He didn’t deny it.
“Casualties are statistics,” he responded indifferently. “Visibility is what matters. When people are afraid, they pay attention. And if the right people pay attention, we gain leverage.”
He straightened and directed his eyes toward me. “So. When can we expect the drones?”
Katya’s hand slid subtly toward mine. I didn’t take it, but I didn’t pull away either.
I kept my voice even. “Once our supplier confirms the final adjustments, we’ll coordinate the transfer. We’re not rushing quality.”
His eyes darkened. “We need them soon.”
“And you will get them,” I stated coolly. “We just need assurance the… project… won’t jeopardize the delivery.”
His smile returned, and he looked far too pleased with himself. “Everything will proceed perfectly. You’ll be proud of what we accomplish.”
Katya’s jaw clenched. “I doubt that.”
He chuckled again, seemingly delighted by her challenge. “You have a strong spirit. It will make watching your reaction even more enjoyable once we execute our plan.”
I stepped in front of her fully this time. “You’ll have what you paid for when the supplier signs off. Not before.”
He and I locked eyes. Neither of us blinked.
After a long moment, he exhaled. “Very well. We’ll await your update.”
He turned, already walking away, humming something under his breath that made my skin crawl. His men followed. The steel door shut behind them, leaving Katya and me alone.
Katya spoke first, her voice quiet enough that only I could hear, and her hand covering her mouth. Smart. Just in case someone was watching or listening. “Revenant didn’t brief you on any of this?”
“No,” I said. “They didn’t.”
“They know exactly what this group is planning.”
“I’m sure they do.”
“And they still sent you.”
“And they didn’t want you coming,” I added.
Her expression hardened. “Because I would have seen this for what it is. And them for what they are.”
“Yes.”
The sound of a lock turning immediately set my blood on fire. I crossed the room in three long strides and tried the handle. It didn’t budge.
I tried again. Same result. No motion. No click. Not even a rattle.
The bastard had locked us in.
Katya stepped up beside me, expression flat. “That wasn’t accidental.”
“No. It wasn’t.”
I pressed my ear to the door. Voices murmured on the other side. Two people, maybe three. The cadence didn’t sound like orders; it sounded like anticipation. They weren’t waiting to escort us out; they were waiting for instructions.
Katya brushed my arm lightly. “Move.”
I stepped back without argument.
