“That’s for later,” said Scheffler without stopping.
The hallway continued as far as Frederich could see, splitting two ways in the far distance. Meanwhile, they went into a room on the right, where yet more computer screens covered the walls. Inside were eight people at their desks, their faces illuminated by the glow of their monitors. The surveillance videos on the walls were clear and crisp, revealing almost every detail. Frederich recognised The Louvre in Paris on one of the screens before it switched over to a random alleyway. Another display had a top-down view of an apartment block in what could have been Budapest or Prague.
“Team, meet Frederich Abel,” said Scheffler as soon as he entered the room.
Except for one person with headphones on, the entire room stopped what they were doing and turned around. They studied Frederich curiously, looking him up and down. Some of them seemed sceptical; others were openly smiling. One of those grinning was a freckled guy with red dreadlocks and a black bomber jacket.
“Nice,” said the freckled guy with a look of wonder. “Frederich Abel, in the flesh,” he added with a thick British accent.
“Let’s save the ass-kissing for later,” said Scheffler. “We’re short on time. Abel, this is Gerricks.” Scheffler signalled toward the freckled man. “Gerricks is usually with the Wealth Hunters, but we’ve got him leading the surveillance effort against these bastards who attacked us.”
“Wealth Hunters?” said Frederich.
“Yep,” cut in Gerricks. “We’re the guys who make sure no one hoards too much currency. Off-shore accounts, investment properties, shares, cash, gold bars. We find it. No matter how well they hide it.”
“Sounds fun,” said Frederich, nodding his approval.
“As you’ve probably already gathered, that’s not the top priority at the moment,” said Scheffler. “Our surveillance teams have been flat-out gathering information about the enemy, but we’re still in the early phase. We’ve identified dozens of them, interrogated a few. Your work in Copenhagen was a big help. We’ve got a ways to go before we get to Stirner, more surveillance to do, but after yesterday, we need to speed things up. They’re building momentum. We have to flex.”
“What do you need me to do?” said Frederich.
“We’ve got a special task for you,” said Scheffler. “I heard you were there after the explosion at the Grand Luxus?”
Frederich frowned and nodded.
“The guy who did it. We know where he is,” said Scheffler.
A current of electricity shot through Frederich’s body. He lifted his head slowly and his expression hardened.
“Where?” he said.
“Gerricks. You’re up,” said Scheffler.
“It was a real stretch tracking that son of a bitch,” said Gerricks. “He moved quickly, and changed cars before he left Germany. But like I said, nobody gets away from us. He’s holed up at this apartment in Poznan, Poland.” Gerricks pointed at the screen Frederich had been looking at earlier. “We don’t know which apartment he’s in exactly, but he hasn’t left the building. That much we’re sure of.”
“Who is he?” asked Frederich.
Gerricks handed him a smartphone.
“All the information’s on this. His name’s Havel Drexler. He was Czech military before he quit and turned soldier of fortune. Did private contracts in Africa and Afghanistan for elites looking to make a profit out of chaos. Drexler specialises in hit jobs and fake terrorist attacks. He’s been off the radar for a while though.”
Frederich had found the images of Drexler on the smartphone and was flicking through them while listening to Gerricks. He took note of Drexler’s bright-red face and scowl.
“The address where he’s hiding is on there,” said Gerricks. “My direct line is there too. I’ll contact you if he moves while you’re in transit. Whatever you need while you’re in the field, you call me.”
“Ok,” said Frederich.
“Here’s your credit card,” said Gerricks. “You can use it for any necessary purchases.”
Frederich took hold of a credit card with the name ‘David Anders’ printed on it.
“Weapons,” said Gerricks. “Do you have any special requests?”
“I’ve got my pistol,” said Frederich.
“You’re a pro now, Abel,” cut in Scheffler. “We’ve prepared a field pack for you. Stun gun, hunting knife, torch, food essentials. Anything else you need, you ask.”
“Ok,” said Frederich.
“Remember, this is all about sending a message,” said Scheffler. “These guys need to know just how in over their heads they are. Interrogate first if you can, then go to work. Whatever you do, make it messy, and I mean messy. We want this felt right at the top.”
Scheffler was unflinching, his dead-serious expression leaving no doubt about what he wanted.
“I’ll get it done,” said Frederich.
“I know you will,” said Scheffler.
The room grew silent. There were no more taps on keyboards. No shuffling around. No words were spoken. All eyes were on Frederich again.
“We’ll be here,” said Gerricks. “Whatever you need.”
“Right,” said Scheffler, slamming his hand hard on Gerricks’ desk, making him jump with shock. “Let’s go, Abel. Thank you, gentlemen. Love your work.”
Scheffler marched straight out, and Frederich followed as though Scheffler had him by a string. They went into a small room which had only a desk and one chair.
“When do I leave?” asked Frederich.
“Right away. We’ve got a car parked for you on the street in front of the station. Black Mini Cooper.”
“Ok,” said Frederich.
There was a short lull.
“Those filth,” said Scheffler, suddenly spitting at the ground. “They’ve got no honour, do they? Killing innocent civilians like that.” He looked into the distance with a scowl. “Really riles me up.”
Frederich’s face became hot, as he was taken back to the scene of the explosion, to the bloodied, anguished faces of the people caught up in the chaos.
“Anyway. You holding up alright?” said Scheffler. “Need anything from me before you go?”
Frederich shook his head.
“I’m fine,” he said.
“Of course you are,” said Scheffler.
“I did have one thing to ask,” said Frederich.
“Shoot.”
“How much do you know about Matthias Vidrik?”
“I know he’s a traitor who doesn’t have long to live. I also know you had some trouble with him.”
“Yeah, he came after me.”
“Why are you asking?”
“Because he didn’t just go after me.
