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“I said it’s been forty years, but IthoughtI could still create it.”
“I told you we should’ve spirited Dr. Orlov away,” Selma said irritably, presumably talking to Cross. “But, you didn’t listen, did you? Now we’re stuck withhimbecause you dragged your feet and that gave Ex Nihilo enough time to take Orlov out. Bravo, Cross. Great decision.”
Whoa. Trouble in paradise. Except we didn’t eliminate Orlov,Inda thought, frowning. So if The Agency didn’t kill Orlov, and her team didn’t, then who the hell had?
“I have a very good feeling the good Doctor here won’t disappoint,” Cross said smoothly, completely unperturbed. Selma made an impatient, very annoyed sound.
“I believe you will be happy with the results,” Dr. Zaitsev said hurriedly.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Cross asked.
“The test labs are in the basement. Follow me.”
The moment their footsteps faded, Inda hit her comms. “Pharaoh, we’re inside.”
There was a slight rustle then, “Goddammit, Bruja.”
“I saw an opportunity and had to take it. They’re about to test the Novichok in the basement. Heading down there now. Lucas has the security cams looping.”
“Saint and Rip, go down to the basement for backup,” Brax said. “Demon and I are right behind you.”
“Roger that.”
Inda turned around and crawled back over through the dust and cobwebs to the hole in the ceiling above the janitor’s closet. “Hey,” she said, looking down at Lucas. “Help me down.”
He lifted his arms and she carefully stepped back onto his shoulders, grasped his hands, and her foot slipped. But he held on and their eyes locked as she slowly slid down the front of his hard body, savoring every delicious point where they came into contact. When her feet hit the floor, he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers.
A door slammed somewhere not far away and they jumped apart, back to business.
“C’mon, we’re going to the basement.”
He nodded. “Is this a typical day in the field for you?”
“No. Normally, I’m not babysitting a civilian.” She smiled then pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Not that I’m complaining. Just stick close.”
“Like glue,” he murmured, mouth edging up.
After checking to make sure the coast was clear, they ignored the elevator and hustled over to the stairwell. The basement was only one flight down and they took the steps quietly and quickly.
Inda carefully pushed the exit door inward. It was much cooler down there, slightly musty-smelling, and she saw another long hallway of white walls with several doors. No sign of the nefarious trio, though, and quieter than a church at midnight. Where had they gone?
Stepping into the hall, they crept forward. It was eerily silent, and when they reached the first door, she paused, makingsure to stay out of sight. There were three rooms in a row with large observation windows, most likely airtight, sealed to prevent any gas or spill from leaking out. That would also make them soundproof, which meant they wouldn’t be able to eavesdrop.
So now what? They couldn’t exactly look through the glass and watch. Unless the test labs each had an observation window looking into the other rooms as well as the hallway. It was a decent possibility and she’d seen a similar setup before. It was especially likely if multiple experiments were occurring at once and the scientists could communicate through an intercom system.
Going with that hypothesis, Inda dropped down out of sight then dared a quick peek in the first lab, confirming its occupants—Cross, Selma and Dr. Zaitsev. Carefully and quietly, they crept past the second lab and stopped in front of the last room. After she verified it was empty, they slipped inside, pulling the door shut.
Staying low to avoid being seen from both the hallway and through the lab’s window, her gaze swept their surroundings. There was a desk with multiple monitors, some chemistry equipment, speakers, and a control panel with random buttons and switches.
The panel was exactly what she was looking for—a way to communicate between the three separate, soundproof rooms. If she pressed the correct button, it was possible to talk through the speaker. Or, she could simply listen by turning on the audio for the desired room.
The switch for room number one clicked softly when she flipped it, and Cross’ loud voice boomed through the speaker.
“How long is this going to take?” he asked.
“It’s imperative that I follow strict procedures while handling the Novichok,” Dr. Zaitsev said. “It’s a dangerous chemical, as you well know.”
Cross sighed and Selma said, “Don’t keep us waiting. Which delivery method have you whipped up for us, Doctor? Liquid? Powder? Aerosol?”
