Mark Pryor - Cyberian Affair

The driver slid the back door aside and helped Vyper out of the SUV. Niko slid across the seat and stepped out in front of a four-car garage.

Vyper held his arm.

Behind them, a driveway led from the gate to the car and continued around the side of the garage.

Before Niko could begin to explore, the driver took charge. “Follow me. Stay on the pavement. When we get inside, don’t open any doors. If you encounter anyone, do not speak to them.”

A large stone house appeared around the corner, tall chimneys on either side of the sprawling mansion. A dozen windows dotted the first floor, with a dozen more in dormers above.

The driver walked ahead to a covered entrance and opened a heavy wooden door.

Niko led Vyper into a foyer that looked like it belonged in a modern hotel. A stairway led up to the right, blocked by a “Restricted Access” sign on a chain. Straight ahead, a few wooden seats and bookcases lined the walls along the corridor with a few doors on each side. At the end of the hall, they turned left into another corridor. Halfway down, the driver opened a door on the right and waved his hand toward the entrance.

The two of them stepped inside. The room was large—a combination living room, dining room, and kitchenette.

“Make yourselves at home,” said the driver. “You’ll find fresh clothing in the closet. Don’t leave before Mister Smith arrives.” He turned around and left.

Vyper held a finger to her lips. She took a tour of their new living quarters, Niko at her side. She walked to the window and opened the curtains, revealing a small lawn leading to a wooded area. A door on her left opened to a full bathroom. The door on her right led to two bedrooms, each with a king-sized bed. In one closet, she found two pairs of pants and two blouses that proved to be her size, plus some pants and shirts that would fit Niko, hanging above two pairs of tennis sneakers. Inside a dresser drawer she discovered underwear and socks.

Vyper chose an outfit to wear. “I need a shower.” She kissed Niko and walked away.

Niko figured anything he did on his phone would be monitored, so he checked out the TV and turned on the news before settling into the couch. He thought about Smith and his people. They had been helpful and generous, but they hadn’t shared any information. Worse yet, anything he and Vyper discussed could be recorded. He hadn’t gotten much sleep last night and his eyes were getting heavy. The local news droned on in the background as he dozed off.

Vyper’s kiss woke him up. When he reached out to her, she jumped back, a smile on her face. “No hugs until you take a shower.”

Niko stuck his lip out in a fake smile. “If you insist.” He kissed her, grabbed something to wear, and headed to the bathroom.

The hot water and change of clothes raised his spirits. He was ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.

When he stepped into the living room, Vyper stood and wrapped her arms around him. She turned her head as though to kiss him, then whispered, “We cannot stay here, constantly being watched… listened to. It is creepy.”

In a low voice, Niko responded. “We must… for now.” He kissed her.

All alone in a strange place without their possessions. They had no computers or video games, and he didn’t feel free to talk or use his phone. They sat next together on the couch and watched TV.

When a chime rang, Niko got up and opened the door. “Come in, Mister Smith.”

He nodded and entered, carrying a briefcase, wearing the same suit as earlier in the day. Something about him seemed a bit less intimidating—perhaps his loosened tie or the hint of a smile. “We have a few things to talk about.”

Niko pointed to the breakfast island in the kitchenette. “Why don’t we sit over there.”

Smith sat on a tall stool, opened his case, and removed a folder. He looked across the table at Niko and Vyper. “Do either of you have any idea what happened tonight?”

When they both shook their heads, Smith continued. “A five-man team assaulted your home. Three men were found inside the house, dead.”

Niko nodded. “They came after us. It was self-defense.”

“We have no reason to doubt you. The FBI arrested two men who tried to escape—one is hospitalized.” Smith opened the folder and pushed a picture of Vyper across the table. “Each gunman had a picture like this in their pocket.” He flipped it over, revealing a single word handwritten on the back—PRIXSTER.

Vyper’s hand flapped and she began to rock. The front feet on her stool lifted and returned to the floor.

Niko put his arm around her shoulder.

Smith slid the picture back into his folder. “Neither of the captured gunmen would talk at first, but one of them finally agreed.” He fixed his gaze on Vyper. “Alexei Sokolov hired them.”

Vyper shook her head violently and flapped both her hands. “No! He is dead!”

“We’ve received several reports that Sokolov faked his death,” said Smith. “The man we interrogated seems to support those reports. The bodies of he and his wife were disfigured—head shots, and their hands were missing. It’s possible this fooled Russian investigators, or perhaps they were paid off.”

Niko held his grip on Vyper. “You’re safe. He can’t get to you now.”

Smith placed his hand on Vyper’s arm. “Are you okay? Is there anything you need?”

Her head stopped moving and she clasped her hands together. “I will be fine.”

Niko whispered to Vyper, “I love you.” He looked at Smith. “Who’s Prixster?”

Smith raised an eyebrow. “Let’s be honest with each other. Sokolov figured out Harris… I mean Vyper, was Prixster. He sent these people to snatch her—alive. The suspect we’re holding told us Prixster has something Sokolov needs, but he had no idea what it was.”

Vyper sat up straight. “I cannot go home. He will keep searching for me. We need to hide.”

“We can help you with that.” Smith removed some papers from his folder. “In return, we need your help to stop the Russian cyber-attacks.”

Niko leaned forward, hands on the breakfast island. “We appreciate your help, but I’m confused. We’re already helping Homeland.”

Smith pushed a document in front of them. “This is from the personnel office of Crystal Intelligence. You are no longer assigned to the Homeland project, they have reassigned you to my organization.”

“They did this without talking to us? Suppose we didn’t want to be reassigned?”

“Homeland can defend the country without your help.” Smith slipped the document back into the folder. “The only way to stop Russia is to go on offense. And that requires overseas assets—our specialty.”

Niko exchanged a look with Vyper.

We’re working for the CIA ?

Safe House, somewhere in Virginia

Niko’s first night in the safe house had been a restless one. Twice he awoke in a sweat from a nightmare and reached out to Vyper for comfort. The details of the dreams quickly faded from his memory, except for Sokolov’s cruel smile and Vyper’s screams.

After breakfast, he sat on the couch next to the woman he loved, the TV volume loud enough to make eavesdropping difficult. He leaned closer to her and whispered, “We have to stop Sokolov and Zatan before they find you. If the CIA can help us eliminate them, we should do whatever they ask.”

Vyper wrapped her arm around him and nodded.

At eight o’clock, right on schedule, a chime rang at the front door. Niko greeted Smith who stood next to a large suitcase and held a briefcase.

The mysterious man from the CIA wheeled the suitcase inside. “I brought some of your clothes. We’re keeping the rest of your things in storage for now. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”