Page 53 of Grizzly Sleuth
“I can promise he won’t be leaving Russia. We’ve increased surveillance of the border and the crossings. If he attempts to leave the country, they will get him.”
“Just be sure to remind them I need Patient Seventy-six alive.”
“Of course. Any word on General Davidson’s whereabouts?”
Idris stiffened hearing the name.
“Nothing since he disappeared in that jungle in Malaysia. But don’t worry. While the general might have spearheaded Project Therianthrope, he’s not necessary for its success.”
“Speaking of success, when will you be reporting on your progress? A lot of effort and rubles have been expended on your behalf, and those invested are wanting to see results.”
“The first set of subjects have almost completed the protocol. In the next week or two, we will begin testing to see if we were successful.”
“An army of wolves would provide a distinct advantage on the battlefield,” the guy replied, making it obvious he knew the details of Project Therianthrope.
“As I said before, just because the serum is derived from Patient Zero, who isCanis lupus, doesn’t mean that’s what they’ll turn into. Now that the first group of Russian and Slavic patients have completed the protocol, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a few bears.”
“Even better than wolves,” the man exclaimed.
“Actually, what’s really exciting is the fact we’ve captured naturally occurring therianthropes, which means we’ll be able compare the genetic differences between an ursine and canine shifter. If lucky, this will allow us to pinpoint the animal gene.”
“If identified, will this allow for the choice of beast?”
“Maybe,” Levy stated. “But at worst, it should allow us a way to test the general population to identify those with the genetics we prefer in soldiers.”
“A Russian army of bears would be a fearsome sight that would strike terror in the heart of the enemy,” the man gleefully declared.
As the helicopter took off, their conversation turned to more mundane matters such as resupplying the base of operation and a planned meeting in Moscow, which Dr. Levy would have to attend since the general was missing.
Had he died in Malaysia? Possible. Last Idris had heard, Phoenix was heading there. Thinking of his army friend had Idris eyeing the phone. No signal. They must be flying too high for a signal to reach a tower. He prepared a message anyhow, knowing Takhi’s number by heart. She’d been the one to ensure they all memorized a contact number so that if they ran intotrouble, they could call for help. In this case, he offered the chance for revenge.
Currently on my way to L and D’s new base of operation. Wish me luck taking it down.
He hit Send and immediately got the red icon warning,Message not sent.Obviously, but once they got into signal range, Takhi would hopefully receive it, assuming the Russians hadn’t found a way to intercept texts going out of country.
The hum of the spinning blades had him nodding, and he allowed himself a nap since he’d need his energy. Besides, being awake wouldn’t stop him from being discovered if they came into the back looking.
The change in altitude roused him, and he almost stretched his cramped limbs. Not the time to be discovered.
“Glad I managed a nap,” Levy announced suddenly. “It’s going to be a busy night getting started on our new subjects.”
“Who are still two hours away,” announced the other man. “According to Sergey, they were sleeping when he last checked.”
They? So they did have Svetlana. He’d wondered and worried if she’d been taken along with Yuri. While her capture proved less than ideal, at least now he knew for sure she’d not been killed in the ambush.
“So glad your agents discovered the woman we sought had a brother of the same name. Less impressed Olga was fucking him, though.” Levy’s tone dripped of disapproval.
“At least she atoned somewhat by planting that tracker on the male leading us to them.”
Well, that explained how they’d been discovered. Svetlana must have been so pissed. She’d worried Yuri would inadvertently betray them. She’d been right.
“Any word on Patient Seventy-six?”
“Nothing. We’ve blasted his image across news channels but have yet to receive a tip worth following.”
“How can a six-foot-three brown man disappear?” Levy grumbled as Idris’ stomach plummeted, matching the helicopter’s descent.
“We’ll find him. I have agents reviewing all the surveillance footage they can from in and around the hotel they were staying in.”
