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I stare at him, torn. This is still not enough information, but I have a strong feeling that if I walk away this time, Novak will not approach me again. Also, given what he’s revealed thus far, it might be a bullet that finds me next, not one of Novak’s goons. I’m not too worried about that possibility—I’m used to people gunning for me—but Sara is vulnerable, and I can’t risk Novak coming after her in lieu of me.

It’s unlikely, given the “he’s bored with me” scenario she’s painted for the FBI, but I can’t chance it.

“So let me get this straight,” I say, leaning forward. “You will have a woman on the inside, but not much sooner than eight months from now. She’s not capable of getting her hands dirty herself, but she’ll render some assistance, facilitating our task.” At his nod, I ask, “Why can’t you get her in place sooner? What’s going to change over the next eight months?”

“You’ll have to wait to learn that,” Novak says. “As of this moment, there’s still a chance I won’t be able to place the asset as expected. If certain things don’t unfold as they should, we might have to wait for another opportunity—that, or your team goes in unassisted.” He looks at me expectantly, and I shake my head.

“No. That’s not happening. Esguerra has layers upon layers of security at his compound. I know, because I helped him install them. And yes, though I know what they are, I still can’t get past them. They’re designed to be impenetrable. The only way in is with assistance from the inside, and if you can’t provide that…” I shrug, showing my empty palms.

Novak nods. “Right. I figured as much. So you understand the value of my asset. Once she’s in place, Esguerra will have a hole in his security. However, it will take time.”

“There is no way to accelerate this process?” I figure I know the answer, but I still have to ask.

“No. I’ve tried to get to others on the inside, but they’re all too loyal—or too afraid of Esguerra. This is the only one that shows promise. However, the timing is what it is.”

I digest that for a moment, then ask, “So why approach me now? Why not wait until you have the asset in place?”

“Because if you’re not on board, I need to make alternate arrangements—and it takes time to find a skilled team and vet them. And in this particular case, with Esguerra’s reputation… Well, I’m sure you know how it is.”

“Right.” Even with the incentive of a hundred million euros, few people would be willing to cross someone as dangerous as Julian Esguerra. Almost everyone has something to lose, and Esguerra has no mercy when it comes to his enemies. I know, because I helped him decimate those who crossed him, wiping out entire communities in the process. The Colombian arms dealer doesn’t distinguish between the innocent and the guilty; everyone connected to his enemies pays.

“So.” Novak leans forward, his pale gaze intent on my face. “Can I count on you and your team when the time comes?”

I consider that for a moment and nod. “Yes, you can.” My tone is steady, though inside, I’m still reeling. My separation from Sara was supposed to last a couple of weeks—a couple of months, at most. Not the better portion of a year. It’s possible, of course, that what I need will come about meaningfully sooner than eight months, but right now, it doesn’t sound likely.

Novak won’t disclose the identity of his asset any sooner than he has to.

“Good.” His thin-lipped smile oozes satisfaction. “I was hoping I had the right man, and it sounds like I do. Just one more thing…”

I lift an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“I hope you understand that the information I shared with you today is highly sensitive, and for your ears only. That means not sharing with anyone on your team.”

I was expecting that much after his preamble, so I nod. “Understood. And on our end, we’ll require a deposit. Usually it’s half upfront, but given the extended timing, we can accept twenty-five mil now, and another twenty-five closer to the job itself.”

Novak doesn’t bat an eye. “You’ll have the money in your account tomorrow.”

We shake hands, and as we do, I try to ignore the agonizing void expanding in my chest at the thought of the months ahead. Now that I’ve embarked on this path, there’s no choice, not really.

I have to do this. This is the only way forward.

If I want Sara for the long term, I have to give her the life she deserves.

Part II

19

Sara

The rest of November passes in a blur of hospital visits, random FBI interrogations, and waiting. Endless waiting. I feel like I’m constantly on edge, waiting for Peter to show up. Each time I cross the hospital parking lot, walk down the street, or fall asleep in my old bedroom at my parents’ house (my house, by virtue of belonging to a wanted criminal, has been seized by the government), I expect to be snatched up and carried away—if not by Peter, then by one of the men he hired to watch me.

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