A name, maybe? Someone they were meeting?
Footsteps on the staircase.
Skeet grabbed the shipping manifests and travel itineraries. Shoved them into his pocket as he moved toward the closet on the far side of the room. The doors were louvered—offering both concealment and the ability to see out.
He slipped inside just as Volkov’s voice grew clear—he was speaking English now, probably on a phone call.
“Yes, we’re nearly ready. I’m headed to Bangkok in two days—yes, of course.”
Skeet pressed himself against the back wall of the closet. Through the louvered doors, he made out Volkov pacing the office, phone pressed to his ear. His companion had disappeared, probably into the bathroom.
“It will be there. I’m checking on the lab as soon as I’m done here.”
Skeet’s phone vibrated. He slapped a hand over it. A text from Coco.
Coco
Upload complete.
Followed by another from Chloe.
Chloe
Whatever you’re doing, get out now.
But Volkov was still talking. Still pacing. Still blocking the only exit.
So this was fun. Skeet hadn’t had a tussle in a while. It might help if he weren’t barefoot.
“No changes to the timeline,” Volkov continued. “Yes, we’ll start at the mall.”
Skeet stilled.A mall?
Wait... Bangkok had one of the most luxurious malls in the world. ICONSIAM.
Volkov ended his call and moved toward the desk.
Move, now?—
But then the man sat at the laptop and began typing.
Skeet’s phone buzzed in his hand again. Chloe.
Chloe
Security patrol coming your way. Get out now.
Perfect.
Through the louvered doors, he watched Volkov pull out a manila folder and spread its contents across the desk. Even from his hiding spot, Skeet could see what looked like building schematics.
Another text from Chloe.
Chloe
What are you doing? Get out!
Calm down.He nearly texted it, but yeah—probably not a win there.