Page 79 of The Specialist

I watched it, directing him, avoiding the wires and box sitting in front of me. When it was close enough, I gingerly reached over and picked up the thin wires and tiny devices.

“I have it. What now?”

Egan’s voice was calm.

“Now you’re going to help me dismantle the bomb.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Egan

Hearing the fear in Sofia’s voice caused my entire body to slow down. I focused on her and her alone. This was my one task. I calmed, my mind suddenly clear. There was nothing but the job. I was Egan Vulpe, the Specialist. Explosives expert. I had been taught by the best, and I had forgotten more about the art of bombs than Alex would ever learn.

I could defuse this inferior piece of garbage.

I spoke calmly. “Sofia, hold the camera and light over the box. I will direct you where I need them to go.”

Her hands were trembling. From cold, fear, or both, I didn’t know.

“I will have you free soon. Trust me, my love. I just need you to stay calm and focus with me, all right?”

“Y-yes.”

“Turn the camera to your face.”

She did, and I studied her in the dark and shadows. I could see the bruises on her skin, the terror in her eyes. “I have you now, and nothing is going to happen, except soon you will be in my arms. Know that above everything else.”

“Okay.” She drew in a breath that stuttered and caught. “I love you, mio guerriero.”

“You can say that to my face shortly. Now, turn the camera back to the box so I can render it useless. I need to hold you.”

Her hand trembled as I directed her, studying the box. I had her hold the light and trace the wires back to the door. Knowing I was there, she was braver and able to stand and move a little. I narrowed my eyes as she let the light spread around the room. I traced the pathways, seeing his plan. Finding his flaws. Laughing at his ineptness. I was going to let his bomb blow, but only once I got Sofia out. He had made it overcomplicated, the box the last thing to blow. The delay he put on the sequence worked in my favor.

“Okay, iubirea mea. I have it.”

Damien murmured in my ear. “Are you sure?”

“Positive,” I assured him. “Get Matteo back to the van. Have the blankets ready.”

“On it,” Matteo said. “I’ll be there fast.”

I didn’t answer, running my fingers over the wires and memorizing the sequence. Marcus and Julian had stood behind me, ready to follow any instructions.

“Sofia,” I called. “I am going to start cutting wires. Once I’m ready, I need you to be prepared. I’m coming in and taking you out. We have to move quickly.”

“I don’t know if I can walk fast.”

“You won’t have to. I’ll have you. When the light begins to glow on the box, do not panic. I have you. All right?”

“Yes. I trust you.”

“Okay, get ready.”

I heard movement, and she spoke loudly. “I’m ready.”

I turned to Marcus and Julian. “You kick the door as soon as I cut the wires. I’ll get her. Be ready to run. We have three minutes.”

Marcus nodded, looking grim. “We’ll be right behind you.”