“Many times, unfortunately. I swear, riding in one of those things should get you an automatic visit to the chiropractor or at least a deep-tissue massage.”
Eddy laughed softly. “
Zahra’s eyes opened wide. “No. That would be a first for me.”
“
Zahra shook her head and closed her eyes. “Why can I feel you smiling from here?”
Eddy cleared her throat. It was clear that she had been smiling. “
“Oh, so you mean a no-fun type?”
“
“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Eddy.” The cab stopped outside her hotel. “Okay, I’m here. Talk again soon.”
The start of Zahra’s first official operation hadn’t gone as smoothly as Eddy had hoped. The nature of the discovery in question was incredibly sensitive, and she knew other parties might eventually get involved. Nazis in Antarctica, specifically being stationed there, had been a hot topic since the war ended. Until now, there had been no evidence of them actually setting up shop there.
Conspiracy theorists loved to tell tall tales of Nazis ending up in all corners of the globe, building massive subterranean complexes and continuing their sadistic societies. As far-fetched as these stories seemed, Eddy knew there was a fantastical element to them that made them attractive fodder for those who believed in Lizard People and the Illuminati.
A U-boat in the ice changed everything. It was proof that they had, at least, tried to get men there. The model of
It wasn’t a prototypical attack sub. This U-boat was a gigantic transport vessel.
Eddy looked at her phone. She wanted to call Raegor but quickly decided against it. His mission with Jack had done a number on him. Raegor’s body didn’t respond well to stress, not since his chemotherapy. He had fought and beaten cancer, but it had also won part of the battle.
The Garden Hotel sported a spacious, outdoor, full-service bar — and that was precisely where Yana Fedorov sat now. She’d been instructed to meet TAC agent Zahra Kane here. That was good. Yana always preferred to get pleasantries out of the way early.
The athletic blonde was tickled when she saw a bottle of Jewel of Russia Ultra Black behind the bar. Yana gleefully ordered a heavy pour of the premium vodka. It featured a creamy mouthfeel, subtle peppery notes, soft rye spice, and very little burn on the finish. She always drank it neat, much to the dismay of most other people. Ice watered down flavor and, to Yana, brought out more of the alcohol taste.
Her last mission with TAC had been a doozy; she hoped this one would be too. Yana loved a good challenge. She also loved the adventure that came
“
Yana’s eyes darted left. In her periphery, she watched a woman sit next to her. It only took a second, and in that short time, Yana read the newcomer as thoroughly as she could.
Her skin tone could only be described as “coffee with cream.” She was well-built but not as muscular as Yana was, and her raven-black hair owned perfect waves.
In short, she was gorgeous.
“What are you drinking?” the woman asked.
Yana’s eyes lifted to the mirror built into the back wall of the bar. They found the other patron. The question wasn’t what had gotten Yana’s attention; it was a classic conversation starter. What had raised the hairs on Yana’s arms was what language the question had been asked in.
The Middle Eastern woman had asked the question in fluent Russian.
Yana stayed calm, took another sip, then held the lowball glass, inspecting its contents. “Jewel of Russia black top,” she replied in English. “It doesn’t get better.”
The barkeep returned and placed a bottle of Cerveza Cristal atop a napkin, setting both in front of Yana’s new friend. Yana took another sip of vodka, but this time, instead of admiring her drink, she set it down and turned. She met eyes with her neighbor and noticed how striking they were.
Yana said as much. “You have the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen.”
Zahra Kane grinned. “Is this how you always begin introductions?”
“What can I say? I speak my mind.”
