“A dead body would have drawn attention. How many animals do you have here that feed on carrion?”
“Quite a few—vultures, condors, hawks and eagles, even coyotes.”
“And someone would have noticed that.”
“Yeah. We would have hoped it was a deer, but we’re obligated to check it out, especially if the location appeared to be on or near a trail.”
“Karvatsky knew that. By binding Mario’s hands and feet, and taking away his supplies, he insured that Mario wouldn’t go anywhere.”
“And he delayed Mario’s death.”
“Long enough for Karvatsky to do what he needed to and get out of the area. Either way, Mario would be dead and unable to identify him. But the way he did it, he managed to delay Mario’s death, which helped increase the likelihood of Karvatsky’s success as well as escape.”
“What kind of person—”
“A ruthless one. The same kind of person who’s working to bring down the grid across America.”
Tom covered his mouth with his hand, worked his moustache down, then seemed to make up his mind. He stood straighter and hitched up his pack. “You tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.”
“If you want out now, no one will judge you.”
“I don’t want out, Agent Brooks.”
“Nora. First name basis, remember?”
“Fine. I don’t want out, Nora. What I want is to help you catch this guy.”
Thirty minutes later, Randall had relayed the message, they’d set Mario up at the junction of the two trails with supplies, and were on their way.
They had less than five hours to find and disarm a Ukrainian terrorist.
Security Breach Page 18