by Dianna Love
The curtain separated in the middle and drew apart to each side, revealing a wall of glass as tall as the ten-foot ceiling, and at least two inches thick. Almost certainly bulletproof. Might even take a .50 caliber round.
One chair faced them from the other side of the window ten feet away from the glass wall, but it might as well have been the other side of the world. No getting through that barrier.
Stealing a guard’s weapon would have been useless.
A door opened on the other side and a man strolled in. He was bald and slight of build with a pair of half glasses propped on his narrow nose. The nonchalant stride fit his slacks, silk shirt and cable-knit sweater. All he was missing was a pipe and newspaper.
This was the man who brokered bulk murder?
When he reached the chair, he pulled the glasses off, sat down and two eyes so dark they could be black looked at them through the glass. “Welcome, Dragan. And your lady friend’s name is?”
“Not important. This isn’t a social call,” Logan replied.
Margaux kept the surprise off her face. So maybe the Banker didn’t know she was Margaux Duke from Atlanta. Snake Eyes might still be alive if he’d only sold her out to the DEA, as if that wasn’t bad enough.
“Very well, we’ll get down to business.” The Banker folded his hands over his chest and propped his elbows on the chair arms. He had no accent as if he’d been raised in midwestern America and his words were so precise Margaux wondered if he had trained to change his voice to fit in wherever he went.
He addressed Logan as he spoke. “I require you and your team in two places at once that are fifty-seven miles apart.”
Logan wouldn’t want to split his team, but Margaux kept a mildly disinterested look on her face as agreed. Logan had said he could figure a way around actually killing anyone for the Banker.
She hoped he could back that claim.
The Banker had paused and when Logan didn’t comment, he went on. “One team will set up a bomb attack for the convention center in downtown Seattle.”
Her gut squeezed, but she kept her face neutral as the Banker continued. “The other team will protect a Wilder Exploration drilling site south of the city.”
“Protect the site from what?” Logan asked.
“Technicians on site will need a window of time with no interference. No unexpected inspection. No one coming into work early. These men are on Wilder’s payroll. I have assured Wilder that his people will be safe once they finish sabotaging the drill site. Your men are to enter the command center for the site at a precise moment and escort the technicians out, making it look like a kidnapping.”
That part didn’t sound so bad. What was this guy up to and who was he representing this time?
Logan stuffed his next words with impatience. “That’s simple enough. Let’s talk about Seattle. What’s the area targeted and the body count expected so I can plan effectively?”
“I know you’ll be disappointed, but there will be no deaths in this attack.”
Margaux almost asked him to repeat that, but Logan got it out first. “Say again.”
“This is to be a terrorist threat, but there will be no actual attack. You will kidnap the speaker at a natural gas technology conference, but it will be easy. He’s in on the whole plan, even sabotaging his own drilling site.”
“Who?”
“Svenson Wilder of Wilder Explorations.”
Margaux realized why she knew that name and glanced over at Logan. He frowned, acting as if he didn’t recognize the name, but she’d bet he knew exactly who the guy was. Still, any questions about Wilder would sound like he was too interested in the wrong thing.
She, on the other hand, could pump for information.
Margaux asked the Banker, “Isn’t Wilder that guy who has a revolutionary design that’s challenging even horizontal drilling?”
“Precisely.”
“Why would he do this? At the rate he’s going, he stands to be the Steve Jobs of the natural gas industry.”
“Someone is always willing to pay more. China is growing economically so fast it’s becoming much like the US. They’re dependent on oil like never before while things are shifting here with the recent discovery of enough resources in North Dakota to sever this country’s need for Middle East oil. China does not care to be dependent upon the US as they move forward. They have their own reserves, but they lack the extraction technology that this country possesses.”
Margaux wanted to hurt Wilder. He’d benefitted by living in a country where he could develop a system worth billions. There would be time to deal with him and the good news was no one had to die.
The Banker waved his glasses as he spoke, a professor explaining economics. “Wilder’s technology has taken retrieval a step further than the horizontal drilling with the additional diagonal cut and his patented system. He’s fine-tuned hydraulic fracturing, which will likely appease the environmentalists who whine about it even though it’s been around for over forty years.”
“I don’t understand,” Margaux said, playing along. She’d read about Wilder. Smart guy. Too bad he had no morals.
The Banker explained, “Wilder came up with a superior method of developing unusual hydraulic fracture points that creates less impact on the environment and protects the water table from methane. It will revolutionize natural gas extraction. The process takes more time up front, but the production flow is higher. Take him and his technology away, and this country is left with its present, archaic methods.”
Logan asked, “Why sabotage his drilling site? What does that benefit?”
The Banker pointed his glasses at Logan. “Good question. This particular location is his premier drill site with the deepest drilling yet. If it remains intact, his leaving the country will have no impact. But with the right setting, the minor explosions used to break loose the natural gas will instead be magnified to generate enough damage to leak methane into the water table and blow up the drilling site. Once his people are safely out, they will travel with him to China.”
“And the US will think he was kidnapped so they’ll have no reason to suspect sabotage at the drilling site.”
“Precisely.”
Logan smiled in appreciation. “Plus there’s the added benefit of China’s improving their relations with the Middle East by impeding the progress here in the US.”
“A win-win all the way around.” The Banker smiled, clearly pleased with himself. Dress him any way you want, but there was no humanity in that face.
“Let’s talk money.” Logan sat back, relaxed.
Margaux listened as the two men hammered out the zeroes and Logan negotiated as if he took deals to commit acts of terrorism and kidnapping every day.
But of course, he did.
Watching him, she wondered how many times he’d walked into a viper’s nest with the odds against his survival? He had to be exceptional at what he did to stay alive, but this job would divide his men and that upped the risk factor.
Logan asked in an incredulous tone, “You’re going to make the payment in person?”
The Banker announced, “Yes. I will hand you the money when you walk Wilder up to the Learjet that will be waiting to take both of us out of this country. I don’t care to be involved on that level with an operation, but China has very deep pockets and the only way they would agree to this was if I personally handled the exchange. My reputation is such that they paid a significant amount as an advance, which means that I will not suffer failure in any form.”
“My men are the best. They won’t fail.”
“That’s good because you would not like what happens to them if you do fail. I’m a man of my word, Mr. Stoli. I have a simple philosophy that guarantees success. Everyone who works for me knows that I never threaten what I can’t produce.”
Logan showed total disregard for that threat, asking, “What about the specifics? I need locations and time?”
“When you’re returned to your hotel, you’ll re
ceive an envelope with everything spelled out in detail, but be prepared to go mobile right away. You’ll also receive some photos I think you’ll find interesting.”
She didn’t like the sound of that. Why had he demanded her presence? As if he’d read her thoughts, the Banker’s empty eyes shifted to her. “I will expect to see you with the Seattle team, my dear.”
Logan stiffened, but he didn’t snap a reply. “I command my team.”
“I understand, but having a woman in the operation allows for covering the unexpected. Is there a problem with her being in Seattle?”
Nicely played. If Logan refused to bring her on this mission, he raised the Banker’s suspicion over Margaux.
“She’ll be with me.”
“Very good. Enjoy your return trip.”
The room on the other side went dark. Margaux stared at her and Logan’s reflections as the curtain drew closed. She stood when he did and turned toward the stairs where their guard waited for them.
She had a choice to make. She trusted Logan to do the right thing, but she also had a duty to Sabrina and this country. Sabrina expected Margaux to avoid letting her emotions dictate her decisions about national security, which meant Margaux had to get word to Sabrina about what was going down in Seattle.
Logan would gag her and leave her tied up if he knew she was going to contact someone. She had told him she’d help.
But she’d never promised to keep information that threatened national security to herself.
CHAPTER 38
Nick leaned against the door of his Ferrari 458 Spider and checked his watch again. It hadn’t been the husky female voice that had gotten his attention and convinced him to meet a stranger, but the short and specific message.
Him: “Hello.”
Her: “Meet me on the top parking deck of the Varsity if you want to find Margaux.”
Him: “And you are?”
Her: “Hanging up.”
He was on time and in another twelve seconds, she’d be officially late.
A silver spacecraft masquerading as land transportation rolled past a lineup of vintage college cars, which sounded kinder than calling them beaters. The Lamborghini Veneno parked next to Nick’s fire-red convertible.
The doors slid up and away on the Veneno. A woman wearing a Burberry trench coat over wool slacks and thick knit sweater unfolded from the driver’s seat. The boots made her appear tall. She was an attractive mid-forties.
Why did he not want to believe what he saw? “You know I’m Nick. Do I get a name?”
“Talia.”
“That’s as good as anything I could make up.”
Her lips twitched. “All you need to know is that I’ll help you if we can come to terms.”
“First I have to believe that you can be of value to me. What do you know about Margaux?”
“I know about the DEA bust that went bad.”
He shrugged. “Anyone could get that info.”
“I know that she entered the Trophy Room to find the Russian meeting the Banker.”
Nick asked, “What’s the Russian’s name?”
“Dragan Stoli. Do you want to continue twenty questions or do you want to discuss how to help your friend?”
“We aren’t sure Margaux’s still alive,” he bluffed.
“She’s alive.”
Nick scratched his nose and shoved his hands in his pockets. “How do you know?”
“Because she met with the Banker today.”
That headache Nick had been trying to kill just came back to life. “Are you trying to say she’s working for the Banker?”
“No. She and Dragan met with the Banker about an operation they’ve taken on.”
This just got better by the minute. “What’s your interest in all this?”
“I want to capture the Banker.”
He’d gone out on a limb for riskier propositions. Sabrina might balk, which was why Nick would have to file this under doing whatever it took to get Margaux back. “If I agree, what do you want?”
“A day alone with the Banker when he’s captured.”
“Margaux has to come out of this alive, too.”
“That’s possible.” She tapped her finger on her cheek. “But for that, I’ll need something else in trade.”
“Like what?”
“A favor at some point.”
As deals went, this one was gut shot full of holes, but no one had come up with a better offer. He extended his gloved hand to shake.
She gave him an apologetic smile. “No exchange of fingerprints or DNA. We have a deal. I’ll be in touch.” She turned toward her car.
“What about Dragan?”
Glancing back, she lifted a shoulder. “I don’t need him alive. Do you?”
“Nope.”
CHAPTER 39
Margaux ordered food while Logan opened the Banker’s envelope. She’d seen Nitro on her way into the Sam’s Diner on Curtis Street in downtown Denver, but that was only because Nitro had wanted to be seen. She and Logan had to get out of here without being followed by anyone, the Banker’s people in particular.
Logan said it would be simple and quick, but they’d have to split up. She had a moment of anxiety that he was sending her out of the picture, but then she remembered that the Banker required her presence in Seattle.
Reaching into the large envelope, Logan pulled out a black sports watch, looked at it and shoved it back inside. He pulled out papers.
“What’s that watch for?” She kept her voice down, but the diner had a comfortable noise level with people chatting and so many hard surfaces.
Logan paused in reading the first of three sheets. “The watch is to coordinate with our sponsor during the event.” The Banker was their sponsor and the event was the job. “IDs are included. We just have to add the photos. Security clothes will be on site in a locked room. Must be what one of the keys is for.”
Drinks, two hamburgers and fries were delivered as Logan scanned the details. She jumped on her food, starving. Sometimes there was nothing better than fried potatoes and a hamburger.
He muttered, “Shit.”
“That good, huh?”
“We’re going to be pushed to hit this time frame.” He chomped on his hamburger and was picking up fries when she wiped her hands on her napkin. Done.
She looked around. “How long before we leave here?”
Logan stopped reading and lifted his head. “About ten minutes. As soon as I give Nitro a sign, why?”
“Because unlike you and the boys on the way back, I couldn’t just pee at the edge of the woods.”
“Damn. Sorry. We’ve got a few minutes.”
“Be back in a minute.” She’d been watching a woman struggle with two small kids near the bathroom. The table was covered in food, baby toys for the toddler and a stuffed animal the older one had tossed on the floor.
Margaux approached the table at an angle that allowed her to watch Logan out of the corner of her eye. His head was still bent over the Banker’s notes. She swooped down and picked up the stuffed cow that squeaked. The toddler turned at the noise and started calling out, “Mine. Mine. Mine.”
The poor mother grabbed for him as he tried to nose dive out of the high chair.
“This is yours?” Margaux asked, waving the stuffed animal and smiling at the little boy who clapped his hands. She leaned over to hand it to him and play squeaky in his face.
The mother’s face was etched with relief that said she’d expected someone to ream her for her children making a mess. She said, “Thanks,” and turned back to deal with the other one climbing around under the table.
Margaux went on to the bathroom, having only used twenty seconds to swipe the ignored cell phone. She waited for one of the waitresses to leave before she dialed Nick’s new burner number.
“What?”
“It’s me,” she whispered.
“You still in Colorado?”
“Denver, but not for long. I only have a minute.”
She explained about meeting the Banker, impressing Nick, and wrapped it up quickly with, “I didn’t have a chance to get the details. Dragan is reading them now and we’re leaving in a few minutes, but the good news is no fatalities planned.”
“We’ll be there.”
“Don’t interfere and mess up what Dragan has in motion.”
“Why?”
She stopped herself before she said, Because Dragan needs something from the Banker and must have a plan to get that when he has Wilder to hand over. Instead, she said, “Because we’ll lose our shot at the Banker. Just tell Sabrina that I’m trusting her and the team not to bring the Feds or Homeland in on this.”
“Jesus, Duke, why not just put her at the top of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list when this is done?”
“Bagging the Banker is worth keeping chaos out of this, isn’t it?”
“Haven’t you forfeited enough to get him, Duke?”
“This isn’t about Nanci, Nick. I know the team doesn’t believe me but it hasn’t been about her for a long time. There’s too much at stake and I don’t have time to tell you all of it. Would I like to see him bleed out? Sure. But that’s not what matters right now. He didn’t know I was the one in Atlanta hunting him, but after this that will change. With his resources, he’ll find out about all of us and we’ll all have prices on our heads, just like Nanci did.”
“Are you saying you don’t think we can handle him?”
“I’m saying I don’t want any more blood on my hands. This guy is too powerful and too insane to let walk away when we have a chance to stop him. He’s brokering deals to play one country against another. That’s someone who can start the next world war.”
“Okay. I’m sold that your head’s screwed back in the right direction.”
She would take that as a glowing recommendation from anyone else, but Nick wasn’t the best judge of stability. “Gotta go. Remember, don’t close in until the trade is done. I’ll call if I can, but I’m going to see this through to the end.”
On her way back, she cleared the call off the phone, wiped it down and let the phone drop into the ginormous purse next to the young mother’s chair.