The video screen flickered to life, revealing Louis's face streaked with tears and fury that made her look beautiful and terrifying simultaneously. Behind her, Chen and Rebecca monitored the connection while international officials observed from a distance that suggested this communication was being analyzed by multiple intelligence agencies."Ral," Louis breathed, her hand reaching toward the screen as if she could touch him through digital distance. "Are you hurt?""I am alive," Ral replied, aware that every word was being recorded and analyzed. "Louis, what did Marcus give you? What documentation do you have?""Everything," she stated with quiet intensity. "Before the poison took effect, Marcus transferred files documenting thirty years of Russian intelligence operations in American systems. Names, dates, methods. He wanted insurance that his testimony would survive even if he did not."Nikolai leaned forward beside Ral, his expression tight with professional concern. "Those files

"You want to run a false flag operation using me as bait," Ral said, his analytical mind cutting through Elena's careful phrasing to reach the operational core. "Make the rogue team believe I've cooperated while actually feeding them nothing.""Not nothing," Elena corrected, pulling up a secure tablet that showed files Ral recognized immediately—CIA operational documentation, but with subtle alterations his trained eye caught within seconds. "We feed them intelligence that appears legitimate but is actually controlled deception. Real enough to satisfy verification, false enough to protect actual assets."Nikolai moved closer, studying the documents with professional interest. "These are sophisticated forgeries. Who prepared them?""Someone within American intelligence who wants this situation resolved before it escalates into open conflict," Elena replied cryptically. "Someone who understands that sometimes protecting assets requires appearing to compromise them."The satellite feed s

The timer's relentless countdown reflected in every face in the room—nine minutes, twelve seconds—each digit a hammer blow against Ral's fragmenting composure. The satellite feeds remained dark, communication channels silent except for static that sounded like the universe itself holding its breath."Can we disarm it remotely?" Nikolai demanded, already knowing the answer but needing to hear it spoken."Not without knowing which container is rigged, what type of device they used, and having access codes we don't possess," the FSB officer replied, her fingers flying across her tablet as she coordinated with Dutch bomb disposal teams. "Even if we had all that information, nine minutes is insufficient time to locate, access, and safely disarm an explosive device of unknown configuration.""Both containers could be rigged," Elena added grimly. "Standard protocol when you suspect intervention—eliminate all assets rather than risk any falling into enemy hands."Eight minutes, forty-three se

"I accept," Ral stated, the words tasting like betrayal and salvation simultaneously. "I'll provide testimony, request asylum, do whatever you want. Just stop the timer and release Louis."Forty-one seconds.Dmitri's expression showed satisfaction but not surprise, as if he'd calculated this outcome with algorithmic certainty. "Excellent decision, Mr. Anderson. However, given the complexity of reversing certain automated systems, I suggest you evacuate immediately while I coordinate deactivation protocols.""You're lying," Ral said flatly. "You have no intention of stopping the bomb."Thirty-four seconds."I assure you—""You assure me nothing," Ral interrupted, his analytical mind finally seeing the pattern underlying everything. "You want me dead regardless of cooperation. Dead analyst can't recant testimony. Dead husband can't reveal that Louis's documentation was leverage rather than legitimate threat. You eliminate loose ends while appearing to offer negotiation."Twenty-eight se

The emergency medical team arrived within minutes, professional hands assessing Louis's injury with efficiency that allowed no room for Ral's hovering panic. The bullet had passed through shoulder muscle without striking bone or major arteries—painful and requiring surgery, but survivable with proper treatment."She needs hospital immediately," the lead medic stated, already preparing Louis for transport. "Blood loss is moderate but increasing. We stabilize en route.""I'm going with her," Ral said, not a question but an absolute statement that brooked no argument.Nikolai nodded acknowledgment. "Elena will accompany you. I coordinate cleanup here and ensure Dmitri's remaining assets cannot flee jurisdiction."The ambulance ride through Moscow's streets passed in surreal blur—sirens wailing, Louis drifting in and out of consciousness from pain medication, medics working with focused intensity to maintain her stabilization. Ral held her uninjured hand, his grip probably too tight but u