“Have you been to therapy for that?” Samuels asked. “Because I know a really good—”
“I’d stop right there if I were you,” Hawk warned. “You know that part a few seconds ago where she mentioned she prefers action?”
Hawk let the implication of his question sink in for a moment, a clue that Samuels quickly got and heeded. He remained quiet while Alex worked.
“Look at this file,” Alex said, pointing to the screen.
“Scheduled meetings,” Hawk read. “This has some interesting information inside.”
Alex clicked on a file folder. Immediately, a document opened that listed all of The Chamber’s meetings, including several names of famous leaders within the global financial sector who Hawk recognized.
“Do you know how all these people are connected to The Chamber?” Alex asked.
“We’re not sure how in bed they are with her,” Hawk said. “They could just be ancillary partners, knowingly or not. Petrov has incredible sway on people.”
Alex nodded. “And if she can’t persuade them with her words, she sure knows how to leverage people’s secrets against them.”
“Whatever she’s up to, there’s only one meeting on here that looks worth crashing,” Hawk said as he tapped a specific line on the monitor.
Young exhaled and patted Samuels on the back. “Looks like the Firestorm team has its next new mission. Wheels up in twelve hours. You’re heading to Stuttgart.”
CHAPTER 4
Stuttgart, Germany
PETROV TOOK THE TABLET from her aide, Anatoly, and stared at the screen. She studied the numbers closely, grimacing at some, expressing delight at others. After several minutes, she set the device on the table and sighed.
“I know it’s not what we were hoping for, but it’s a start,” Anatoly said.
Petrov waved him off. “I’m not sure the others will see it that way. We’re not playing the market here; we’re trying to wreak havoc with it.”
She stood and paced around the room for several minutes, fingers steepled and pressed to her lips.
“Would you care for a drink?” Anatoly asked, breaking the silence.
She shook her head and continued pacing. “We will never hit our target if we don’t become more aggressive.”
“I agree, but being aggressive in our current financial environment requires some stealth. We are supposed to operate behind the curtain, if I recall correctly.”
Petrov meandered toward the balcony, pausing briefly to slide open the glass door. She walked outside and pulled out a cigarette, holding it to her lips. Anatoly flicked his lighter and offered the flame to her. She stooped slightly and sucked in, the tobacco crackling as it caught fire.
“We only need to be shrouded as long as it takes to send the market in turmoil,” she said. “If the two things happen at once, it won’t matter.”
Anatoly shrugged. “If you think that’s best, please proceed. Tomorrow’s meeting could be most uncomfortable if you’re unable to explain where we go from here.”
“The Chamber answers to no one,” she said, casting a sideways glance at her aide. “Besides, those in attendance at tomorrow’s meeting won’t utter a single complaint if all goes according to plan.”
“How exactly do you intend to appease them?”
“It will be subtle yet effective. In the meantime, we have to do more to shake these markets up.”
Anatoly folded his arms and eyed her closely. “So, do you have any ideas on how to do that?”
She shrugged. “Perhaps I do. However, it will be bold and brazen.”
“Just like you, no?”
Petrov smiled. “You need to work on your flattery. It isn’t so subtle if I can see right through it.” She took a long drag on her cigarette. “I do love a good compliment though.”
“I just meant—”
“Sshhh,” Petrov said, holding up her index finger. “Any attempts to explain yourself will only make it worse. What I need right now are ideas on how to bring more instability to the market, preferably before next week’s gathering with the board.”
“You’re satisfied that the German financial leaders will follow your lead at the meeting tomorrow?”
“I’m not so concerned about them. We have more powerful people who must be satisfied.”
Anatoly gestured toward Petrov’s cigarette. “May I?”
She handed it to him and watched him suck in a long breath before exhaling.
“There is someone who might be able to assist you,” Anatoly said.
She turned her gaze toward him. “I’m listening.”
“Before this person will agree to anything, you’ll need to meet with him in person.”
“If he’s capable of doing what needs to be done, I’ll travel anywhere.”
“That’s a good thing because you just might have to. He’s not exactly the kind of person who comes to you.”
Petrov retrieved her cigarette from Anatoly. “I’m satisfied going anywhere if the end result means the market is turned on its head so The Chamber can accomplish its goals.”
“I can almost guarantee you he’ll be able to accomplish that for you.”
“Excellent,” she said. “Set up a meeting, and I’ll be there.”
CHAPTER 5
Stuttgart, Germany
HAWK WINKED HIS LEFT EYE as he stared through the telescopic lens at the building adjacent to his position. He growled once he noticed the blinds remained closed. Other than his inability to see into the actual room, everything else was going as planned.
“How’s that hack of the security feed coming along, Alex?” Hawk asked.
“Not there yet, but I’m close.”
“We need it pronto,” he said. “Everyone is expected to be in the room in a matter of minutes.”
“And, of course, we need to get confirmation that all the people inside are who they’re purported to be,” Samuels said. “Without that, we can’t fire the first shot.”
Hawk sighed and shook his head. “Samuels, when you go home at night, do you stay up late memorizing portions of the manual? Curious minds want to know.”
“I know you’re mocking me right now,” Samuels said. “Just because I’m well-versed on the ways of protocol doesn’t mean I have no life.”
“Is that so?” Hawk asked. “Who’s your favorite band?”
Samuels furrowed his brow. “Don’t you
