Freedom

Chapter 1

"You should know better than to contact me," he whispered and quickly scanned his surroundings. He spotted nothing other than snow-covered pine trees.

"Listen to me. It's about our-" Olivia made a pause and took a deep breath, "about our late friend in common."

"I'm listening."

"No. Not over the phone. I must see you in person. I just sent you some coordinates. Go there as soon as you can."

The call died in a monotonous tone.

He returned to the cabin in a hurry. Years ago Diana and he had created an emergency shelter they could disappear to for a while in case the aftermath of a contract would go out of hand. At a first glance it was a simple hut with a fireplace and all the basics to spend a few days sheltered from the cruel low temperatures of the Carpathian Mountains, yet its hidden underground contained everything necessary to establish contact with the outside world through the safest channels and all comforts of a five-star hotel.

Olivia Hall was the weakest link of the four. An experienced hacker who had clearly shown the capability of doing Diana's job and assist him on the field with all the necessary intel involved. Lucas trusted her. He didn't know how long they had worked together, but he guessed Olivia had been key for Lucas's plans in targeting Providence operatives and guaranteeing the loyalty of the militia he used to corner its partners. Yes, Olivia was very capable and discreet, yet she lacked formal training. Despite Diana never being a field agent like he was, she counted with preparation in intelligence and in her youth she even had managed on her own to pin down who she then believed responsible for her parents' death.

As he made it to the cabin, he immediately went downstairs and switched on the computers and devices. He launched a quick search with the name of who was once Lucas's right hand. Our late friend in common. For a moment he saw 6 as they attempted to escape the institute. His mistrustful green eyes with that shy glimpse of stubborn hope. The memory of his lifeless body in the adjoining forest of Thornbridge Manor shook something within him that suddenly nestled in his throat. He stared blankly at a random spot, puzzled by the reaction. As soon as it came, it went away.

The result on Olivia confirmed his suspicions. News was through different European and American media outlets about a dark web hacker who was sought by the Interpol for her involvement in the heist of Milton-Fitzpatrick Bank, one of Providence's assets. While they had eliminated the partners and its top controller, its heralds, powerful men and women of the world stage, still held onto the power of the once-secret organization and refused to admit it no longer existed. He thought of two possibilities: her call was a trap to offer him as a bargaining chip and free herself of all charges, or she needed him to help her get rid of a situation like only he could. He studied the coordinates sent by Olivia and prepared himself for the trip as he did for each of his contracts: ready to kill.

"47."

He turned around and faced Olivia. At a first glance, she seemed to be on her own. He scanned the surroundings. The central cemetery of Vienna located in the eleventh district, Simmering. A thick drizzle covered the tombstones and the days-old snow muddied the gravel road and gardens. The sky hid behind sad grey clouds, which didn't allow him to guess the time of day. Winter in the guts of Europe is dark as its nights are long.

"Relax, this ain't a trap. I'm not Diana," she said and neared him.

It took him a moment to react.

"How do you know that?"

"News travels fast," Olivia said. "Anyway, I'm glad you came out unscathed from that... incident."

He approached one of the tombs and pretended to arrange the flowers of its garden.