Page 53 of A Ballad of Blackbirds and Betrayal

They made their way through the crowd, Atticus’s hand at the small of Sabrina’s back, the gentle pressure both possessive and protective.Through her nearly invisible earpiece, she could hear Cal’s voice providing continuous updates.

“Mitchell’s security detail is in standard formation,” he reported.“Two at the main entrance, one at each side exit, two within ten feet of Mitchell himself.Reza’s team is in position for the diversion in approximately twelve minutes.”

Atticus acknowledged with the barest nod, maintaining his cover as he guided Sabrina to their designated viewing area.They’d chosen their timing carefully—late enough in the evening that security would have settled into routine, early enough that Mitchell wouldn’t yet be surrounded by his most influential contacts.

“Mitchell hasn’t spotted us yet,” Sabrina murmured, noting how the senator was surrounded by a cluster of foreign dignitaries across the crowded reception hall.

“Good,” Atticus replied, his voice steady despite the tension evident in the rigid set of his shoulders.“We’ll approach on our terms, when the moment is right.In a room this crowded, with so many diplomatic distractions, we have the element of surprise.”

“His arrogance will be our advantage,” she said, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.She wouldn’t drink it—needed to maintain absolute clarity for what was coming—but the prop completed their appearance as typical diplomatic staff.

For the next ten minutes, they maintained their cover, engaging in polite conversation with the other attendees in their vicinity—a cultural attaché from France, a senior aide to the British Prime Minister, and a Swiss diplomat whose country maintained neutrality in most conflicts.Sabrina marveled at Atticus’s ability to navigate these waters, matching the casual international references and policy discussions despite his focused attention remaining always on Mitchell.

“Diversion initiating in three minutes,” Cal advised through comms.“Nate and Max are in position with FBI assets.Eden has secured the secondary exit route.Jade has overwatch established.”

Atticus’s hand found Sabrina’s beneath the table, a brief, tight squeeze that communicated more than words could express.

“Two minutes,” Cal continued.“Atticus, the evidence package is ready for distribution on your command.”

Sabrina watched Mitchell work the room, stopping at each cluster of diplomats for brief conversations, his political instincts evident in the way he remembered names, referenced personal details, and made each person feel momentarily significant.A master manipulator who had built his career on the appearance of integrity while dealing in death and corruption behind closed doors.

“One minute.”

Atticus rose smoothly from his chair, buttoning his tuxedo jacket with casual elegance.“Shall we, darling?”he asked, extending his hand to Sabrina.

She accepted it, allowing him to guide her toward Mitchell’s location.They timed their approach to intersect with the Senator as he moved between groups, maximizing the number of potential witnesses while minimizing his security’s ability to intervene discreetly.

“Thirty seconds.”

Mitchell was laughing at something the French Ambassador had said, his head thrown back in apparent delight, when the first notes of the diversion reached them—a commotion at the main entrance, raised voices, and the distinctive sound of security personnel moving rapidly in response.

“Sir, we have a situation,” one of Mitchell’s bodyguards murmured, leaning in close.“We should move you to a secure location.”

“Nonsense,” Mitchell replied, waving him off with the confidence of a man who’d never faced real consequences.“It’s nothing.Probably just an overzealous protestor.Handle it quietly.”

The bodyguard hesitated, torn between his employer’s command and his professional instincts, then reluctantly moved toward the disturbance, leaving Mitchell momentarily less protected than usual.

“Now,” Cal confirmed.

Atticus moved forward, Sabrina at his side, closing the remaining distance to Mitchell with measured strides.The Senator turned at their approach, political smile already forming, ready to greet potential donors—until recognition dawned in his eyes, the affability giving way to momentary shock before his mask reasserted itself.

“Mr.Cameron,” he said, recovery impressively swift.“What an unexpected pleasure.I don’t believe you were on the guest list.”

“Hello, Warren,” Atticus replied, his voice carrying the lethal calm of a predator who had finally cornered its prey.“Interesting timing for a diplomatic appearance, wouldn’t you say?”

Mitchell’s gaze shifted to Sabrina, recognition flickering in his eyes.“Dr.Wells.I’m surprised to see you in this context.Quite a leap from trauma surgery to whatever this is.”His dismissive gesture encompassed both of them, though the tightness around his eyes betrayed his growing concern.

“Less of a leap than you might think,” she replied, chin lifting slightly.“Neutralizing threats is part of my expertise, whether they’re bioweapons or the men who create them.Your demonstration in Texas didn’t quite go as planned, did it?”

Mitchell’s expression hardened, though his voice remained pleasant for the benefit of anyone who might be listening.“I’m quite busy at the moment, as you can see.Perhaps we could arrange a meeting through proper channels.”

“Like the proper channels you used when you ordered the hit on my wife?”Atticus asked, his voice pitched low enough that only those standing closest could hear, but carrying enough intensity that several nearby conversations faltered as attention shifted toward them.“Or perhaps the proper channels you used to fund a bioweapon program through shell companies linked to your wife’s charitable foundation?”

The blood drained from Mitchell’s face, though his political training held—he maintained his smile even as his eyes went cold and calculating.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, reaching for his phone.“But I think it’s time for you to leave before you embarrass yourself further.”

“Is that what you told Dr.Elaine Cho before you had acid poured down her throat in a public café?”Sabrina asked, stepping forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Atticus.“Or what you told the four research scientists who disappeared from BioGenix after they developed your weapon?”

Mitchell’s gaze hardened as he assessed his situation.A ripple moved through the nearest guests, whispers spreading outward like concentric circles in still water.Mitchell’s mask slipped further, calculation giving way to something darker as he realized the danger of this public confrontation.

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