Kill Order: The Delta Project

Part 1, Chapter 4: Getting Comfy

The ride back to Detonium headquarters was silent. Jace drove while Mia monitored their surroundings for surveillance. Both had rested six hours as planned, then meticulously prepared their report for Director Renwick, carefully selecting which information to present and which to withhold.

"We maintain information security protocols," Jace had said before they left the safe house. "No mention of the baseball cap figure."

"Agreed," Mia had responded. "We report the Monarch Solutions connection but withhold the surveillance footage of us specifically."

They passed through four security checkpoints before reaching Renwick's office. Each scan, each verification, now carried new implications. Every security camera, every biometric reader manufactured by Monarch Solutions represented a potential compromise.

Director Renwick was waiting behind his desk, his bald head gleaming under the office lights. His expression remained neutral as they delivered their findings.

"Monarch Solutions," he repeated after they finished. "You're certain?"

"The financial trail is conclusive," Mia stated. "Seventeen banks, forty three shell corporations, all tracing back to Monarch."

"And Monarch supplies our security infrastructure," Renwick said, the first hint of concern breaking through his professional demeanor.

"Yes, Director," Jace confirmed. "The evidence suggests technological infiltration rather than human assets."

Renwick studied them both carefully. "You've verified these findings independently?"

"Yes," they answered simultaneously.

He nodded once. "I'll initiate a Level One security protocol. All Monarch systems will be isolated and examined." He looked directly at each of them. "Your work on this is exemplary. The partnership assignment appears successful."

"Operational efficiency has increased by approximately eight percent," Jace stated.

"Our complementary skill sets enhance mission outcomes," Mia added.

Renwick's expression didn't change, but something in his eyes suggested satisfaction. "You'll proceed to Zürich immediately. Viktor Petrov's protection is now your primary objective. If Vanguard is targeting him, you'll intercept and eliminate the threat."

"Understood," they responded in unison.

"Report to Tactical for equipment. You leave at 0600 tomorrow." Renwick tapped his tablet. "I've authorized new quarters for you both. Adjacent rooms with a connecting workspace. Operational partnerships function more effectively with proximity."

"Yes, Director," Mia acknowledged.

"Dismissed."

They exited the office, maintaining situational awareness of every camera, every potential observation point. In the elevator, they stood in silence until Jace pressed the emergency stop button between floors.

"Security gap. Twenty seconds before override," he stated.

"Assessment?" Mia asked, immediately understanding.

"Renwick's reaction was consistent with expected parameters. No indication of deception."

"Agreed. Response to Monarch information appeared genuine."

Jace released the stop button and the elevator continued. "We proceed with planned operational security measures."

"Affirmative."

They collected equipment from Tactical, each noting the exact specifications and condition of every item. Standard protocol, but now with heightened scrutiny. The technician, Agent Mercer, handed them each a secure tablet.