“You thought it would be me? I wouldn’t trust anyone but myself to launch those drones. As soon as they’re on their way, I’ll decide whether to head for the camp to help retrieve the students or to Masenak’s helicopter if he goes on the run after the explosion. It depends on what move he makes.”

“But you’re still hoping to trap him?”

“Of course,” he said coolly. “But Gilroy has been questioning Baldwin all morning, and the results haven’t been promising. He’s a lousy liar and pretty stupid, which makes it hard to manipulate him.”

“Then why not try to kill Masenak?” she asked bluntly. “You know where he is, and with all the firepower you have now, you might be able to do it.”

“Yes, but there are reasons I prefer to keep him alive. A trap would suit me much better.”

“That’s not what you told me in the beginning.”

“But then in the beginning neither of us was tempted to trust or confide in the other. You certainly weren’t, Alisa.” He got to his feet. “I’m on my way now to ask him a few questions myself. I assume you’re going to want to accompany me?”

She nodded as she stood up. “What kind of questions are there that Gilroy couldn’t ask him?” She followed him toward the tent. “Or is all this backup in case you can’t use him as you’d prefer to do it?”

“You’ll see for yourself,” he said wryly. “You always do.” He opened the tent door. “I’ll feel fortunate if you allow me to get in a few words now and then. But in this case, I’d like you to keep your mouth shut so that you can concentrate on any of Baldwin’s reactions I might miss. As long as you’re in the mood to observe, I might as well profit from it.”

“By all means,” she said.

Leo Baldwin was chained to a chair in the middle of the tent. He looked terrible, she thought. Stressed, strained, and a little wild-eyed. He was glaring at her from the moment she came into the tent. “What are you doing here, bitch? Are you reporting back to Sasha? You can’t get anything from me.”

“I imagine we could. Gilroy hasn’t really been trying yet,” Korgan said. “And if you’re not polite to the lady, I’ll tell him to immediately change tactics.”

“Delighted,” Gilroy murmured. “I have more interesting work to do than softening up this goon. He’s really pissed off at that kid, Sasha, and I’m tired of hearing him bad-mouth her. You said you didn’t want him damaged yet, but it’s hard to wait.”