Oracle Rising by Barbara Hartzler

Author:Barbara Hartzler [Hartzler, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbara Hartzler
Published: 2023-08-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

XANDER

AT ONE in the morning, I didn’t have a lot of options left. There was only one contact on my emergency list who might be able to help us right now.

I pulled out my phone and started dialing all the contacts I could think of. First, I called the Italian IT guy Lt. Commander McAllen had given me.

“Ciao, Francona’s Pizzeria,” came the canned response.

“Uno pineapple pizza, grazie,” I said the code in Italian.

“What’s your emergency?” the guy asked, in English.

I kept my voice low. “I’ve got two operatives in trouble with the Milan police. I need to keep their covers intact while getting their charges dropped.”

“Precinct and code names, please.” The distinct click-clack of a keyboard sounded through the phone as he started typing furiously.

I glanced at the station sign. “District 11 via Fatebanefratelli, code names Charlotte Leroux and Francesca Ricci.”

The typing clicks kicked up a thousand notches.

“Does this mean we’re gonna be able to get them tonight?” Patrick whispered, not-so-quietly, across the seat.

I gave him one head bob. “I hope so.”

As the operative worked, I pulled the map from Patrick’s clutches and studied it carefully.

The airport was fifteen kilometers away, a bus station within ten, and about a dozen subway stations within walking distance.

A few plans started to percolate in my head.

“Right,” came the voice on the line. “It is done. You may go in with your current cover to retrieve the operatives. I’ve purchased airline tickets in all of your names. Proceed to plan Juliet.”

“Understood.” I hung up without another word.

Patrick bounced in his seat. “So it’s okay? We can go get our girls?”

I bit back a growl and turned to face him. “If we’re all getting out of here tonight, you have to do exactly as I say. Capiche?”

Blinking, he nodded. “Capiche.”

“Excellent.” I almost smiled at that. “I’ll need you to stay here, but keep the car running. As soon as I come out with the girls, you will drive us to the airport. Here.”

I pulled out the map and followed the route from the station to the airport with one finger.

“I get to be the getaway driver? Cool.” He smiled, staring at the map.

“Only if the coast is clear of foot traffic. And only for the first leg, yes.” I ground out the last word. “Someone will undoubtedly follow us from the station. And we have to ditch the car, anyway.”

“And the airport is the perfect place to do that. Got it.” He reached for the door, ready to switch places.

“Good. You’ll drive us to the nearest covered parking, where we’ll get out and switch cars in a dark area. Got it?” I eyed him warily.

“Yes, sir.” He raised one hand to his forehead, but I stopped him mid-salute.

“We don’t wanna give ourselves away. Not here.” I flicked my eyes upward.

“Right. I’ll just do what you said. Stay in the car. Drive to the airport. Act natural.” His arm fell back to his side.

“That’s right. No funny business.” I narrowed my gaze even further.

“Got it.” He glanced at me.

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