“I’ve come this far,” Olga said.

Sofia sighed.

“Come on,” Lance said, leading them across the street.

Brush had grown up against the fence and it provided some cover. They crouched in it as Lance cut an opening in the fence. He led the way through the opening, into the no man’s land between the two fences.

There was no sign of the guards or their dogs, and they hurried across the gap to the second fence, where pictures of a man getting electrocuted gave Sofia and Olga pause.

Lance looked at them, then reached out and grabbed the fence.

They gasped. Nothing happened.

Lance grinned.

“Jerk,” Olga whispered.

He cut another opening in the fence, squeezed through, and held it open for the two women. Then they all ran to the closest clump of trees for cover.

Before them were a number of buildings and a long driveway leading to the front of the institute. The institute was one of the biggest buildings in the compound and it looked ominously imposing at the end of the road, the old fashioned street lights illuminating the soldiers and scientists loading the trucks.

“They’re wearing protective gear,” Lance said.

The scientists were in full hazmat suits, and the soldiers were wearing masks and surgical gloves.

“I know where we can find protective clothing and masks when we get inside,” Sofia said.

“Okay,” Lance said. “We’re going to cut along these trees by the road. Stay low. There’s still more danger from bullets than germs.”

They ran through the trees, staying out of sight of the guards who occasionally shone their flashlights across the lawn, and rounded the building so they could approach from the east. Lance had memorized the schematics and knew the east side loading bay was less important than the front.

His hope was that it was also less guarded.

When they got to the loading bay, they stopped and scanned the building. The brush had allowed them to get very close without being seen. A number of military transport trucks had been backed up to the loading bays but the heavy bay doors were still shut and, apart from a few guards, there didn’t appear to be anyone there.

“Will we find protective clothing if we enter here?” he said to Sofia.

She nodded.

“All right,” he said. “I think it’s time to call your friend.”

Using Olga’s cell, Sofia dialed Vasily’s number and waited. When he answered, she said, “Vasily, can you talk? I’m going to pass you to the American.”

Lance heard him say, “Wait,” as he took the phone.

“Vasily,” Lance said. “Are you still being kept on the ground floor?”

“Who is this?”

“A friend of Sofia’s.”

“Why have you brought her here? It’s not safe.”

“Vasily, I need you to listen to me. Are you and the other scientists still being kept on the ground floor?”

“We’re in the office, yes.”