Kris didn't answer, but wrapped her hand around the one beneath hers, knowing Shelby would understand her feelings.
"I'm going to call Earl when we get back to the apartment and set up a time to meet with him tomorrow, too. I'll wait to see how that goes before calling Sergei."
"Sounds good. I'll just be glad when this is all over."
Sighing, Kris said, "You and me, both."
A short time later, they were sitting on the couch unwinding after the long day and lavishing attention on Stormy.
Shelby glanced over at Kris, her eyes faraway and dreamy. "I wonder what it would be like if we were just two normal people who met someplace and were attracted and fell in love? Like maybe while we were on vacation or something, and we got to do fun tourist things. And we moved in together, and there were no people shooting at us, or spies after us. If I didn't work for the CIA, and you didn't...you know..."
Kris raised an eyebrow, and smiled. "If everything works out, I won't be doing any more...you know." Turning thoughtful, Kris said, "I guess I never thought of that because nothing about my life has been normal for so long." If we get out of this, I'll take you on that vacation.
Shelby's expression turned puzzled. "What will you do? What do you want to do?"
Kris shrugged. "I don't know. I like electronics and computers, and I've always been amazed at how easy it is to crack any security system I've come up against. I've often entertained the idea of developing one that can't be easily breached and then marketing it. It would be a lucrative business because I know the weaknesses of most of the others on the market."
Gregor sat in the car indecisively, weighing the risks. Sighing, he decided that although the odds were not favorable, the only alternative was death. So, ignoring his apprehension, he opened the door and began walking across the street to the apartment complex.
He paused at the bottom of the steps, squared his shoulders, and began the short climb to the second floor, rehearsing his approach one final time. Rapping on the door, he waited impatiently for it to be answered, not wanting to remain exposed any longer than necessary.
Shelby stopped mid-sentence when the knocking occurred, and shook her head when Kris looked at her questioningly. Watching Kris stand and pick up her gun in one fluid movement, she was once again amazed that the tall woman could react so quickly and instinctively. The analyst tracked her partner's movements to the door, curious about who could be visiting so late, but apprehensive, too.
Blue stood to one side of the door and raised her voice loudly enough to carry beyond the barrier. "Who is it?"
"Bear."
She narrowed her eyes at the familiar voice and glanced quickly through the peephole. "Why are you here?"
"Let me in. I can tell you where your mother is."
Blue thought rapidly, refusing to get her hopes up. She had no idea what Gregor was up to, but felt she had little choice except to play along. The operative unlocked the bolt, leaving the chain in place. Keeping her gun aimed at the opening, she ordered, "Throw your guns in here. Both of them."
She watched a 44 Magnum slide across the floor, followed by a 38 Special. Keeping her eyes trained on the opening, she waved to Shelby and pointed to the weapons, smiling her thanks when the analyst picked up both guns and set them on the dining room table.
She released the chain, kicked the door open, and aimed her gun at Gregor's chest. Once he crossed the threshold, she said, "Close and lock the door."
Gregor followed her instructions with slow deliberate movements. At her command, he faced the wall and placed his hands against it. The cold steel of her gun against his neck brought home the harsh reality of just how precarious his situation was.
When her frisk revealed no other weapons, Blue told Gregor to turn around. "Start talking."
Gregor shook his head. "I want to make a deal. I will tell you where she is in exchange for political asylum."
Blue snorted derisively. "Don't you think you're coming to the wrong person for that?"
"No. Your superiors do not know of our connection."
"Why now?"
The Russian thought over his words carefully. He hadn't expected instant cooperation, and what he related now would be the deciding factor. Knowing she hated the man he knew as Dimitri, he decided to be honest. "Dimitri will kill you and your mother once he has what he wants. He is also planning my termination at the end of this mission."
Blue wasn't surprised at Sergei's plans for her and her mother. She'd already figured that, and it was one of the primary reasons she was having so much trouble coming up with a feasible plan not only to save her mother, but to ensure their and Shelby's safety afterwards. What did surprise her was that Gregor had been included in the execution order.
"Why has your death been ordered?"
The Russian looked at Shelby. "I knew how valuable she was. I failed to relay that information. Dimitri found out."
Blue laughed coldly as the puzzle fell into place. "You're a fool. Thought you'd go over his head, and it backfired." She knew Sergei would never tolerate disloyalty. "You tell me where my mother is, then I'll talk to my boss about your request."
Gregor looked at Blue angrily. "I am not stupid! I have no guarantee that you will help me once your mother is released."
"What about the risk I'm taking by approaching my superiors about you? You know who I am. The only risk you're taking is losing your bargaining chip for my help. I arrange a meet between you and my superiors, I risk my life and freedom."
The Russian had not anticipated her coldly logical assessment. He shrugged his shoulders. "As you wish. I will contact the CIA directly."
Blue snorted. "And by the time you get through the layers of bureaucracy, Sergei's informants will have already notified him." She nodded towards the door, indicating the conversation was over.
Shelby sat on the couch watching the exchange intently. Kris was playing a dangerous game by even considering the Russian's offer, but it was the closest they'd come to getting a lead on her partner's mother's whereabouts without contacting Sergei. It would greatly increase the chances for a safe rescue, but Sergei was, by far, the best bargaining chip her partner had. If Gregor made good on his threat to contact the CIA, Kris' own plans could go up in smoke and she could lose her mother and her freedom.
The operative's countenance revealed none of her qualms as she watched Gregor unlock and open the door. She breathed an inward sigh of relief when the Russian closed the door and turned to face her.
Gregor inwardly cursed, hating the woman that had brought about his fall from grace. "I agree to tell you where your mother is only if you arrange my transfer at the time of her rescue."
Blue nodded. "Deal."
Michael waited until the parking lot was dark and quiet. He had no intentions of sitting on the roof another night. It would only take him a few minutes to reset the detonator to go off at 35mph. He cursed Blue's good luck at never having attained a speed of 53mph that day, and decided to end this once and for all. He finished a short time later and departed.
Gregor was in his car, ready to start it when he spotted a tall man stand up next to the rental car Blue had been driving. There was something familiar about the man, but it was too dark for Gregor to see him clearly. Suspicious, he watched until the figure disappeared from sight.
Starting the car, he began driving around aimlessly, debating what to do. An hour later, he made his decision. He didn't care if anything happened to Blue, but the fact remained that, right now, he needed her. Sighing, he picked up the phone and dialed her number.
The shrill ring of the cell phone woke both women.