“Draco here,” the staticky voice said.
“And Cate,” Cate Marsh’s voice sounded a little muffled.
“We have Krauss,” Draco said. “Outside the conference center.”
“What about the virus?” Hammer asked.
Crusher reached for Marta’s hands.
Static erupted in Crusher’s ear.
Hammer pressed a hand to his ear and headset. “Draco, can you read me?”
“I hear you,” Draco said. “Moving closer to the building with our captive.”
“The virus…” Hammer started.
Crusher’s hands tightened around Marta’s, his gaze on Hammer.
“He still had it,” Draco said. “We have it now.”
“Did he release any of it?” Crusher asked.
More static.
“Draco,” Hammer started. “Did he?—”
“No,” Draco said, his voice clear, the static gone. “It’s all here. He chickened out when he saw us. He ran, but Cate stepped out and tripped him. When he realized he was caught, he promised to tell all if he could get a lighter sentence. He’s ready to spill his guts. I’m taking him to the Interpol guys.”
“Roger,” Hammer said.
Crusher let go of the breath he’d been holding, joy swelling up inside, spreading across his face in a broad grin. He gathered Marta in his arms, kissed her soundly and spun her around.
She landed, laughing. “I take it, he didn’t release the virus?”
“He didn’t. We’re going to live a long, happy life.” He kissed her again. “Together, I hope.” He raised his eyebrows, his breath hitching. “That’s if you’ll have me in it. I’m not as smart as you, but I promise to love, honor and protect you as long as we both live.”
“You’re smarter than you think. Add strong, loyal and sexy as hell, and you’re more than enough for me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers. “Now that I know what love is, I’m not letting it go again. I love you, Jack.”
As they kissed, Hammer turned to the people in the room. “The man Vasquez hired to release the virus has been apprehended...with the virus. He did not release it into the ventilation shafts. As soon as we have absolute confirmation, you’ll be allowed to leave the facility. In the meantime, we’re going to be just fine,” he said, a smile breaking across his face.
Cheers broke out in waves as interpreters relayed the information.
Crusher pulled Marta close and murmured against her hair. “We’re going to be just fine.”
Marta smiled up at him. “Better than fine. We’ll be together.”
Crusher laughed. “And alive.” He’d never been happier or more optimistic about the future—one he could spend with this woman, who was an even more amazing scientist.
Epilogue
“With Teuling’s, Vasquez’s and Krauss’s confessions, evidence gathered from Helvetic BioSolutions and Krauss’s lab, Interpol has enough to put Teuling and Vasquez away,” Hammer said.
Marta sat in the Brotherhood Protectors International conference room with members of Hammer’s team, along with Crusher, Draco, Phantom, Marsh and Cate. Two days had passed since they’d left Vienna and returned to Zurich. The news reports were still running rampant with coverage of Teuling’s plans for mass genocide. Leaders of Uganda, Bangladesh and Paraguay were demanding that the billionaire be extradited to their countries to be tried for murder. His assets had been frozen, and Helvetic BioSolutions had been shut down indefinitely.
Hammer glanced around the room at everyone but his team. “I suppose you’ll be headed back to the States soon.”
Marsh sighed. “I need to get back to the State Department and see what else has been turned upside down.” He shook his head. “We seem to be in a constant state of damage control with this administration. I just wish Cate would come with me.” His gaze met his daughter’s.
