“Really,” he said, very softly. “Unless the fucking world blows up. Even then, I’m thinking somehow I’ll get to you.”
Chapter 21
The tech center was housed in an ancient building on a narrow, winding street that was filled with crowds of tourists on a Sunday in summer. The computer room on the main floor was manic with activity, although strangely quiet, everyone intent on their keyboards and screens, only an occasional command from Ganz breaking the silence.
Rafe took a few minutes to show Nicole his office, the cafeteria, the exercise room, the small walled garden in back, then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, said, “Make yourself at home,” and walked over to Ganz, who was standing in front of a bank of computer screens that had code running so fast it was practically a blur.
Nicole found herself a comfortable sofa in a corner of the large room and after watching the intensely focused diligence for a short time, she opened a novel that had gotten critical acclaim and began reading about an officer in the KGB shortly after World War II who was beginning to question his conscience and duty. It was well written, well documented, and so suspenseful that she didn’t notice the time until her stomach began growling.
Glancing up, she saw that the sun had set and the sky was gray with rain clouds. Putting her book down, she stretched and surveyed the operations still in full swing, the energy levels undiminished, Rafe seemingly moored to the spot he’d been in when she’d begun reading. Although a number of coffee cups were on a nearby table along with a footed mirror for Ganz’s drug of choice.
Whatever it took, she reflected. They might be up for hours more.
As if Rafe felt her presence in the midst of the chaos, he glanced over and smiled when she rose from the sofa. She made a spooning motion to her mouth and with a wave, left the room and made her way to the cafeteria.
Even though it was the weekend, three chefs and a full service crew were on hand to accommodate anyone’s food tastes. Selecting some items from the chalkboard, Nicole dined well on fresh corn chowder, lake trout with almonds, and a delicate genoise layered with ganache. Everything was so delicious, she ate every bite, the rich food acting like a sleeping pill.
Rafe’s office had a small bedroom and bath: perfect.
Detouring back into the computer room, she picked up her books, waved at Rafe, who’d watched her since she’d walked in, then, leaving the high-tension atmosphere, she moved down the hall to Rafe’s office.
“You follow her like a hawk its prey. I’ve never seen you so captivated,” Ganz murmured, as Rafe’s attention returned to the monitors. “What makes her so special?”
“I just like her. You’re on the offensive now,” Rafe remarked, not about to discuss his feelings, not sure what they were in any event; he’d never had any practice apportioning meaning to his emotions. “Does that mean we’re out of danger? I’m assuming so.”
Taking the rebuff with good grace, Ganz nodded. “They can’t touch us anymore. It’s over for you.”
“While their whole network is disintegrating like it’s been bombed.” Rafe stared at the screens, then at Ganz. “How the hell are you doing that?”
“Two moles. I have all the passwords, routing info, identifying IP addresses, and firewall settings. Every fucking one. And now that Contini Pharma is out of the line of fire, I’m going to crash their systems.” He shot Rafe a grin. “Armageddon, baby. Watch them self-destruct.”
“Fucking impressive.”
“Yeah, well, congratulate me once I get my two friends out. I need one of your planes in Macao.”
“You got it. When?”
“Soon. I couldn’t plan ahead because I didn’t know when and if they’d hit you, although it was more when than if, which is why I got my ass down to Monaco. But fucking walls have ears, so I couldn’t talk about it. With major shit like this, you can’t tell who’s dependable. After the dust settles, my friends will initiate their exit plan. They have to get from Shanghai to Macao, no small feat. So it should be a day or two before I need your plane in Macao.”
“I’ll make a call right now to get things rolling. It might be useful to have a backup team to get your boys to the airport. Macao’s pretty wide open if you look like a high roller. I’ll send some men along who can play at the big boys’ table; they’ll be ready to escort your friends to the plane.”
Ganz nodded. “The fallout will be huge, so thanks.”
“Fuck, you saved my ass. I owe you.” Rafe looked up from punching in a number on his cell. “You can explain the details once they’re in the air. I’ll just get the plane off the ground.”