The Trap (Agent Dallas 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

relatively harmless. “What do you have in mind?”
    “The main objective is to take over the A/V system and broadcast our message instead of his. Reporters will be there, and we hope to get the feed out live to a national news audience.” Abby’s eyes sparked with excitement. “It’s a chance to tell millions of people about the capacity clauses in for-profit prisons.”
    Dallas had familiarized herself with their issues and understood that those contracts put pressure on states to keep private prisons full. “Can you explain the concept in a brief format? Won’t we have to get in and out quickly?”
    “We’ve already recorded our piece, complete with a slide show, and it’s only ninety seconds long. Aaron will run the tech stuff from the van.” Abby grinned. “You, me, and Cree will go in and lock all the access doors and shut down the AC. We want the fat cats who put money into Bletzo’s campaign to feel what it’s like to be in prison, if only for a moment.”
    Dallas wondered what Luke would be doing but didn’t ask. As the leader, he might simply be the wheelman, the one who got away to continue the cause if everything else went badly. But she didn’t think it would. These people hadn’t been caught yet, so they were obviously clever. Still, throwing her, a newbie, into a mission at the last minute, seemed reckless. “What building? Do you have a map? I feel unprepared.”
    “But you’re in?” Abby challenged Dallas with her eyes.
    “Sure. I can lock doors and move quickly.”
    “Sweet.” Cree held out his hand for a fist bump.
    Dallas obliged. At least he wasn’t a hugger. “So where is this going down?”
    “The Lincoln Ballroom at the Grand Roosevelt Hotel.” Abby reached into her satchel for a set of blueprints and held them in her lap. A few minutes later, Luke pulled off into a small shopping mall area and parked under a shade tree on the perimeter.
    “Scoot over,” Aaron said, coming forward. He had a giant clipboard and set it in his lap. Abby spread out the building plans on the board.
    Luke took charge and detailed the plan. “Cree goes straight to the central-air control unit in the basement. Tara goes up to the second floor to wait near the main doors. Abby will stand just inside the ballroom by the side exit. She’ll text Aaron at the right moment to hack into the A/V, then walk out.” Luke looked up from the blueprints and stared at Dallas. “When you hear our recording kick in, lock the doors from the outside, then take the stairs and get out.” He handed her a shiny master key that looked fresh off the grinder. “Wipe the key and drop it in the first garbage can or drain you see. If you’re spotted, run. If you’re caught, refuse to answer questions. I’ll be parked at the gas station on the next block over to the north.”
    Her pulse quickened at the thought of getting caught and blowing her cover. “What about cameras? They must have some security.” Dallas let her nervousness show. It seemed natural for the situation.
    Luke reached over and squeezed her hand. “Aaron will block the video feed when he cuts into the system, but the cameras are on these corners and easy to avoid.” Luke pointed to four locations in the wide foyer outside the ballroom. “Keep your head down when you’re locking the door, just in case.”
    Dallas visualized herself inside the building and memorized the camera locations by mentally nodding at each one. This was a familiar routine—with a different motive.
    Abby handed her a hat with a wide, floppy brim. “Put your hair up and cover it. All that blond draws too much attention.”
    She’d worn it in a braid, but it was still noticeable. “I can cut my hair for future missions, if you think it’s a problem.”
    Luke gave her an odd smile. “I like your commitment, but that shouldn’t be necessary.”
    This mission wasn’t any different from an FBI operation. Just less dangerous. But ending up in jail could cost her the