“I turned on my government because the people in charge are only in it for themselves. There’s no loyalty to someone like me. But you,” a slimy grin spreads over his mouth, “you proved your loyalty to me last year with your payout for the nuclear codes in France.”
Todd admitting his involvement in that mission is better than Christmas morning. Especially this last Christmas morning, since I was captured and tied up.
“That’s it!” Lacee stands. “We got it!”
I motion for her to sit. “We got the first thing, but we’re not done yet.”
“I like working with people who bring me what I ask for.” Mary lifts her chin. “So, where are my computer chips?”
Todd purses his lips together, keeping a stone-faced expression as he reaches inside his pant pocket. He pulls out a small manilla envelope and tosses it on the table. It slides across the flat surface, stopping right in front of Mary. She doesn’t say anything. Just picks it up and dumps the contents into the palm of her hand.
“I’m digging the silent-staredown thing she’s doing,” Lacee says as she watches the moment play out.
“Me, too.Verymysterious.”
Mary glances down at the chips, and her lips press together into a thin slash.
“Uh, oh.” Lacee sits straight up. “We should’ve warned her that the chips are small.”
“What is this?” she barks at Todd. “These aren’t computer chips. These are crumbs.”
Lacee shakes her head. “Please tell me she wasn’t expecting a floppy disc from circa 1987.”
“Based on her usage ofSoviet Union, she probably was.”
Todd’s brows shift downward. “It was your idea to use two chips.”
“Don’t tell me what I already know!” Mary leans forward, staring at microchips in her palm, then she reaches down her dress, bringing a pair of glasses up with her.
Lacee’s jaw drops. “Did she really just pull reading glasses out of her cleavage?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Mary places the glasses on her nose and then leans in again, studying the chips. “Very well then.”
Todd lifts his chin in the direction of the chips. “That’s everything you need for the weapons. The codes, the location, and the designs to build more in the future if you choose. You have what you came for,” Todd says. “Now, where’s my money?”
She bends down, picks up the briefcase full of money—thanks to Derek for that—and drops it on the table, pushing it toward Todd.
He rotates it around and flips the latches up. The lid pops open, and he smiles. His fingers thumb through the cash before shutting it. “This concludes our business.” He stands, extending his hand out to Mary. “I look forward to working with you again in the future.”
“Time to get in there!” I say.
We both jump up, retrieving our guns as we make our way out of the trailer to the shed. We stop in front of the building with our weapons drawn. The metal door slides open, and Todd stops.
“Director Allen,” I offer up a fake smile, “funny running into you here.”
Todd looks around, clearly surprised he’s not standing on the sidewalk at the Port of Seattle. “What’s the meaning of this?” He glances at Lacee. “Officer Warren, what’s going on?”
“You tell me.” Lacee motions to the briefcase full of money. “After two years worth of work, I’ve finally found the double agent I was looking for.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Todd sputters. “Why would I be the double agent? I’m the Director.”
Mary comes out from the shed with a big smile. “You’re the director?” Her accent is gone, and so is Sasha’s serious persona. “Did I get the part?”
“Yes, Mary.” I smile at her. “You were fabulous. Why don’t you head back to your room, and I’ll come find you later to talk about your new movie role?”
“Director Allen, it was so lovely improv-ing with you.” She pats his arm as she walks past. “I look forward to working with you on this movie.”
