“You’re bold. Petrovich would never let you talk back to him like this. Are you questioning my judgment?”
“No, Sir. I’m trying to explain to you the direness of the situation. I’m just waiting for your next instructions.” He tried very hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. At this point, his patience was hanging on by a thread. “Like I said before, asking the villagers too many questions will raise suspicions, even in a tourist area this side of the boonies.”
“All right. I’ll give you some information since you’re working against the clock,” Vadim conceded. “The militants have contacted the US government demanding ransom for the hostages. I’m sure there are other stipulations, but they’re of no interest to me. They’ve threatened to shoot a rocket right into the heart of the Interpol Assembly if their terms aren’t met. So, as the usual protocol goes, they’ll be sending an intermediary to negotiate stupid, but necessary, details such as where, when, and how the exchange will be made. I suggest you look for that person asking the same questions you have at your end and follow him. That would lead you to our scientists. Eliminate the intermediary once the exchange has been made and get the prisoners back in your hands. Contact me then.”
“Wait. Now you want me to look for some intermediary the government has sent? I don’t even have a face or name now! Where do I fucking start?”
“That is your problem. You know the consequences, Mark. Do this and you can take your little family and disappear.”
He knew fucking well Vadim and his gang of moles weren’t going to just let him disappear. He was prepared to die, but first he had to take care of a few things to ensure his family was safe. He couldn’t save himself, not now, not after he’d realized his actions had gotten Mary MacKenzie murdered, but he’d do everything in his power to protect his wife and baby.
“And the missile?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
“That isn’t your problem. We’re only interested in the two scientists. Get them and let the terrorists fight over the cash the CIA’s prepared to pay. It’s even better since we don’t have to spend a single dime and everyone will blame the Abu Sayyeh gang for the fallout. We’ve already paid for everything you’ve requested—cash, the boat, the ammo. What kind of SEALs lose their prisoners? That rocket on their little island is the CIA’s problem. We’re just lucky we decided not to keep the scientists there, like they suggested. Now, get them before they’re moved to that island. Are we clear so far?”
“Crystal,” Mark replied, bitterly. The lives of hundreds on his conscience, that was what was clear. His local contacts helping him to get directions to the forbidden territories better be good. “I’ll contact you when I have the scientists.”
He ended the call and walked to his vehicle, which he’d just filled with supplies for the team. Team Fucked-Up, that was what they were. He felt alone and lost. And angry at Holland. He didn’t know what had happened back in the States but that phone call from Justin had put him in full panic mode. Holland had somehow gotten Petrovich into the compound and helped kidnap Mrs. MacKenzie. Perhaps the stupid asshole didn’t know she would be killed, but still. They were in this sorry state because of their families’ lives being threatened, but he hoped he’d have drawn the line at killing MacKenzie women or children.
Mark smashed his fist hard against the car, denting the hood. He couldn’t stand here like a fool full of regrets now. He’d do what he must do. First, he had to make a quick call to his cousin and hope he’d keep his promise from long ago to protect Shelly if he didn’t make it. He didn’t want to say goodbye to his wife. Her phone might be monitored by those bastards. After that, he’d deliver the bad news to the others and see if he could convince the mercs to hang on for one more op.
