Instead of pacing a hole through the pavement, he walked over to where Bristow and Nico were comparing notes. Andrade was surprised neither Woodward nor Garrison said anything because his IT wizard was probably sponging up highly classified information that Bristow was accessing. However, he also knew why.
“Where’s Nadia Powell?” Antonio asked Bristow. Might as well get straight to the elephant in the room. Gabby spared him a brief glance before resuming her argument with HRT-guy.
“She’s been asked to go on temporary leave,” Bristow said.
“I wonder … why is that?” Antonio asked tightly.
“Now is not the time to argue why,” Gabby came up to them. “Our priority is getting Dr. Bennett back unharmed.”
“I haven’t said HRT is standing down on this,” the FBI guy Gabby was talking to butted in. The man turned to Antonio. “Why are you wearing the CTTF flak jacket? Aren’t you some kind of billionaire?”
“He’s a civilian consultant on my task force, so Mr. Andrade is one of us,” Gabby snapped. “Back off, Agent Todd.”
“Great. Get a billionaire killed and good luck finding a job in Alaska.”
“Maybe you should do your homework.” Gabby winked at Antonio.
Despite the situation he had to smile. Antonio certainly could take care of himself. “I’m touched by your vote of confidence.”
Garrison returned from yet another secret phone call. The CTTF team were operating on a different frequency and the signal jam didn’t appear to affect them. Antonio figured it was so social media couldn’t report on police movements in staging the assault.
“I’ve got confirmation from top brass,” Garrison said. “CTTF takes the lead on this one. You’ll receive a call from the FBI director to stand down, Agent Todd.”
“Who the fuck are you?” the agent growled.
Garrison flashed a badge. “Homeland Security.”
Gabby faced Andrade, so he was the only one who could see the flash of her grin. As if on cue, Agent Todd’s phone rang. The HRT guy sighed when he saw the number and turned away from them to take the call.
“And that takes care of that,” Garrison murmured.
“How did it go?” Gabby asked.
“Kiev Police have arrested Olga Skoryk and her daughter Katerina who is our Doctor Z—creator of the original Z-91 and the person who communicated with Charles Bennett,” Garrison told them.
“Confirmed?” Antonio asked.
“Yes. Things are moving at light speed. I’ll explain more, but your friend Jacaré and Lev Skoryk must be panicking now that they’ve been cut off from contacting Olga.”
Just then, Kelso returned with four men suited up in a special tactical gear Antonio had never seen before.
“We’ve made contact inside the house,” Kelso said looking at Antonio.
Everyone’s eyes turned to him.
“He wants me again,” Antonio said dryly.
“You got it,” Kelso said.
His eyes raked over the other men’s uniforms. “Any chance you have more of those?”
31
“Five men. Spread all over the house,” Bristow said. “It appears two of them are arguing and circling the living room.”
“Bingo,” Gabby acknowledged. “Seems the arrests in Kiev are paying off. Twenty on Charly?”
“The room adjacent to the living room,” Bristow answered.
“Status of the remaining perps?”
“Two in the kitchen. One in the foyer near the window,” the SEAL replied.
“Andrade, you’re up. Kelso and Meyers. With him. But keep distance.”
“There’s an Explorer parked across the street,” Kelso replied. “We’ll stage there.”
Gabby nodded and turned to the other CTTF assault team. “Santos, you’re with Henderson at the rear of the house.”
As Detective Woodward dictated the team setup areas, Antonio double-checked his gear.
After learning their lesson in the rescue of Renata, Woodward’s team quickly requisitioned bioterrorism tactical suits. It made movements easier. Although as a precaution they put dark duct tape where the seams met, it was no different from other safety protocols when dealing with bio-threats. Antonio had the added safety of a riot helmet with a shield, complete with non-intrusive oxygen tubing that didn’t hamper mobility.
Away from the eyes of the FBI team who refused to leave, Kelso snuck him a gun and a knife.
The teams jogged over to their designated areas. Kelso and his man hunkered down behind the SUV parked across the house.
Antonio approached on his own.
“You don’t feel comfortable, say the word,” Gabby said.
No way was he backing down. Antonio cleared the gate of the Spanish-style bungalow where Jacaré was holed up. From its front elevation, the structure had barred windows on either side of the door. The yard was unkempt, and empty boxes and junk were strewn all over it. The detectives told him this must be a backup safehouse after Bristow identified their vehicle that was registered to someone who lived in the Valley.
“The man at the window is moving to the door. The other two are remaining where they are.”
Jacaré’s mistake was infecting the people in Club Diamant. He had a purpose, yes, but people talk when they were frightened and there was nothing more frightening than contracting one of the most lethal pathogens on earth.
The front door opened, and Antonio could see his former crime boss standing just inside the door jamb.
“Anyone have a shot?” Gabby asked.
“Negative,” Kelso answered.
“Try to draw him out, Andrade,” she said.
“He won’t fall for that,” Antonio muttered, moving closer to the entrance of the house. He called out, “So you’re finally brave enough to show your scarred face?”
“Fuck,” Kelso muttered. “What the hell are you doing?”
Jacaré sneered. “And you’re still suited up like a coward.”
“Just taking precautions. I don’t want to taint my lungs with the air you breathe.”
“I’m making the rules now.” Jacaré retreated inside and drew his gun, pointing it at him. “Remove your helmet. Come on. Step inside. How much are you willing to risk to save Dr. Bennett?”
Everything.
Everyone cursed over comms.
“Wish me luck,” Antonio said grimly and without
