Page 43 of Code Name: Atticus

“The Mitchell cover held perfectly,” Kodiak said. “They were particularly interested in our supposed DoD contracts.”

“Shall we engage K19 now?” I asked.

“Good a time as any,” Kodiak responded.

I opened my laptop and initiated the videoconference. The screen split into multiple windows—Admiral, Alice, Tank, and Dragon.

“Good morning, everyone,” I said. “Kodiak and Emma just briefed us on what they observed at the yacht party last night.”

I quickly summarized their findings—Morrison, Liu, and Castellano worked as a coordinated team, and divided targets by expertise.

“What’s your analysis?” I asked, looking between Alice and Admiral.

“It matches what we’re seeing,” said Alice, pulling up data. “There’s been an increased probing of defense contractor systems. Very targeted, very specific.”

“Any idea what they’re after?” I asked.

“Classified naval systems that are about to become much harder to access,” she continued.

“How much harder?” I asked.

“Think vault door versus screen door,” Admiral clarified. “Whatever they’re planning, they need to move now.”

Tank loaded the financial data. “We’re also tracking unusual money movement. Large sums being aggregated through channels that look almost legitimate.”

“Emma,” I said. “What’s your read on the financial patterns, based on what you saw last night?”

She leaned forward. “They’re four to five days from having enough for a major purchase.”

“There’s another development,” I said. “Morrison called this morning. He’s invited all four of us to dinner tonight at Maison Blanc. All three principals will be there.”

“That’s fast,” Admiral said. “They’re definitely feeling pressure.”

“For tonight, it’s important to remember that these people have been operating successfully for two years. They’ll be watching for any inconsistency,” I said.

“Agreed,” said Atticus when Kodiak and Emma also murmured their consent.

I scanned the faces on screen. “Does anyone have questions or concerns before tonight?”

When no one spoke up, I nodded. “Then, we’re set. Thank you all for your support.”

“Anyone need anything?” Atticus asked after I ended the briefing and closed the connection.

“I’ll make some tea. Anyone else want that or coffee?”

“Let me take care of it,” Atticus offered, leaning down to kiss my temple as he passed by. Something that, based on their expressions, neither Emma nor Kodiak missed.

“Staying in character,” I muttered.

Emma chuckled. “Nice catch, not that I believe that for a second.”

“Moving on, let’s focus on tonight.”

While Kodiak pulled files up on his tablet, Atticus brought a cup of tea for me and coffee for everyone else, then took a seat.

“Based on last night, Morrison will probe our financial vulnerabilities first. He likes to establish desperation levels,” Kodiak began.

“Liu tests the technical knowledge,” Emma added. “He caught someone last night claiming expertise they didn’t have. He didn’t even attempt to hide his reaction.”