Travis’s phone buzzed. Porter.
“Admiral.”
“The DNA markers indicate the Berserker serum has been flushed from her system,” Porter said.
Travis exhaled a sigh of relief. “Thank, God. Do you have any idea how Komarov’s men knew Caitlin’s schedule and location?”
“One of our technicians didn’t show up for work and has disappeared. We’re suspecting she’s the mole.”
“Fuck. You think she’s the one who tipped Komarov off?”
“Very likely.”
“How about Komarov’s men under MPD custody?”
Silence.
“Admiral?”
“The men are dead.”
“What?” A sense of foreboding gripped Travis. They better not charge Caitlin for manslaughter. It was fucking self-defense. He swallowed hard before asking, “How?”
“Cyanide capsules.”
“What the fuck? Weren’t they searched? Handcuffed?”
“The ball was dropped somewhere, Blake.”
“You fucking bet it was. So we have nothing?”
“Are you alone?”
Travis didn’t care for the admiral’s tone. “Hold on.” He nodded to Nate and Sam to watch over Caitlin and walked into his study.
“What’s going on, Sir?”
“Komarov wants a deal.”
Travis cursed. “Tell me you weren’t in contact with that asshole this entire time.” Another thought crashed into his head. “So help me, God, if you had anything to do—”
“Calm down, Blake—”
“Don’t tell me to fucking calm down, Porter!” Travis roared into his phone, dropping all proprieties. “My wife got hurt! They fucking tried to kidnap her! How the fuck did they know to take her the day after she decrypted the files? Who else knew?”
“The technician had access to some files at the NEST.”
“Tight ship you run over there, Admiral.”
“If you’re done hurling accusations at me, Lieutenant, maybe you’d like to hear what I have to say to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
He realized he was shaking with anger. Travis inhaled a deep calming breath.
“I’m listening.”
Alexandr Komarov eyedhis sister Olga from across his wide oak table. He didn’t have to explain his actions. He was the Pakhan—the leader of their Bratva. Not even his sister could question his decisions.
“It’s final, Olga. Caitlin Kincaid will not be touched. I’ve given the admiral my word.”
