Unlimited Plan (*)

Not what you expected

32.

Philadelphia, United States

Phoenix initiates his protection protocol, which will make his call anonymous and untraceable. Now certain that nanobots are active, he only needs to establish a connection to be able to command them at will. Knowing that Baltac has turned off his mobile phone, and obviously not having the numbers of Kinkaid's agents on speed dial, he therefore enters the number of the Wessler widow.

He has no assurance as to who has ingested the nanites, but he sincerely hopes it's Baltac, so he can extract the coveted information from him. Although, upon reflection, Sarah Wessler seems like an excellent choice for blackmail. No doubt the security expert would reveal the Doctor's identity if Phoenix subjected her to a rigorous torture session in front of his eyes.

The lanky man equips himself with a wireless earpiece with an integrated microphone, then checks on his computer screen that his instant messaging application and nanobot control console are operational. After three rings, a female voice answers in English. Phoenix speaks in the same language: "Mrs. Wessler? We have a mutual friend you've been hosting for a few days, I believe. I'd appreciate it if you'd put him on the phone, I have an important question to ask him..."

In response, he hears his name shouted so loudly from the small earpiece that he winces with discomfort and immediately lowers the volume.

"I see my reputation precedes me."

On his console, the nanobot activation indicators turn green; Sarah Wessler is infected. Perfect, he thinks.

"Since you know what I'm capable of, this will save us some time. You are probably aware of what will happen to you if you don't put Baltac on the phone right now."

A short answer in his earpiece, spoken with a firm and resolved voice, clearly suggests the mindset of his victim.

"Such rudeness, that really doesn't suit you at all, Miss Wessler, he replies calmly."

He positions the pointer of his mouse on the area that inflicts electric shocks, pushes it to fifteen percent, and types an SMS to convey his instructions to the nanobots.

He hears a faint moan in his ear. A small smirk forms on his lips. He is evidently enjoying his task.

As the Wessler widow remains silent, Phoenix insists: "Baltac, put him on the phone now."

Still nothing, except for some echoes. He guesses that the widow is on the move. Perfect, he thinks, she's going to look for SdS.

He hears someone shouting the victim's name. Probably Baltac joining her.

He shares a knowing look with Macmillan, still motionless by his side. "A matter of minutes and you will be able to start searching for the Doctor," the nacreous irises seem to convey. A door slam blares in his earpiece. Phoenix frowns in confusion. The sound of breaking glass reaches him. Disbelieving, he tries to imagine what's happening in the residence.

Macmillan's phone interrupts his thoughts. The mercenary swiftly picks it up and listens silently. Just a few seconds later, he hangs up to announce in a monotone voice: "It was Lucy sir ... apparently, the woman threw herself out of a window."

Phoenix's white eyebrows furrow even more. He clenches his jaw as he realizes the sacrifice the widow has made.

"Bitch!" he hisses through his teeth.

For his part, Macmillan wonders what bothers his client more. The fact that his question remains unanswered for the time being, or the fact that he won't be able to torture his victim...

He decides to speak up without being invited, even if his employer might interpret such audacity as an outrage, especially in his current state of mind.

"Would you like to reconsider your decision regarding the raid, sir?"

Phoenix gives him an icy look.

"You and Kinkaid," he drops disdainfully. "With your 'guns'... I can't risk Baltac getting caught in crossfire, I've already told you! Bring me all the surveillance we have on him, I'll analyze it myself, you must have missed something that can lead us to his trail. And do not disturb me while I look through it all!"

"As you wish," the mercenary responds, leaving his post.

For several hours, Phoenix sifted through recordings of conversations, data captures, and other reports concerning Baltac. He knows that the latter is linked to the Doctor, and he is determined to find any information that could reveal the identity of this phantom.

A warning sound from his laptop interrupts his meticulous work. He enters his password to unlock his session and stares at the screen, first with curiosity, then with total disbelief. What he sees across the display makes no sense. His communication software is announcing an incoming message. Normally, nothing unusual when utilizing a computer as a phone, but impossible in Phoenix's setup. He uses this line exclusively to make special calls out to his victims and to control his nanites. The number is hidden, and theoretically untraceable. He has never given it to anyone, so who could be sending him a message?

He opens the communication application expecting to see a text not meant for him. Because to him, a misdial stays the only possible explanation. When his eyes decipher the message, he realizes he is wrong. The simple line claims, "I'm coming for you." The three letters signature burns into his retinas as surely as a white-hot iron would brand his skin, "SdS."

Anxious, Phoenix remains motionless in front of his screen for a moment, stunned by the surprise. Then, gradually, his breathing becomes regular again. He rips his gaze off the computer and calls Macmillan on his mobile. It's no longer a time for hesitation; he must take actions quickly and decisively.

"Macmillan? Get your men ready. I want Baltac immediately!"

"He's left the residence, sir."

"What do you mean 'left the residence'?" Phoenix barks. "And you didn't tell me!"

Macmillan pauses before responding.

"You had explicitly asked to be disturbed only in case of an emergency..."

"And Baltac leaving the residence doesn't seem like an emergency to you?"

Phoenix's voice now betrays his stress. The mercenary, having understood his employer's little game, responds in a measured tone.

"Not one that required disturbing you, sir."

"Fool!" Phoenix spits, dominated by his anger. "As if you could even begin to fathom what's important or not, incapable as you are!"

On his side, Macmillan grins at his handset, and his smile widens even more as he casually drops: "But Lucy is tailing him, sir. We can intercept him whenever you want..."

A silence ensues, during which Phoenix understands his henchman's ploy. He calms down and coldly replies.

"No, unnecessary ... he wouldn't talk now... Keep following him. He'll lead us straight to the Doctor."

"Understood, sir."

"And Macmillan ... stay discreet, it's our only chance."

On his end, the mercenary licks his lips, savoring his response.

"No problem, sir, we may be incompetent, but we're also professionals..."