“I already told the last guy that I am Christina Harper,” she said.
The agent paced around the room before stopping directly in front of Alex.
“Yes, but this time I want the truth,” he said.
“I don’t understand what’s going on or what I’ve done.”
“I’m the one asking the questions here,” he said. “Now, what’s your real name?”
Prior to Alex’s decision to participate in the operation, Hawk emphasized the importance of sticking with her legend should she get caught and talking as little as possible.
“Well, Christina Harper, I noticed you have quite an impressive resume online.”
“Thank you. Now will you please untie me?”
The agent narrowed his eyes. “But it’s too impressive. I didn’t believe this for one minute. It’s obviously some fabricated cover if I’ve ever seen one.”
“My name is Christina Harper, I swear.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were some sort of computer savant. You set up a company website and a fake resume. I’m guessing you had some help on the inside to secure a ticket to the fundraiser because all the attendees are thoroughly vetted. Am I barking up the right tree here, Mrs. Harper?”
“I’m sorry that you find my accomplishments so unbelievable,” she said, fully embracing her legend. “Most men feel threatened by strong women, especially in the marketplace. You’re probably feeling threatened right now.”
The agent laughed and shook his head.
“I’m afraid you’ve got it all wrong, sweetheart,” he said. “You’re the one who should feel vulnerable right now—because you are. I could make you disappear in an instant. And you know how I could do that?”
Alex remained silent and kept her gaze fixated on the wall in front of her.
“I could do that because Christina Harper doesn’t exist. Nobody will come looking for a woman who is a figment of your imagination. So, save all your feminist talk for someone who cares. It doesn’t intimidate me. I’m going to find out who you really are. And when I do, it’s not going to be good for you.”
The agent glared at her and shook his head.
“Now, why don’t you make it easy on all of us and start talking, you little impostor?”
Alex continued looking forward and resisted the temptation to talk.
“Suit yourself,” the agent said before punching her in face.
Alex’s head rocked back due to the blow. The powerful punch stung and her face burned. Before she had time to fully comprehend what was happening, the agent delivered another hit to the other side of Alex’s face. She teetered to the side in her chair before all four legs landed on the ground with a thud.
“Enjoying this, sweetie?” he asked.
Alex felt blood oozing from the corner of her mouth. She used her shoulder to temporarily stop the flow, brushing it against her face.
“There’s a lot more where that came from,” he said with a sneer.
“Bring it,” she said. “You’re only going to end up with a giant lawsuit on your hands when this is all over with . . . if you survive.”
The agent stared at her. “Are you threatening me, little lady?”
“Damn right, I am,” she said. “You’ll be lucky to survive this ordeal if you’re not careful.”
“And who’s going to stop me? You?” he asked mockingly.
“I’d be careful if I were you.”
The man threw his head back and laughed. He then recoiled and slammed his fist into the side of Alex’s face again. Alex regrouped from the blow as the agent broke into a maniacal laugh. He drew back and prepared to dish out another punch.
Then the lights went out.
CHAPTER 21
Istanbul, Turkey
BLUNT COULD FEEL ALL the blood draining from his arms as he hung suspended six feet in the air. A searing pain persisted around his ribs from his earlier injury. With his hands bound and tethered to a metal pipe attached to the wall, he glanced around the room and was certain he wasn’t the first person to experience similar treatment from Petrov. He wondered how many of Petrov’s enemies had taken their last breath in the room before considering the odds that he would do the same.
While Blunt had utilized government channels and legislation during most of his time working with Petrov, he knew she was prone to exert more direct means of pressure when necessary. She asked him to engage some black ops units in the past when traditional methods of achieving her objectives had failed. Blunt had been leery of complying, but on more than one occasion he obliged her. Those decisions were some of the few he’d come to regret during his time with The Chamber. Blunt considered how hanging in a painful position for long stretches of time had a way of making him reevaluate his life—or at least particular decisions he’d made.
But there was nothing he could do about any of it now. He concluded that regret was a worthless emotion when stuck in a helpless situation. Instead, he decided to turn his thoughts toward more hopeful ones, imagining how Hawk might be able to rescue him. It wasn’t likely given the circumstances. He could only hope the secret message he tried to pass along was received and understood by Hawk.
An hour ticked slowly past before the door swung open and a streak of bright light flooded the room. He didn’t have to guess whose silhouetted figure darkened the door and proceeded to march toward him.
“Nice of you to join me, Katarina,” Blunt said. “I saved a spot for you up here.”
“Ever the gentleman, J.D.,” she said. “But I think I’ll decline your invitation. We have some pressing matters to discuss before I trade you for your little soldier boy.”
“Trade?” he asked. “You’re really going to follow through on your promise?”
“As long as the exchange doesn’t get messy, and there are no guarantees that it won’t.”
Blunt shook his head. “You’re going to turn this into a blood bath, aren’t you?”
“It
