Chapter 53

53

Three hours later, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters descended toward a field on the former Stasi base.

“Time for me to go,” Vesna said.

Teddy, Vesna, and Stone were standing near the interrogation building. She preferred that the CIA remained unaware of her involvement in the operation.

“Thank you,” Teddy said. “This would have been a lot harder without your help.”

“Obviously.”

They hugged.

“Take care of yourself,” Teddy said. “You know how to reach me if you ever need my help.”

“Stone, a pleasure,” she said and shook Stone’s hand.

He smiled. “I couldn’t have asked for a better date this evening. If you ever make it to New York, perhaps we can do it again.”

“Perhaps we can.”

As the first helicopter touched down, Vesna gave them a wave and disappeared into the night.

After both aircraft had settled on the ground, Rick La Rose hopped out of one and led a troop of special forces soldiers over to Teddy and Stone.

“Mr. Barnett, sorry we couldn’t get here sooner,” he said. “Stone, good to see you again.”

“Hello, Rick,” Stone said.

Rick looked around. “Where’s John?”

“John?” Stone asked.

“The specialist Lance sent. I met him in Venice.”

“He had obligations elsewhere and said he’d be contacting Lance directly,” Teddy said.

“Then I guess we’ll take the prisoners off your hands, and you can be on your way.”

“One thing,” Teddy said. “The woman’s name is Jillian Courtois. I think she became wrapped up in something bigger than she realized. I’m under the impression she has some pretty impressive skills. If you handle her correctly, she could be an asset. You should also mention to Lance that she’s the one who emailed him.”

Teddy had confirmed this with her after everything had gone down.

“Email?” Rick asked.

“He’ll understand.”

“Then I’ll let him know.”