Chapter 12

"Why haven't they got the tape on yet? They've had two hours since the tape arrived. What the hell is going on?"

"Spitimir, the President is stirring. Do I give him more medication?"

Spitimir looked at his hostage, noting that he had become restless, a good sign that the medicine was wearing off. "No, let him wake up. But restrain him. Maybe with him awake we can use him to our advantage."

Kiska took some extra sheets and tore them into strips. With Yakov's help she tied the strips around Jed's ankles and wrists and then tied them to the bed rails. A hard tug on them and Kiska made sure they were secure. "Good, now when he wakes up he won't be going anywhere. Iskra, how is your hostage?"

Worried, Iskra turned toward the nurse. "Her breathing is still a little irregular but her pulse remains strong. If he is waking up, won't she as well?"

"That's a good point." Kiska took another syringe from her pocket and handed it to Iskra. "Give this to her. The whole dose. We don't need to deal with her being awake. Besides, I understand these two really love each other and the President will suffer more if she has been harmed."

"But her breathing?"

"I DON"T CARE! Do you understand me? Give her the whole dose right now."

"Spitimir, that will kill her."

"Iskra, are you going to do it or do I have to remind you what happens to those who fail the mission?"

Frightened, Iskra shook her head. She had been present for the execution of the anesthesiologist. She knew what Spitimir was capable of and she knew if she didn't want to end up the same way, she must do as he said. Iskra took the cap off the syringe and pushed the plunger, the medication spreading quickly into the First Lady's body.

"Good job Iskra. You are one of us." Kiska moved over to the window. "Spitimir, I see Russian troops outside. But they can't get us, right?"

"No. We're too high up. They can't touch us." Turning to the door, Spitimir got more agitated. "Something is wrong. The Americans are not doing what I asked." He picked up the phone and made another call.

This time there was no answer.