Page 123 of The Atlas Maneuver

Katie had excused herself and left the tent again. Kelly assumed the big push would come shortly after everyone’s belly was full and enough wine and liquor had been consumed. The bank spared no expense with events like this. They usually hired the best event planners and caterers available, and this night seemed no exception. Waiters were busy serving the tables, more hired help cleaning away the dishes and refilling glasses. Odd that Lana Greenwell was here, but Lana was probably thinking the same thing about her. Neither of them in the past had been included in any outside activities. Bothshe and Lana were behind-the-scenes participants, two of only a few within the bank who knew what was truly happening. She had an urge to flee, but knew there was nowhere to go. She was a prisoner, albeit one with bargaining power, but a prisoner nonetheless. If this worked out, what would she say to her daughter? How would she explain why she gave her up? She’d fantasizeed about that conversation for a long time, and soon that dream might become a reality. But she was playing a dangerous game. One that could place not only her own life, but now also her daughter’s in jeopardy. She’d never figured someone else into the mix. The risks had been designed to be hers alone. But there was no turning back now.

Everything was in motion.

This had to play itself out.

To the end.

COTTON SPED UP THE CAR, THE FLASHING RED LIGHT NOW ON THEdashboard announcing their presence. They were approaching the Gledhill compound, which sat on a mount that overlooked a black valley. Lights illuminated the outer walls and the main gate. Armed men waited in the wash of brightness. More men were atop the walls. The gates leading inside were closed. Everything seemed sealed tight. Which made sense. Considering there was some high-profile event occurring within.

He rolled up, came to a stop, and opened his door.

As did Aiko. They both stepped out.

Two of the armed men approached.

Cotton had learned long ago if you spoke fast, straight, and clear without a speck of hesitation and acted like you knew what you were doing, your listener would come to the same conclusion.

“Do you speak English?” Cotton asked.

The man shook his head. He’d also learned that a smile was the best substitute for not knowing a language. So he offered one and asked, “Parlez-vous français?”

The guard nodded.

He’d always been able to depend on his memory, especially when it came to languages. He could speak and understand quite a few.

“We’re here from the DST,” he said in French. “You have a situation brewing inside.”

A puzzled look came to the leathery face. “What situation?”

“Is there a van and personnel in there from Voyagez & Amusez-vous?”

The guards traded stares, and the one nodded.

“We have reason to believe they could be impostors. Something may be happening behind those walls. We need to get in there.”

The guards seemed hesitant.

“Do I look like a problem?” Cotton said, voice rising. “We didn’t drive here from Marrakesh for no reason. Open the damn gates.”

And he slipped back into the car, as did Aiko.

The guards still hesitated, so he laid on the horn.

“Now,” he yelled.

CATHERINE HEADED BACK TO THE EVENT TENT AFTER TALKING PRIVATELYwith a few of the consuls, listening to their reports and perceptions. Those observations would be important during her upcoming remarks.

Know your audience.

Good advice.

She was to address the gathering in a few minutes with a last attempt to sway the representatives into recommending to their respective governments that bitcoin become an integral part of their economies. Nothing would be decided here tonight. The idea was for these representatives to return home and become champions for the cause. Of course, a fair number of them had been bought and paid for with bitcoin of their own, now safely secure in e-wallets to which only they had access.

But not everyone was bribed.

Sometimes just the idea itself was enough to inspire passion, but when needed money was always a convincing incentive.

Everything seemed to be going great. They’d planned this night for a long time, taken special care to make sure that the food, the atmosphere, and the message were all in sync. Too hard a sell would drive them away. Too soft would never reel them in. A balance had to be achieved, and she’d become quite adept at finding that equilibrium.