279: Chapter 279 - Pete

Chapter 279 - Pete

"You know, if you catch the bastard, I want to kill him myself."  0

Robin chuckled. He didn't think Devin would have the fun of dealing with Martin alone.

"Hmmm, we shall discuss that later," he said and hung up the call.

The flight to Moscow, after almost 9 hours and 21 minutes, was a smooth one. However, Robin couldn't sleep until three hours before the end of the flight due to his nap in Sabrina's room.

He kept thinking about the kiss throughout the journey and couldn't wait to get back. 

Robin didn't know how he seemed to have suddenly fallen in love, already feeling nostalgic from being away from his loved one.

He wondered if Sabrina felt the same way.

Now, he was even thinking that if he went on any business trips, he would have to take her along when they grew past the level of friendship again.

When they reached Moscow, the pilot had arranged for a car with an English-speaking driver, as Daniel had pre-informed since neither he nor Robin could speak Russian.

Daniel instructed the pilot to leave but would notify him when they were ready to go back, as it was already the morning of the next day.

The tracker led them to an apartment on Seleznevskaya 15.

Daniel was able to get into the apartment with the help of the driver, making it seem as if they were friends of the person in the said apartment.

There was nobody in the living room when they entered, but the air conditioning was on and there was a hot cup of coffee on the center table in the living room.

The fridge was well-filled with different kinds of food and the kettle was on in the kitchen.

"Do you think he must have sensed our presence and run away again?" Robin asked with disappointment lacing his voice. Daniel didn't know how to answer.

It was similar to what they encountered the first time they tracked down this hacker, but this time, the coffee was very hot, meaning that even if he did, it wouldn't have been long.

Then again, there were still two more rooms to check.

"I don't know, but let's check the bedrooms. I will take this one," Daniel said, pointing at the first door.

Daniel knocked three times on the bedroom door and, hearing no response, he opened it.

Looking around, the bed was neatly laid with a half-packed traveling bag resting on it. He sighed with relief, feeling that the hacker wanted to leave but had not done so yet.

When he was about to open the ensuite bathroom door, it opened on its own accord and Daniel came face to face with a man as tall as himself, his hair wet with a towel around his waist.

Luckily, he did not seem surprised to see Daniel.

"You are lucky to have made it on time. I was about to leave after dressing up," he shrugged and spoke indifferently.

Daniel gazed at him, relieved that he had acted swiftly to avoid letting Robin down once more.

This was precisely why he always waited until the hacker had settled in one location for at least twelve hours, ensuring he could evade any potential letdowns thus far.

As he observed the hacker once more, Daniel recognized that it was indeed the man he had suspected all along, albeit with some noticeable changes. 

He was certain that this hacker had transformed since their school days, both in appearance and demeanor.

"Why do you constantly relocate? And if I'm not mistaken, aren't you Peter...?"

"Just call me Pete. I work for the Russian government and only frequented New York because of Mara," Peter revealed, cutting Daniel off. 

Before Daniel could speak, Pete said again, "I am telling you little about myself because I trust that you would keep it a secret."

Daniel nodded his head, confirming that Pete's secret was safe with him, but he couldn't understand something and asked him, 

"You are telling me without my asking."

Pete ignored him and selected several garments from the closet. Setting aside a pair of pants, he proceeded to pack the remaining clothes into the travel bag. As he did so, he inquired, 

"Where can I find your friend?"

Daniel raised his brow at the question, the realization hitting him that Pete was aware of their coming.

"In your living room."

Then I'll get ready and meet you," Pete reiterated. 

Daniel remained hesitant about leaving, prompting Pete to chuckle and remark, 

"You don't believe that your exceptional hacking skills brought you here, do you? If I hadn't permitted it, you would have never found me."

Daniel understood from Pete's statement that he had no intention of fleeing, as he had deliberately provided Daniel with the chance to reach him.

"I will wait in the living room then."

"Did you get anything?" Robin asked, coming out of the next room as soon as he saw Daniel.

"He's here," Daniel said, his voice filled with reassurance. 

Robin glanced around, searching for the person Daniel was referring to.

"Where?"

"He was in the bathroom, but now he's getting dressed," Daniel explained, a smile forming on Robin's face.

"That's great."

They both settled onto the sofa, patiently waiting. After ten minutes, Pete entered the living room and joined them.

"Mr. Jewel, welcome," Pete greeted with a slight smile. Robin's face scrunched up slightly, suspicion evident in his expression.

"I can see that you have been expecting me," Robin said.

He was not surprised by Pete's recognition of him since he had been leaving messages for Pete, indicating that he needed to know Mara's location.

"You are right, Mr. Jewel. So why have you been looking for me?" Pete paused for a moment, studying Robin, before finally speaking, "You already know where she is."

Robin nodded, understanding Pete's implication, and explained, "Yes, but we have been unable to reach her."

"That's because I designed her building with unique aesthetics during my time working for the Russian government."

"The special stones surrounding the house disrupt all signals. Even if you have a skilled hacker like him," Pete pointed at Daniel, "and manage to bypass that, you still won't be able to locate her."

Frustrated, Robin suggested, "What if I set the place on fire?"

Pete shook his head, dismissing the idea. 

"Even then, you won't find her. However, I can show you where she is on one condition."

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