“What now? Vasily knows we’re hiding on the base. What will happen now?” she asked.
“The MP was killed when Mills tried to exit the hut last night. We were able to manipulate the cameras. It was dark, he was in the shadows but he’s the smallest person in the building. It was easy for us to figure it out. I think he was hoping he could just walk away.
“Unfortunately for him, the MP fought him and Mills used the steak knife from dinner last night. He panicked and came back inside, realizing that someone would notice. It was twenty minutes before the other MP came back and by that time, we were all starting to wake.”
“God, I’m so sorry for the MP’s family,” whispered Marissa. Christopher nodded at his daughter.
“Honey, you know you don’t gave to study weapons chemistry if you don’t want to.” Marissa stared at her father, unsure of what to say. “I mean, if you want to study food science or anything else, you can. We didn’t expect for you to study weapons chemistry.”
“Dad,” she smiled, gripping his forearm, “I only said that to Mills to see how he would react. This is what I should be doing. For all of us.”
“Alright,” he smiled. “Whatever makes you happy, makes your mother and I happy. We love you, Marissa. You were our miracle baby. Well, you and all your siblings.”
“Dad, I don’t think having two sets of triplets could be seen as miracle babies,” she laughed.
“Yes, but you’re my only girl in the bunch,” he grinned. “I love you, kiddo. I’m so damn proud of all my kids but you’ve done well here. Now. Can I convince you to go home?”
“Actually, Dad, I think I’m ready to go home. I’d be okay with that.”
“Thank fuck,” he muttered under his breath. “Erin, Dana, and Paige all think that with you at G.R.I.P. you can figure out whatever we need. The equipment there is much better than any equipment here.”
“Wait a minute,” she said thoughtfully. “The equipment.”
“What about it?” asked Ham taking a seat across from them.
“The equipment at the university was all brand new.”
“Is that unusual?” asked Connor.
“No. I mean, yes. Look, departments are given a certain percentage of budgets. Usually, those that generate revenue in some way are given more. For instance, medical schools get a lot of money because they generate doctors, which generate revenue. Research centers, same. Athletic programs get huge amounts. But not chemistry departments.”
“Unless,” frowned Gator, “they’ve been given a large grant in return for a favor from the patron.”
“Right. Which means the head of our department must have accepted something from Vasily. Last year our equipment was terrible and even doing basic research was impossible. I was using the medical labs more often than not.
“This year, we suddenly walk in and there are brand new, state-of-the-art microscopes, scanners, freezers, anything and everything you could possibly need. We never thought to ask how.”
“The how is the easy part,” said Ham. “Now we have to figure out how Vasily and the department head are connected.”
“Not to interrupt this amazing conversation but I can answer that question for you.”
“Dean Victor Gorbel?”
“Yes, that’s me,” smiled the man.
“Or should we say, Dean Gorbeva?” asked Gator. The man’s face went white and he stepped toward the door, attempting to shut it.
“Don’t be stupid,” said Ham, suddenly standing behind the man. “We know you’re Vasily’s brother. Astonishing how much effort you two have put into running a powerful country again. Of course, your brother was always the criminal. You, not so much.”
“What do you want?” he frowned.
“Where is your brother?” asked Rush. He said nothing, just glaring at the men. “I won’t ask again. I’m not with the government or any law enforcement agency so my torturing you isn’t going to bother anyone.”
“You won’t find him,” said Victor. “He’s always on the move for good reason.”
“Yes, good reason,” said Christopher. “So that he can torture and use brilliant young minds for his psychotic plans. We know. And we know because those brilliant minds are important to us.”
“Let’s go, Victor. We’ve got some questions for you.”
