Page 42 of The Team

“She says Askarov spoke of a meeting at Rotech at two?”

“Today?”

Yin spoke to the woman again, and she replied. She held up two fingers but shook her head, but Yin shook his head in return, not following. “Two...?”

The older scientist translated. “She says he said two subjects. Two test subjects. Rotech is a laboratory. Private sector laboratory that specialises in aerosol production.”

Jay’s stomach dropped, and he watched Rhett recoil as he understood as well. Yin stood up and took a step back. His eyes met Jay’s, and yeah, he understood who the two test subjects were as well.

Rhett held his finger to his ear, a telltale sign he was getting intel. Everyone watched, waiting. “Roger that,” he replied. He looked right at Jay. “Extraction zero. Kowalski and Myles were already moved to a different location.”

Fuck.

Rhett went back to the eldest scientist. “The vault. You said it was safe, then prove it.” He looked around at histeam. “Everyone out. Clear the room. Escort these two up to ground level, but don’t let them out of your sight.” The two other scientists were helped to their feet, and almost everyone followed Rhett’s order.

Except Jay.

“Agent Lin,” Rhett tried, using his captain voice.

“I ain’t leaving you.”

“Jay—”

“My grandmother will kick my ass if I let anything happen to you, and I’m more afraid of her than I am of you, so I’m staying.”

Jay heard a quiet snort and turned to find Yin standing at the door. “I’ll stand watch. If our friend here tries something,” he nodded to the scientist. “I’ll drop him. If he releases a toxin, I’ll seal the room.”

Rhett gave a nod. “Okay.”

Jay grinned at Yin. “I like you, Fù-shé.”

Rhett rolled his eyes and sighed. “Jay. Then at least stand back,” he tried. “Please.”

“Is that an order, Captain?” Jay asked.

“Does it need to be, Medic?”

Jay levelled a glare at him and Yin snorted again. So then Jay shot Yin a similar glare. “I’m liking you less.”

But Jay did as Rhett asked, though he kept the scientist in his line of sight the whole time, his weapon aimed directly at his head.

Did Jay trust him?

Possibly.

Did Jay trust anyone when it came to Rhett’s immediate safety?

Not a fucking chance.

They got to the vault and Rhett nudged the man forward. “Open it.”

“It’s safe, I assure you,” he said, pulling the handle. “We are not permitted to hold any toxin above a category two here. We don’t have the facilities. See this.” He pointed to a small LED screen. “Readings are normal. No contamination.”

He swung the door open, and from what Jay could tell, it looked like a refrigerated storage unit. There were rows of vials and test tubes, like he’d seen in most labs he’d ever been in.

“See?” The man said. “Is fine.”

“Why is Askarov the only one with access?” Rhett asked.

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