I found the number through a quick search and dialed. It rang eight times, then went to voicemail. “You’ve reached the Crucible. Leave a message, and we’ll return your call during normal business hours.”
No help there. At this hour, the staff would be on the floor, not answering phones.
“Police?” Gus asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.
“And tell them what? Two MI6 officers are voluntarily at a legal establishment, and I’m worried they might run into my ex?” I shook my head even though no one could see it. “No crime’s been committed. They won’t act. And if they did, they’d blow any cover they’ve established and create a different disaster.”
“What do we know about the club’s layout?” Callen asked. “Entry points, exits, security?”
Rafe pulled up schematics on his screen. “It’s a converted warehouse. Main entrance on Grimsby, service entrance in the alley behind. Three floors—ground level bar and social space, first floor private rooms, basement for”—he paused—“more intensive scenes.”
The basement. Where Elise had died.
“Security?”
“Two at the front door. No weapons—this is a kink club, not a fortress. But they take member privacy seriously. We won’t be able to just walk in.”
“We won’t have a problem. James wants me there.”
“That’s what worries me,” Callen said quietly.
My device buzzed with a message from Harris.
Arrived at Grimsby Street. No visual on targets. Club entrance has two security. No way inside without membership. Holding position.
“How much longer?” I asked.
“Seventy minutes,” Callen said. “I’m pushing it as fast as I can.”
“Just get us there,” I said. “Whatever it takes.”
The helicopter toucheddown at London City Airport at twenty-one thirty. Callen had called in favors to secure emergency landing clearance, which meant we’d be on our way in minutes rather than the hour it would take to navigate Heathrow or any of the larger airports.
I was unbuckling my harness when my mobile buzzed.
Unknown number.
I opened the message, and the image that filled the screen stopped my heart.
Candles flickered around the chairs where Oliver and Ophelia sat gagged and bound. Ophelia’s face was pale, but the blood matted at Oliver’s temple sent chills up my spine. His recovery from the previous head injury was still tentative.
A second message followed.You know where I am. Come alone. You have until midnight.
“Kiernan.” Callen’s voice came from far away. “What is it?”
I couldn’t speak. I turned the phone so they could see.
Gus swore, and Rafe’s face went white.
“Kiernan.” Callen’s voice was steady. “We go together.”
“He said alone. If he sees anyone else, he’ll kill them. Follow at a distance and monitor the exits. But I walk in alone.”
Twenty minutes later,I stood in the alley behind the Crucible. Callen, Gus, and Rafe were nearby. If things went wrong, they’d be ready.
As expected, the service entrance was unlocked.
I checked the firearm at my hip—loaded, safety off—and started down the stairs.
