Chapter 19 #2
“You’re banking on Vasquez actually going through with his plan to release a virus on the delegates at the Summit,” Hank said.
“What if he doesn’t go through with it? What if Krauss didn’t complete the project in time and Vasquez decided not to use the virus as a bargaining tool?
What if the delegates he threatened cave under the pressure and decide not to implement the Pacific Corridor and the Central American Interdiction Framework?
How will you expose Vasquez and Teuling? ”
Marta’s brow furrowed. “Vasquez might not get away with his plans by denying everything, but, with the evidence the WHO has collected, we can nail Teuling during his speech. He’s already murdered people with the additives in his clean water initiative.
The delegates, eager to get clean water for their people, need to know what it will cost in lives.
” She looked from Hank on the laptop screen to Hammer and everyone in the room, her gaze finally landing on Crusher.
“No matter how it plays out, people have to know what Teuling has done and what he plans to do.”
Hammer nodded, his jaw firm. “You’ll need passes to get into the Summit.”
Even before Hammer finished his sentence, Dmytro was already at work.
He hacked into the database listing delegates approved to attend the Summit and added two names to the attendees’ list. He used the fake passports Crusher had handed him.
Rose Richards and Truman Getty would be admitted to the room after showing their passports.
Within minutes, Dmytro declared, “Done.”
“Krauss still hasn’t shown up,” Crusher said. “Vasquez might’ve picked up the virus from him and plans on having one of his guys deploy it.”
“I truly believe he’d have Krauss handle it,” Marta reiterated.
“Either way, our people are watching Vasquez and his men closely,” Striker said. “We’ll follow them wherever they go and catch them before they can release the virus.”
“I don’t like it.” Crusher took Marta’s hands and stared into her eyes.
“You don’t need to be in that room. There are too many unknowns.
You might be the only one who could save all those people with your knowledge of the virus.
If you contract it, and your antiviral doesn’t work, you’re screwed, and the rest of those delegates are, too.
I can go in without you and achieve the same outcome. ”
Marta shook her head. “I have to go in. Vasquez and Teuling know me and what I’m capable of, including the knowledge I possess.
” She laughed. “They both kidnapped me for that knowledge. If I tell them they’re going to die, they’ll believe me.
” She squeezed Crusher’s hands. “I’m going in.
I’d feel better if you didn’t go in with me. ”
Crusher’s jaw hardened. “Where you go, I go.”
Marta gave him a weak smile. “I guess we’re going to the Summit.”
An hour before the Summit sessions were set to begin, Marta and Crusher geared up with hidden radio headsets and performed a comm check with the other members of the combined Stealth Operations Specialists and the Brotherhood Protectors International.
When they were satisfied they could hear everyone, Marta and Crusher made their way through the back corridors to the convention hall where the delegates would gather.
They weren’t the first to arrive. Some delegates were setting up their tables at the front with their own communications equipment for their translators.
Crusher and Marta chose seats in the back. Crusher took the aisle seat, allowing him to get up quickly and move forward to confront Vasquez and Teuling.
Marta had the pouch containing the antiviral tucked into a leather briefcase Dmytro had brought with him.
Everyone who wasn’t stalking Vasquez, his men or Teuling would be standing guard at the entrances to the conference hall, ready to keep Vasquez and Teuling from leaving before they confessed.
Delegates trickled in until it was almost time for the event to begin. Then everyone hurried to get in and take their seats.
From where Marta sat, she could see everyone who walked through the doors.
“Vasquez has left his room with his security detail,” Striker’s voice said into Marta’s ear, startling her.
“Teuling is on the move, as well,” Ramsey added.
“Any sign of Krauss?” Crusher asked.
“Not here,” Fearghas reported from his position near one of the ventilation intakes.
“Not here,” Giva echoed from her position near another of the shafts.
“Nor here,” Dax reported.
“Teuling is entering the conference room with his two bodyguards,” Draco announced.
“Vasquez isn’t far behind,” Hammer said. “It appears he’s leaving two of his men at the door. No. They’re on the move. Draco will follow them.”
Marta tensed, her gaze glued to the door as Teuling entered. She leaned close to Crusher. “That’s Teuling.” She nodded toward the man as he strode to the front of the conference room and took a seat at the table set aside for speakers. His bodyguards stood behind him against the wall.
Moments later, Vasquez entered with two of his security detail and passed the row where Marta and Crusher sat, their heads averted. They found seats several rows ahead, with Vasquez taking the aisle seat.
“They’re closing the doors. It appears the session is about to begin,” Hammer said from his position outside the room.
Marta’s heart thumped hard against her chest as everyone in the room took their seats.
The head of the Summit stepped behind a podium, introduced the speakers at the table and announced that Pieter Teuling would be first up.
“Here we go,” Marta murmured. “Be ready.”