you’d bought the Moscow residence for him, but you decided that after extracting him it might be a good idea for you to retire to a place that couldn’t extradite you. It was going to be very hot for you after you pulled this job. That’s why you didn’t give a damn if you incriminated yourself when you phoned me.”
“How could I resist indulging myself when you were so sure you’d beaten me?” he asked mockingly. “Delgado will have a much more luxurious palace, but I’ll have my own place in his hierarchy. So far he’s admired my ingenuity. I’ll seal the deal tonight.”
“Because you set up a scheme to hoodwink any law-enforcement agency or drug cartel that was after Delgado by staging a departure out of Juarez?”
“Exactly. It obviously fooled you, didn’t it? Or you wouldn’t be strolling out here on the grounds thinking I was in Juarez and you’d be safe from me.”
“‘Stroll’ isn’t exactly the word. I had a purpose. Tell me, did Delgado give you permission to use the CIA to kill off his men in that hangar to make it look authentic when they rushed it?”
He laughed. “Delgado realizes some sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. He had to be selective, so he brought only his most talented people with him here to make sure that he’d be well protected on his journey. At the moment, there are several exceptionally lethal enforcers moving around here ready to take care of any agents Metcalf left on guard.” He was still smiling. “As well as your friend Lynch. Are you waiting for him to come and rescue you? He won’t be here. I gave Delgado’s men his photo and told them how pleased their boss will be if they take him out.”
Chill iced through her at his words. Don’t believe it. Lynch was too smart, too good. Dietrich was just trying to frighten her. So stop thinking about rescue and try to find a way to take him down herself. “Delgado is clearly as much a dirtbag as you. And where is this great man?” she asked. “Still cowering down in that tunnel?”
“No, we’re done with the tunnel. I brought Delgado and his men through the tunnel to Big Rock almost an hour ago. He’s waiting back there on the cliff.” He nodded toward the trees. “My decision. I’m in control of everything from now on. He has to be kept safe.”
There was a hint of impatience in his voice that she’d asked that question. He was not going to let her stall for much longer. He’d almost had enough of stoking his own ego. She had to make a move.
But to do it she had to get closer.
Or get him to come closer.
Kendra let Roberts’s knife fall from her sleeve into her cupped hand. Dietrich was still at least seven feet from her, out of range for a quick lunge with the blade.
“Waiting?” she repeated scornfully. “For Delgado’s goons to clear his path through those campus exits? They’re blocked by FBI agents who are trained experts in what they do, Dietrich. If Delgado’s guys screw up, how do you think you’re going to get Delgado away from here?”
He smiled and glanced upward. “Why don’t you tell me, Kendra? You have such excellent hearing. I’m sure it’s close and I insisted it be right on time.”
She stiffened. She did hear it. The hum of a distant rotor.
Kendra tilted her head. It appeared to be coming from the east. “A helicopter.”
“Just the first leg of our journey tonight. Trust me, no one will be able to track us after we lift off.”
“More innovative than I thought. I was told you were unpredictable. Everyone would assume you’d use the sea as an escape route since it’s so convenient. Was Delgado pleased with you when you suggested the helicopter?”
“Of course.” Dietrich’s voice was smug again. “But then he’s clever enough to realize he’s hired the very best.”
“Really? Clever? Then I believe I have to see this paragon.” She swiftly swung the beam of her flashlight toward the man standing in the shadows of the trees on the hill. She only caught a glimpse of a man with dark hair and dark eyes who straightened with savage anger as the light illuminated his features before Dietrich leaped toward her and knocked the flashlight from her hand.
“Bitch!” And then his hand lashed out and struck her brutally across her cheek, knocking her down. “What are you trying to do?”