The Emperor's Revenge (Oregon Files 11)

“I’ll start them right now.” She tapped on her phone and the downloads began. Banks across Europe would start noticing unusual activity in just a few minutes, but it would take them some time to realize the extent of the problem. By then, the financial system would be frozen, along with the rest of the continent.

“I’ve started the downloads,” she said. “Remember, don’t take down the transformer station until I’ve confirmed the virus is active.”

“I know. We’ll be ready.”

“Be careful, Father. Don’t trust that man.”

“I don’t. Right now, he has no choice but to do as I say.”

“Love you.”

“I love you, too, dear. The next time we see each other, we’ll be billionaires.”

“See you in Rotterdam.” She hung up and turned to Antonovich.

“We’re not going to have any trouble with you, are we?”

Antonovich shook his head in defeat. The assertive businessman of the past was long gone. He was now a shell of his former self, transformed by paranoia, drugs, and almost a year of captivity.

“I’m glad to know that,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to have Sirkal kill you just before you earned your freedom.”

They landed on an empty part of the parking lot outside the Control Hub and were met by a stocky woman in her late thirties, dressed in a skirt and jacket. With her dark hair pinned up in a bun and frameless glasses, she carried herself with authority. She stood between two men, both of whom looked like they were part of the security team.

When the helicopter’s main rotor had spun down sufficiently, Ivana exited, holding her briefcase, while Sirkal helped Antonovich out. Two of the other men in suits carried the camera and microphone. The three wearing windbreakers got out but stayed by the helicopter.

Ivana took Antonovich by the arm as if he were unsteady on his feet and led him to the waiting woman, who gave them a bright smile.

“Mr. Antonovich,” she said in English, “it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Beatrix Dräger, manager of the Continental Control Hub.”

As they shook hands, Ivana translated for Antonovich, who asked Dräger hopefully, “Do you speak Russian?”

Dräger kept on smiling, waiting for the translation.

Ivana said in Russian, “No one here speaks Russian, and you don’t speak English, Mr. Antonovich, so remember to do what I say.”

She returned Dräger’s smile and said, “Mr. Antonovich is delighted to be here and see the fruits of his joint venture. He doesn’t speak English, so I will be his interpreter during the tour. My name is Ivana Semova.”

“And your companions?”

“Mr. Sirkal is documenting Mr. Antonovich’s visit, if that’s all right. We’d also like to do an interview with you when the tour is over.”

“Of course,” Dräger said. “I’d be happy to do a short interview. The only place where you are not allowed to film is in the command center. For security reasons. I’m sure you understand.”

“Certainly. These other men are Mr. Antonovich’s assistants, and the three gentlemen by the helicopter are part of Mr. Antonovich’s security team. They will remain outside with the helicopter.”

“By all means.”

“Shall we begin the tour?” Ivana asked, trying not to sound too anxious. “Mr. Antonovich is particularly eager to see the command center.”

“We can start there, if you’d like,” Dräger said as she began to walk around the building to the Control Hub’s main entrance. On the way, Ivana noted an emergency exit that opened into the parking lot not far from the helicopter.

“Thank you,” Ivana said. “That would be wonderful. Will the Dijkstras be joining us?”

“We heard from Gustaaf Dijkstra that he’s on his way. Would you like to wait for him?”

“That won’t be possible. Unfortunately, Mr. Antonovich has other engagements today, so we can’t stay very long. We appreciate you moving the tour up at the last minute.”

“Not at all,” Dräger said. “We’re very proud of the facility, so we’re thrilled to show it off.”