“None. But I have two Kentucky plates. The rest are regional, with a few Floridas and an Illinois,” said Gupta. “They’re all in the system now, so if they come up again tonight, we’ll have a heads-up.”

“Might not be a bad idea to take a spin through any nearby hotel parking lots,” said Daly.

“Actually, that’s a stellar idea,” said Farrington. “What are we looking at?”

“There’s a Hampton Inn on the southern edge of Falls Church. Pretty close to Marnie Young’s house,” said Gupta. “We should definitely swing through there. I also see a few motor lodge–type places a little farther down Broad Street. And a Marriott TownePlace Suites a few streets over to the west. An Econo Lodge in East Falls Church.”

“We may as well hit all of them,” said Farrington. “It’ll take Young some time to arrange the Airbnb. We can’t really start any serious planning until we have that address—and the rest of the team, which should be in place before rush hour starts.”

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 22

Devin Gray paced the vault while Berg spoke with the man who held their fate in his hands. Berg mostly listened, responding here and there with a question or a brief answer—none of which gave Devin any indication one way or the other what the team had decided. This went on for another minute, until the call ended, and Berg stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the evidence wall. Not saying a word.

“Well,” said Devin, approaching him.

Berg turned his head and nodded, a satisfied grin on his face. “They’re in. No cost to us.”

“No cost?”

“No major costs. We’ll pay for their food, incidentals, and emergency purchases. Little stuff like that.”

“That’s really generous of them,” said Devin. “They can spend everything in that safe as far as I’m concerned.”

“They won’t need it. The team was given access to a generously funded account for this job. I contacted someone with a vested interest in national security matters. A well-intentioned and thoroughly vetted benefactor.”

“I feel like this isn’t going to be a secret for very long at this rate,” said Devin. “How much did you tell this benefactor?”

“Very big picture. No details. She trusts my judgment.”

“Is there anyone else in on the secret that I should know about?”

“No. That’s it,” said Berg.

“What is the team’s timeline?”

“Rich is flying in five operatives to help with the heavy lifting. They’ll arrive at different times throughout the afternoon and early evening. The team should be assembled and ready to meet with us tonight. I know most of them on some level. We’re in good hands.”

“Sounds like he made up his mind a little earlier than this call,” said Devin.