Morrison looked up from his file, surprised.
Lucy didn't know if she should be flattered or insulted. "We have been doing this awhile, Agent Morrison. Rent-A-Kid may be a lot of things, but they aren't stupid. We're well trained and well educated."
He put the files back into his backpack and zipped it up. "I can see that. And you're right, that form of sleeping gas hasn't been used in a long time, but our organization created a substitute a few years ago. It's completely safe and top secret. The gas will be visible, and most will think it's smoke from a fire. We need to shut down the fire alarm before it goes off and they start to evacuate."
What other top secret weapons and gadgets does IPI have? Lucy's thoughts were cut short when Morrison handed her and Luke black backpacks.
"These are waterproof. Inside you'll find the sleeping gas grenades, computers, a change of clothes and supplies, and a tank-less breathing system that will attach to your vests and allow you to breathe the oxygen directly from the water."
"From the water?" Luke appeared puzzled.
Morrison looked at her brother as if he were a student not paying attention in class. "Yes, from the water. You know... two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen."
It was Lucy's turn to be impressed. She examined the device and then attached it to her wet suit. They'd provided her with a top-of-the-line laptop for hacking, but she pulled it out and set it aside. "I need to use my own computer. I can't risk working on a new system while in the middle of an assignment."
"That goes against regulation. We know the quality of our own tools. I'm not comfortable sending you into a hostile situation with an unknown."
Lucy rolled her eyes and pulled out her own computer from her backpack. The sphere pulsed softly and she palmed it and dropped it into her new pack before showing the agent her computer. "This is top-of-the-line. Even you don't have a better model with more power. It's fully customized and programmed for me, specifically. I'm not going in without it. And for the record, I'm not under your regulation. I'm not your agent. You and your agency are working with us. Let's keep that clear."
Luke snickered beside her, and Morrison made a face as if he'd bit into a lemon.
Lucy didn't say another word, just waited for the agent to make a move. How far would he push her?
He opened his mouth to speak, but his phone buzzed. "Yeah...... oh, yes, sir....... I understand, sir.... Goodbye." His face twitched in annoyance, and he grabbed the IPI-issued laptop and put it in his own pack.
Interesting. Had someone just given him an order to allow her to use her own computer? She'd been certain he was going to make an issue of this. That meant the higher-ups had them bugged and were keeping an eye on them.
Based on Luke's expression, he'd made the same connections. They'd have to talk about this later.
Morrison handed them parachutes. "We can't get too close to the base without revealing ourselves, so you'll have to jump. Once you've completed your mission, use the orange flair gun provided to alert us. Agent Simmons will bring a task force through the gate and get everyone out. If you run into problems, use the red flare gun, and her team will bust through the gate and attempt to offer aid."
Attempt to offer aid. That sounded so reassuring. Not the most foolproof plan. They'd tried to negotiate, but couldn't make contact with the head of Rent-a-Kid—Sam's father. They'd even captured a hostage—the leader of the compound—but still, no one responded to them.
Luke tightened a strap around his chest and stood to make sure all his equipment was secured properly. "What if we're captured, what's Plan B?"
Lucy wondered that as well, as she readied herself for the jump and the mission.
"We have the compound's leader. We're hoping they will trade, if you're caught."
Lucy stood, mouth agape. "Your big plan is to try to trade a guy no one appears to want, to rescue two powerful paranormals? And you think this is a good plan?" She couldn't believe this lamest plan ever. If they were captured, it would never work.
"I never said it was a good plan, but it's the plan we have. Moral of the story? Don't get caught."
Right, don't get caught. "Let me talk to him."
Morrison looked up from his own preparations. "Who?"
"The hostage. If he's on the plane, let me talk to him. I have some experience with interrogation. Maybe I can get him to tell us more."
No one could lie to her without her knowing. Surely she could break this guy and remove some of the risk from their mission—make it more likely she and Luke would survive.
The IPI agent pressed his lips together and scowled. "Technically, since you're not an agent, you're not allowed near the prisoner."