Chapter 9

''She what?'' Oscar sputtered, hoping the voice on the other end of the line was mistaken. ''I'm sorry - could you repeat that? She abandoned the agents from Interpol and took off on her own?'' Oscar shook his head. Sometimes Jaime's independent streak was just plain dangerous. ''Find her and let her know that this is totally unacceptable. She needs to contact me at once!'' Oscar gave the Interpol representative Jaime's hotel and contact information then hung up and ran an exasperated hand through his hair. He sat silently, staring at the phone and willing it to ring.

Jaime knew she had to contact Oscar. The guard from the Embassy had simply too much information - info that could've only come from Interpol. Whether it was one dirty agent or if that entire branch had been corrupted, she didn't have time to find out. Jaime had her own job to do...and now she knew she was totally on her own. She figured the safest place to make the call was from her hotel room and she hurried back there and went straight for the phone. Oscar's answer was immediate...and furious...before she'd gotten out more than ''Hi, it's me.''

''Jaime, what the hell were you thinking?'' he demanded angrily. ''You have an entire branch of Interpol practically at your disposal...and instead you take off on your own? Their Intel, their protection...you need them! Now I expect you to -''

''Oscar...''

''Find them and work with them -''

''Oscar-''

''I don't want excuses, Jaime; just do it!'' He hated having to be 'Mr. Goldman' with her, but this was a question of her own safety (as well as the success of the mission) and he had no choice.

''Oscar, Interpol sold me out,'' Jaime said flatly.

''What are you talking about?''

''The guard...Mr. Charm-and-Personality from the front desk at the Embassy? He knew about what I told the Interpol inspector.''

''That's impossible.''

''I heard him on the phone. He quoted me practically word for word. They know I'm here, they know I'm alone -and they know about my abilities...some of them, anyway. I don't know if it's one agent or all of them, but -''

''Jaime, get out of that hotel. Now.'' Oscar's heart sank. He'd told Interpol where to find her. Had he just placed Jaime directly into the hands of the enemy...?

''What's going on?'' Jaime asked, alerted by the anxious tone of his voice.

''Please don't argue now; just go. Make sure no one is following you and call me as soon as you can.''

''But -''

''Now, Jaime!''

Jaime hung up the phone and headed quickly for the door. As soon as she'd unbolted it and turned the knob, the door flew open with such unexpected force that it knocked her to the floor. The inspector who'd taken her statement now stood over her...with a gun. His cohort quietly closed and re-bolted the door. Slowly, Jaime rose to her feet.

''Get over in that chair,'' the inspector ordered, shoving her with the gun barrel for unneeded emphasis. ''So nice of your friend in the States to let us know where to find you,'' he sneered as his helper shackled Jaime securely to the chair. ''Now we're going to have a little talk. How did you really jump onto that ledge? And I'm not buying 'gymnastics' either; we're talking three stories, straight up.''

Jaime stared at him defiantly as anger and impatience flared in his eyes.

''You had no way of knowing,'' Russ said, trying (unsuccessfully) to assuage his boss's guilt.

''She should've called by now; it's taking too long. I should've trusted her instincts,'' Oscar insisted. ''Call Steve...and tell him we need him here yesterday. Then arrange for a second transport plane to Berlin, leaving as soon as possible. And whatever you do, do NOT alert Interpol that he's coming!''

''Is he healed enough?'' Russ asked.

''He has to be!''