“What about Satya and Rosie?”
“Their boat is tethered along back.” She maneuvers the drone until the small vessel is clearly outlined by the water. “I’m about ninety percent certain that’s it.”
I stare at the image on the screen. Medved’s warship. Rosie and Satya are on board. Coldness shivers over me.
My family is in the clutches of my greatest enemy.
“What’s the battle plan?”
“Enzo’s working on something now. We’ve got vessels moving into the area and several attack helicopters capable of reaching it within hours.”
“Hold off for now.” I keep staring as Lucy controls the drone, moving it closer to get a better view.
Then suddenly, the big gun on the deck spins around.
“What’s it doing?” I ask, squinting in alarm. But before Lucy can answer, the gun muzzle flares and the screen goes black. “Did the drone just go offline?”
Lucy types furiously and shakes her head. “Looks like they shot it out of the sky. That’s some advanced targeting.” She sounds honestly impressed.
But a moment later, Lady’s voice echoes from the speakers. “Incoming communication via encrypted channel. Patch through?”
I exchange a look with Lucy, who gives me a quick nod. “Patch it through to this room only, please.”
“Confirmed. Begin call now.” Lady’s voice disappears.
Replaced by a low, masculine baritone.
“Hello, Massimo. I hope you’re doing well. It’s been a long time since we last spoke like this.”
Medved. I stare at the black screen and don’t move for a moment. He continues to wait, likely content with letting me stew.
“You destroyed my drone.”
“I did.” He sounds amused. “Wasn’t very difficult.”
“I’d like a replacement.”
A wry chuckle. “I’m sure we can put together an arms deal if that’s what you’d like. But here I was thinking you’d want to discuss something else.”
I take a deep breath. “You have my daughter.”
“I do.” He sounds very pleased with himself. “I assure you, it wasn’t easy.”
“How did you convince her to turn on me? What did you offer her?”
“Not everyone is so enamored of you, Massimo. Some of them simply want more money.”
I clench my jaw. The idea that Satya might betray me and steal my daughter for something so low as money makes my chest ache.
“I want her back.”
“I’m sure you do. That’s why I called. I figured you’d want to negotiate.”
“What do you want for her?”
“You know what I want. It’s the same thing I’ve always wanted.” His voice takes on a sick, almost manic edge. “I want to be a Dragon.”
“That isn’t going to happen. I’m not stepping down.”
