The surveillance team had identified three vehicles and at least five people.
“Any sign of James Mitchell?” Victoria asked.
The field commander showed her a thermal image.
“There are three heat signatures in the lower level. One appears to be seated. We believe one of them could be the hostage.”
“Any sign of Wallace?”
“He entered the main building forty minutes ago.”
“And Miller?”
“Not confirmed.”
Victoria studied the layout.
There were two possible entrances to the lower level. One was through the main building, and the other was through an exterior service door near the rear garage.
“Could they move the hostage?”
“Yes. There's a vehicle positioned near the service entrance.”
Victoria looked toward the dark estate.
“Then we don't wait.”
The commander began issuing instructions.
Teams moved into position around the property. The operation was designed to secure the hostage first, then prevent the suspects from escaping.
Victoria remained in the command vehicle with Sarah.
“Do you think Wallace knows we're here?” Sarah asked.
“Probably.”
“Then he may try to use James as a shield.”
“Which is why we need to get him out before Wallace understands what's happening.”
The radio crackled.
“Team One in position.”
“Team Two ready.”
Victoria looked at the clock.
“Proceed.”
A moment later, the operation began.
The first team approached the main building. The second moved toward the rear garage. A loudspeaker announced their presence.
“Federal agents! This property is surrounded. Exit the building with your hands visible!”
Inside, Wallace froze.
He had been speaking to Thomas Miller when the announcement came.
Miller looked toward the window.
“They found us.”
Wallace grabbed his phone.
“How?”
Miller said nothing.
“Did you tell them?”
“No.”
Wallace stepped closer.
“You've been acting strangely all day.”
“I told you I wanted out.”
“And now you're going to tell me where the records are.”
Miller shook his head.
“You don't understand. Harlan is preparing to abandon everyone. Donovan has already arranged his own escape.”
Wallace's expression changed.
“What?”
“I saw the messages. They are moving money through another company. Once they leave the country, they'll blame everything on us.”
Wallace stared at him.
“You expect me to believe that?”
“I have the documents.”
“Where?”
Miller reached into his jacket.
Before he could remove anything, the loudspeaker sounded again.
“Final warning! Come out now!”
Wallace drew his weapon.
Miller raised both hands.
“Don't do this.”
“You've already betrayed us.”
“I helped build the operation. I know what happened to Bennett. I know what Harlan ordered. I know everything.”
Wallace's jaw tightened.
“Then you should have kept your mouth shut.”
He moved toward Miller.
At that exact moment, a crash sounded from the rear of the building.
The agents had breached the service entrance.
Wallace turned toward the noise.
Miller took the opportunity to run.
He disappeared through a side doorway just as the first agents entered the main corridor.
“Federal agents! Drop your weapon!”
Wallace fired once and ran toward the stairs.
The agents took cover.
“Suspect moving upstairs!”
Victoria heard the report over her radio.
“Where is the hostage?”
“Unknown. Lower level not yet secured.”
Victoria stepped out of the command vehicle.
“I'm going inside.”
Sarah caught her arm.
“Victoria, wait for the clearance.”
“James Mitchell is still in there.”
“Let the tactical team handle it.”
Victoria looked at her.
“I'm not going to stand outside while they risk his life.”
Sarah released her arm.
“Then stay behind the team.”
They entered through the service door.
The lower corridor was narrow and poorly lit. An agent opened the first room.
Empty.
The second room contained several boxes and a desk.
The third door was locked.
“Federal agents!” someone shouted. “Is anyone inside?”
A weak voice answered.
“Help!”
Victoria recognized it from Ryan's description.
“James?”
“Yes!”
The agents forced the door open.
James Mitchell sat in the chair, his right hand partially free. His face was pale, but he was conscious.
Victoria rushed forward.
“James, we're here to get you out.”
He looked at her in disbelief.
“Did Ryan send you?”
“He never stopped asking us to find you.”
James closed his eyes with relief.
“Is he safe?”
“He's safe. And he's waiting for you.”
An agent cut the remaining restraints.
As James stood, he reached into his sleeve and produced the small metal key.
“I found this.”
Victoria examined it.
“Where did you get it?”
“It fell from Wallace's jacket.”
“Did you use it?”
“No. But I think it opens something.”
Sarah looked toward the locked cabinet at the back of the room.
They tried the key.