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Pushing open the door, he walked slowly through the room.
Nothing appeared to have been touched.
Again he smiled.
Marco’s men had done an excellent job, but like countless others before them, they wouldn’t have found what they’d been looking for.
Max had survived the dangerous world in which he lived because his clients protected him, but not from a sense of respect or gratitude. They had no choice. He had made it known he had dirt on them all, and that dirt was lodged with a mysterious lawyer. If he fell victim to an unexplained accident, disappeared, or was threatened in any way, all the information would be sent to law enforcement and the media.
Max had made himself untouchable.
While he’d been at the compound, Marco had sent Benny and Joe to ferret out clues that might reveal the identity of the anonymous attorney. Max had expected nothing less. Marco was just like his father. Charming, but with a will of iron, charitable, yet deadly when necessary, and he left nothing to chance.
Opening a cabinet, he withdrew a powerful scanner and swept his office. No devices had been left behind. Putting it back in its cubbyhole, he strode into a large walk-in closet and selected the drone for the job, along with a backup in case of any problems. He’d enjoy a hearty lunch, pack the other necessities, then call Marco and tell him he was on his way. He wanted plenty of time to test his equipment and find the ideal place from which to launch.
* * *
Marco had texted Liam and Jack the information on the farmhouse, and with Steph at his side listening to every word, he had called them to work out the details of the operation. Forty-five minutes later the plan was in place.
At seven p.m. Liam and a group of a dozen agents would land by helicopter in a clearing approximately two miles from the structure. They’d hike through the forest, neutralize any patrols, switch clothes, then wait for Marco and the Zeppelin brothers to arrive. Depending on conditions, they might approach the building and try to ascertain the situation inside. A short distance down the road hiding in a dilapidated barn, two SUVs would be ready to provide additional support, along with four ambulances, two interpreters, and a group of paramedics to attend to the victims.
Though Liam and Jack were still uncomfortable with the Zeppelins’ unexpected behavior, they agreed going through with the meeting at the farmhouse was the best shot they had to nail the Zeppelins and rescue the helpless women.
“I wish I could be there,” Steph said with a sigh as the call ended. “Couldn’t I stay with the backup vehicles and ambulances? I’ll keep out of the way, and maybe I could help after you’ve rescued those poor girls.”
“Steph, there’s not a chance in hell you’re going anywhere near that place,” Marco said vehemently. “The situation is fluid and fraught with danger. Anything could happen.”
Letting out a disappointed sigh, she stared at him with worried eyes.
“How will I survive this?” she mumbled. “I’ll go crazy here.”
“I promise to stay in touch as much as I can, and Max will too.”
“Why don’t I join him?” she pleaded. “Maybe I can help with the drones.”
“No! It’s too risky.”
“It’s great Max can let you know when Liam arrives with his team, assuming he does,” she added quietly.
“Do you doubt it?”
“My father sayseveryone is trustworthy until they’re not.”
“Good point, and he’s right.”
“Marco, aren’t you still worried Oleg suddenly changed everything?”
“It’s hard not to be.”
“Then why are you going forward with it?”
“Steph, if I pulled the plug every time there were unanswered questions I’d never make a move. It’s all about the risk reward. We were supposed to meet in a warehouse near the docks. It’s possible Oleg was worried the location is too exposed. It’s also possible the girls have already arrived, something went wrong, and he whisked them off to that farmhouse. There’s no chance of anyone seeing them or one of them escaping up there.”
“Then why didn’t he just tell you that?”
“There could be any number of reasons. Listen, I have concerns, but I also have a chance to save these women and put that bastard out of business, and it’s a chance I have to take. Regardless of what Oleg might try to pull, I know how to take care of myself, and Max will confirm the arrival of Liam and his team. If he doesn’t show, or arrives alone, I’m outta there.”
“Bless Max. I love that man.”
