Page 164 of Dark Angel
This is risky.
She walked in, headed straight for her office. Once there, she dropped her laptop, pulled the plastic container from her crossbody and slid on the rubber finger. With the thumb drive in her other hand, she tucked her hands into her winter coat and made her way down the hall and into her boss’s office.
Her heart was racing, her thoughts laser-focused on getting the job done while listening for anyone approaching. Sitting on his desk was his laptop. She opened it, pressed the rubber finger on the sensor pad. The screen unlocked.
Yes!
Working as quickly as she could, she started downloading files.
C’mom, c’mon.
She was searching for the Russian map of the US, but included anything she thought would be relevant. Fortunately for her, the thumb drive from Wolfie was sick fast. She clicked on a file marked “Powergrid” and the Russian map of the US opened. She tapped her glasses before closing and transferring the document.
To her horror, the ambassador’s booming voice echoed down the hallway. “I forgot my glasses!”
There was a second document titled “Details Package Schedule”, but she had run out of time. She yanked out the thumb drive, started closing windows as fast as she could, then slapped the laptop shut. As she was hurrying out of his office, she went flying into him.
“Minka!” he exclaimed as she jumped back. He glanced around his office. “What are you doing in here?”
She still had on the rubber finger, so she shoved her hand into her pocket.
“What happened to dentist?” he asked as he collected his reading glasses off the desk.
She slid her finger out of the latex, covered her cheek with her hand. “I took a painkiller.”
He hurried out.
She double-stepped it to catch up with him. “I need my laptop.”
In her office, she shouldered her laptop bag and strode into the hallway. They walked outside and ducked into the waiting sedan, driven by an embassy chauffeur. In the back seat, she placed her hand against her cheek again.
“Are you in much pain?” he asked.
“I’ll be fine, sir.”
“You didn’t answer my question,” he said. “What were you doing in my office?”
“Hoping to catch you before you left.”
He shot her a smile. “You are dutiful employee.”
“My duty and allegiance to my country have no limits,” she said with pride.
For the first time since taking the assignment, she’d never spoken a truer statement.
GABRIEL
Gabriel drovewith a lead foot to chartered flights at Dulles International Airport. On his way inside the terminal, he called his pilot. She’d secured a copilot from Gabriel’s short list of vetted aviators. As he waited, he thought of Angelo. His underboss would have accompanied him. Together, they would have handled the problem. The emptiness filled him, then the guilt, and another wave of grief. He pulled out his phone, called Mr. Moretti.
A few rings and he answered. “Gabriel, I heard.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Moretti.”
“Sorry won’t bring my boy back.”
“I know. What can I do to help you and your family?”
“Joanie said you offered to pay. The funeral director said he hasn’t heard from you.”
