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“Officially retired,” Manny said cheerfully. “I help Petra when I can and when the fishing isn’t going as well as expected. You know, there wasn’t a lot of information out there on either you or your wife. Only what I could find in open sources and, of course, theGlobal Enquirer, which all good intelligence agencies use to get information on their targets.”

I winced at that one, and he responded with a hearty laugh. “Just kidding. So, Tampon Hero, how can I help you help Petra?”

I ignored the dig and got straight to the point. “There’s a compound on the island belonging to what you suspect is a Chinese shell company. You’ve been surveilling it.”

Manny didn’t flinch at my candor, and in fact, I got a feeling he appreciated it. “I have. In fact, I’ve had eyes on and off it for months. They’ve made several modifications and even added what looks like a dormitory, presumably to host their police force. The place is secured with cameras, intermittent patrols, and even an armed guard at the gate. A little peculiar, if you ask me.”

“Agreed. The prime minister said she has reason to suspect the Chinese are behind this coup. Since this compound appears to be the focus of their activity, I’d like to see this place for myself. Can you take me?”

Surprise flickered in his eyes. “Now? Travel is likely to be risky.”

“I know, but we don’t have a lot of time. The prime minister needs hard evidence, and the odds are best we can get it there. I’d like to see the layout and get a sense of the security for myself.”

“So, a surveillance mission,” Manny mused. “And after that?”

“After that, we discuss my plan to penetrate the compound.”

I’d surprised him again. I could see it in his eyes. Manny remained quiet for a moment, clearly weighing my request. He was a careful, thoughtful man, and I liked that.

“Let me make sure I understand this,” Manny said. “You want to break into a guarded compound owned by the Chinese?”

“First, I want to surveil it. But breaking in is the direction I’m leaning, yes.”

Many narrowed his eyes. “I assume that this falls under skills you just happen to possess from your…ah, cybersecurity training. You do realize if you’re caught, I won’t be able to help you, and neither will the prime minister.”

I met his gaze evenly. “I possess the necessary skills, and I also understand the consequences if I’m caught.”

He regarded me for a long moment, presumably to determine if I was completely out of my mind, before he decided. “Okay, but I don’t have much equipment to offer you for this excursion.”

I appreciated I didn’t have to argue further with him. “Show me what you’ve got, and I’ll make the plan work around it.”

He’d agreed to help, but I could still see the doubt in his eyes. I needed him to be on my side, so I decided to be direct with him. “Look, Manny, I can’t say I’m enthusiastic about the idea of breaking in and maybe I won’t have to, but I don’t see any alternatives to help the prime minister end this coup in the limited time we have. I also expect to have some assistance in dealing with the cameras and alarms, so I’m not going in blind. But I’m open to any better recommendations.”

Manny sighed. “Breaking into that compound is bloody mental, but at this point, I don’t see how we can stay on the sidelines any longer. They’ve played their hand, so we need to play ours. I’ve got nothing better to suggest.” He jerked his thumb toward the door. “You ready to check out my equipment?”

“I am,” I replied. “Any schematics or drawings you could provide of the compound would also be helpful.”

“I’ve got some of those, too. I’m also in possession of a nice set of lockpicks. Just to be clear, I acquired them legally, with the only requirement being I use them for legal purposes only. Might we be using these for legal purposes?”

“Very legal,” I responded. “Authorized by the prime minister herself.”

“Excellent. I’m glad we’re clear on that. Will you be requiring any training on their use?”

“Probably not, but a little refresher wouldn’t hurt. Let’s get to it, then.”

Manny nodded. “Hell, yes. We’re running out of time.”

* * *

Lexi

I sat hunchedover my laptop in the dimly lit room, worried about Slash, worried about the prime minister and her family, and worried if we’d be able to amass enough proof to get the US government to help. It was a stretch, and both Slash and I knew it. I glanced at the fading wallpaper, feeling like the walls were closing in around me.

I pushed my concerns aside, typed some commands, and sat back in my chair. Elvis had seen my encrypted message and request, and I was just awaiting his reply.

Finally, a message came through.

“A COUP? You’re kidding me. Ha, ha. Good one, Lexi.”