@ As!orn shook his hea". ?1o* sa" thin$s can
!ecome. Dt *as like the inci"ent D ha" last )ear !ack in -osco*.@
?Ah ri$hteous+ is it stor) timeH@ /runner sai" *ith sarcasm.
?/e 7uiet. 9n)*a)+ D ha" #ust met this ama0in$ $irl "urin$ m) sta) as a sp) for an arms
"ealer name" 9le3i 9ntono,. <he *as an a!use" ser,ant *ho *as constantl) !ein$ !eaten an"
rape" !) the henchmen. Ane "a) "urin$ "inner+ she *as ser,in$ foo" an" D acci"entall) trippe"
152
her+ causin$ the foo" to spill all o,er 9ntono,4s suit. 1e calle" the $uar"s an" the) "ra$$e" the
screamin$ $irl "o*n to *here D assume" *as a hol"in$ cell.@
?Ah $reat+ *hat a *on"erful stor) >ei"+ D totall) nee" to hear more of these tales.@
/runner sai" in "isma).
As!orn continue" an)*a)+ ?<o that ni$ht D snuck out from m) room an" *ent "o*n to
the !asement to see her. <he *as curle" up in the corner+ her clothes tattere"+ her face !ruise"+
an" she *as !lee"in$ from a cut on her le$. 2he $irl curle" ti$hter *hen D tol" her she *as $oin$
to !e fine. D pulle" some paper to*els an" trie" m) !est to !an"a$e the *oun"+ *hich *as a lot
"eeper than D ha" ori$inall) thou$ht.@
/runner cut him off+ ?>ei" D think *e4,e ha" enou$h of this stor).@ 1e $lance" at
/arcla)+ *ho *as also listenin$. /arcla) *as !e$innin$ to sho* more *orr) in his e)es.
Af course+ to /runner4s utter "isma) a$ain+ As!orn continue" an)*a). ?<o she !e$an
cr)in$ an" so!!in$. D sai" to her that she *as $oin$ to !e fine a$ain. 2hen D *ipe" the !loo" that
staine" her skin an" she replie" a 7uiet *or" of thanks. D also ran an" $ra!!e" her some lefto,er
foo" an" *ater an" aske" *hether she *ante" the foo" or not. <he tol" me that the) ha,e star,e"
her for t*o full "a)s an" she *as ")in$ for sustenance. D fe" her an" she took the foo" an" ate it
7uickl)+ thankin$ me the *hole *a) throu$h. D aske" *hat her name *as+ an" to m) sa"ness+ she
sai" she "oesn4t ha,e one. Chen she *as )oun$er+ 9ntono, kille" her entire famil) an" "ra$$e"
her to his house to li,e. 9fter reachin$ an ol" enou$h a$e+ she *as force" to *ork for him. 1e
#ust calls her N8um!er 6ort).four.4@
/runner stoppe" talkin$. 1e looke" at /arcla). /arcla) *as !reathin$ "eepl). >ei"+ D
think )ou reall) shoul" consi"er stoppin$.
?8o+ let him $o on.@ Dt *as /arcla) *ho sai" this.
>ei" looke" o,er to*ar"s /arcla)+ ?9re )ou sureH@
?-i$ht as *ell.@
?Aka)+ D of course felt 7uite sorr) for her an" tol" her m) name. Cell+ the name of m)
fake D& of course+ !ut it still counts ri$htH 9n)*a)+ D sai" to her that D4ll come check to make
sure she is oka) e,er) ni$ht an" that she "oesn4t ha,e to *orr) a!out not $ettin$ foo". <he of
course+ thanke" me a$ain. Dt *as a *hole c)cle. B,er) ni$ht *as the same routine of $oin$ "o*n
an" seein$ her. Ce sometimes *oul" #ust talk an" chat. =uckil) m) >ussian *asn4t half !a" an"
she "i"n4t suspect an)thin$. 2hat *ent on for a!out a month or so. 2hen one "a)I@ As!orn
pause" an" !it his lip. 1e looke" at /arcla)+ then !ack at /runner.
?(o on.@ /arcla) sai".
?D think no* it4s a!out time to stop.@ As!orn tol" him.
?'ust $o on >ei"I@ 1is ,oice *as still calm.
As!orn si$he"+ ?Cell+ one "a) at the en" of the month+ D *as a!out to $o "o*n to see her
*hen D hear" a fe* men "o*nstairs as *ell as her screams for help.@ 1e stoppe".
/arcla) raise" his hea" an" stare" si"e*a)s at As!orn.
?2he) *ere !eatin$ her a$$ressi,el) *ith the !utts of their $uns.@ As!orn stoppe".
/arcla) let out a force" !reath of air an" *alke" to his /-C. 1e pause" an" put his
shoul"ers a$ainst the tinte" *in"o*s+ face !urie" in his han"s. /runner strolle" o,er to him.
?Chase+ "on4t think a!out it.@
?D4m *orrie".@ 1e "i"n4t sho* emotion. 1is face *as still !urie" *ithin the protection of
his han"s.
153
?<he4s $oin$ to !e fine.@
?9n" ho* *oul" )ou kno*H@ /arcla) raise" his ,oice in sli$ht an$er.
?<ometimes one #ust has to sta) optimistic.@
?<a)s the most pessimistic person on this planetI@
?%essimism is not a pro!a!le solution to our pro!lem ri$ht no*.@
/arcla) si$he". ?D #ust can4t !elie,e D lost her.@
?Gou "i"n4t lose her. Dt *asn4t )our fault.@
/arcla) un!urie" his han"s an" stare" at /runner. ?Gou kno*+ Eaitl)n sai" the e3act
same thin$ to me.@
?(oo".@
?8o+ not $oo"+ D feel as if D can "o somethin$ to help her !ut can4t.@
?Gou can4t "epen" on )ourself )ou fi3 e,er)thin$ Chase+ )ou nee" the collecte" efforts of
the team to ensure the success.@
?9n" our *on"rous lea"er has i$nore" 9n"rea4s life for the life of a $emstone *hich for
all *e kno* has a!solutel) 0ero si$nificance other than the fact that it is *orth a lar$e sum of
cash.@
?2he %resi"ent #ust "oesn4t un"erstan" her importance to )ou )et.@
?9n" )ou "oH@
?Ges.@ /runner si$he"+ ?Dt4s o"" to sa) so !ut she reall) "i" like )ou.@
?Dn less than a "a)H@
?Gou coul" see it *ithin her e)es.@
?1onestl) thou$hI@
?Df an)thin$ is to !e sai"+@ /runner pause"+ ?Dt4s the fact that she truste" )ou.@ Cith that
he left for 1oll).
/arcla) stoo" in the *anin$ sunli$ht. 1e *as "epresse"+ sa"+ an" hopeless. Dt seem to !e
the en" for the one thin$ he ha" felt attraction to. Dt *as #ust like the man) )ears !efore+ *hen he
lost his other lo,e" one to that acci"ent. Dt *as histor) repeatin$ itself once a$ain. 1e i$nore" his
sa"ness as !est as he coul". Chat *as there to "oH >io *asn4t a nice place to *ork at. /ut
neither *as the Fnite" <tates. 1o* *as that !etterH /ein$ stuck in one4s o*n countr) "oesn4t
mean that one is safe. Dt #ust means that one has the connections to the others he or she lo,e".
/arcla) ha" lost that connection )ears a$o. 2he ominous "a) ha" c)cle" its course. 2here *asn4t
an)thin$ to !e "one !ut to *ait. 1e ha" to !e patient an" curious. Cithout the support an"
feelin$s from 6er$uson+ /arcla) felt *eak. Dt *as a sense he ha" a,oi"e" feelin$ e,er since the
last acci"ent. =ike /runner+ it occurre" to him that the *eak "o not sur,i,e. Dt "i"n4t take a sin$le
!iolo$) class for him to un"erstan" !oth natural an" social &ar*inism. Df it *asn4t for his
tenacit) to achie,e his inten"e" $oals+ he *oul" ha,e !een "ea" since the "a) he *as a"mitte"
into the %.<.9.
2he team *as preparin$ to mo,e out to fin" a motel at the e"$e of to*n. /runner ha"
alrea") packe" the unnecessar) e7uipment into the airplane. Conners accepte" the materials
$la"l) an" "isappeare" !ack into the plane. &o*n on the *arm $roun"+ 1oll) opene" a !ottle of
*ater an" !e$an takin$ "elicate sips from the plastic container. Dn the "arkness+ her hair still $a,e
off a small shine. Binspahr+ As!orn+ an" 'ohnson *ere ar$uin$ a!out somethin$+ !ut it *as too
far for /arcla) to hear. 9fter a fe* secon"s+ 1a""ock "roppe" out from the airplane an" sai"
154
somethin$ to the $roup. Dt seeme" all like a "ream. Dt felt to /arcla) as if his life ha" !een in
lim!o+ slo*l) creepin$ across his unconscious min". 1e pinche" himself. Dt *asn4t a "ream.
2*ent).8ine
2he issue that Masla,sk) an" Chernko, face" *asn4t the rest of the %.<.9. 2he issue *as
*hether 9l"olfo4s son *as oka). Dn a "arkene" alle)*a) on the other si"e of to*n from the
%.<.9.+ the four men as *ell as a still sleepin$ 6er$uson hi". 8othin$ much *as sai". 9ll aroun"
insi"e the car+ onl) the li$ht inhalin$ of !reath from Chernko, coul" !e hear". Autsi"e+ the "rone
of the ni$htl) traffic continue" to slur. /ut the four ki"nappers onl) sat still+ contemplatin$.
Masla,sk) an" Chernko, !oth un"erstoo" that the !est possi!le option out of the cit)
*oul" !e ,ia the airport. 1o*e,er+ information supplie" to Chernko, !) Masla,sk) tells of e3tra
%.<.9. a$ents arri,in$ to that same airport. 2he t*o of them simpl) assume" that /runner *oul"
!e campin$ a!out near the airport itself+ *aitin$ to na! them if the) *ere to tr) to lea,e. 9t the
moment+ there *as a pon"erin$ silence as to *hat to achie,e ne3t. Chernko, *on"ere" *hether
9l"olfo4s son *as oka)+ he still remem!ere" the !o) hi"in$ insi"e the car as !ullets penetrate"
the "ark+ tinte" *in"o*s. 1e still en,isione" the fear *ithin the )oun$ !o)4s e)es+ the e)es that
ha" that uni7ue $lo*.
Chernko, reache" o,er an" rolle" "o*n the *in"o* of the $ra)ish car. Masla,sk) shot a
7uick stare at him throu$h the corner of his e)es. 2he Al" >ussian terrorist pulle" out a packet of
ci$arettes. Dnsi"e the pack of -arl!oro *ere t*o remainin$ sticks of smoke. 1e pulle" one out
an" put it into his mouth *hile reachin$ o,er an" offerin$ Masla,sk) the remainin$ ci$arette.
Masla,sk) "ull) an" 7uietl) muttere" a *or" of thanks an" fum!le" aroun" his pockets5
Chernko, assume" he *as lookin$ for a li$hter. Dn t*o secon"s+ Victor Chernko, lit his o*n
ci$arette. 1e "roppe" the li$hter onto Masla,sk)4s lap an" tosse" the no* empt) !o3 out into the
"arkness outsi"e. Dt ma"e a sli$ht Nplink4 as it hit the har" $roun" a "o0en feet a*a) from the car.
Masla,sk) repeate" a mutter of thanks that *as !arel) au"i!le. 8e3t to the >ussian terrorist+ the
!etra)e" %.<.9. a$ent lit his o*n ci$arette.
Dnsi"e the car+ the air turne" a must) smell of to!acco mi3e" *ith s*eat. Chernko, took a
lon$+ "eep "ra$ an" e3hale" the to3ic smo$ into the *arm ni$ht air. -arko Masla,sk) "i" the
same. /ehin" them+ one of the henchmen cou$he".
Dt *asn4t for another ten minutes that an)one sai" an)thin$. Masla,sk) spoke first+ ?Gou
kno*+ the) are $oin$ to come lookin$ for her.@
?Dt4s onl) a fact.@ Chernko, calml) replie".
?Cell+ *hat4s )our $enius planH@
Chernko, stuck his hea" outsi"e the *in"o*. 1is $re) hair ru!!e" a$ainst the framin$+
after that+ the man spat into the alle).
Chen he *as !ack safel) insi"e the car+ he spoke. ?Ce *ait.@
?D4,e !een *aitin$ )ears for this Victor. Ce all ha,e.@
Chernko, looke" at 6er$uson+ *ho *as cuffe" an" *as spra*le" !ack on the seat+ his
t*o henchmen+ %etro, an" D$or+ flankin$ her si"es.
?9re *e talkin$ a!out the $irl or the *hole !lack market net*ork that *e ha,e finall)
connecte"H@
?-ostl) the latter+ thou$h the former is a $oo" a""ition to the pri0e. 8o* the %.<.9. *ill
ha,e to fin" the e7uili!rium !et*een a$$ression an" retreatin$ if the) *ere to keep her ali,e.@
155
?&on4t *orr)+ she4ll li,e+ for no*I@ Chernko, took another "ra$ from his ci$arette.
?/ut sir+ *hat is the planH 1o* are *e $oin$ to $et out of this "amne" cit) an" return to
>ussiaHJ
?>ussia4s a tou$h or"eal to han"le+ plus+ *e D *ant to see some small action in the Fnite"
<tates.@
?Chat "o )ou meanH@ Masla,sk) su""enl) !ecame en$a$e".
?Gou kno* those P11 attacks *a) !ack *hen planne" out !) /in =a"enH 9n" ho* the)
took out the t*o tra"e center !uil"in$sH@
?Ges+ D remem!er.@
?Cell+ the <tates starte" to hunt the man "o*n. 9n" after a "eca"e or so+ foun" him an"
kille" himH@
?D remem!er that too+ !ut *hat "oes this ha,e to "o *ith an) of our plansH D thou$ht *e
*ere to sta) a*a) from the reach of the states as !est as *e coul"H@
?8o *orries+ *e aren4t $oin$ to !lo* up a national !uil"in$+ *e are $oin$ to simpl) "o
some "ama$e a place that people coul" care less a!out.@
?/ostonH -iamiH 1oustonH Chere are *e talkin$ a!outH@ Masla,sk) leane" in closer.
?B,en less important than those places.@
Masla,sk) replie" in an anno)e" tone+ ?'ust tell me.@
?1a,e some patience -arko+ )ou4,e *aite" this lon$+ )ou coul" affor" to *ait lon$er.@
Chernko, took his time to tell Masla,sk) the plan. 1e pulle" out a small canteen fille" *ith a
fra$rant li7ui". 2he man took a lon$ har" sip from the !ottle. 9s he e3hale"+ the smell of smoke
intert*ine" *ith alcohol "rifte" throu$h the room. ?Ce are tar$etin$ an e,en smaller to*n+ a
to*n so small that most terrorists ha,e not e,en hear" it !efore.@
?Chich isH@
?2opeka Eansas+ more specificall)+ a hi$h school in that area.@
Masla,sk) $a,e a chuckle+ ?%erfect place+ no one *oul" e3pect an)thin$. 9 "amne" fiel"
in the center of a "amne" countr).@
?Ce alrea") ha,e our men+ a #oint force of >ussian anti.$o,ernmental task force
mercenaries *ith 9frican <.1.+ near the location. Dn #ust a *eek+ the e3plosions *ill occur. %lus a
little e3tra if *e can $et our !u"") to *ork@ 1e checke" the ru!).
?9h )es+ a $oo" ol" !om! e3plosion+ onl) this time *e *on4t !e nee"in$ an)one to
suici"e like *hat /in =a"en ha" to "o.@
?-arko m) frien"+ there *on4t e,en !e an) of our men insi"e the school at all for the
start. 2he !om! *ill onl) !e the !e$innin$ of the plan5 *e ha,e much more fun acti,ities
planne" for our lo,a!le Eansan frien"s after*ar"s.@
?9 hosta$e situation D see.@
?Ce *ill implement that someho*+ people ten" to sta) still *hen the chance of "eath is
e,er so present aroun" their li,es.@
?1o* !i$ of a $roupH@
?D *oul" sa) the school is a little o,er fifteen hun"re".@
?9n" e3actl) ho* are *e to !)pass all the scanners an" airport securit)H@
?/elie,e me+ D4m Victor Chernko,. Gou nee" not to 7uestion m) a!ilities.@
?D onl) hear that in !ooks an" mo,ies.@
?9re )ou "ou!tin$ m) efficienc)H@
156
?8o sir+ it4s #ust that there are lots of issues.@
?2he *eapons aren4t the har" part. 2he har" part $ettin$ e,er)one out of the !uil"in$ an"
into open space.@
?2here is lots of open space in Eansas.@
?D can onl) hope so.@
Masla,sk)4s !ro* fro*ne". ?Chat are )ou pla)in$ at VictorH@
?Dn time+ )ou shall see. 9 !om! threat is onl) the "i,ersion.@ Cith that+ Chernko, shut his
throat of further information re$ar"in$ his plans.
Masla,sk) *as to sa) the least+ curious. 1e has ha" the plans to #oin the "ark si"e !ut
*hat *as this >ussian $an$ lea"er to "o ne3tH Fsuall)+ it *oul" !e 8i,ea that thou$ht of all
these militaristic an" terroristic actions to keep a thorn *ithin the si"es of the Fnite" <tates. 6or
him+ Chernko, seems to !e the $runt that rises up for the #o! *ithout prior e3perience. 1e kno*s
!etter thou$h+ that Chernko, *as certainl) capa!le of "ra*in$ out a plan of action. 1o*e,er+
this area seems to !e)on" his realm of e3perience. Ceapons e3chan$e )es+ human traffickin$+
)es+ an" "ru$ e3chan$e+ )es. :2he latter t*o are most likel) the reasons on *hich *h) Chernko,
sho*s so much hate to*ar"s 6er$uson an" 1oll); /ut *hen it came to #ust utter "estruction to
e3ert terror upon a $roup of people or a population+ Chernko,4s e3perience seems to !e "r). 9t
least+ that *as *hat -arko Masla,sk) thou$ht. 1e took a li$ht "ra$ from his ci$arette5 the *oo")
taste of smoke stun$ his throat. 9nother thou$ht came into his min"+ 6er$uson. Masla,sk)
$lance" at her. <he *as still asleep5 the "ru$ usuall) knocks the ,ictim out for a full "a). 2he
au!urn hair co,ere" her face in patche" stran"s. %etro, an" D$or !oth took "rinks from a *hiske)
!ottle ne3t to the %.<.9. a$ent+ the pun$ent fumes "iffuse" across the stuff)+ moist air. Masla,sk)
*on"ere" *hat Chernko,4s plans for her *ere+ the) certainl) *ere not $oin$ to !e $oo"+ !ut
*hat *as there to "oH <he is the enem)+ a sin$le enem) *ithin a hu$e net*ork of others+ others
#ust as "ea"l) if not more tenacious than her. 1e close" his e)es an" the ima$e of Chase /arcla)
a fe* months a$o+ knockin$ out three other traine" arm) assassins "urin$ a practice !ack in the
Fnite" <tates+ came crashin$ !ack to him. <ure+ it *as onl) a sta$e" practice+ !ut Masla,sk)
kne* that the a$$ression an" protecti,e thou$hts of /arcla) are stron$. 1e kne* that he *oul"
!e seein$ /arcla) a$ain+ onl) this time+ as the enem) instea" of a frien". Dn all honest)+ the)
ne,er reall) *ere frien"s+ #ust ac7uaintances+ t*o $o,ernment *orkers "oin$ the !est to ser,e the
countr). Af course+ he "eci"e" to #oin the "ark si"e an" sli"e to*ar"s the place *here the mone)
la)s.
Masla,sk) shut his e)es. 1e kne* /arcla) ha" somethin$ for 6er$uson. 2he man4s e)es *oul"
!ecome a li$hter sha"e of color e,er) time 6er$uson *as present. B,en thou$h it onl) has !een a
short "a) of encounter+ the t*o seeme" as if the) kne* each other fore,er. Dt appeare" as if the
t*o *ere connecte" from a sin$le train of thou$ht+ a sin$le stem+ an" a sin$le heart. 2hat scare"
Masla,sk).
9n" *hat a!out 1oll)H 2he plan *as to take her as *ell+ that *oul" surel) pull the plu$
on at least part of the %.<.9.4s "omain. Fnfortunatel)+ the) ha,en4t mana$e" to "o that )et. Chat
if the) "i" $et herH Coul" Masla,sk) himself alon$ *ith the others "eal *ith the *rath of *hat
*as to comeH Chat a!out the other a$ents *ithin the net*ork in the <tatesH Chat a!out the
CD9H DnterpolH 2hese *ere 7uestions no one in the <.1. or the >ussian mafias *ante" to ha,e to
"eal *ith.
157
D$or cou$he" a$ain in the !ack seat an" took a "eep "rink from the *hiske) !ottle. 1e
su""enl) starte" sputterin$ an" sta$$ere" to hol" himself up. Dt *as o!,ious that the man has ha"
a little too much to "rink. D$or procee"e" to open the *in"o* of the car an" ,omit onto the
alle)*a). -ean*hile+ Masla,sk) an" Chernko, simpl) stare" ahea" an" i$nore" him.
?Dt4s $oin$ to !e a lon$ ni$ht.@ Masla,sk) spoute" out.
Chernko, $a,e a 7uick smirk.
?<top smilin$+ )ou "o kno* *e are $oin$ to !e stuck here *ith this i"iot all ni$ht.@
?8ot necessaril).@ Chernko, chime" in.
Masla,sk) *as instantl) intereste". ?Chat4s )our planH =et me $uess+ more *aitin$H@
?8o. Ce hea" o,er to 1ernan 9l"olfo4s place.@
?Gou think he hasn4t $otten too tire" of us after *hat happene" earlierH@
?8ot if *e con,ince his son+ plus+ his son consi"ers me to !e his secon"ar) father.@ 2he
>ussian thu$ lea"er actuall) sho*e" a sense of pri"e in his short speech.
?Df he4s still ali,e.@
<u""enl)+ Chernko,4s emotion chan$e" to a small sense of sa"ness+ he reall) hope" that
6ernan"o 9l"olfo li,e" throu$h the shootout !et*een the %.<.9. an" their men. <lo*l)+ he
reache" insi"e his pocket an" pulle" out his cellphone. 9fter a fe* secon"s+ the line *as securel)
connecte" to a pri,ate satellite. 1e "iale" 6ernan"o4s num!er. 9fter a full minute of rin$in$+
Chernko, !e$an to *orr). /ut *ithout "ou!t+ a tire" an" sore soun"in$ 6ernan"o picke" up.
?1iH@
?(oo" e,enin$ 6ernan"o. 1o* are )ou "oin$H@
?2here *as a small $asp at the other en". D thou$ht )ou *ere suppose" to !e on a plane
lea,in$ for >ussia or China or somethin$.@
?Cell+ there has !een an issue.@
6ernan"o pause"+ ?Chat ED8& of issueH@
?Cell+@ Chernko, cleare" his throat+ mean*hile+ D$or e3pelle" another $lo! of his
stomach contents out of his mouth an" into the alle)*a). ?2he %.<.9. apparentl) reinforce" the
!oun"aries an" sent !ackup. D ha,e a $oo" feelin$ that the) are campin$ out at the airport+ #ust
*aitin$ to pounce on us. Currentl)+ *e are situate" at an arche" alle)*a) !et*een &anius <treet
an" 6ifth.@
?=et me $uess+ the *hole of )ou *ant a place to sta) for the ni$ht.@
Chernko, coul"n4t help !ut smile. ?Ges m) !o)+ m) frien"s an" 6er$uson all nee" a
place to sta)+ possi!l) for a fe* ni$hts.@
An the other en" of the line+ 6ernan"o si$he"+ ?D can tr) to con,ince m) "a". &o )ou
ha,e the ru!)H@
?Af course.@
?2hat coul" help out a lot.@
?D4m sure it coul".@
?1ol" fast for the time !ein$+ D4ll see to this instantl). Ah !) the *a)+ thanks for askin$
ho* D *as after almost !ein$ shre""e" !) $lassL@
Chernko, coul"n4t hol" a sli$ht !it of em!arrassment+ he ha" !een so happ) to hear from
6ernan"o that he ha" someho* for$otten the trou!le the !o) ha" $one throu$h.@
?Cell+ $oo" to hear that )ou are ali,e.@
?<ame+ D4ll notif) )ou if he *ill allo* ,isitors.@
158
?2hank )ou.@
?Geah+ *hate,er. 'ust "on4t $et into an) more trou!le for the ni$ht please.@ 6ernan"o
hun$ up.
Chernko, sat an" si$he"+ ?Chat *oul" D "o *ithout that !o).@
?-a)!e !e a little !it more a$$ressi,e an" competent to*ar"s )our $oalsH@ Masla,sk)
sai".
?Gour mouth likes to run m) frien"+ !ut sometimes e,en the lar$est source of *or"s
nee"s shuttin$.@
?<o *hat+ *e sta) there for the ni$ht an" leech off of 9l"olfo4s resourcesH@
?6or A8B ni$ht+ *e *ill !e hea"in$ off tomorro*.@
Masla,sk) shook his hea" a$ain. ?9n" ho* e3actl) "o )ou propose *e "o thatH 2his issue
has !een aske" a$ain an" a$ain )et )ou ha,e faile" to $i,e me an ans*er.@
Chernko, rose up an" $ra!!e" Masla,sk) !) the collar an" slamme" him a$ainst his seat.
1e $ot close to the e3.a$ent4s face. ?Gou ask a lot of 7uestions !o)+ )ou kno* *hat *e "o to
those *ho kno* too muchH@
?Masla,sk) shook of Chernko, an" cou$he". ?8o point in sa)in$ an)thin$ in all honest)+
the more )ou kno*+ the more )ou are capa!le of takin$ ,ictor) o,er )our enemies.@
?Ar so the) sa). >emem!er+ )ou *ill onl) $et the ans*er if )ou *ant to kno* the
ans*er.@
?Cell sir+ D *ant to kno* )our plans+ please "o tell.@
?Ch) "o )ou care so much a!out m) plans all of a su""enH D thou$ht )ou consi"er
)ourself to !e self.sufficientH@
?D #ust *ant to $et out of this "amp+ rotten place.@
?Dt4s >io m) frien". 2his N"amp+ rotten place4 has some of the most !eautiful !eaches.
2he *armth an" sunli$ht are a!solutel) stunnin$.@ Chernko, cou$he" into the corner of his
slee,e.
?2he) *h) aren4t *e thereH Ch) are *e campin$ out here in some "amn alle) instea" of
!ein$ at a cool hotel eatin$ plates of ca,iar an" salmon until *e "ropH Ch)H@ 1e *as !e$innin$
to soun" e3tremel) irritate".
?=et4s keep thin$s in perspecti,e+ *e are !ein$ hunte" !) some of the top a$ents in the
*orl"+ )ou kno* that.@
?9n" *hat shoul" keep us from !ecomin$ the huntersH@
?2he ma#orit) of the people are a$ainst us. >emem!er -arko+ *e are un"erpo*ere" in
this sense. Ce lack 7uantit).@ 2hen Chernko, a""e" as he $lance" at the ,omitin$ D$or+ ?9lon$
*ith 7ualit).@
?<o )ou are sa)in$ *e *ill pla) mouse for the rest of our li,es+ !ein$ follo*e" an"
sha"o*e" !) our enemies an" ne,er steppin$ up to pick a fi$ht oursel,esH@
Chernko,4s lips $rinne". ?Df a mouse is runnin$ in a "ark li,in$ room+ the cat *ill !e a!le
to catch it. /ut+ if the mouse "ra$s the cat into the interlockin$ la!)rinth of its home in the *alls+
the !asement+ an" the $ara$e+ the cat *ill not stan" a chance of catchin$ the mouse.@
?'ust like a fish out of *ater.@
?B3actl).@
Masla,sk) no""e"+ ?9n" *here *ill *e !e a!le to fin" this+ !asement or $ara$eH@
159
?2hat m) frien" is a $reat 7uestion. Fnfortunatel)+ the %.<.9. has e)es o,er most of the
*orl"+ so there aren4t man) !asements left to "o !attle !et*een us. /ut there are some places that
are less charte" than others. Ce "on4t *ant to pick a fi$ht on territor) that the) kno* !est+ *e
ha,e to "ra* them to a place *here *e ha,e the a",anta$e o,er them.@
?9n" *here *oul" *e fin" a place like thisH
?Cell -arko+ as D mentione"+ places such as these are e3tremel) rare. %laces *here one
can escape the Ba$le B)es of the 9merican $o,ernment are almost impossi!le to esta!lish *ith
the a$encies runnin$ aroun" sniffin$ us out like !loo"houn"s. 1o*e,er+ there is one place+ one
sin$le place left on the map *here e,en the Fnite" <tates *ill think t*ice !efore sen"in$ a full
force to+ rat us out.@
Masla,sk) leane" in closer. ?9n" *here *oul" this place !eH@
?9 countr) D like to call+ China.@
2he %.<.9. team arri,e" at #unk)ar". Dt *as !arren+ "esolate+ an" lifeless. Al" carcasses of
cars an" trucks la) *ran$le" like torn fence posts after a torna"o. 9cross the )ar"+ the *in"
ho*le" 7uietl) *ith a stin$in$ taste of ruste" metal. Dt *asn4t e)e can"). 2he *hole #unk)ar"
*as merel) a lar$e lot !roken apart into separate sections an" surroun"e" !) a lo* han$in$+
chain linke" fence. Dn all honest)+ the fence *as almost as *recke" as the ol" cars themsel,es.
Chat li$ht there *as $lo*e" from the rottin$ street lamps that surroun"e" the "eath !e" for the
once ne* machines. Dn the "ark of the ni$ht+ each !ul! cast a $loom) shine+ *hich ricochete" off
of the "estro)e" ,ehicles+ an" left a ha0) aurora of crestfallen thou$hts upon the passer!).
2he) foun" the entrance an" "ro,e in+ car tires makin$ lo* fre7uenc) screeches across
the ashen $roun". 2he team parke" their /-Cs at the e"$e of !roken car en$ines+ rippe" from
their ,er) o*n hoo"s. /runner $ot "o*n to *ork an" "ra$$e" out a fe* lar$e plastic cans of
$asoline+ fuel the) ha" !ou$ht from a $as station #ust minutes a$o.
9ll of them *ent to *ork+ pourin$ the no3ious+ pun$ent eli3ir onto the !eautiful ,ehicles.
<u""enl)+ the spic) fla,or of the rust) air *as ent*ine" *ith that of fresh $asoline. Dt *as a
fra$rant com!ination that cause" the *aterin$ of e)es.
/runner "umpe" out the last "rops of $asoline onto his ?o*n@ car. 1e !acke" a*a) to the
rest of the $roup+ *hich *ere all stan"in$ t*ent) feet a*a) from the con,o) of $as soake"
/-Cs . /-Cs !ein$ lea" into a slau$hterhouse. B,er) one of them5 /runner+ 1oll)+ /arcla)+
'ohnson+ As!orn+ 1a""ock an" Binspahr+ took a "eep !reath.
?2he) *ere nice cars.@ 1oll) "ull) sai" in the ha0) !ree0e.
Binspahr spoke up+ ?9re )ou e,en sure this is necessar)H@ 1e seeme" particularl) sa"
an" "istur!e" to *atch the three cars $o.
?%.<.9. hea"7uarters "istri!ute" them out to us for our o*n use. Ce *ere to "ispose of
them after their use an)*a).@ /runner tol" them.
?Ce4,e use" them for less than a "a).@ 1oll) replie". ?Chat a *aste.@
?=ea,e no clues for the enem) to fin". 2hat means "estro)in$ *hate,er that coul" lea" to
our i"entit).@ /runner sai" *ith "i$nit).
2he $roup *as silent. >)an /runner pulle" out his li$hter. 1e flicke" it until a flame *as
i$nite".
160
2he three cars !urne" *ith an intense aurora+ !utterflies of lit paint fle* up*ar"s an"
"escen"e" on the "r) $roun". 9 "ra$on of $ol"en encruste" flames rushe" up*ar"s an"
consume" them.
/runner si$he" 7uietl) an" muttere"+ ?2he en" of the !e$innin$ has #ust !e$un.@
2hirt)
24 1ours =ater
-ar$aret Eraft opene" her e)es to "arkness. 2he onl) li$ht *ithin the room came from a
small fluorescent !ul! !urnin$ in the center of the "arkene" ceilin$. 9si"e from that+ all four
"irections *ere !locka"e" !) concrete *alls. Ane *all ha" a tall metal "oor. Chere *as sheH
Cas this still &.C.H Ar *as it some*here elseH <he trie" to remem!er the e,ents *hich
happene". Dronicall)+ the a$ent coul"n4t remem!er much asi"e from seein$ the t*o men ha,e a
fist fi$ht an" a ?pre.part)@ shootin$ of her $un . her gun. Eraft 7uickl) reache" "o*n. Dt *as
also then that $a,e the !rutal reali0ation that not onl) *as her $un not there+ her clothes also ha"
chan$e". 2he *arm #acket *as replace" !) a simple *hite linen shirt an" pants5 Eraft felt a flush
of col". 1o* lon$ ha" she !een outH 2he a$ent ha" no clue. <he mo,e" an" trie" to $et up. 9
sta! of pain *ent "o*n from her hea" to her feet. <he *ince". =ookin$ aroun"+ Eraft reali0e"
that it *as a hol"in$ cell. Dt *as also ri$ht then that she "isco,ere" that one of her han"s *as
cuffe" to a lon$+ rust) metal pipe in the center of the room. 9s her e)es a"#uste" to the "im li$ht+
she also reco$ni0e" the metallic smell "iffusin$ across the sullen room . !loo". 2he soile"
$roun" near the *alls *as staine" *ith "ark+ "rie" !loo". Eraft felt a chill run "o*n her spine5 it
*asn4t e,en fi$urati,el) or from the col". <lo*l)+ her senses came !ack to her !o"). 9n" slo*l)+
her min" !ecame clear.
2he room5 Dt *as #ust a concrete !unker *ith a metal pipe loopin$ from the $roun" in the
center. 2he one "oor+ *hich *as out of reach+ *as pro!a!l) locke" . or so she assume".
Chate,er the case+ she ha" no *a) of reachin$ it an)*a). Eraft cou$he" into the "r) air. Dn the
corner of the cell *as a small hole a!out the si0e of a $olf !all. <he hear" rustlin$ in the hole.
%ore mice she thou$ht to herself.
Dn the other+ opposite+ corner of the room+ there *as a small *a" of material. Eraft
s7uinte" her e)es. 2o her "istur!e" min"+ the a$ent *as 7uick to reali0e that it *as a !ase!all.
si0e" *a" of moss) )ello* hair. 9nother *a,e of uneas) feelin$s rushe" o,er her. Where is
&imitri' What (ust happened' Who were these peop"e who detained her' #nd who were the ones
trying to )i"" her' Eraft !reathe" hea,il) an" shi,ere" in the col". <he also su""enl) felt hun$r).
When was the "ast mea" she had' <cratchin$ the !ack of her min"+ she remem!ere" that the meal
*ith &imitri "i"n4t finishe". <he remem!ere" the "eath of the *aitress. What was her name
again' Eraft still seeme" to !link out. 9 fe* minutes passe" an" no one came. Eraft for a secon"
thou$ht that ma)!e the) left her here to suffer+ to star,e+ to "ie an" !ecome the rats4 ne3t meal.
<he pushe" the ima$e out of her hea". 2he a$ent nee"e" to $et out of here+ !ut ho*H
<u""enl)+ the "oor opene" an" a man+ "resse" in #eans an" a 2.shirt stoo" at the "oor*a).
2he man also ha" a !ase!all cap on his hea" *hich co,ere" his face. 1e tosse" "o*n a plate an"
close" the "oor.
?C9D2+@ Eraft "r)l) shoute" to the man. <he felt her !o") *eaken *ith e,er) secon".
161
Dt *as a plate of foo"+ !ut a plate of foo" t*ent) feet too far a*a). <he kne* that this *as
part of the test. 2he lump of !rea" an" *hat appeare" to !e a !o3 of some form of li7ui" la)
there+ motionless.
Eraft trie" to sta) calm+ !ut the smell of *hat appeare" to !e a fresh roll "rifte" to*ar"
her. <he felt it sap all the remainin$ ener$) from her. 1er hun$er rose. /ut it *as out of reach.
2he cuff still !oun" her. <he s*allo*e" an" trie" to contain her hun$er+ #ust like ho* she ha" to
it in trainin$. /ut it *as of no use at this point+ she ha"n4t ha" foo" for so lon$ that the scent
*eakene" her o*n muscles+ e)es+ senses+ an" morale. 9t this point+ it *as o!,ious to her as to
*hat her captors *ere pla)in$. 2he foo" *as there as a s)m!ol to $i,e hope an" possi!ilit)+ !ut
A8=G hope an" possi!ilit). =ike 2antalus+ Eraft *as left ha,in$ her en"urance straine"+ her
stomach torture"+ her !reakin$ point puncture".
2hree hours passe" an" the roll4s scent "iminishe". <he 7uietl) curse" an" *as thankful
that the smell she so "esire" *as $one. Eraft hel" it5 she ha" to hol" it. 9t this point+ there *as
nothin$ she coul" "o !ut hol" it. 1er !reath !e$an to strain an" she still felt a po*erful thumpin$
*hich "re* her to *ant+ to nee"+ to !e$. /ut there *as no one to !e$ to. <he ha" an appallin$
that she *oul" !e makin$ her maker soon U the ne3t ?*a" of hair.@ 9$ent Eraft #ust *on"ere"
ho* lon$ she *oul" last insi"e here.
2hen her sa,in$ $race arri,e" upon the "oorstep. 2o sa) the least+ it *as certainl) not the
!est of all *orl"s+ !ut it *as an en".
2he "arkl) "resse" man still ha" his !ase!all cap on *hen he pushe" the hea,) metal
"oor open. 1e *as carr)in$ a tra) of rolls. 2he man then procee"e" to *alk for*ar" to*ar"s
Eraft. <he hear" his hea,) footsteps echo across the "esolate room.
Ouickl)+ the man "roppe" the tra) of rolls ri$ht in front of Eraft an" procee"e" to push it
to*ar"s her *ith the si"e of his !oot.
Eraft !reathe" hea,il) !ut a,oi"e" lookin$ "irectl) into his e)es.
1e also lo*ere" a lar$e canteen onto the $roun".
Eraft su""enl) felt his han"s run across the mar$ins of her hair. 1er !o") crin$e" not
from fear+ !ut from the ph)sicalit) off the ic) fin$ers *hich she coul" feel throu$h the thinne"
stran"s of her !ro*n hair.
2hen he stoppe" an" cou$he". <he reco$ni0e" the ,oice *hich she once thou$ht *as so
?charmin$.@
Cith a rasp) ,oice+ Eraft mana$e" to etch out the *or"s+ ?9$ent Collins+ *h)H@
?<hiftin$ ti"es re7uire shiftin$ si"es.@
?<o )our ans*er to trou!le is to s*itch si"esH &i" )ou !other consi"erin$ *ho )ou *ere
aimin$ to take."o*nH@
?-) ans*er is the Fnite" <tates economic "o*nturn *hich has turne" m) pa) to shit.
9n" *hen !a" times arise+ !a" thin$s occur. 9n" *hen !a" thin$s occur+ !a" thin$s must !e
"one to make those !a" thin$s $o a*a).@
?<o )ou #oine" the %<9 after risin$ from the CD9H Dsn4t that )our $oo" "ee"H@
1e lau$he"+ ?-iss Eraft+ e3cuse me+ 9(B82 Eraft+ "on4t )ou kno* the stakes !ehin"
*hat is $oin$ onH@
?D4m not e,en sure as to *hat is $oin$ on+ 9(B82+ or shoul" D sa)+ B3.9$ent Collins.@
?Cell+ D4m sure *e ha,e time to "iscuss m) future accomplishments.@
162
Eraft felt her hun$er sta! a$ain. ?<o )ou $o throu$h all this trou!le #ust to !rin$ me
"o*n.@
Collins smile". ?8o+ )ou alrea") shoul" ha,e !een "ea" !ack at that restaurant.@
?<o it *as )ou.@
?8o+ it *as "efinitel) not me for no one else ha" an) i"ea of *here )ou *ere.@
?Gou set me up. Ch) CollinsH@ <he *as !e$innin$ to lose her ,oice.
?Dt4s )ou huhH Dt4s al*a)s )ou. Cho $ets the promotionH Eraft. Cho $ets to $o on
e3ten"e" !reakH Eraft. 9n" *ho $ets the !enefit of e3tra pa) upon a mission4s successH Eraft.@
1e thre* his han"s up in a "ramatic "isposition. ?-ean*hile+ here is me+ lo*l) Collins+ #ust
simmerin$ *ithin his o*n urine+ *atchin$ the screen an" keepin$ an e)e on Eraft to ensure
nothin$ $oes *ron$ then $ets nothin$. &o )ou see the issue here -ar$aret+ or shoul" D sa)+
-a$$ieH@
Eraft instantl) remem!ere" &imitri from the mention of her nickname. ?Chere is
&imitriH@ <he sai" this almost too *eakl).
?2hat is somethin$ )ou nee" not to kno*.@ 1e kicke" at the plate of !rea" an" !e$an
*alkin$ to*ar"s the metal "oor.
<he cracke"+ ?2ell me )ou !astar"+ *here the hell is heH@
1e stoppe"+ turne" e,er so slo*l)+ then pulle" out his $un an" aime" it at her+ !ut it *as
more for sho*. ?Ch) "on4t )ou #ust shut )our mouthH Gou all think )ou are so tou$h. Ce shall
see ho* lon$ )ou last *ithin this place. D su$$est )ou eat up+ *e ha,e some Ntalkin$+4 to "o later.@
1e pushe" the $un !ack into his holster an" strolle" out the "oor. &ominance+ control+ he kne*
he ha" !oth.
Eraft shrunk "o*n *ithin the col"+ har" floor an" pulle" open the canteen. <he pause"+
fearin$ that the li7ui" insi"e ha" !een poisone". /ut then reali0in$ that Collins *ante" to Ntalk4
to her later+ she "eci"e" a$ainst the *orr). 2he s*eet+ fresh *ater trickle" "o*n her "r) lips. Dt
*as a *a3in$ si$n+ somethin$ she hun$ere" more for. /ut the canteen ran "r) !efore she felt she
ha" enou$h. 9t least+ it satiate" her thirst to an e3tent. <he then carrie" on to take in the "rie"
!rea". Dt scratche" at her throat an" cause" her to come in nee" of *ater a$ain. Eraft re$rette"
ha,in$ "runk the precious li7ui" in the !e$innin$+ !ut her )earnin$ for sustenance an" lack of
moisture sappe" her min" to a point *here she kne* she coul" not respon".
<u""enl)+ the room !e$an to "arken once more. Dt ne,er e3actl) occurre" to her that the
*ater+ in"ee"+ *as "ru$$e". Af course+ no* the a$ent reali0e" it *as a stupi" mo,e. /ut her
mistake *as enou$h to keep her ali,e. Dt *as either "eath from thirst or her !ecomin$
unconscious *hile still ha,in$ the future chance to sur,i,e. Af course+ Eraft coul"n4t reall)
fi$ure the "etails. <he fell upon the fro0en concrete an" close" her e)eli"s. Cithin a fe* secon"s+
her consciousness has faile" her an" once a$ain+ she *as in "eep sleep.
<he *oke to another li$ht. Dt *as the same kin" of li$ht one *oul" fin" in a "octor4s
office. 2he $iant pulsatin$ !eam !ore into her e)es. <he close" them.
<omeone pushe" the li$ht a*a)+ causin$ a lou" screechin$ of metal *hich cause" her to
con,ulse on the metal ta!le. Dt *as an operatin$ ta!le. <he ha" no clue *here she *as+ !ut Eraft
kne* at that point that it *as crucial she *as to $et a*a). 2he a$ent "i"n4t ha,e a clue as to *hat
or *h) Collins *as in,ol,e" *ith her assassination+ !ut it scare" her a little that there *oul" !e a
hit sent out on her.
2he ?sur$eons@ *ere clothe" in !lue.$reen scru!s+ o3)$en masks co,ere" their faces.
163
?<he4s a*ake+@ one of them sai".
?Chat "o )ou *ant from meH@ <he aske" in a tone of control.
Collins appeare" from the mass of floatin$ hea"s a!o,e Eraft. ?(oo" e,enin$+ -iss
Eraft+ *here shall *e !e$in *ith our 7uestionin$H@
<he *as *illin$ to test it. ?1o* a!out ho* far )ou sho,e" )our "esirin$ e$o up )ourI@
Collin4s har" fist lan"e" on her facial 0)$omatic !one. Eraft felt the har" impact an"
stin$ of the !lo*. 1e pulle" his fist a*a) an" "re* his face close to hers. ?=isten up !itch5 it
looks like Chernko, has foun" the ru!). 8o* *e nee" to kno* *hat *as insi"e that chipH@
?Chat ru!)H D "on4t kno* *hat ru!) )ou are talkin$ a!out.@ <he $ritte" her teeth from
the stin$ on the si"e of her face.
?Bnou$h a!out the ru!) alrea"). Chat *as in the chip EraftH@
2he chip+ *hich chip *as itH 1er memor) *as s*irlin$ a!out in lim!o+ unconscious to
an)thin$.
9s if someho* Collins ha" mana$e" to rea" her min"+ ?2he chip )ou $ot from
Cherno!)l+ *hat *as in itH D kno* the presi"ent sho*e" it to )ou+ C192 *as in itH@ 1is ,oice
escalate". Eraft coul" almost feel her !in"s an" the metal ta!le shi,er un"er his screams.
?DI@
Collins took a short o!#ect from his pocket. Cith a fleetin$ motion+ Eraft sa* him
position an" slam that o!#ect "o*n+ "irectl) un"er her ri$ht collar!one. Dt *as a fountain pen.
<he felt it pierce her soft+ *hite skin an" sink "irectl) into her *arm flesh. Eraft $a,e a small cr)
of pain+ surprise an" fear+ !ut she trie" to hol" in the rest.
&a,i" Collins procee"e" to t*ist the pen+ still em!e""e" *ithin her !o"). <he painfull)
*ince". ?<o+@ Collins !e$an+ ?D $uess *e can start talkin$ !efore *e !rin$ out the fun stuff.@ 1e
pause"+ spun the pen in a scre* like motion+ an" then pulle" out the fountain pen from her
searin$ flesh. 9 *arm streak of stra*!err) colore" !loo" oo0e" from the "eep *oun" an" crept
a!out+ stainin$ her pearl *hite shirt. <he sa* the stream slo*l) ra"iate+ like a shock*a,e+ from
the puncture. Collins *ipe" the fountain pen *ith a paper to*el he ha" pulle" from a near!)
ta!le an" sli" the pen !ack un"er his suit #acket. 1e looke" her in the e)es. <he painfull) looke"
!ack at him+ almost to the point of !e$$in$+ !ut not 7uite. Eraft kne* her en"urance *ill !e
straine" an" that she *as the controlle"+ like a stalke" mouse . an" Collins *as the huntin$
serpent lurkin$ in the sha"o*s. Collins stu!!ornl) continue"+ ?D aske" )ou a$ain Eraft+ *hat *as
insi"e the chipH@
Eraft !reathe" in hea,il)+ she felt a sli$ht hea"ache comin$ an" also sense" some
*eakenin$ of her lim!s from the su""en loss of !loo".
?D "on4t kno*.@ -a)!e it *as too stark of a response+ !ut her ?half."ea"@ state "i" not
help her in fi$urin$ out an) issues.
?2he) aren4t ma"e to talk+ sir.@ Dt *as one of the "octors.
?8o *orries Carren+ *e can al*a)s make them talk.@ 1e looke" Eraft in the e)es a$ain+
?8ot so NEraft)4 *hile !ein$ tie" up no*+ huhH@ 1e reache" o,er+ touche" her *oun"+ causin$
Eraft #ump an" $asp from pain. Collins ran the fier)+ luke*arm li7ui" on the tips of his
lamentin$ fin$ers.
9$ent Eraft cou$he" an" checke" her *oun"+ it *as still !lee"in$ !a"l). /loo"
continue" to oo0e from the "eep puncture. <he "eci"e" to make a "eal. ?2ell me *here &imitri is
an" D *ill tell )ou a!out the chip.@
164
?Ce "on4t make ne$otiations here+ Eraft+@ Collins smu$l) sai" to her.
?Choe,er sai" D *as ne$otiatin$ *ith )ouH@
Collins4 smile fa"e". Cithout emotions+ he or"ere" the "octors to "ru$ her.
Eraft felt the ,ile nee"le poke into her arm. 1er ,ision !e$an to fa"e a$ain an" she s*ore
at Collins+ promptin$ him to hit her in the face a$ain. 2his time5 ho*e,er+ she *as too "o0e" to
feel the pain. Eraft fell asleep seein$ Collins4 !eautiful+ smirkin$ face.
Eraft *oke+ she *as in another cell. 2his one5 ho*e,er+ looke" e3tremel) similar to the
last asi"e from the mechanical ta!le+ a lar$e !athtu!+ an" three car !atteries *hich stoo" close to
each other U "irectl) in front of her. Eraft *as no* tape" to a metal chair+ stan"in$ in the center
of the !arren room ne3t to the other o!#ects. 2he a$ent 7uickl) checke" her *oun"5 the puncture
*as hi""en !) the !loo"staine" linen. 1o*e,er+ she kne* from e3perience that the in#ur) ha"
mostl) clotte". 8otin$ the lar$e span of copper) !loo" runnin$ from her chest "o*n to her pants+
Eraft kne* she ha" lost a lot. 9lmost instantl) upon reali0ation+ the a$ent su""enl) felt *eaker+
"i00ier+ an" col"er than !efore. &irectl) ahea" of her+ t*o ?"octors@ in sur$eon scru!s *an"ere"
a!out. Ane *as preparin$ a s)rin$e. Eraft *ince". 2*o other men *ere also in the room+ !oth of
them ha" on a ,est an" !lack #acket *ith !a$$) pants. /oth of them hel" -%5 machine pistols.
>eali0in$ that Eraft ha" a*akene" from her slum!er+ the t*o men aime" their pistols at
her. 2he "octors+ too+ turne" to face her.
Ane of the "octors+ a mi""le.a$e" Caucasian man *ith a partial mustache+ pulle" out his
cell phone. 1e *aite" a fe* secon"s an" muttere" into the recei,er+ ?<he4s up !oss.@
Cithin thirt) secon"s+ the "oor in front of her *as pushe" open *ith a screech. Collins+
no* suite" up in a tie an" slacks+ came in *ith a smile. 1e stoo" ominousl) in front of her an"
stare" at her tire" e)es.
?-a$$ie+ a*ake no* D seeH@
?D *oul" !e more a*ake *hen D see )ou "ea"+@ ma)!e a little too far a$ain.
Collins lau$he". ?9h+ a fi$hter+ D use" to lo,e ha,in$ to "eal *ith those.@ 1e no""e" to
the t*o men an" the) lo*ere" their $uns. Collins then turne" to the t*o "octors. 1e snappe" his
fin$ers an" the pair #umpe" into action. 6irst+ the t*o of them fille" the !athtu! *ith four !a$s of
ice. Eraft hear" the cu!s fall into the metal tu! like *aste fallin$ into a cesspool. 8e3t+ the men
took a lar$e !o3 of salt an" slice" it open *ith a knife. Eraft *ince" at the si$ht. 9fter pourin$
the salt "o*n into the tu!+ the men procee"e" to turn on the faucet on the metal !athtu!. 2he col"
*ater $entl) flo*e"+ almost too $entl)+ "o*n into the !athtu!. Dnsi"e+ the fro0en *ater rushe" to
meet the salt an" ice+ causin$ a lou" $rin"in$ soun" *hich ma"e Eraft shi,er. 9 minute later+ one
of the "octors+ the one *ith the partial mustache+ turne" off the faucet. Collins *alke" for*ar" to
a"mire their *ork U he no""e" in appreciation.
?Cell+ -a$$ie+ it is )our luck) "a)+ D am $oin$ to $i,e )ou one last chance !efore *e "o
the !a" stuff. Chat information *as insi"e the chipH@
Eraft !e$an to panic a little. 2he truth *as that she onl) kne* of ho* it *as the propert)
of the 6/D+ CD9 an" %<9 an" that it ha" some important information enco"e" in it. <he "i"n4t
kno* an) of the e3tra "etails.
?CellH@ Collins *as smilin$ a$ain.
?D "on4t kno* much.@
165
?Cron$ ans*er.@ Collins no""e" to the t*o men *ith the $uns. 2he) put their *eapons
asi"e+ *alke" o,er+ an" !e$an unt)in$ Eraft. Df she *asn4t in such !a" of shape+ she mi$ht ha,e
taken the opportunit) to fi$ht them off. /ut she *as *eak+ tire"+ an" ha" a !urnin$ ache *ithin
her si"es+ her in#ur)+ an" her hea".
9fter un"oin$ her !in"s+ the t*o men strai$htene" Eraft. <he trie" to stan" !ut felt
e3cruciatin$l) *eak. 1er le$s coul"n4t hol" her up an" her sta! *oun" su""enl) reopene"+
causin$ a rush of !loo" "o*n her !o"). <ome of it poole" near her feet. Eraft $aspe" from the
su""en *a,e of "i00iness.
2he t*o men "ra$$e" her o,er to the tu!. <he coul" see a small trail of her o*n !loo"
tailin$ after her across the concrete $roun". Eraft $aspe" "esperatel) for air.
Collins looke" at her. ?<o+ ma)!e one =9<2 of the last chance.@
(au$in$ her options+ Eraft kne* she *as not to share her information+ !ut kno*in$ her
position+ she opte" for sur,i,al. Dt *as selfish+ *ron$+ an" a$ainst the rules. 1o*e,er+ she kne*
the ne$ati,ities all too *ell+ especiall) *hen &imitri4s status *as still in 7uestion. ?Dt *as la!ele"
as the propert) of the CD9+ 6/D an" %<9. 2hat *as all that the %resi"ent tol" me.@
Collins pause" from rene*e" intereste"+ ?(o on.@
?2hat4s all that D kno*Ihell Collins D "on4t e,en kno* *h) D !othere" $ettin$ it
consi"erin$ D kne* nothin$ a!out itI#ust like that ru!) no one tol" me a!out.@
Collins4 an$er rose. 1e $ot close to her face an" shoute"+ ?Chat a!out "issensionH Chere
*as "issensionH Chat a!out %ro#ect VectorH D nee" to kno* E>962+ tell meL@ 1e steame"+
?9lso+ D kno* )ou kno* a!out <(<. 2ell me *ho is <(<H D4m $i,in$ )ou the opportunit) Eraft5
"on4t make it so har" on )ourself.@
Eraft close" her e)es. <he felt some har" tears rise from the rear of her e)es. &espite
!ein$ traine"+ she kne* it *as useless. ?D "on4t kno* Collins+ D "on4t kno*. D *as ne,er tol"I@
?<top it. Gou *ere the closest to the %resi"ent. 2here is 8A C9G )ou coul" ha,e not
kno*n a!out an) of these+ )ou *oul" ha,e E8AC8 a!out it. 2B== -B E>962+ 2B== -B <A
D &A842 19VB 2A &A 21D<.@
?<orr)+ D can4t "o thisI@ <he pause"+ ?&a,i".@
?Gou !itch+ )ou ha" e,er)thin$. Gou think )ou coul" $et a*a) *ith an)thin$. Gou
messe" up missions onl) to !e repai". Gou scre*e" people o,er *ith )our se3. Gou fucke" up
&imitri4s ,ital #o! at sp)in$ a$ainst the >ussians. Cell $uess *hat *horeH 1e4s "ea"5 D shot him
up at )our apartment. D *ishe" )ou coul" ha,e !een there *here his le$s fra$mente" un"er the
po*er of m) .45. Gou kno* *hat elseH Dt *as the most !eautiful an" "amn spectacular sho* D
ha,e e,er seen. Gou shoul" ha,e seen his face all scare" an" *orrie". Gou shoul" ha,e !een
there to *itness ho* he cra*le" ten feet to tr) to $ra! his *eapon. 9n" )ou *oul" &B6D8D2B=G
ha,e lo,e" to ha,e seen him cr) in a$on) as D shot him in his stomach. 1is !loo"+ it *as
!eautifulIso !eautiful. 9n" )ou kno* *hat else EraftH 2hat !astar" still ha" the $uts to sa) that
he lo,e" )ou !efore D slit his ,er) throat.@ 1e stoppe".
Eraft sniffe" an" !e$an cr)in$. Dt *as the en"+ &imitri *as $one. 9n" her tears traile"
"o*n*ar"s+ like fallen an$els *aitin$ to !e kille". 9ll the lo,e the) ha" !uiltIlost. 9ll the
intimac)I$one. 9ll the careI,anishe". 9ll the storiesI"eparte". 9ll their secretsI
e,aporate"I$one+ "estro)e"+ "emateriali0e"+ $oneI
Dn !urnin$ an$er+ Collins pulle" out his pen a$ain. Eraft crin$e" not from the hurt it
coul" !rin$+ !ut the hurt the user ha" !rou$ht to her. <he coul"n4t hol" her sorro* an)more.
166
Dnstea"+ the a$ent let it run+ like streams of salt) sorro*+ "o*n her face+ "o*n her shirt+ "o*n her
!o")+ an" intert*ine *ith the crimson !loo" left to "r) on the "epra,e" floor.
?Gou4re a fuckin$ monster Collins+ a fuckin$ monsterI@ Dt *as all throu$h tearsI
Collins looke" at the t*o men. ?&rop her no* )ou *orthless assesL@
2he t*o men complie" an" pushe" Eraft into the ic) *ater *ithin the !ath tu!. <he felt
the painful stin$ of the li7ui" hit her forehea"+ her e)es+ her nose+ her face+ then her *oun" an"
the rest of her !o"). 2*o pairs of arms pushe" her in further into the to3ic col"ness. <he
stru$$le"+ !ut to no a,ail. Dnsi"e the *ater+ her screams+ her cries+ her !loo"Iall rose an"
!ecame "issol,e" *ithin the arctic eli3ir. Eraft felt the col" take her+ "estro) her+ !ecome part of
her. <he thrashe" a!out *ithin the chille" mi3 an" felt the pain sear into her lun$s+ her *oun"+
an" her skin. 1)pothermia hit har" an" she coul" take in the stench of her o*n "o*nfall. Dt ha"
!een almost thirt) secon"s. =ife flashe" throu$h her close" e)es. 2he "a) she fell off her first
!ike+ the "a) of her se,enth !irth"a)+ the time she scratche" herself *hen she slippe" on the floor
at the mall+ the "a) she $ra"uate" from mi""le school+ the "a) she sa* the happ) faces of her
famil) on her hi$h school+ then colle$e+ $ra"uations. 2hrou$h the "esperate+ )et futile attempts to
$et air+ Eraft remem!ere" the "a) she met &imitri at the trainin$ school for the %<9. <he
remem!ere" the "a) the) first kisse"+ the "a) the) ha" their first "inner+ the ni$ht the) ha" their
first intimate se3. /ut that *as all o,erIthe *orl" has reache" an en". 9n" as her han"s !ashe"
a!out+ searchin$+ searchin$ for the thin$s she *ante" most+ her life "raine" from her alrea")
*eakene" !o"). <lo*l)+ almost too carefull)+ her stru$$les !ecame *eak+ her fi$ht !ecame lost.
Circles cra*le" to the e"$e of her ,ision. 9 "i00) en,elopment of "arkness *rappe" aroun" her
o3)$en."epri,e" hea". Dt *as the en". 9ll aroun" her+ the *ater staine" re" *ith her pulsin$+
*arm !loo". 9n" it chille" further *ith the a""ition of her hot+ salt) tearsI
Collins replace" his pen in his pocket as he *atche" from a!o,e. Eraft4s mo,ement
slo*e"+ *eakene"+ an" then stoppe". 9$ent Eraft fell limp into the "eep a!)ss that is of the
fro0en+ metallic tu!. 9 con#urin$+ an" ominous+ silence echoe" across the fro0en+ portentous
room. 9s the t*o men steppe" !ack to ru! an" *arm their han"s+ Eraft4s au!urn hair floate"
across the chille" li7ui"+ her han"s still motionlessl) cla*e" at the si"es+ an" her froste" !loo"
continue" to pulsate into the "ark+ fri$i" *ater.
/runner sippe" his $lass of *ine as he looke" out the *in"o* of the motel. 2he ,ie* *as
a*ful an" painfull) o!scure" !) ol"+ run"o*n !uil"in$s. 2he) *ere safe+ for no*+ *ithin the
confinements of the small motel room. <e,en a$ents forcefull) stuffe" into a small space *ith
onl) t*o !e"s5 a si$ht for sore e)es if the times *ere not so o,ercast. B,er)one *as asleep on the
floor or on one of the !e"s5 e,er)one e3cept him. 1e stare" into the open skies+ then at the ol"
!uil"in$s+ then at the skies a$ain. /runner thou$ht a!out *hat ha" happene" that "a). 1e
7uestione" the moti,es of the enem)+ as *ell as the moti,es for his $roup. 1e coul"n4t reall) fin"
an) to his "isma). Dt seeme" so+ common. Ei"nappin$ an a$ent+ not askin$ for ransom+ then
forcin$ that a$ent to "isappear amon$st the cro*". Dt seeme" so lo$ical+ so o!,ious. 9n" )et+
/runner still thou$ht there *as somethin$ left *ithin the pu00le that ha" !een so poi$nant *ithin
this operation. 6or one+ the ru!) presente" a means of fin"in$ somethin$. Ges+ it ma)!e lea"in$
to some ran"om pass*or" from some*here+ he ha" no clue as to *hat the) *ere. 9ll the
"ocumentation *as *ith 6er$uson. 8o* that she *as $one+ there *as no *a) he coul" fi$ure out
an)thin$ an)more. 1e hate" himself for not cop)in$ the s)m!ols. 1e hate" himself for !ein$ so
167
i$norant as to let 6er$uson $o on her o*n. /ut that hours a$o+ no*+ /runner *as #ust content at
sittin$ there an" "rinkin$ his *ine. Dt soothe" him+ it calme" him+ it ma"e him rela3e".
/arcla) shifte" in the !ack$roun". /runner kne* ho* harsh this must ha,e !een for
/arcla). <urel)+ meetin$ to"a) an" !reakin$ tomorro* seeme" #ust too 7uick. &espite the %<9
ha,in$ !een traine" to a,oi" emotion+ it is har" not to. Dn fact+ man) ha,e conclu"e" that the
emotional !ri"$es !uilt !et*een each of them actuall) fuel for safet) an" success. 8o reason *as
there to not lo,e someone )ou *ork *ith. Ar so /runner thou$ht. 1e close" his e)es an" shook
his hea" an" *on"ere" ho* an)one can sleep in a situation like this. 2hen his phone su""enl)
ran$. Dt *as %resi"ent -a#e*ski.
2he rin$+ of course+ *oke e,er)one else. /runner apolo$i0e"+ tol" e,er)one that it *as
the presi"ent+ an" then ans*ere". ?1ello -r. %resi"ent+@ he put in the pri,ate co"e *hich tol"
others it *as >)an /runner himself+ an" then procee"e". ?(oo" ne*sH@
2he presi"ent cou$he". ?D4m sorr) sir+ more !a" ne*s.@
?<en" it.@ 1e turne" on the speaker. B,er)one else ru!!e" their e)es in the "arkness an"
trie" to listen in. 1oll) si$he" an" /arcla) inhale".
?Ce lost contact *ith Eraft an" =ene,ski.@
?Chen *as thisH@
?9ppro3imatel) t*el,e hours a$o.@
/ein$ informe" of the shootin$ earlier+ /runner *asn4t sure ho* to take the ne*s. ?=ost
contact as in "ea" silence or simpl) that the) are a,oi"in$ the callH@
?2he 1O tracke" them ,ia their phones !ut coul"n4t locate them. &imitri =ene,ski4s
phone *as offline an" Eraft4s phone *as left at the restaurant after the shootin$I@
?2rackin$ "e,ices+ *e all ha,e one *e carr) a!out.@
?Ce checke" that too. 8othin$+ e,er)thin$ *as !lacke" out.@
/runner curse"+ ?Chat the hell is $oin$ on -r. %resi"entH 1a,e )ou finishe" checkin$
for others asi"e from Masla,sk)H@
?9$ent+ D ha,e no i"ea+ M. *as one of our !est men for man) )ears. D #ust coul"n4t !elie,e
him to !e the one *ho *oul" !etra)I@
?-r. %resi"ent+@ /runner interrupte"+ ?1e !etra)e" the team+ the countr)+ an" the co"e.
8o*+ *e can sit here all "a) an" "iscuss Masla,sk)4s past stren$ths or *e can keep up to "ate on
all ta!s.@
2he presi"ent coole" his attitu"e. ?>i$ht+ the Fnite" <tates -ilitar) /ase at &i#im!i *as
also attacke" a fe* hours prior. Gou ha,e alrea") !een informe" of this !ut *hat )ou ha,en4t
!een informe" of is that Ea!ins+ (reene an" A4 &oole) are also all missin$.@
?<hit.@
?Ges sir in"ee". Ce ha,e shit oursel,es *ith this *hole operation. D su$$est )ou $et 9==
of )our asses !ack <tatesi"e as soon as )ou *rap thin$s up in >io. D nee" )ou all to come !ack.
2he CD9 is in,esti$atin$ the situation. Dnterpol has !een notifie" of the situation+ as *ith our
informants *ithin China+ /ritain an" (erman). Eeep )our si$hts alert an" for (o"4s sakes+ keep
calm an" "on4t "o somethin$ stupi".@ 1e soun"e" futile.
?-r. %resi"ent+ )ou #ust tol" me that *e lost four elite a$ents an" )ou are still tellin$ me
to keep calmH@ /runner soun"e" an$r). B,er)one else *as a*ake an" at full alert at this time.
168
?=ook Captain 9$ent. Aur $u)s are *ell traine"+ !ut sometimes e,en the most *ell
traine" people falter *hen the time is *ron$. Ce can4t e3pect perfecte" success. 9n" *hile our
situation is "esperate at the least+ D nee" )ou+ CB nee" )ou all to !e !ack here *here it is safe.@
?<afeH &i" )ou not #ust e3plain to me the "o*nfall of t*o of our a$ents *ithin the
<tatesH@ 1is ,oice echoe" in crescen"o.
?=ook+ *e nee" to fi$ure thin$s out. D nee" )ou all to come !ack as soon as )ou can.@
?<ir+ *e are still missin$ an a$ent. Ce are still *aitin$ for Masla,sk) an" Chernko, to
call us for an) information. Ce can4t lea,e 6er$uson !ehin".@
?D "on4t kno* *hat to tell )ou a$ent+ !ut *e can4t risk an)more a$ents.@
?<o -r. %resi"ent+ let me $et this strai$ht+ )ou are $oin$ to make us lea,e an a$ent here
*hile *e i"l) run !ack homeH@
?Ges+ this con,ersation is o,er.@ 2he presi"ent cut the line.
9nother "eafenin$ silence fell across the room.
?Cell+ *e came all this *a) for nothin$+@ 1a""ock sai".
?Dt4s as if *e *ere thro*n into this mi3 simpl) for the cameo.@ 'ohnson a""e".
?Chate,er the case+ *e *ill ha,e to return. 2he man has spoken.@ /runner "rank the last
of his *ine.
?Chat a!out 6er$usonH@ /arcla) aske".
?2here4s nothin$ *e can "o. <orr) /arcla).@ /runner poure" himself another "rink. 1e
took a hea,) s*i$ from it+ then "roppe" the $lass hea,il) on the counter.
B,er)one *as silent.
2hirt).Ane
Eraft a*oke "esperatel) $aspin$ for air. Cas she "ea"H Chere *as sheH Chat happene"H
2he 7uestions poure" from her !rain. <he ha" a massi,e hea"ache an" her lim!s *ere fro0en
sore5 she coul"nKt !elie,e that "elirium *oul" "ri,e her to use that a"#ecti,e. -ar$aret Eraft+
")in$ an" sick+ stare" into the "istance. Dt *as a room+ !ut *here C9< sheH Eraft ha" no i"ea.
2he once a$ain !arren *alls *ere !eautifie" simpl) !) the presence of a calmin$ *hite paint
instea" of a rottin$ $reen peelin$. Dnstea" of the e,il+ !loo" encruste" pipes+ there she sat on a
soft !e". &espite the "ecor+ the surroun"in$s still ,iolentl) remin"e" her of a close"+ fro0en cell.
6ro0en+ a *or" so ne* to her life. 1o* "i" she sur,i,eH
Eraft looke" "o*n+ the rest of her !o") *as co,ere"+ nake"+ un"er a !lanket. 6or a split
secon"+ she ha" the horrific ima$er) that she *as in"ee" "ea"+ *aitin$ to rot *ithin this room
a*a) from her famil) an" frien"s. /ut instea"+ the calmin$ tickin$ of a near!) clock a*akene"
her from her "eepest horrors. Dt *as mornin$+ or afternoon. 2he *in"o* *as co,ere" partiall) !)
a clou")+ !lue.$reen curtain+ !ut she coul" see the luscious sunshine !urro* throu$h the $aps.
<he $aspe"+ not in happiness+ !ut in som!er relief.
Eraft carefull) mo,e" her toes. <he coul" feel them+ thou$h throu$h num!ness. <he
s7uee0e" her fists. <he coul" feel them+ thou$h the) ha" a lacerate" hurt from her o*n nails
"i$$in$ into her palms "urin$ the stru$$le.
2he stru$$le.
Chat happene"H
169
Eraft trie" to remem!er+ !ut memor) faile" her a$ain. <he remem!ere" !loo"+ a "eep
free0e+ an" a ,iolent !e$ for o3)$en+ !ut that *as it. 2he rest *as "arkness. <he felt her *oun"
on her chest. Dt *as mostl) seale" !ut $a,e a painful stin$ e,er) time she mo,e". Eraft kne* it
*ill !e there for a lon$ time.
%ushin$ herself up+ Eraft *as su""enl) rushe" *ith a massi,e hea"ache *hich hammere"
across her skull. <he fell off the !e" an" lan"e" har" on the ic) floor.
2he a$ent pulle" herself to$ether+ picke" herself up+ clim!e" !ack into !e"+ an" co,ere"
her shi,erin$+ nake" !o") un"er the *arm+ soft co,ers. <he *as hurtin$+ sick+ an" hun$r)+ !ut at
least she *as *arm.
2hat *as *hen Eraft sa* the plate near a small+ *oo"en ni$htstan". An it *ere t*o
"inner rolls+ !oth ic) col". <he "i"nKt *ait an" coul"nKt hol" in. Eraft let the fo3 insi"e her sprin$
out+ a$$ressi,e+ tenacious+ an" attacke" the !rea" *ith a ,iolent ferocit). <he ate the "r) rolls
*ithout !linkin$+ *ithout merc) or for$i,eness+ !ut *ith "esperate hun$er+ sa"ness an"
*eakene" nee".
I
2he) left in the mornin$. 2he *hole of them. B,er)one left. Dt *as a 7uiet ri"e. Dt reall)
*as. 2he *hole mission+ faile". 2he *hole scheme+ "i,erte".
/runner steppe" out a!o,e the *armin$ $roun". Dt appeare" as if there *as rain the past
ni$ht. 1e looke" across his team. Cell+ *hat *as left. 8othin$ results from the stru$$le. 8othin$
"ra*s from his min". 2he) pile" into the cars an" mo,e" alon$ the !us) street+ "o*n+ up*ar"s+
left an" ri$ht5 the roa"s snake" *ith "emonic turns to*ar" the airport. /ut there *as no fli$ht.
9s for /arcla)+ he *as still !othere"+ still reco,erin$. 9 tie" pi$eon+ a shot "eer+ a $asse"
fl). 2he ima$es of 6er$usonKs fate s*arme" into his teste" hea". /ut /arcla) "i" not sho*
sa"ness+ or *eakness+ for+ to sho* crestfallen emotion *as a si$n of *eakness+ or so he thou$ht.
1e ru!!e" the pistol in his pocket+ then stare" into the cro*"e" street. An the street+ people+
!ic)cles+ an" foo" stan"s cra*le" across the moist $roun" in ro!otic uni sense. 2hat *as that.
2hat *as the en". 1e close" his e)es in "efeat.
9n" 1oll)H <he hel". 1el" *ith her mi$ht. /ut this *ill continue to !other her. 9 thorn in
her si"e. 9 piece of sharp $lass "u$ "eep into her heels. 1oll) si$he". Dt *asnKt a !attle she coul"
*in. Ch) e,en !other *ith all the 7uestionin$H 2he en" is at han". 2he !ottom has !een reache"+
the finale has !een initiate".
2he) $ot out of the ta3is.
2he) $ot on the plane.
2he) *atche" as the plane took off.
2he echo of the cit) ,anishe" !ehin" the (ulfstreamKs en$ines.
Ea!ins a*oke *ith a start. Chere *as sheH Chere "i" she en" upH Chat ha" happene"H
9nother rush of 7uestions. 9 matter of 7uestionin$. 2here *as a li$ht. Chat li$ht *as itH Dt *as a
fluorescent li$ht. Dt *as a col"+ concrete room *ith a li$ht. <he sa* AK &oole) an" (reene+ still
knocke" out in the corner. <he *on"ere" *hether the) *ere still ali,e. <he sa* their !reathin$.
2he) *ere ali,e. Chere *ere the)H Dn the center of the room+ the cur,e" metal pipe rose out of
the $roun" like a poise" co!ra. <he ha" no i"ea.
170
Chen Eraft hear" the ,oices+ she kne* the) *ere not in her hea". 2he) *ere ,oices of
the men. 2he ,oices of Collins an" his partners. 1er *oun"s *ere still fresh+ !ut she kne*
escape *as a potential possi!ilit).
Chen 6er$uson *oke+ she *atche" the "esolate concrete room. Chere *as sheH Chere
"i" she en" upH Chat ha" happene"H 9nother rush of 7uestions. 9 matter of 7uestionin$. 2he
li$hts flickere". 2he col" "rafte". 6er$uson ran her ic) han"s across her le$s+ tr)in$ to for$e out
*armth. 2here *asnKt much of it. 2here *as one place that *as *arm U the cur,e" pipe in the
center of the fro0en room.
2hirt).t*o
<o that *as that. 2he en" of the !e$innin$. 9 rise to shame. 9 rise to fame. 9s /runner
left his office+ he cau$ht si$ht of 1oll) s*iftl) lea,in$ the scene. Cere the) still connecte"H Cas
there still attraction. %ossi!l)+ !ut 1oll) *as not in the moo". 8o one *as in the moo". 1e left
the hea"7uarters+ he left <outh 9frica+ he left -o0am!i7ue+ he left his #o! at the en" of the "a)
*ith a feelin$ of re$ret+ of hopelessness. 2hat *as that. 2he search for the <.1.+ the failure to
fin" them+ the search for Chernko,+ the ina!ilit) to "etain him an" the loss of 6er$uson. <o *as
this a ,ictor)H 1e "i"nKt think so.
1e $ot in his 6or" 6ocus an" "ro,e home. 2he *in"o* roa" lea" to his house. 9 col"
si$ht+ empt)+ !arren+ lifeless. 6or )ears+ !urro*in$ *olf spi"ers ha" etche" holes *ithin his front
)ar". 8o*+ his nei$h!orhoo" pestici"e !om!in$s ha,e remo,e" them. 6or )ears+ his )ar" *as
fille" *ith !ir"s. 8o*+ the) remain silent in the "ea" ni$ht.
1e sho*e"+ ate some takeout he ha" alon$ *ith some lefto,er *ine. Dt *arme" him.
/runner ploppe" onto the sofa an" turne" on some music. &r)ness. 1e !rou$ht his laptop out
an" t)pe" in the pass*or". <lo* connection. /runner tosse" e,er)thin$ "o*n an" lai" on his
sofa. Dt *as 7uiet.
1e *as a!out to "o0e off *hen his phone ran$. Dt *as 1oll).
?/runner+ *e ha,e a pro!lem. DtKs Eansas.@
?ChatH@
?2urn on )our "amn 2V.@
1e "i". 9n" it *as chaos.
Dt *as a !om! threat unlike an) at the hi$h school. <tu"ents *ere all rushe" out into the
open Eansas fiel"s. B,acuation *as 7uick an" clean...!ut also mess). Dt *as all a !lur. Dt *as all a
mess. Dt *as all chaos.
/ut it *as the !e$innin$. 2hen came the "rones. 2he) strafe". 9 !loo") mess. 9 thousan"
screams.
9n" a fe* miles a*a)+ Chernko, smile".
&r. (arrison *atche" the e,ent unfol" in front of his tele,ision. 1e *atche"+ e)es open.
2hen he turne" off the 2V an" left for the hospital. 2he car ski""e" out of his "ri,e*a) an" out
into the street. Dt *as ,er) col". <no* starte" to "ri00le upon the "eafenin$ $re)ness of the open
lan"scape. 1e passe" the countr)+ he passe" the su!ur!s. Chen he arri,e" at the hospital
171
entrance+ the am!ulances *ere there. Dn the "istance+ a lone "roneKs en$ines echoe" like a clap of
thun"er.
2he "octor entere" the hospital. 9 frantic mess. %eople stre* e,er)*here+ !ooks an"
ma$a0ines all knocke" o,er+ an" staff mo,in$ 7uickl) across the room to tr) an" ten" to the
people *ithin the room.
Dt *as three hours later *hen he o!ser,e" the !o") of the patients. 1e *as runnin$ a
tissue sample across the microscope *hen he reali0e" somethin$ *hich cause" him to $asp. Dt
*as one hun"re" percent "issension.
I
9n" so it en"e"5 his short ,acation. /runner *as in Eansas. 2he "eath an" "estruction.
2he !io.ha0ar" suits. 2he lock"o*n. Dt *as a mess.
9 man came up to him. ?9$ent /runner+ *e ha,e #ust e3perience" a !ioterrorist attack.@
?<o so it !e$ins.@
An the en" of the fiel"+ a lar$e+ smokin$ *reck of a "rone la) "ormant on the torn turf.
/runner *ent up an" e3amine" it. 2he shape of Christ the >e"eemer *as present. 9s
/runner shifte" insi"e his o*n !io.ha0ar" suit. 1e sa* the initials ?V.C.@
?Chernko,+@ he mouthe".
Eraft kne* she ha" to escape. <he ha" to. Dt *as the most sensi!le thin$ to "o. &eath *as
imminent *ithin her life. Dt *as the fact. <he 19& to face the facts. 6or the last fe* "a)s+ she
has !een plannin$ it. Dt *oul" !e simple. 9 !reakout+ a "istraction. <o she *aite". 9n" *aite".
A,er the "a)s+ she "reame" of &imitri+ an" *hether he *as still there. <he *on"ere" *hether he
"ie" easil). Eraft trie" to a,oi" thinkin$ a!out his "is$runtle" face *ithin the pool of *arm
!loo". 9s *ell as the clan$ of CollinsK pistol.
An "a) three+ the opportunit) came. 9 mercenar)+ carr)in$ the usual tra) of foo". Chen
he arri,e" in the room+ she turne" to him. 2heir e)es met. %hase one complete. <he sol" herself.
1ormone "ri,en an" lackluster+ the mercenar) mo,e" in. %hase t*o complete. 1e $ot closer. <he
coul" smell his stale !reath.
<he kisse" him.
<he taste" the ra* alcoholic air ,entin$ from his sour mouth.
2hen she $ra!!e" his knife.
Dt *as all o,er in a fe* secon"s. Eraft+ !loo".stre*n an" "a0e"+ $ra!!e" the *eapons
!elt+ cocke" the "ea" mercenar)Ks $un. 9n" ran.
%ast the hall*a)s of screams. %ast the rooms of ")in$ *omen. %ast the rooms *ith !io.
ha0ar" s)m!ols. <he ran.
Dt *as that eas).
Dt *as the same feelin$ she ha" *hen she ran track in hi$h school. Dt *as the feelin$. <he
ele,ate" herself as her *oun"s "esperatel) tu$$e" at her. 2hen she fire" her first shots. Dt *as
some*hat unnecessar)+ !ut it *as "one. 2he $uar" fell "o*n like slau$htere" "o,es.
<he ran.
9n" she sa* the rooms flash !) *ithout lo,e+ *ithout honor.
172
2he "oor *as at last *ithin reach.
<he !urst throu$h it into open sunli$ht.
Eraft felt the *arm ra)s echo across her !o").
<he taste" the col" *inter air *ithin her nose+ her e)es.
9n" then the alarms soun"e".
8o *aitin$.
<he ran.
/urst speech.
<uperchar$e.
&istance.
Eraft sprinte" across the col" $roun". 1er *hite $arments trailin$ !ehin" her+ hea,enl)+
$hostl).
<he sprinte" across the fiel"s.
Eraft reali0e" that it *as farmlan" all across. Bmpt) farmlan" *ith a lar$e $rasslan"
ahea" of her. 2he rest *as open lan". <he *as helpless+ nake"+ e3pose".
2hat *as *hen the $unfire echoe" across the !ackfiel"s !ehin" her. 2enacious+
a$$ressi,e+ o,er!earin$.
2he !ullets ate the $roun".
<he continue" to sprint.
2he metallic shells "ance" all aroun" her.
2en meters.
Eraft coul" hear the reco$ni0a!le scream of Collins in the !ack$roun"+ !ut it *as
hopeless. <he ha" to run.
Chen Eraft sprinte" across the open fiel". 9 *arm ra) of sunshine $lance" across the
earth. 9 *olf spi"er clim!e" out of the $roun" to soak in the sunshine. Chen Eraft sprinte" !)+
the spi"er "arte" !ack into its small !urro*.
2hree meters.
2*o meters.
Ane meter.
<he *as in the $rass. <he *as free. 6ree from constraints. Eraft *ante" to press the eas)
!utton+ !ut she kne* it *as still earl). <he must fi$ure out *here she is.
Eraft *an"ere" in to col" for hours. 2he sk) *as "immin$. Dt *as soon ni$ht+ the time
*hen the col" came har"er.
<he shi,ere" *ithin her scant $arments+ tr)in$ to see an)thin$.
2hat *as *hen she sa* a small si$n an" she reali0e" *here she *as. 2he si$n rea"+
?9r$iope.@
2he clim! to the top of the hill *ithin the forest sappe" more of her ener$). <he *as
")in$. 2he *oun"s ha" opene" up. <ome !loo" seepe". Eraft searche"+ looke"+ clim!e". <he
sa* the house. 2he Victorian st)le house tucke" a*a) at the top of the foreste" hill.
?(arrison.@ <he mouthe" the *or"s.
6inall)+ Eraft reache" the steps. 9n" she fell upon them unconscious. 9 small amount of
!loo" traile" onto the "oorstep.
173
9n" so it *as 7uarantine". 2he "rone attack sent a *a,e of &issension malaria into a
$roup of lar$e hi$h schoolers. /) the en" of the "a)+ it *as estimate" that 80V of them *ere
affecte".
/runner pace" a!out in the mock 1O room in the police station. 1e *as there+ !ut onl)
him.
/runner *asnKt e,en sure *h) he *as sent e3cept that he *as.
9n ol"+ tire" lookin$ man entere" the room.
/runner rose from his chair to $reet him.
?D see our paths ha,e crosse" a$ain+@ the man sai".
?Dt appears so. =ooks like )ou *onKt !e nee"in$ m) help much.@
?8o+ D nee" )our help all ri$ht. 9fter all+ D C9< the one *ho tau$ht )ou to "isarm the
enem).@
?Celcome !ack to the team &r. (arrison+@ /runner sai".
/runner "esperatel) *ante" to track "o*n Chernko,. (arrison no* "esperatel) ha" to
fin" some*a) to com!at &issension. Dt *as a "ra*n line. 8either coul" reall) help each other.
/) ele,en.thirt)+ !oth parties calle" the ni$ht.
/runner left for his hotel.
(arrison left for his house.
6or (arrison+ the "ri,e *as another lon$ one. 1e still has )et to $et o,er the "eath of his
"au$hter. B,er) time he returns home. Dma$es of his onl) chil"+ torn+ !eaten+ rape"+ still echo
across his e)es.
Chen he arri,e" at his house. <omethin$ *asnKt ri$ht. 1e sa* somethin$ on the "oorstep.
(arrison "re* his pistol. 1e carrie" one e,er since that fateful "a).
/ut as he $ot closer. 1e reali0e" *ho it *as. Ouickl) (arrison checke" the *omanKs
pulse. Dt *as *eak !ut certainl) there. <he also ha" a ra$in$ fe,er. 1e unlocke" the "oor+ picke"
the fra$ile *oman up an" !rou$ht her insi"e. 2he "oor close" *ith an inau"i!le Kthump.K
2hirt).2hree
9 "a) passe" an" -ar$aret EraftKs con"ition *as still a*r). (arrison put her on his
"au$hterKs ol" !e" an" checke" to ensure she *as fine. <omethin$ cau$ht his e)e *hen he *as
takin$ her temperature.
1er *rist.
2here *as an ominous in#ection hole in it.
Dt looke" sli$htl) s*ollen.
1e took out a small s)rin$e from an ai" !o3 near the !e" an" flicke" it.
(arrison took a sample of EraftKs !loo".
1e *aite" as the sample coole" so he coul" look at it un"er the microscope.
Chen he place" the sli"e un"er the lens. 1e sa* it. Dt *as &issension. B3cept it *asnKt. Dt
*as the parasite for sure. 1o*e,er+ a fe* of the in"i,i"uals ha,e ha" their !o"ies "estro)e".
Fpon e3posure to air+ ho*e,er+ the parasites continue" to mo,e a!out. /ut (arrison *as
shocke". Dt appeare" to him that Eraft *as "e,elopin$ anti!o"ies a$ainst the parasite. 1e cross
reference" the !loo" of the hi$h schoolers *ho *ere affecte"+ man) of *hom are still ")in$
174
*ithin the hospital !e"s at the time. 2he "ifferences *ere so stark that (arrison *as !lo*n a*a)
an" sta)e" 7uiet. 1e $lance" at Eraft. 1e then calle" /runner.
2hat *as *hen Eraft *oke up.
Dt took less than fi,e minutes for /runner to arri,e. 1e *alke" into the room. Dt looke"
like an) normal room for a teena$e $irl. /runner kne* of *hat ha" happene". 1e trie" not to
think or ask a!out it. Eraft la) !un"le" in un"er the co,ers.
?1er fe,er has $one "o*n a !it !ut she is still !urnin$+@ (arrison sai".
?<o "o )ou think D ha,e somethin$ in m) !loo"H@ Eraft cou$he".
(arrison e3plaine" his short fin"in$s to the t*o of them. ?9$ent Eraft+ )ou mi$ht ha,e
the solution to our pro!lems. 1o*e,er+ the contents are unsta!le. Ce nee" 6>B<1 !loo"
samples to "o an) further testin$. D nee" )ou to come "o*n to the hospital.@
?Cait.@ Eraft tol" the t*o a!out Collins an" the *hole scheme an" ho* he ha" !roken
the rules. Eraft then tol" him the location of his safe house. <he also tol" them a!out &imitri.
Eraft hel" the tears *ith her mi$ht+ !ut she "i" it.
<ilence.
/runner echoe" a small cou$h at the !ack of his throat.
(arrison con#ure" a lon$ "eep !reath.
Eraft si$he". ?Chat no*H@
?Ce hunt+@ /runner ans*ere".
2he en"$ame has !e$un. /runner loa"e" his *eapons into his 6or" 6ocus. 1e ensure" his
assault rifle *as in prime" con"ition. 1e "ro,e. 6ast. 1e "ro,e reall) fast.
6iel"s of $rass fle* !) the *in"o* in a "istance" !lur. 1e *as there. 1e coul" taste it.
Chen he reach the !arn+ /runner fire" the first shots at the $uar"s. 2he) tum!le" "o*n
like slau$htere" !ir"s.
Ouickl)+ the a$ent !uste" throu$h the "oors in !lurre" motion. 2he mercenaries insi"e
turne" #ust in time to see the !ullets fl). Dt *as !eautiful. 2racers "ance" an" li$hts flickere". Dn
the !lacke" cell+ rifles !urst. Dt *as o,er in a matter of secon"s. 9 room full of "ea" men an"
/runner stoo" a!o,e+ pantin$. 1e *as ali,e+ capa!le+ fuele"...ele,ate".
2he a$ent ran throu$h the hall*a)s+ checkin$ e,er) sin$le room. B,er) one. 2he) *ere
all empt). 1e $ot to the ,er) last room an" place" the !loo"ie" e3plosi,e char$e on the outsi"e
of the "oor. ?2his is it+@ he *hispere". 2hen he presse" the !utton.
2he !last sent the "oor !ack*ar"s. /runner thre* himself into the room+ rifle poise" an"
rea") to strike. Chat he sa* *as emptiness. 8othin$. 2he steel pipe cur,e" in the center+ the
!loo"stains pile" on the e"$es+ !ut it *as empt).
2hat *as *hen he felt the !last.
Dt came !ehin" him.
1e kne* it *as a flash!an$.
/runner fell to the floor+ clutchin$ his hea".
Dt took him o,er fi,e minutes to clear his hea".
Collins stoo" in front of him.
?Cell *ell+ if it isnKt the !etra)er+@ /runner etche" out. 1e *as tie" to a chair.
175
?Chate,er+ -r. /runner. Gour other frien" cause" enou$h trou!les. D "onKt nee" another
one to talk.@
?8o talkin$H@
?8o talkin$.@
?/ut Collins.@
?1ol) shit+ shut the hell upL@
/runner follo*e".
?D am "one *ith talkin$ to )ou i"iots.@
?2hen kill me.@
?Gou kno* *hat -r. /runner+ "espite the fact that *eK,e all ha" our past frien"ships an"
peer help+ D think D *ill take in )our su$$estion.@ Collins pulle" up a $un. 2he other t*o
mercenaries *atche"+ !oth hol"in$ assault rifles.
?8o* this is not the en". Dt is not e,en the !e$innin$ of the en". /ut it is+ perhaps+ the
en" of the !e$innin$+@ /runner murmure".
Collins looke" a*a) for a split secon"+ ?%erhaps.@
?Ch) not fin" out.@
?-a)!e D *ill.@
?%erhaps.@
?Ar+ perhaps not.@
?Aka)H@
?Aka).@
/runner si$he"+ ?Gou "onKt ha,e to "o this Collins.@
?8o one has to "o an)thin$. 2he )ears of sufferin$ has lea" to the pur$e of m) hate".@
?9re )ou $oin$ to let simple $ree" take o,er )our entire lifeH@
Collins lo*ere" his pistol from /runnerKs hea". ?-r. /runner+ let me tell )ou a little
stor).@
?D "o en#o) a $oo" stor) *ith some s*eet tea.@
?>emem!er corporate 9mericaH@
?D "o ten" to remem!er 9mericaKs political si"e.@
?>emem!er *hen *e *ere little an" an" the) use" to tell us that mone) "oesnKt matter to
the life of a $ro*in$ personH@
?Ges.@
?=ook ho* it turne" out in the real *orl".@
?Celcome to "isparit) !et*een the real *orl" an" the )oun$ *orl".@
?Ges -r. /runner+ or so D *as tol". D stru$$le" to hol" the famil) to$ether e,er since m)
father "ie" of a sta!!in$. 2hat *as *hen realit) struck. 2hen D $ot the chance to !ecame the $oo"
an" fi$ht the !a"+ !ut that ma"e me reali0e somethin$ else: !ein$ $oo" has no a",anta$e in
cash.@
?9renKt the success an" ai" )ou !rin$ to others not enou$h for )ouH@
?Dt *as+ until m) mother fell ill. &onKt )ou see 9$ent /runnerH 2he realit) is ne,er
checke". 2hen D came into contact *ith the -r. Chernko, an" 8a#a 8i,ea throu$h -r. 6letcher.
B,er) since D ha,e leake" the information to them+ helpin$ them an" recei,in$ the !enefits. D
ma"e more in one "a) for them than D ma"e in a *hole month *orkin$ for the "amn Fnite"
<tates $o,ernment+ *hich is more !roke than 8orth EoreaKs political re$ime.@
176
?ChoKs -r. 6letcherH@
Collins smile"+ ?Gou "onKt kno*+ "o )ouH@
?D am al*a)s rea") to learn somethin$ ne*.@
?Ance )ou reali0e *hat sufferin$ trul) means+ D *ill tell. 1o*e,er+ it looks as if life isnKt
e,en $oin$ to !e lon$ enou$h for )ou to fi$ure out.@
?ChoKs -r. 6letcher+ CollinsH@
?2hatKs for me to kno*.@
?8o one sai" it e,er *as eas)+ Collins. =et me tell )ou a little stor).@
Collin checke" his *atch. ?Cell+ since *e *onKt !e seein$ )ou aroun" an)more+ D mi$ht
as *ell *rite "o*n )our *ill.@
?9n" so )ou *ill.@ /runner pause"+ ?Chen D *as little+ D *as $oin$ to $et ice cream one
"a) at the ice cream shop. Dt *as the summer *hen D *as in secon" $ra"e. B,er)thin$ *as $oin$
*ell. 2hen su""enl)+ there came the !ullet. D "i"nKt e,en see an)thin$.@
?Cell then+ D think it is a!out time *e re,isit that.@
?Ah m)+ has it !een that lon$H@
?2ime is ne,er of the essence. 2hank )ou -r. /runner for )our stor) an" e,er)thin$ )ou
ha,e "one+ !ut no thank )ou.@ 1e pointe" the pistol at /runnerKs hea" a$ain.
?Dt *as $oo" *orkin$ *ith )ou Collins. %erhaps *e *ill meet in hell. -a)!e perhaps
then )ou coul" tell me *ho this -r. Collins is.@
?%erhaps.@ 9s Collins *as a!out to pull the tri$$er+ there came an e3plosion !ehin" him.
Dnstantl)+ the !ullets came throu$h an" hit the mercenaries. 2he) fell *ithout e,en firin$
their rifles. Collins turne" aroun" to shoot !ut a !ullet struck him strai$ht in the hea". 1e fell
"o*n onto the col"+ concrete floor.
1oll) steppe" in.
?Eaitl)nH@
?9n" *e ha,e $one full circle+@ she sai".
2he) ran out of the mansion. 2his time5 ho*e,er+ there *ere no !ullets shootin$+ no
>%(s+ nothin$.
?Ce nee" to $et Eraft to the hospital. Ce ha,e secure" the area. 2he hi$h school stu"ents
affecte" !) &issension are alrea") sho*in$ si$ns of !reak"o*n. 9n) lon$er an" the) mi$ht !e
"ea". Ce nee" to help them+ !ut *e nee" to help Eraft.@ 1oll) sai".
2he) left /runnerKs car !ehin" for 1oll)Ks -erce"es./en0. Dt *as faster an" more a$ile.
?Aka).@ /runner *as solemn.
?=ook >)an+ D "onKt care for !ein$ e,en or not e,en+ *e nee" to help the stu"ents.@
?2he) *erenKt there.@
?Cho *asnKt thereH@
?Ea!ins+ AK &oole)+ (reene an" 6er$uson.@
?DtKs too late no*.@
?D kno*.@
2he "ro,e in silence.
/runner !roke the silence. ?Chernko,+ Masla,sk) an" 8i,ea are still out there.@
?D kno*+ !ut the) ha,e to *ait.@
177
?&onKt )ou see+ 1oll)H CB are the ones that ha,e to *ait. Chile *e muck aroun" *ith
this shit *e canKt $o after them.@ /runner )elle".
?<o "o )ou *ant to help (arrison or notH@
/runner "i"nKt kno* *hat to sa). 1is short out!urst an$ere" himself. 2he) "ro,e in
silence. <ilence.
2he t*o of them arri,e" at the hospital #ust as (arrison escorte" a fra$ile an" *eak
-ar$aret Eraft out of the car. <ol"iers+ policemen+ an" a$ents *ere all a!out. Dt *as !eautiful. <o
secure+ so capa!le.
Eraft kne* she *asnKt "oin$ *ell. <he kne* the en" *as near. <he kne* nothin$ coul"
chan$e+ !ut she also kne* that there *as somethin$ insi"e her that coul" chan$e. Eraft ne,er
remem!ere" *hat ha" happene" to her "urin$ much of her "etainment. Chat she kne* *as that
she *as e3perimente" upon...an" she has the ,accine+ or so she hope". <tan"in$ up+ she felt
*eak+ !ut that *as #ust that+ a$on) *hich echoe" across her fra$ile !o"). <he thre* up onto the
carpet. /ut there *as no time+ a 7uick *ipe across the mouth an" Eraft *as alrea") escorte" into
a !lack car sittin$ in front of (arrisonKs "ri,e*a). 2he "ri,e *as a$oni0in$ as the ,ehicle ma"e
its *a) to the center of to*n. 2imin$ *as e,er)thin$+ an" she kne* time *asnKt on her si"e.
2he) reache" the hospital.
/runner *as there. (arrison *as there. 1oll) *as there. B,en /arcla) ma"e it out.
'ohnson+ 1a""ock+ As!orn+ an" Binspahr *ere all there+ too. Dt *as !eautiful. 2he *a,e of them
escorte" Eraft up the steps to the hospital. <afet) at last+ for all.
-ar$aret Eraft steppe" out an" *an"ere" to*ar"s the !uil"in$. (arrison hel" her arm to
stea") her un$ainl) trea". <he clim!e" the steps 7uietl). Eraft felt *on"erful "espite her fe,er.
<he kne* it *as the en". 2he en". 9s she looke" aroun". <he sa* all lookin$ at her. <milin$.
B,en /runner *as smilin$. 2he hospital "oors opene" an" (arrison let $o of her arm. <he *as
free to *alk. Eraft took one step into the hospital. <he turne" aroun" to look at e,er)one !ehin"
her: the a$ents+ the police+ the sol"iers. Dt *as !eautiful.
<u""enl)+ a lo*+ cacophonic e3plosion echoe" across the !uil"in$s. Eraft felt the punch+
then the stin$+ then the fall. 2hen she looke". 2he !ullet *oun" in the center of her chest. Dt *as
re". Dt *as !lee"in$. <he cou$he".
Dt *as ma"ness. B,er)one *as rushin$ a!out+ the a$ents+ the "octors+ the sol"iers. <hots
*ere fire". <he hear" the screams an" shouts. Eraft felt han"s !ein$ place on her fra$ile chest to
stop the !lee"in$. <he ha" !een shot. 9n" she kne* it. 2he stretcher rushe" alon$ the halls+ li$hts
screamin$ !) a!o,e like alien ships from far a*a) planets5 "rones floatin$ a!out in suspen"e"
animation. Dt came !) an" !)+ an" it !ecame *eaker. 2o Eraft+ it felt as if the "rones *ere
"istancin$ themsel,es. <lo*l)+ her e)esi$ht fa"e"+ her !reaths *eakene"+ an" her min" came to
rest. 2he stretcher cart continue" to rush as the ,oices of the a$ents "ecline". 9n" then there *as
nothin$. Bmptiness. =im!o. <he *as safe at last.
&imitri =ene,ski lo*ere" his sniper rifle. 1e sa* the chaos unra,el un"erneath the
!uil"in$s. 1e sa* e,er)thin$. 1e taste" the *in"s+ the air+ the !loo". 9s he *atch the cro*"
con,er$e on the entrance of the hospital+ he si$he". ?DKm sorr) -a$$ie+ D ha" to "o this.@ 1e
plante" the e3plosi,e onto the rifle an" *alke" off. 2he e3plosion echoe" like *arm thun"er in
the fro0en air...
178
Bpilo$ue
6irst came the itch+ then came the fe,er+ follo*e" !) uncontrolle" spasms of shock. Dt
*as all *ithin the s)mptoms. 2he citi0ens *ill suffer. 2he affecte" *ill "ie. 8o control of
an)thin$. 8o control of the parts. 9s time pro$resse"+ the ,ectors *ill e3pan" their ran$e across
the *orl"+ "ominatin$+ controllin$+ killin$. 9n" so that *ill continue until the) fin" the !locka"e.
Corruption re!uil"s upon itself in a c)clical motion+ )et motionless. 8o success *ill occur
*ithout failure+ !ut some successes are impossi!le to achie,e. 2he punch+ the stin$+ the fall. Dt all
continues on in the 7uiet *aters hi""en a*a) !) the ominous trees. &eep insi"e+ lurkin$ in the
sha"o*s+ the) mer$e an" $ro* an" sprea" *ithin the spittle of hate" thinner+ tumultuous+
tempestuous. <o it continues. 9cross the fiel"s of the center+ the forests of the perimeter an" the
san"s of the south+ man) *ill !e affecte"+ none *ill !e helpe"...until the e3act ,ector of
corruption coul" !e stu"ie"+ un"erstoo"...an" controlle".
179

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