Changing approach, he informed the team, using the freight elevator shaft to access second level. He moved along the periphery of the warehouse, staying in the shadows until he reached the elevator. The car was stuck between floors, but the shaft offered a direct route upward. Jonathan pried open the doors just enough to slip through, then began climbing the service ladder built into the shaft wall. Reaching the second floor, he paused to listen before opening the doors a crack.
The hallway outside was empty, but he could hear voices coming from around the corner, one deep and accented unmistakably Anton Vulk. "Your father should be arriving soon," the voice was saying. For your sake, I hope he brings what I asked for. My dad's going to make you sorry you ever touched me, came Malik's reply, his voice shaky but defiant. The sound of his son's voice, frightened but unbroken, filled Jonathan with both pride and renewed determination.
He slipped out of the elevator shaft and moved silently down the hallway following the voices. Jackson, he whispered. On my mark, I need a distraction. East side. Something loud.
Roger that, the sniper confirmed. Ready when you are. Jonathan positioned himself outside the office where Malik was being held. Through the partially opened door, he could see one guard standing near the window. The other must be behind the door and Vog himself was speaking to Malik, though Jonathan couldn't see him from this angle.
Ramirez, are you in position to enter? Jonathan asked quietly. Affirmative. East entrance is minimally guarded now. I can breach on your signal.
Good. Everyone ready, Mark? From outside came the sound of an explosion as Jackson detonated a small charge he'd placed on an abandoned vehicle. Immediately, shouts erupted throughout the warehouse as guards responded to the perceived threat. Jonathan used the distraction to burst through the door, taking down the first guard with a silent, precise shot before the man could react.
Thigh. Second guard turned, raising his weapon, but Jonathan was faster, dropping him with two shots to the chest. Anton Vulk stood behind an old desk, his hand gripping Malik's shoulder. He hadn't changed much in 5 years, still tall and imposing with closecropped silver hair and cold blue eyes. The only difference was the scar that ran along the left side of his face, a souvenir from their last encounter.
"Carter," Folk said, his accent thick, but his English perfect. Right on time. Did you bring my files? Jonathan kept his weapon trained on Vulk, his eyes quickly assessing Malle for injuries. His son appeared physically unharmed, though his eyes were wide with fear.
Let him go, Vulk, Jonathan ordered. This is between you and me. Vulk smiled coldly. Nothing is just between you and me anymore. Not after what you did.
He tightened his grip on Malik's shoulder, making the boy wse. The files, Carter. Or shall we see how many fingers your son can lose before you cooperate? From his earpiece, Jonathan heard Ramirez's voice. I'm inside.
First floor clear, moving to your position. Jonathan needed to keep Vulk talking. The files weren't worth this, Anton. You crossed a line bringing my family into this. You crossed the line first.