same about Bangkok. That turned into a bloodbath.”
“It couldn’t be helped.” Kruger’s irritation was evident, as was Borgia’s.
“So you say. Well, at least you have the flash drive.”
“When I tracked down Riske, he was in an Internet lounge. The flash drive was inserted in his laptop. It would be wise to assume he downloaded some, if not all, of its contents.”
“Colonel Tan told me the drive was encrypted.”
“If it’s encrypted, it can be decrypted.”
“For now, that’s not a concern. The files are four years old. We’re tied off on this end. All the better Hadrian’s dead.”
“I wouldn’t share that sentiment with your sister.”
Danni could see the mean smile on Kruger’s face, whoever he might be. She didn’t think it would be a good idea for him and Borgia to be in the same room, at least for now.
“So you believe it was Riske who beat him up?” said Borgia.
“Who else?”
“Which means Hadrian talked.”
“People always do.”
“Jesus Christ,” murmured Borgia.
“How much did he know?” asked Kruger.
“Too much. He wanted to short the market. He promised me we’d make a killing. A hundred million at least.”
“So he knew it’s going down this weekend?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t tell him anything more?”
“God no.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, dammit,” said Borgia. “This man Riske, does he know about our plans?”
“Before, no. Now, I wouldn’t be so sure. And remember, he knows your name.”
Borgia could be seen banging the heel of his hand against the steering wheel. “We’re twenty-four hours away from changing the world,” he said. “We cannot allow this man, whoever he is, to interfere with our plans. Do you understand me?”
“I do.”
“Find Riske and the woman. This story ends now.”
The call ended. Luca Borgia shook his head repeatedly, grimacing, frowning, baring his teeth. Danni had never seen a man so worried.
And she, in turn, felt worry’s cold, dry fingers tighten their grip around her own neck.
Danni rose from the stool and paced the room. “He’s planning an attack and it’s going to take place within the next twenty-four hours.”
“You should see some of the stuff we pulled off his phone,” said Dov. “He’s out there to the right of Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan.”
“Some of our own countrymen share those beliefs, if I’m not mistaken,” said Danni.
“So, what do we do?” asked Isaac.
“Get me a list of everyone Borgia has phoned in the past thirty days. Cross-check it against emails with those names. Tell me what you find.” She turned to Dov. “Can we get into the Maps app…I mean into the measurement and reporting functions?”
“Sure.”
“I want to know everywhere Borgia’s been during the last month.”
“You got it.”
Danni moved closer to the two engineers. “It’s imperative we find out what Luca Borgia has planned. And when we do, we tell Simon Riske. Everything else comes to a halt. Do I make myself clear?”
The men nodded.
“Okay, then.” Danni drew a breath, charting out the next steps. “First thing, we contact that journalist and let her know that her life is still in danger.”
Chapter 56
Singapore
Lights burned inside the sixth-floor apartment at 14 Fort Road. From his position outside the building’s gates, Shaka made out shadows moving behind drawn curtains. Someone was home. Someone who believed he was still locked up and, therefore, that she was safe to pursue her investigation. He hoped that London Li had a guest. It would make things easier.
Shaka moved toward the entry. The night was hot and sticky, his shirt clinging to his back. The flags in the apartment building’s forecourt hung limply. A car emerged from the garage. The gates to the compound opened slowly. Shaka slid inside as it passed him and turned onto the street.
In the lobby, a concierge sat at the reception, hypnotized by his phone. Shaka circled the building, descending the ramp to the underground garage, walking to the elevator alcove. A key was required to summon the lift. There was no indicator to show what floor either of the two elevator cars might be on. He waited a minute, then another, growing impatient. It was late. Most residents were probably home and tucked in for the night. This was Singapore, not Jo’burg.
“This story ends now.” Borgia couldn’t have been any clearer.
Shaka tapped his foot, willing an elevator to come. Even now, London Li might be leaving her apartment, taking Riske with her.
“Screw it.”
Shaka turned and ran back up the ramp and crossed the forecourt to the lobby. The door was unlocked. He went inside. There was a waiting area to one side with a couch and a glass coffee