by Mel LeBrun
“I'm sure they do have security software installed. And I'm sure I can get past it. Whatever it is, it's probably out of date. I don't think it'll be a problem.”
“Fair enough,” Michael replied. “I guess that leaves me to locate the server, get through their physical security and bring the server online.”
“What if it can't be brought online?” Gatti asked.
“That would make hacking into it difficult,” Jessica said. “We'll need to prepare for that possibility.”
“I gotta be honest,” Gatti said, “neither of you look like you're up for the task.”
“In a few days I'll be good as new,” Michael declared confidently.
“I just need my laptop,” Jessica added.
Gatti looked at them both and shook his head. “Is there anything you're going to need from me?”
“I need to know more about where the server is located,” Michael said.
“If I did my job right, it's in an apartment in Nuremberg, Germany, right in the area Kevin said to look. I cross-referenced phone records from all the residences in a three-block radius and was able to eliminate almost everyone. Took a closer look at the questionable ones and narrowed it down to one apartment. There are no phones, Internet or anything else for that matter registered to that address yet it's occupied.”
“Why do you think it's that one then?” Michael asked. “Wouldn't they at least need Internet?”
“They're probably leeching off a neighbor,” Jessica answered.
“Most likely,” Gatti agreed. “Whoever is living in that apartment wants to stay under the radar.”
“Think Jeff will let me use his plane again?” Michael asked half-jokingly.
“My father let you use his plane?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah. I didn't get a chance to tell you. He saved our lives.”
“How? What happened?”
Jessica felt conflicted as Michael explained how Jeff had helped them get to Venezuela and then to escape Ortiz's compound. He went on to relate how Jeff took care of Ortiz and flew them back to the U.S. She found it hard to believe her father was so willing to help them. She couldn't help wonder what his true motive was. He wasn't the type to stick his neck out for anyone. In her heart, she wanted to believe it was because he loved her, but she didn't trust him. She thought he must have some hidden agenda though she had no idea what it could be.
“I'll talk with the guys in the morning and see if we can come up with a plan. Until then,” Michael closed his eyes, “I need to get some sleep.”
WHEN JESSICA woke again Gatti was gone. She looked at the empty cot where Michael had been sleeping and wondered where everyone was. A few minutes passed and her door opened. Dmitri stepped in holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
At the sight of him, an enormous smile filled her face.
“Dmitri!” she exclaimed, holding her arms out to him.
He smiled cheerfully at her as he approached. He placed the bouquet on the stand next to her then bent down and gently hugged her.
“It's good to see you again,” he said to her. “I'm sorry it's not under better circumstances.”
“I'm so glad to see you too, Dmitri. We were so worried about you.”
“Agh.” He scrunched his face and shook his head. “No need to worry about me. Now you ...” He grinned at her. “What is with you catching stray bullets?”
A shy smile crossed her face. “I'm pretty sure that's the last time Michael will ever ask me to help him follow a suspect.”
“No doubt.” He sat in the chair next to her, still smiling.
“Have you seen him? I woke up and he was gone.”
“He just left with your CIA friend to get breakfast. He said he would bring you back something so you wouldn't have to eat hospital food.”
She smiled. “I should have known he wouldn't have left me alone.”
“Martin, Josh and your friend Jinx are in the waiting room. I made them wait so I could have you all to myself.” He gave her a warm smile.
WHEN MICHAEL returned, it was decided that Dmitri and Martin would go ahead and scout the apartment Gatti believed the server was located to gather as much information as they could. Armed with more intel, they would then develop a plan of attack.
Since Bruce Thompson, the Director of National Intelligence for the U.S., was in bed with Meier it was now too dangerous for Gatti to be involved so Dmitri used his contacts back in Russia to make their travel arrangements, leaving Gatti out of it.
After finishing his business in Boston, Gatti boarded a plane back to D.C. When it landed he had a voicemail from CIA Director Steven Douglas asking to see him right away. Gatti immediately felt apprehensive, fearing perhaps Thompson was on to him.
Upon catching sight of Gatti, Douglas' secretary quickly ushered him into the office where Douglas was wrapping up a phone call. Douglas motioned for him to take a seat as he ended the call.
“Agent Gatti,” Douglas addressed him. “Where is Agent Lance Corvo?”
“I'm not sure,” Gatti answered. “He hasn't checked in.”
“Yes, it would appear he's missing.” Douglas' tone was not even a little bit friendly. “For a few days, it looks like. Care to comment?”
“I filed a report when I didn't hear back from him.”
Douglas stared silently, looking for a crack in Gatti's armor. But Gatti didn't appear even a little intimidated.
“Why is Bruce Thompson inquiring about an operation Corvo was working in New York?” Douglas continued.
“He wasn't running an operation in New York,” Gatti answered.
“That's what I said … until I looked into Agent Corvo's recent activities.” Douglas leaned back in his chair. “Turns out he uncovered a human trafficking operation that the FBI had no prior knowledge of. How did he learn of it?”
Gatti shrugged. “I've had nothing of the sort cross my desk.”
“I've already read what's on paper. I want to know what's not on paper. I've been director for five years. I know how things work around here. What's on paper accounts for only half of what we do. A German citizen with diplomatic immunity was arrested as a result of that raid and not even twenty-four hours later, Lance Corvo is missing. Thompson is breathing down my neck to learn why Corvo was involved and how he got his information. He's also on me about some reports of armed and highly trained men assaulting a vehicle and apartment related to the human trafficking ring. He insists we're involved and wants to know why. Corvo is a key agent and your responsibility. I need answers and you are going to give them to me.”
Gatti was running out of options. Further denial would not only result in his suspension but worse than that, it would force an investigation into his actions over the past few weeks. They were sure to uncover something related to Michael and Jessica, which would lead them to Josh, Jinx and Martin. Everyone would be at risk.
Gatti took a deep breath. His heart pounded in his chest but you couldn't tell by looking at him.
“You cannot tell Bruce Thompson.” Gatti looked Douglas directly in the eyes.
“Why not?”
“He's the reason Lance Corvo is missing.”
Douglas didn't seem as surprised by that as Gatti expected him to be.
“Explain,” said Douglas.
Gatti was quiet as he tried to decide how much to let Douglas in on what was happening. He had worked under Douglas for as long as he had been director. Over the years, he had seen what kind of man Douglas was and knew he was trustworthy. His only doubt was whether or not Douglas would believe him.
“If you're trying to protect the Cailens, I already know they're involved,” Douglas stated.
Gatti looked back up at him, this time a touch of panic could be seen on his face. “Does Thompson know?”
“No.”
“How did you find out?”
“Corvo was assigned to protect a woman named Jessica Graham. I signed off on their cover identities, if you recall.” Douglas leaned forward on his desk. “You're a
good agent, Tim. I trust you. The question is, do you trust me?”
After taking another deep breath Gatti answered, “Yes, sir. I do.” He leaned one elbow on the armrest and ran his hand down his face. “I'm not sure where to begin.”
“Let's start at the beginning.”
Gatti began with the abduction of Martin's niece and the attempted kidnapping of Jessica which resulted in his and Corvo's involvement. He was hesitant to tell Douglas about Jeffrey Bowen being Jessica's father, but there was no way around it. One look at Jeff's file and Douglas would have figured it out himself anyway. He explained how Jeff kidnapped Michael, Jessica and Josh and how he then facilitated their escape and subsequently agreed to help them take down Meier. Douglas was already aware of the reach Meier's organization had so Gatti didn't need to explain much about that. He finished with Corvo's abduction and rescue by Michael and his friends as well as Jeff's part in the rescue.
“Where are they now?” Douglas asked.
Gatti pursed his lips, remaining silent.
Douglas sighed. “If you don't want to tell me, that's okay. It's not important. I'm glad to hear that Agent Corvo is safe.”
“So what now?” Gatti asked.
“We go forward with the plan. I can keep Thompson at bay while you work. Just make sure you get evidence of Thompson's involvement with Meier.”
“What if I can't?”
Douglas gave him a look. “You know the answer to that.”
Gatti chuckled and nodded. “Yes. I do.”
A brief moment of silence passed and Gatti leaned forward in his chair.
“Can I ask you something?” Gatti said. “How come you don't trust Thompson?”
“His interest in Agent Corvo was … unusual, to put it lightly,” Douglas answered.
The thought of Thompson being responsible for Corvo's kidnapping and torture enraged Gatti. Lance was a good man.
“He should have to endure the same torture Corvo did,” Gatti remarked, letting his anger out.
“He will pay for what he's done,” Douglas replied.
“It won't ever be enough.”
Douglas sighed heavily. “It never is.”
Chapter 31
Martin and Dmitri sat in a silver Opel Astra down the road from where the server was currently located staring through binoculars at the apartment building. After six hours, they hadn't seen any evidence of any kind of security. They were both troubled by it. Either the security was so good that they couldn't discern its presence, or there really was none, which meant the server could not be there. Either scenario was not good.
“What do you think?” Martin asked.
“I think we need a closer look,” Dmitri answered.
Martin sighed and rubbed his forehead. “We need to find a place that delivers.”
Dmitri looked at him. “We just ate.”
Martin grinned. “Watch and learn.”
Twenty minutes later, they were back at the apartment building with a bag of food from a nearby restaurant. Martin entered the building with Dmitri shadowing him in case he needed back-up. Carrying the bag of food, Martin approached the door to the apartment where they believed the server was located. He knocked confidently and waited. No one came to the door. Not even a sound came from inside. Martin looked down the hall at the stairwell while Dmitri peeked from around the corner. Martin stepped down the hall and knocked on a neighbor's door. No one answered there either so he tried another. This time, a woman answered.
“Hello,” Martin greeted her in German. “I have an order for Apartment 6 but no one is answering and the contact number I have isn't working.”
“No one lives in that apartment,” the woman answered. “They moved out a few days ago.”
“I see.” Martin scrunched his brow. “Perhaps they absentmindedly gave their old address when they called in their order. Do you know where they moved to?”
“No.” The woman shook her head. “They never spoke to me, or anyone else. I am glad they are gone. I did not like them at all. Very strange men.”
Martin smiled. “Well, this food is going to go to waste then. Would you like to have it?”
The woman's lips broke into a huge smile. “Really?”
“Sure.” Martin handed her the bag. “Have a nice day.”
The woman thanked him profusely as he walked toward the stairwell. He ducked around the corner where Dmitri was waiting for him.
“According to the neighbor, they moved out a few days ago,” Martin unhappily informed him.
“We should look anyway,” Dmitri suggested. “Maybe they left a clue.”
“Doubt it. But right now it's all we got.” Martin shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair.
They walked quickly to the door and Dmitri picked the lock. He cautiously opened the door and stepped inside. They quickly noticed a sensor on the door attached to a wire that ran along the wall to an alarm box. The box gave no indication whether or not they had tripped any alarms opening the door.
“We better not stay too long,” Dmitri said. “They may know we're here.”
The apartment was bare. From the impressions in the carpet, they could tell that the server had, in fact, been there. But it was gone now along with any trace of where they went. Martin wanted to put his fist through a wall he was so frustrated.
“Let's go,” Dmitri finally said.
With Dmitri at the wheel, they began the drive back to their hotel in silence. Martin stared out the window, wondering how Michael would take the news. If they couldn't find the server then all of their sacrifices would be for nothing. If they couldn't take down Meier, they would have to go on the run again, without the help of the CIA. Given enough time, Thompson would most likely uncover that they were involved. Even Gatti could be at risk.
While Martin thought about all the bad consequences, he noticed the same car had been behind them the last three turns.
“We have a tail,” Martin announced.
“Yes,” Dmitri agreed. “Been on us since we left the apartment.”
“You knew?” Martin looked at him.
“You didn't?” was all Dmitri responded.
“I guess I'm getting rusty.” Martin looked in the side mirror at the car. “Two men. What are you planning?”
“Getting drunk.”
“Fake drunk you mean?” Martin asked.
“Of course.” Dmitri grinned at him. “You're not that rusty.”
“Aren't you glad?” Martin asked jokingly.
Arriving at a bar nearby, Dmitri and Martin entered the building appearing not to notice the two men following them. They ordered drinks and tried chatting up a few women sitting at the bar. Their tail entered a few minutes later, trying to blend in. The men reveled in their good fortune. Intoxicated men are much easier to capture. The men sat at a table planning to wait it out and take them when they left.
For the next few hours, Martin and Dmitri put on a show. A delicate balancing act of drinking enough to appear to become intoxicated without actually doing it. They ordered the next drinks before finishing the last. Under the guise of an unsteady hand, strategic spills insured much of their drinks landed on their clothes or the floor instead of in their mouths. While both were starting to feel buzzed, they were hardly drunk, though you wouldn't know that from looking at them.
Dmitri took offense to a man accidentally bumping him as he passed. He loudly and belligerently confronted the man, making a scene. Martin stumbled over to intervene, suggesting that perhaps it was time to leave. After a little convincing, Dmitri agreed and they exited to the parking lot. Staggering to their car, they fought over who was less drunk and should drive. Though well aware that the two men had followed them out of the building and were about to make their move, they gave no indication that they were privy to that information.
One man took out Martin while the larger of the two took on Dmitri. Martin was forced into the trunk of the Astra while Dmitri was put in the trunk of the men's black Audi. The
men drove with their supposedly drunk captives to a deserted barn where they planned to carry out a brutal interrogation.
As they walked to the trunks, they laughed to each other at how easy it was to take Dmitri and Martin down. They decided to interrogate Dmitri first and opened the trunk. Dmitri allowed them to remove him from the vehicle before he sprung into action. Grabbing one of the unsuspecting men, he slammed his face into the back of the car. The second man realized instantly that they had been had but it was too late. Just as that thought entered his mind, Dmitri delivered a powerful blow to his head that temporarily relieved him of his ability to think.
Martin heard the scuffle, but could not discern who the victor was. He prepared himself for possible combat as the trunk opened. The sight of Dmitri smiling down at him was a welcome relief. Dmitri held his hand out to him.
“Not bad for two drunk men,” Dmitri joked.
Martin looked at the two unconscious men. “Not bad at all.”
“It gets better.”
Dmitri walked to the other car and lifted a blanket in the trunk. Underneath was everything they would need to perform a forceful interrogation of their new captives.
Martin broke into a shameless grin. “How do you think they feel about not only supplying the place, but also the instruments for their torture?”
“If they didn't believe in Karma before, they will now.”
Dmitri began dragging one of the men into the barn. Martin grabbed the other. Leaving his prisoner in the middle of the barn, Dmitri went back to the car for the rope to tie them up. He and Martin restrained the men on the ground as they began to regain consciousness.
“You are not drunk,” one of the men said, in a voice bordering on hurt feelings.
“No. We are not,” Dmitri answered.
“You knew we were following you. So you tricked us. Who are you?” The man spoke with an authority that, given his circumstances, seemed absurd.
“The men who are going to experiment with all those interesting tools in your trunk,” Martin answered with a condescending smile.
“It was nothing personal,” the man replied.
“Then you will understand, what we are about to do is not personal either,” Martin said.