“Are you safe at work?” he asked.
“Probably not, but I’m not alone. My handler is nearby not five thousand miles away when I was in Russia. I’ve got people, like Gabriel, who have my back.” She pointed a finger at him. “Do not tell Mom and Dad.”
“Of course not. This would freak them out.” He rubbed his arms. “It’s freakingmeout.”
“I would have snapped that monster’s neck if he hadn’t drugged me.” She stood tall, threw her shoulders back. “No more dissing Gabriel, okay?”
“Got it.” Wolf unearthed a small plastic container, opened it. Inside sat a hollow rubber finger. Already wearing gloves, he picked it up, she slid her finger inside.
“I lifted a clean print,” he said. “This should work.”
“This is perfect. Thank you so much. She tucked the plastic container into the false bottom of her crossbody. “I’ll leave with you.”
On the elevator ride down, Wolf asked, “Do you want me to run background on Santini?
“No. I’m pretty sure I could get that myself.” She shot him a little smile. “You do know where I work.”
The doors to the lobby opened. They walked outside.
“Safe flight,” she said.
“Watch your six.” He hugged her tight, then strode away.
Her heart ached watching him leave. Always did when they said goodbye. Might be months before she’d see him again. She called for a rideshare, walked a few blocks before jumping into the vehicle, parked at the curb. As the driver prattled away about the weather, Halston’s mind wandered. She hated that Gabriel didn’t invite her to join him. Even though she couldn’t have gone with him, she would have liked him to ask.
Don’t be ridiculous. He’s got to work. I’ve got to work.
Her work phone buzzed with a text from the ambassador.
I have meeting at State. Meet me there
Since he left his laptop when he had offsite meetings, this was her opportunity to download information from it.
She had to think fast.
What time?
8
Let me arrange for someone on my team to go with you
No you
I have terrible toothache. Need to see dentist
I call my dentist
I’ll meet you at State ASAP. Someone on my team will fill in
The driver stopped a block from the embassy. She exited, called one of her translators, but got no answer. Then, she called Grigori. He answered.
“Yes, Minka.”
“I have a great opportunity for you,” she said in her Russian accent. “Can you go with Ambassador Bulgrov to a State Department meeting?”
“I have meeting with Natasha and her visitors in five minutes,” he replied. “Sorry.”
She hung up, called someone else. Everyone on her team was booked. She hurried to the compound as a black sedan pulled up to the front. The ambassador ducked inside, the vehicle drove out.
