Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Ah, you dropped a hint as well. The ear infection.”
“If she can get her hands loose and figures it out, maybe she can reactivate it.”
“We’ll find her. And we’ll find the location of this building and get her out.”
“Why Canada? Why is this evidence here?”
“Probably for security reasons. You know there are safe houses all over the world. How he discovered the evidence is here is a mystery. He’s on the top of the wanted lists in many countries. His last known whereabouts was Europe. But with the surgery he had, he walks around like a free man. No doubt, he simply boarded a plane under his new identity and came here. He’s been planning this for a while. Wipe out all the evidence and start a new reign of terror.”
“I am going to end this.”
Julian stood. “With our help and the backup of HJ.”
“They know?”
“Yes. I spoke with my old boss.”
“But we’re all retired. Once you’re out, you’re out.”
“This is an exception. Ivan’s on their wanted list as well, now that he’s stepped into this country. They usually leave other countries and their criminals to the proper law enforcements, but when one of their operatives is targeted, that changes things. And considering a group of their ex-operatives are joining forces, they’re willing to open the vault. Unofficially, of course. We’ll have everything we need. We’ll get Sofia back safely and end this Ivan and his crew. Those are the expectations.”
We all nodded. That was HJ’s mandate. Exterminate. Rid the world of the evil at its source. No judge, no jury, no trial.
He met my eyes. “You will have to give up your life here. Disappear.”
“Not an issue. I will take Sofia to the island. We can find a new life together.”
“Then let’s get to work.”
Damien sat down beside me. “I’m in HJ’s system. I think I know what the evidence is.”
“Major incriminating files, I imagine.”
He shook his head. “People.”
He showed me his computer. “Yuri Romanoff. Ivan’s right hand for years. He was known as the dealer of death. His son Vlad, who followed in his father’s footsteps. Sasha, Yuri’s wife. Rumor is she loved bloodshed more than Yuri did. They turned on Ivan. They have all the goods on him. Turns out Vlad was excellent at keeping records. They carry the evidence with them, refusing to part with it.”
“Family that kills together, stays together.”
Damien smirked at my quip.
“Why the parting?”
“Money. Power. Who knows.”
“How did they get away?”
“The plane they were in crashed. No survivors.”
“I assume they were not on that plane?”
“Nope. They were spirited away. Ended up all over the place. Finally here. Ivan was about to be arrested when he disappeared and got himself a new face. They’re under heavy guard. The evidence is on paper and in their heads. Destroy the paper and kill them, the case against Ivan is weaker. He’ll disappear, and they won’t find him.”
I sat back. “Why not just take on a new persona, then?”
“Ivan and Yuri were like brothers. Yuri stole millions from him and disrespected him. Sold him out. Ivan is big on revenge. He wants him dead. Wants his whole family dead in retribution.”
“He’s putting his ego ahead of his freedom.”
“Madmen often do.”
We were both quiet. “Ivan’s not wrong—Yuri and his family, they have to die too.”
“Yes. But that’s not our mandate. Taking out Ivan is. Getting Sofia back. We concentrate on that.”
My phone buzzed, and I swiped it up as soon as Damien nodded. “Ivan.”
A video began, and he glared into the camera. “I hope you are ready to begin.”
“Why don’t you just kill Yuri yourself?” I asked.
He shook his head, an evil smile on his face. “How busy you have been, Egan. I cannot get into the building. But the deadly ghost can. You can deliver the justice that the dealer of death deserves. Blowing him up like the plane he pretended to die in. Him and his whole lying, scheming family.”
“How poetic for you,” I snarled. “Coward. Not man enough to kill people yourself, so you have others do it.”
“Tsk, tsk,” he reprimanded me. Then he stepped out of the way, and my heart went into my mouth. “Your materials will be delivered shortly. The shipment, however, is missing a few items. They were needed here.”
Sofia was still sitting, but she was no longer bound. Her legs were drawn up to her chest, her arms wrapped around them. Around the room were a series of trip wires. In front of her on the floor sat a large box, no doubt containing more explosives. More wires ran from the top and bottom. Sofia was pale, her eyes watering. I could see the tremors, feel her terror. Once again, the images of my dream came back to me. Her in a room. Me unable to get to her.
I refused to let that dream come true.