Return to Russia

Chapter 7

[AN: Sorry it's taken me so long to update! As an apology, this chapter is a bit longer than the previous ones, and I'm going to start the next one as soon as possible! Thank you for continuing to read my stories, I love you all!]

After looking through all of our lists, we're able to narrow it down to only a few names. Luckily, I actually saw Ro earlier, so I'm able to identify him by his profile picture. His full name is Rodion Dultsev, he's 30, and it doesn't look like he's been able to hold a job. It's unclear how he knows Jordan (or whatever his name really is), but I bet we'll find out when we bring them in.

I call for a meeting to fill everyone in on what I know, and with the support of Clint, I insist we lay a trap for Jordan and Rodion. Seeing as we haven't really done anything about it since we got here, I'm anxious to eliminate the problem. There's no use waiting any longer.

"Wouldn't it be easier to follow them around to see where they go?" Maria suggests. "We'd probably get more useful information that way."

"It's a waste of man hours, and, as far as I know, they haven't gone very far," I retort. "Besides, I don't think Jordan would risk blowing his cover by going anywhere important. He's too careful."

"And they may not be as central to the whole operation as our other lead, Timur." Clint stands to join me at the head of the table. "You all know how good Nat is at getting information out of people, so why would we waste the opportunity to let her try?"

"I suppose we do need to take action eventually," Nick sighs. "Okay, you can try, but first, we need to iron out a few wrinkles. Where, might I ask, do you plan to hold and interrogate them?"

"You seem to be forgetting I grew up here. I know a place." I roll my eyes. "Anything else?"

"How do you plan to capture and transport them?"

"I brought enough chloroform to knock out a herd of elephants, and the limo definitely has enough space for two unconscious men."

"Fair enough. Alright, you have full control of this operation. I trust you'll be successful on your own, but let me know if you need anything."

"Actually, I'm going to need a few of those cameras you brought with..."

I install the cameras in various strategic locations throughout the hotel to track the movements of the two men. Nick also had a few bugs stashed in his luggage, so I swipe a master key from maintenance and scatter some in Jordan's room, just in case we need them. At my suggestion, Clint enlists the help of Charlie and Isaac, who deserve a chance to prove themselves to our boss. Then, chloroform, rags, and rope in hand, we wait next to my laptop for Jordan and Rodion to show up on the screen.

"Remind me again why we're using chloroform instead of your stingers?" Clint asks, looking down at the unusually simple tools in his hands.

"Because I only brought a few, and I want to save them for when we have bigger fish to fry. Now hush! I think I see them!"

Sure enough, they pass the camera I set up in the lobby. Slight bulges in the backs of their jackets inform me that they're both armed with small handguns. Shouldn't be a problem. They disappear into the elevator, and the LED screen shows it stopping on the fourth floor. Perfect. I switch screens and catch them heading towards Jordan's room. It's time to move.

Silently, we file into the hallway, each of us focused on our individual part of the plan. Clint uses the master key to get to a hiding spot within Jordan's room. Charlie travels past it a bit to hide around the next corner. Isaac falls back, staying with me in the stretch of hallway our rooms are located in. As agreed upon, I'm completely unarmed; not that I need weapons of any sort to defend myself, but still. I can't look like I'm a threat.