He knew it the elite Kremlin security force was on its way. With their ultra-modern weaponry and tactics, they would alter the situation dramatically. And then there was the sniper threat. He could already see soldiers filing along the walkway on top of the perimeter wall. Once in position, they’d have a clear line of sight across the square. There was activity on the surrounding roofs also.

“Come on,” he said to Davidov, hurrying him forward.

Behind him, Lance saw that the soldiers from inside had reached the door, where they had a clear view of his back. He fired some shots at the door, shattering the glass and keeping them at bay for a few extra seconds.

“They’re never going to let me get on that chopper alive,” Davidov said. “I’m too valuable.”

Lance knew it was true. Any second, a sniper would be given the green light to take the shot.

The elite force, dressed in kevlar armor and armed with modified AK-12 assault rifles, was beginning to arrive, taking up position behind the cannon, their red-dot lasers dancing all over it.

Snipers were also getting in position at multiple locations.

“This is it,” Lance said. “They’re going to open fire any second.”

“You’ll be killed with me,” Davidov said.

“Do the right thing, Davidov.”

“You can’t believe I’m simply going to give it to you.”

“You’re a dead man anyway. Do this and prevent a war. Prevent a plague, for God’s sake.”

“What do I care about a plague?”

“Do it because it’s the right thing to do. Because millions of lives will be lost if you don’t.” His time was up. “Please, Davidov,” he said, giving it one last shot, “tell me where to find the vial.”

The elite force by the cannon was beginning to advance toward the chopper. The order had come through. Davidov’s value as a shield was finished.

“Tell them to get back,” Lance said.

“Get back,” Davidov called at them desperately, but they kept approaching.

“This is it,” Lance said. “Are you really going to take this to your grave?”

“That’s the whole point of it,” Davidov said. “What do you think a dead hand is?”

Lance knew there was no way he was going to change a lifetime of training. Davidov had spent his life building systems that would guarantee annihilation to anyone who struck at him first. This was exactly what he’d prepared for.

“Davidov, where’s the last vial?” Lance said, one final, desperate time.

Davidov turned to him. For a brief second, Lance actually thought he was going to tell him where it was. He leaned in closer to hear.

And then, Davidov spat in his face.

Time was up. Lance could see it on the approaching soldier’s faces. He looked back at the building and saw the soldiers behind him streaming out.