Stefanie rose and began to pace. Parker rubbed a spot between his eyebrows and said under his breath. “I’ve seen that look before.”
Stefanie whirled and pointed a finger at him. “I heard that. Listen, Parker. I’m not sure exactly what your role with the FBI is but I’m starting to believe you do more than just research. Now. Is this…Dmitri whoever a threat to my sister?”
Parker nodded. “Yes.”
“Does he know who I am?”
Parker blew out a breath. “At this point, we have no evidence that suggests that. We didn’t even connect the dots until today. If that changes, we’ll let you know.”
“If I leave, it could tip him off that you’re watching him.” Stefanie sat down.
Parker nodded. “Yeah, that’s possible.”
“Okay. Decision made.” Stefanie lifted her chin a fraction. “I’ll stay. And if I’m staying, I’m going to need to be involved. I need everything you can tell me about this guy and his agent.”
Parker looked at Ree. “That sounds familiar.”
“What can I say?” Ree had a twinkle in her eye. “The Ryland sisters aren’t any good at letting someone else solve our problems.”
“Okay, Stef. As long as you’re careful, we can make that happen.” Parker placed his notepad on the table. “And thank you. You’re doing us all a huge favor. But we’re not getting you officially involved until we have a plan to manage your safety.”
Stefanie crossed her arms. “Like you said, you just figured it out. I can’t imagine I’m at any real risk right now.”
Parker said gently, “You’re probably right, but let’s wait until we have that safety plan in place.”
“Fine.” Stefanie put her hands on her hips. “But I’m starting the minute after we have it.”
Ree stage-whispered, “Told ya.”
Parker looked fondly at Ree. “I know, but now there are two of you.”
Stefanie laughed, but it was a bit hollow. “What do I need to know until then?”
“For starters, you need to know who you’re dealing with.” Parker steepled his hands. “Our intel suggests the sleeper agent started at the company sometime in the last several months. Based on the communications we’ve intercepted, we believe the agent is male, but it’s no guarantee. Who, besides you, is new?”
Stefanie rubbed her forehead. “There’s Peggy, she’s an administrative assistant. And I’m sure there are others.” She winced. “And Cole, my new boss, started a few months before I did. Ooh. That one is awkward.”
Ree sucked in a breath. “Do you think he could be the spy?"
“I mean, I don’t know.” Stefanie crossed her arms. “He wouldn’t let my direct report do some valuable prototyping work on one of our research platforms, but he seemed more like a short-sighted manager than a – what did you call him again? A sleeper agent?”
“Yes.” Parker leaned in. “How much do you talk to Cole?”
Stefanie tapped her finger on her chin. “He’s not in the office much.” She snorted. “If he’s some kind of spy, he’s not doing a great job of it. I’ve spoken to him maybe a total of an hour in the past several weeks. We communicate mostly via email. I don’t think he’ll be back in town until next week, actually.”
“So if you’re sure about this…” Ree began tapping her foot nervously.
Stefanie gave a rueful chuckle. “As sure as I’m going to get.”
Parker put a gentle hand on Ree’s knee. “Okay. You need to get some training and do some paperwork before you get officially involved. Can you fake an illness or a family emergency in the next few days? We’ll get you a plane ticket to Chicago to strategize with the team. Ree can call or text you to add to the realism if you need her to.”
“Well, I feel really nauseous right now, so I won’t even have to lie about feeling sick. I need to check a few things off my work to-do list, then I’ll decide what to tell them tomorrow morning.” Stefanie blew out a breath. “I’ll find time to come help my big sister catch a spy.”
6
Dmitri Yeninov settled into his new office, resting his forearms on the padded arms of his oversized office chair. Ironically, the surroundings of his new office were nicer than the one he’d been so unceremoniously kicked out of a few months prior. His unnecessary demotion had been a surprise, even though a part of him knew discovery was always possible. It was inconvenient, yes, but he’d taken the steps needed to ensure it would be a temporary setback. He’d managed the firing well, projecting remorse while the man who ran the intelligence service sat with a hand on his weapon and a contemptuous look on his smug face.
Dmitri had nodded and expressed regret for his actions while professing his deep love of country and his desire to improve it. He had considered manufacturing some additional emotion, but he hadn’t been willing to show any further fabricated weakness to the man. He had instead described, in great detail, his successes through the veil of apology. And he didn’t fling a knife at the man so openly enjoying his downfall, which was certainly admirable. Even when the man told him he was to remain quietly in his new office and do as he was told for once. A flash of anger hardened to rage and settled in Dmitri’s jaw.
The past few months had given him ample opportunity to begin his latest operation. It would show, without question, exactly how much his country needed him. They should be grateful he was still willing to help.
