Page 139 of Storm Warning

Near the end of their planning time, Riley turned to Violet. “I don’t know about the other teams, but we haven’t talked about how to destroy the virus. Please tell me you have some ideas.”

Teagan scowled. “We have to get inside the lab first, and that won’t be easy. Obsidian Storm must have top-notch security to keep the germs and virologists safe.”

Iona held up her hand. “While that’s true, we can’t wait until we break into a lab with dangerous substances to ask ourselveshow to kill the germs. So, Violet, how do we prevent anyone from using the weaponized virus against the US?”

“Or us.” Rayne shuddered. “Gives me the creeps thinking about it.”

Violet’s lips curved at the corners. “It depends.”

Silence greeted her statement.

Rayne stared. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

“I’m afraid not.”

Iona folded her arms across her chest. “Explain.”

“We suspect Obsidian Storm has weaponized the flu virus because that’s what they were close to perfecting a decade ago. Ten years is a long time to wait for revenge. They might not have followed the same plan their fathers used. They could weaponize the flu or something else.”

“A germ is a germ.”

“That’s just it. It might not be a germ.”

“What’s worse than that?”

“Ricin, for one. They might have used many things that are several cuts above the flu in terms of danger.”

Riley thought about that, then shook her head. “Since Zane confirmed four scientists, two of whom are virologists, are missing from Chihuahua Province, I think we were right in assuming they’re weaponizing a virus.” All the options Violet laid out made Riley cringe. She didn’t want to imagine a world in chaos following the release of a germ or deadly toxin.

Riley turned to her friend. “So, back to my original question. Assuming they’re working with a virus in that lab, how do we destroy a weaponized virus?”

“I have some ideas, but I’m serious when I say it depends. I don’t know what equipment they have in the lab, so I can’t say how we’ll get rid of it. Dr. Sorenson and I discussed various ways to destroy the virus.”

Rayne looked exasperated. “Can’t you give us a hint? It’s creepy knowing I’ll be in a lab with germs that could kill me if they got loose.”

Teagan raised her hand. “Same.”

Seth stood at the front of the jet. “Let’s hear what plans you came up with. Iona, you go first.”

They went from one team to another, tossing plan corrections out and tinkering with others until ultimately they chose the plan with the strongest chance to succeed. After that, they arranged backup plans in order of attractiveness and chances of success. Seth looked at the teams. “If we reach the end of the list, what should you do?”

Brent stood. “Create another one on the fly. It better be a good one because my daughter has a dance competition in two days, and I don’t want to miss it.”

“Copy that, sir.” David Montgomery looked at the rest of the operatives. “You heard the man. We go in, take care of business without exposing ourselves to the virus, and go home.”

When the jet landed on a private airstrip an hour outside of Izamal, the operatives were geared up and ready to roll. Four SUVs lined the side of the tarmac, each with a man waiting near the hood.

Were the four strangers waiting for them friend or foe? Would they turn on Fortress?

Brent didn’t have such reservations. He descended the stairs with Seth and David on his heels.

Rayne frowned at Iona. “Why didn’t you go with them? You have the right to be involved in discussions important to the safety of Artemis.”

“We’re Fortress’ secret advantage. In this business, people don’t expect many women to be part of black ops. Brent wants every advantage we have to deal with Obsidian Storm.”

“They already know we exist. That’s why our team is now a target, too.”

Riley scowled. “Our team is a target because of me. I’m the one who got us into this mess.”