Free Fractured Innocence (#2 IFICS) by Julia Crane

in a semi-circle in front of the desk, in the uncomfortable wooden seats. Lucas was relieved to see that Ace and Nick had not been invited to the little powwow. 
    Harrington took a deep breath and blew it out. “There’s been a slight delay in the plans.” 
    Immediately, the tension was palpable in the room. A quick glance at Kaitlyn, and he knew it was taking everything for her not to speak out of turn. 
    “What kind of delay?” Erik’s deep voice cut through the silent room. 
    “The cargo ship hasn’t left the port. I’m not sure what’s going on. They should have left days ago.”
    “We could board the ship beforehand,” Erik suggested. 
    Harrington didn’t speak for a long beat. Lucas knew he was going through the possible scenarios in his mind. Looking up, Harrington frowned slightly. “We’d risk the chance of being caught. You two can’t exactly blend in.” 
    “We wouldn’t be caught. It’s not like we would run in during the daylight and announce ourselves. What if the children are already on the container ship?” she asked, keeping her voice even. “We could get them off. Save them.”
    “I’ve thought of that. Everything indicates that he picks the children up while they are out to sea. He wouldn’t risk having them in an American port. It’s not worth tipping our hand without knowing for certain.”
    “How can you be sure? Where are you getting your intel?” Erik leaned forward. “They could very well be aboard the ship. All it would take is a few greased hands— as you’ve stated Dasvoik is well connected and feared.” 
    “I have a man on the ground, but I haven’t been able to get in contact with him all week.” Harrington was unable to hide his frustration. 
    Lucas let the information sink in. “Do you think Dasvoik was tipped off?”
    “That’s my fear. If that’s true, we have a mole in the organization.”
    “It could have nothing to do with the children. Maybe it’s an arms or drug deal that is causing him to be delayed. You’ve said he dabbled in all sorts of black market trading. Just because you can’t reach your source, doesn’t mean we have been compromised,” Kaitlyn said.
    “We can only hope.” Harrington’s jaw clenched. “I want this bastard.” 
    Lucas knew it would eat him up inside if any of his people had betrayed him. 
    “I think we should act now,” Kaitlyn said, determined not to let it drop. “Clearly, the world would be a better place without Dasvoik.”
    “Very good, Kaitlyn. As you know I’m counting on you to take care of the problem.” Harrington reached up and rubbed his temples. “He’s a target, not just a threat.”
    Lucas knew Harrington had just confirmed Dasvoik was a dead man walking. Not that it was a surprise. Once Kaitlyn was locked on to a target, unless specified, she was programed to kill by any means necessary. Threats she was programmed to avoid killing if possible. 
    Erik leaned back in his chair. “What I don’t understand is why Vance would even be on the ship? Why risk it?”
    Harrington sighed and walked around to the front of his desk. “Vance Dasvoik is a very unusual man. He’s smart, deadly and not always predictable. Unlike most men in his position, he enjoys getting his hands dirty. He thrives on the thrill of living dangerously—likes to live on the edge. Do not for one minute underestimate him. He is as ruthless as the two of you. As you’ve seen from his dossier, he’s well trained. Outstanding military career, feared drug dealer, vicious thug, and now a billionaire slave trader.” 
    “But he’s not invincible,” Kaitlyn said. 
    “No, he is not,” Harrington agreed. 
    “Maybe we should scout this one out and get him on his next run?” Erik said carefully. 
    Kaitlyn glared at him. “Not a chance.”
    Erik sat back in his chair. “I just have a bad feeling about this.” 
    “How so?” Harrington asked, crossing his feet at the ankles and leaning against the desk. Lucas