Chapter 7 - The Race for the Cure
I stared at the locked tablet screen in absolute despair.
"How are we supposed to get his thumbprint when he is surrounded by an army of guards?" I asked.
Elena closed the tablet and looked directly at Hector.
"Richard is hosting the annual Mayor's Charity Gala at the grand hotel tonight," she said quickly.
"He will be shaking hands and drinking expensive champagne all evening," she added.
Hector nodded slowly, understanding the dangerous plan forming in her mind.
"If we can steal a glass he drinks from, we can lift his print," Hector agreed.
"But Richard knows both of your faces, you can never get close to him," I pointed out.
Elena looked at me with a serious, unwavering expression.
"He does not know yours very well, and he thinks you are a terrified academic," she stated.
I swallowed hard, realizing I was the only one who could pull this off.
We loaded Professor Vance into the back of the stolen mercenary SUV.
Elena drove us to a hidden underground clinic used by undocumented workers in the city.
A trusted doctor quickly took the professor into a secret surgical room to remove the bullet.
"You need to look the part, Julian," Elena said, handing me a stolen waiter's uniform from the back of the clinic.
I quickly changed into the crisp white shirt and black vest.
Hector handed me a small, specialized piece of forensic tape hidden inside a napkin.
"When he puts his glass down, you wipe it with this tape and bring it straight to us," Hector instructed.
We drove to the alley behind the luxurious grand hotel where the gala was being held.
I slipped out of the SUV and joined a group of busy catering staff carrying trays of food.
I walked right past the heavy security detail at the kitchen entrance without being stopped.
The grand ballroom was filled with the wealthiest and most powerful people in the city.
I scanned the glittering room until I spotted Richard Sterling standing near the ice sculpture.
He was laughing arrogantly with the city mayor, holding a crystal champagne flute.
I took a deep breath, grabbed a silver tray of appetizers, and walked confidently toward him.
My hands were shaking, but I forced my face to remain completely calm.
I approached his circle and offered the tray of expensive caviar.
Richard did not even look at my face as he grabbed an appetizer and set his empty glass on my tray.
I smoothly covered the glass with the special napkin and turned to walk away.
My heart soared with victory as I successfully lifted the clear fingerprint.
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Just as I reached the kitchen doors, a heavy hand clamped down violently on my shoulder.
"Where do you think you are going, son?" Richard's cold voice whispered directly into my ear.
