Page 26 of Croatia Collateral

She gave a brief nod. Together, they left the tower, taking the staircase down to the wall.

Dax reached for Giva’s hand and held it as they walked past the man who’d been standing below them. Dax noted the dark earpieces he wore, matching the sunglasses.

The man spoke in a low tone that barely carried to Dax’s ears.

Giva leaned close to Dax and kissed his cheek, whispering into his ear, “Russian.”

He smiled at her and slipped his arm around her waist like any other tourist couple, maybe even on their honeymoon. What would it be like to be on a honeymoon with Giva?

Probably not a dull moment.

They found the stairs leading down into Old Town and wound their way through the streets. They did their best to avoid the really crowded areas, knowing it would be almost impossible to spot sentries among so many people. They weaved through the passages, some leading down many stairs to emerge onto Stradun, the main road leading from Pile Gate to the Ploce Gate.

They walked quickly on the less crowded streets, moving from west to east.

When they reached the Dominican Monastery, they spotted another man in a black jacket and sunglasses leaning against the front of the monastery, smoking a cigarette.

“Got another at the Dominican Monastery,” Dax said into the radio.

“Spotted one at the base of the Jesuit Stairs,” Peter said softly. “And one at the top of the stairs in front of Saint Ignatius Church.”

“I’m not seeing much on the southwest quadrant,” Fearghas said.

“Another guy in Gundulic’s Square near the statue of the man the square is named after,” Peter said.

“Seems to be more in your area, Peter,” Fearghas said.

“Agreed,” Peter said.

“Any clusters of them in any one place?” Fearghas asked.

“Not so far,” was Peter’s response. “Wait. I think I just saw someone who looks a lot like the guy with the mustache and goatee beard.”

“Marco Galeotti,” Dax said.

“That’s right,” Peter said. “He’s got a couple of big guys with him who I assume are his bodyguards. They’re heading back toward the Saint Ignatius. I’m following. They passed the church and headed down the Jesuit Stairs. The sentries are watching them.”

“Stay with them. Try not to be too obvious,” Fearghas said. “I’m heading your way.”

“Heading that way,” Giva said and turned south, Dax at her side.

“They’ve stopped at a bistro,” Peter said. “Marco is settling in for a cup of coffee.”

“Probably waiting for the text with the location,” Dax said. He glanced down at his watch. “Sasha and I have to head back and make an appearance at the hotel.”

“I’ll catch up with you before you head out for the rendezvous,” Fearghas said. “Peter, stay with Marco in case we lose track of Evan later.”

“Roger. I could use a coffee,” Peter said.

“Ready to head back?” Dax asked Giva.

She frowned. “I’d like to see Marco and get at least one face committed to memory.”

“We’re cutting it close on time, and we still have to walk all the way back across Old Town.” Still, he hesitated for only a moment longer and then said into his radio. “I want to see Marco. We’ll swing by the bistro on our way out.”

“That’s not really on your way out,” Fearghas pointed out.

“No, but I’d feel better knowing at least one face going into the meeting,” Dax said.

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