"Lincoln Center's Starr Theater building. Ground-level rehearsal space, east wing. The windows in the video match perfectly.Thermal imaging shows one heat signature consistent with restrained position, possibly one additional signature moving intermittently."
"A guard?"
"Likely. I'm sending complete building schematics, security camera positions, and thermal patterns to Sergei's secure server now. You'll have everything you need for tactical planning."
By 8:15 AM, Maksim and I are in his study with Sergei, reviewing the data Mila sent. The building schematics spread across three monitors—floor plans, elevation views, underground access points.
"Starr Theater building," Sergei says, highlighting the structure on the campus map. "Connected to Juilliard via underground tunnel, separate entrance on 65th Street. The rehearsal space Mila identified is here—" He zooms in. "Ground level, east wing, approximately 800 square feet. Two entry points: main corridor door, emergency exit to exterior."
"What about windows?" I ask.
"Three windows, east-facing, all ground level. Accessible from the exterior and visible from the street." He pulls up street-view images. "Not ideal for breach—too exposed."
"Then we go through the doors," Maksim says. "Fast entry, overwhelming force, three-minute extraction."
Sergei nods. "I'll coordinate with Mariana's team. They'll want to do their own reconnaissance, but this gives us a starting point."
By 1:00 PM, the mansion has transformed.
Mariana arrived an hour ago with her FBI Hostage Rescue Team—eight operators, tactical gear, communications equipment that looks like it belongs in a war zone. They've taken over the dining room, spreading blueprints and satellite imagery across the table.
I work with them, providing details only a dancer would know.
"The mirrors," I say, pointing to the rehearsal space layout. "They'll be on this wall—always the long wall in rehearsal studios. Creates a blind spot here if you enter from the main corridor. But it also means anyone inside can see your approach."
"What about the barre?" one of the operators asks—Martinez, her tactical vest says. "Fixed or movable?"
"Could be either. If it's fixed, it's mounted to the wall here. If movable, could be anywhere in the space. Either way, metal or wood, it could provide cover."
"Floor material?"
"Marley over wood springing. Quiet for movement but shows footprints if there's any dust or debris. And—" I trace the floor plan. "If it's a proper studio, there'll be a rosin box near the door. White powder shows every footprint clearly."
Martinez nods, making notes. "Good intel."
At 2:00 PM, vehicles arrive outside. Chicago forces.
I watch from the study window as six men exit two SUVs—all moving with the same controlled efficiency as Maksim's people. Alexei's men. Family.
Maksim goes out to meet them. I stay inside, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by how many people are converging to save Natasha. To stop Anton. To end this.
Sergei appears beside me. "Chicago team leader is Viktor Sokolov. Former Spetsnaz, worked with Alexei for eight years. The others are all specialists—tactical entry, explosives, communications, medical."
"An army," I murmur.
"That's what it takes to stop a monster."
The video conference with Alexei and Mila starts at 5:00 PM sharp.
Everyone crowds into Maksim's study—Mariana's FBI team, Sergei's men, Chicago forces, Maksim and me. The large monitor shows Alexei and Mila in what looks like their Chicago office.
"Status," Alexei says without preamble.
Maksim runs through the operational framework:
"Team A—Sonya and I arrive at Juilliard Theater main stage at 10:30 PM Sunday. Anton specified eight PM in his video, but we're arriving later to compress his timeline, and keep him off-balance. We engage him, keep his attention focused on the performance he wants.
"Team B—FBI Hostage Rescue plus Sergei's operators breach Starr Theater simultaneously. Three-minute extraction window. Natasha secured and evacuated before Anton realizes his leverage is gone.
