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DIRKPITT®ADVENTURESBYCLIVECUSSLERPOSEIDON’SARROW(withDirkCussler)CRESCENTDAWN(withDirkCussler)ARCTICDRIFT(withDirkCussler)TREASUREOFKHAN(withDirkCussler)BLACKWIND(withDirkCussler)TROJANODYSSEY

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Contents

ALSOBYCLIVECUSSLERTITLEPAGECOPYRIGHT

PROLOGUECHAPTERONECHAPTERTWOCHAPTERTHREECHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVECHAPTERSIXCHAPTERSEVENCHAPTEREIGHTCHAPTERNINECHAPTERTENCHAPTERELEVENCHAPTERTWELVECHAPTERTHIRTEENCHAPTERFOURTEENCHAPTERFIFTEENCHAPTERSIXTEENCHAPTERSEVENTEENCHAPTEREIGHTEEN

CHAPTERNINETEENCHAPTERTWENTYCHAPTERTWENTY-ONECHAPTERTWENTY-TWOCHAPTERTWENTY-THREECHAPTERTWENTY-FOURCHAPTERTWENTY-FIVECHAPTERTWENTY-SIXCHAPTERTWENTY-SEVENCHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHTCHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

CHAPTERTHIRTYCHAPTERTHIRTY-ONECHAPTERTHIRTY-TWOCHAPTERTHIRTY-THREECHAPTERTHIRTY-FOURCHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVECHAPTERTHIRTY-SIXCHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVENCHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHTCHAPTERTHIRTY-NINECHAPTERFORTYCHAPTERFORTY-ONECHAPTERFORTY-TWOCHAPTERFORTY-THREE

CHAPTERFORTY-FOURCHAPTERFORTY-FIVECHAPTERFORTY-SIXCHAPTERFORTY-SEVENCHAPTERFORTY-EIGHTCHAPTERFORTY-NINECHAPTERFIFTYCHAPTERFIFTY-ONECHAPTERFIFTY-TWOCHAPTERFIFTY-THREECHAPTERFIFTY-FOURCHAPTERFIFTY-FIVECHAPTERFIFTY-SIXCHAPTERFIFTY-SEVEN

July 25, 1909Durban, South Africa

Theyweredrivingintoavoid,orsoitseemedtoChiefInspectorRobertSwanoftheDurbanPoliceDepartment.

Onamoonlessnight,

beneathaskyasdarkasIndiaink,SwanrodeshotguninthecabofamotortruckasitrumbleddownadustytrackinthecountrysidenorthofDurban.TheheadlightsofthebigPackardcastyellowbeamsoflightthatflickeredandbouncedanddidlittletobrightenthepathahead.Ashestaredintothegloom,Swancouldseenomorethanfortyyardsoftheruttedpathatanyonetime.

“Howfartothisfarmhouse?”heasked,turningtowardathin,wirymannamedMorris,whowaswedgedinnexttothedriver.

Morrischeckedhiswatch,leanedtowardthedriver,andcheckedtheodometerofthetruck.Aftersomementalcalculations,heglanceddownatthemapheheld.“Weshouldbetheresoon,Inspector.Nomorethantenminutestogo,I’dsay.”

Thechiefinspectornoddedandgrabbedthedoorsillasthebumpyridecontinued.ThePackardwasknownasaThreeTon,thelatestfromAmericaandoneofthefirstmotorvehiclestobeownedbytheDurbanPoliceDepartment.Ithadcomeofftheboatwiththecustomizedcabandwindshield.Enterprisingworkmenfromthenewlyformedmotorpoolhadbuilta

frametocovertheflatbedandstretchedcanvasoverit,thoughnoonehaddoneanythingtomakeitmorecomfortable.

Asthetruckbouncedandlurchedovertheruttedbuggytrail,Swandecidedhewouldratherbeonhorseback.Butwhatthebigriglostincomfortitmadeupforinhaulingpower.InadditiontoSwan,Morris,andthedriver,eightconstablesrodeinback.

Swanleanedonthedoorsillandturnedtolookbehindhim.Foursetsofheadlightsfollowed.ThreecarsandanotherPackard.Alltold,SwanhadnearlyaquarteroftheDurbanpoliceforceridingwithhim.

“Areyousureweneedallthesemen?”Morrisasked.

Perhapsitwasabitmuch,Swanthought.Thenagain,thecriminalstheywereafter—agroupknowninthe

papersastheKlaarRiverGang—hadnumbersoftheirown.Rumorsputthembetweenthirtyandforty,dependingonwhomonebelieved.

Thoughthey’dbegunascommonhighwaymen,robbingothersandextortingthosewhotriedtomakeanhonestlivingdoingbusinessoutintheVeld,they’dgrownmorecunningandviolentinthelastsixmonths.

Farmhousesofthosewhorefusedtopayprotectionmoneywerebeingburnedtotheground.Minersandtravelersweredisappearingwithoutatrace.Thetruthcametolightwhenseveralofthegangwerecapturedtryingtorobabank.TheywerebroughtbacktoDurbanforinterrogationonlytoberescuedinabrazenattackthatleftthreepolicemendeadandfourotherswounded.

ItwasalinethatSwanwouldnotallowthemtocross.“I’mnotinterestedinafairfight,”heexplained.“NeedIremindyouwhathappenedtwodaysago?”

Morrisshookhishead,andSwanrappedhishandonthepartitionthatseparatedthecabfromthebackofthetruck.Apanelslidopenandthefaceofaburlymanappeared,allbutfillingthewindow.

“Arethemenready?”Swanasked.

“We’reready,Inspector.”“Good,”Swansaid.

“Remember,noprisonerstonight.”Themannoddedhisunderstanding,butthewordscaused

Morristoofferasidewaysglance.

“Youhaveaproblem?”Swanbarked.

“No,sir,”Morrissaid,lookingbackathismap.“It’s

justthat...we’realmostthere.Justoverthishill.”

Swanturnedhisattentionforwardonceagainandtookadeepbreath,readyinghimself.Almostimmediatelyhecaughtthescentofsmoke.Itwasdistinctinflavor,likeabonfire.

ThePackardcrestedthehillmomentslater,andthecoalblacknightwascleavedintwobyafrenziedorangeblazeonthefielddownbelow

them.Thefarmhousewasburningfromonesidetotheother,whirlsoffirecurlingarounditandreachingtowardtheheavens.

“Bloodyhell,”Swancursed.

Thevehiclesraceddownthehillandspreadout.Themen

pouredforthandtookuppositionssurroundingthehouse.Noonehitthem.Noonefired.

Morrisledasquadcloser.Theyapproachedfromupwind

anddartedintothelastsectionofthebarnthatwasn’tablaze.Severalhorseswererescued,buttheonlygangmemberstheyfoundwerealreadydead.Someofthemhalfburned,othersmerelyshotandlefttodie.

Therewasnohopeoffightingthefire.Theancientwoodandtheoil-basedpaint

crackledandburnedlikepetrol.ItputoutsuchheatthatSwan’smenweresoonforcedtobackofforbebroiledalive.

“Whathappened?”Swandemandedofhislieutenant.“Looksliketheyhaditoutamongthemselves,”Morrissaid.Swanconsideredthat.BeforethearrestsinDurban,rumorshadbeenswirlingthatsuggestedthegangwasfrayingattheseams.“How

manydead?”“We’vefoundfive.Some

oftheboysthinktheysawtwomoreinside,buttheycouldn’treach’em.”

Atthatmomentgunfirerangout.

SwanandMorrisdovebehindthePackardforcover.Fromshelteredpositions,someoftheofficersbegantoshootback,loosingstrayroundsintotheinferno.

Theshootingcontinued,

oddlytimedandstaccato,thoughSwansawnosignofbulletshittingnearby.

“Holdyourfire!”heshouted.“Butkeepyourheadsdown.”

“Butthey’reshootingatus,”oneofthemenshouted.

Swanshookhisheadevenasthepop-popofthegunfirecontinued.“It’sjustammunitiongoingoffintheblaze.”

Theorderwaspassed

around,shoutedfromonemantothenext.Despitehisowndirective,Swanstoodup,peeringoverthehoodofthetruck.

Bynowtheinfernohadenvelopedtheentirefarmhouse.TheremainingbeamslookedlikethebonesofagiantrestingonsomeNordicfuneralpyre.Theflamescurledaroundandthroughthem,burningwithastrangeintensity,brightwhite

andorangewithoccasionalflashesofgreenandblue.Itlookedlikehellitselfhadrisenupandconsumedthegangandtheirhideoutfromwithin.

AsSwanwatched,amassiveexplosionwentoffdeepinsidethestructure,blowingtheplaceintoafieryscrap.Swanwasthrownbackbytheforceoftheblast,landinghardonhisback,aschunksofdebrisrattled

againstthesidesofthePackard.

Momentsaftertheexplosion,burningconfettibeganfalling,aslittlescrapsofpaperfluttereddownbythethousands,leavingtrailsofsmokeandashagainsttheblacksky.Asthefragmentskissedtheground,theybegantosetfiresinthedrygrass.

Seeingthis,Swan’smenwentintoactionwithoutdelay,tampingouttheembers

topreventabrushfirefromsurroundingthem.

Swannoticedseveralfragmentslandingnearby.Herolledoverandstretchedforoneofthem,pattingitoutwithhishand.Tohissurprise,hesawnumbers,letters,andthesternfaceofKingGeorgestaringbackathim.

“Tenners,”Morrissaidexcitedly.“Ten-poundnotes.Thousandsofthem.”

Astherealizationspread

throughthemen,theyredoubledtheirefforts,runningaroundandgatheringupthecharredscrapswithagiddyenthusiasmtheyrarelyshowedforcollectingevidence.Someofthenoteswerebundledandnottoo

badlyburned.Otherswerelikeleavesinthefireplace,curled

andblackenedbeyondrecognition.

“Givesawholenew

meaningtothetermblowingtheloot,”Morrissaid.

Swanchuckled,buthewasn’treallylistening,histhoughts

wereelsewhere;studyingthefire,countingthebodies,working

thecaseasaninspector’smindshould.

Somethingwasnotright,notrightatall.

Atfirst,heputitdowntotheanticlimacticnatureofthe

evening.Theganghe’dcometomakewaronhaddonethejobfor

him.Thathecouldbuy.He’dseenitbefore.Criminalsoften

foughtoverthespoilsoftheircrimes,especiallywhentheywere

looselyaffiliatedandallbutleaderless,asthisgangwasrumoredtobe.

No,Swanthought,thiswassuspiciousonadeeper

level.Morrisseemedtonotice.“What’swrong?”

“Itmakesnosense,”Swanreplied.

“Whatpartofit?”“Thewholething,”Swan

said.“Theriskydaylightbankjob.

Theraidtogettheirmenout.Thegunfightinthestreet.”Morrisstaredathimblankly.“Idon’tfollowyou.”“Lookaround,”Swansuggested.“Judgingbythe

stormofburntcashrainingdown

onus,thesethugsweresittingona

smallfortune.”“Yes,”Morrisagreed.“So

what?”“Sowhyrobaheavily

defendedbankinbroaddaylightif

you’realreadyloadedtothegillswithcash?Whyriskshooting

upDurbantogetyour

matesoutonlytogunthemdownback

here?”MorrisstaredatSwanfor

alongmomentbeforenoddinghisagreement.“Ihavenoidea,”hesaid.“Butyou’reright.Itmakesnosenseatall.”

Thefirecontinuedtoburnwellintothemorninghours,onlydyingwhenthefarmhousewasconsumed.Theoperationendedwithout

casualtiesamongthepolice,andtheKlaarRiverGangwasneverheardfromagain.

Mostconsidereditastrokeofgoodfortune,butSwanwasneverconvinced.HeandMorriswoulddiscusstheeventsofthateveningforyears,wellintotheirretirement.Despitemanytheoriesandguessesastowhatreallywenton,itwasaquestiontheywouldneverbeabletoanswer.

July 27, 1909

170 miles West-Southwest of Durban

TheSSWaratahplowedthroughthewavesona

voyagefromDurbantoCapeTown,rollingnoticeablywiththegrowingswells.Darksmokefromcoal-firedboilersspilledfromhersinglefunnelandwasdrivenintheoppositedirectionbyacontrarywind.

Sittingaloneinthemainloungeofthefive-hundred-footsteamship,fifty-one-year-oldGavinBrèvardfeltthevesselrollponderouslytostarboard.Hewatchedthe

cupandsaucerinfrontofhimslidetowardtheedgeofthetable,slowlyatfirst,andthenpickingupspeedastheangleoftheship’srollincreased.Atthelastsecond,hegrabbedforthecup,preventingitfromslidingofftheedgeandclatteringtothefloor.

TheWaratahremainedatasharppitch,takingafulltwominutestorightherself,andBrèvardbegantoworryaboutthevesselhe’dbooked

passageon.Inapriorlife,he’dspent

tenyearsatseaaboardvarioussteamers.Onthoseshipstherecoilwasquicker,thekeelmoreadeptatrightingitself.Thisshipfelttop-heavytohim.Itmadehimwonderifsomethingwaswrong.

“Moretea,sir?”Deepinthought,Brèvard

barelynoticedthewaiterintheuniformoftheBlue

AnchorLine.Heheldoutthecuphe’d

savedfromdestruction.“Merci.”

Thewaitertoppeditoffandmovedon.Asheleft,anewfigurecameintotheroom,abroad-shoulderedmanofperhapsthirty,withreddishhairandaruddyface.HemadeadirectlineforBrèvard,takingaseatinthechairopposite.

“Johannes,”Brèvardsaid

ingreeting.“Gladtoseeyou’renottrappedinyourcabinliketheothers.”

Johanneslookedalittlegreen,butheseemedtobeholdingup.“Whyhaveyoucalledmehere?”

Brèvardtookasipofthetea.“I’vebeenthinking.AndI’vedecidedsomethingimportant.”

“Andwhatmightthatbe?”

“We’refarfromsafe.”

Johannessighedandlookedaway.Brèvardunderstood.Johannesthoughthimtobeaworrier.Afear-ladenman.ButBrèvardwasjusttryingtobecautious.He’dspentyearswithpeoplechasinghim,yearslivingunderthethreatofimprisonmentordeath.Hehadtothinkfivestepsaheadjusttoremainalive.Ithadtunedhismindtoahyperattentivestate.

“Ofcoursewe’resafe,”Johannesreplied.“We’veassumednewidentities.Weleftnotrail.Theothersarealldead,andthebarnhasbeenburnedtotheground.Onlyourfamilycontinueson.”

Brèvardtookanothersipoftea.“Whatifwe’vemissedsomething?”

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Johannesinsisted.“We’rebeyondthereachoftheauthoritieshere.Thisshiphas

noradio.Wemightaswellbeonanislandsomewhere.”

Thatwastrue.Aslongastheshipwasatsea,theycouldrestandrelax.Butthejourneywouldendsoonenough.

“We’reonlysafeuntilwedockinCapeTown,”Brèvardpointedout.“Ifwehaven’tcoveredourtrailasperfectlyaswethink,wemayarrivetoagreetingofangrypolicemenorHisMajesty’stroops.”

Johannesdidnotreplyrightaway.Hewasthinking,soakingtheinformationin.“Whatdoyousuggest?”heaskedfinally.

“Wehavetomakethisjourneylastforever.”

“Andhowdowedothat?”

Brèvardwasspeakingmetaphorically.HeknewhehadtobemoreconcreteforJohannes.“Howmanygunsdowehave?”

“Fourpistolsandthreerifles.”

“Whatabouttheexplosives?”

“Twoofthecasesarestillfull,”Johannessaidwithascowl.“ThoughI’mnotsureitwaswisetobringthemaboard.”

“They’llbefine,”Brèvardinsisted.“Waketheothers,Ihaveaplan.It’stimewetookdestinyintoourownhands.”

CaptainJoshuaIlberystoodontheWaratah’sbridgedespiteitbeingtimeforthethirdwatchtotakeover.Theweatherconcernedhim.Thewindwasgustingtofiftyknots,anditwasblowingoppositetothetideandthecurrent.Thisoddcombinationwasbuildingthewavesintosharppyramids,unusuallyhighandsteep,likepilesofsandpushedtogetherfrombothdirections.

“Steadyon,now,”Ilberysaidtothehelmsman.“Adjustasneeded,wedon’twanttobebroadsided.”

“Aye,”thehelmsmansaid.

Ilberyliftedthebinoculars.Thelightwasfadingaseveningcameon,andhehopedthewindwouldsubsideinthenight.

Scanningthewhitecapsaheadofhim,Ilberyheardthebridgedooropen.Tohis

surprise,ashotrangout.Hedroppedthebinocularsandspuntoseethehelmsmanslumpingtothedeck,clutchinghisstomach.Beyondhimstoodagroupofpassengerswithweapons,oneofwhomwalkedoverandtookthehelm.

BeforeIlberycouldutterawordorgrabforaweapon,aruddy-facedpassengerslammedthebuttofanEnfieldrifleintohisgut.He

doubledoverandfellback,landingagainstthebulkhead.

Themanwho’dattackedhimaimedthebarreloftheEnfieldathisheart.Ilberynoticeditwasheldbyroughhands,morefittingonafarmerorrancherthanafirst-classpassenger.Helookedintotheman’seyesandsawnomercy.Hecouldn’tbesureofcourse,butIlberyhadlittledoubtthemanhewasfacinghadshotandkilled

before.“Whatisthemeaningof

this?”Ilberygrowled.Oneofthegroupstepped

towardhim.Hewasolderthantheothers,withgrayinghairatthetemples.Heworeafinersuitandcarriedhimselfwiththelooseeleganceofaleader.Ilberyrecognizedhimasoneofagroupwho’dcomeonboardinDurban.Brèvard,wasthename.GavinBrèvard.

“Idemandanexplanation,”Ilberysaid.

Brèvardsmirkedathim.“Ishouldhavethoughtitquiteobvious.We’recommandeeringthisship.You’regoingtosetanewcourseawayfromthecoastandthenbacktotheeast.We’renotgoingtoCapeTown.”

“Youcan’tbeserious,”Ilberysaid.“We’reinthemiddleofabadstretch.The

shipisbarelyrespondingasitis.Tomakeaturnnowwould—”

Gavinaimedthepistolataspothalfwaybetweenthecaptain’seyes.“I’veworkedonsteamersbefore,Captain.Enoughtoknowthatthisshipistop-heavyandperformingpoorly.Butshe’snotgoingtogoover,sostoplyingtome.”

“Thisshipwillsurelygotothebottom,”Ilberysaid.

“Givetheorder,”Brèvard

demanded,“orI’llblowaholeinyourskullandpilotthisshipmyself.”

Ilbery’seyesnarrowedtoslits.“Perhapsyoucannavigate,butwhatabouttherestoftheduties?Doyouandthislotintendtomantheshipyourselves?”

Brèvardsmiledwryly.He’dknownfromthestartthatthiswashisweakness,thechinkinhisarmor.Hehadeightotherswithhim,

threeofthemchildren.Evenifthey’dbeenadults,ninepeoplecouldn’tevenkeepthefiresstokedforlong,letaloneguardthepassengersandcrew,andpilottheshipatthesametime.

ButBrèvardwasusedtoplayingtheangles.Hiswholelifewasastudyingettingotherstodoashewished,eitheragainsttheirwillsorwithoutthemknowingtheyweredoinghisbidding.He’d

knownheneededleverage,andtheexplosivesinthetwocasesenabledhimtoturntheoddsinhisfavor.

“Bringintheprisoner,”hesaid.

Ilberywatchedasthebridgedoorwasopenedandanunkemptteenagerappeared.Thisonebroughtinamancoveredincoaldust.Bloodflowedfromabrokennoseandagashacrosshisforehead.

“Chief?”“I’msorry,Cap’n,”the

chiefsaid.“Theytrickedus.Theyusedchildrentodistractus.Andthentheyoverpoweredus.Threeoftheladsareshot.Butit’ssolouddowntherenoonehearduntilitwastoolate.”

“Whathavetheydone?”thecaptainasked,hiseyesgrowingwide.

“Dynamite,”thechiefsaid.“Adozensticksattached

toboilersthreeandfour.”IlberyturnedtoBrèvard.

“Areyouinsane?Youcan’tputexplosivesinanenvironmentlikethat.Theheat,theembers.Onesparkand—”

“Andwe’llallbeblowntokingdomcome,”Brèvardsaid,finishingthethoughtforhim.“Yes,I’mwellawareoftheconsequences.Thethingis,aropewaitsformeonshore,thekindthat

stretchesone’sneck.IfI’mgoingtodie,I’dratheritbequickandgloriousthanslowandpainful.Sodon’ttestme.Ihavethreeofmypeopledowntherewithrifleslikethesetomakesurenooneremovesthoseexplosives,atleastnotuntilIleavethisshipataportofmychoosing.Now,doasIsayandturnthisvesselawayfromthecoast.”

“Andthenwhat?”Ilberyasked.

“Whenwe’vereachedourdestination,we’lltakeafewofyourboats,aheapofsupplies,andeveryone’scashandjewelry,andwe’llleaveyourshipanddisappear.YouandyourcrewwillbefreetosailbacktoCapeTownwithafantasticstorytotelltheworld.”

Usingthebulkheadbehindhimforsupport,CaptainIlberyforcedhimselfupandstood.Hestaredat

Brèvardwithcontempt.Themanhadhimandbothknewit.

“Chief,”hesaidwithouttakinghiseyesoffthehijacker.“Takethehelmandturnusabout.”

Thechiefstaggeredtothewheelandpushedthehijackerasideanddidasordered.Therudderansweredthehelm,andtheSSWaratahbegantoturn.

“Gooddecision,”Brèvard

said.Ilberywonderedabout

that,butknewhehadnochoice.

Forhispart,Brèvardwaspleased.Hesatdowninachair,laidtherifleacrosshislap,andstudiedthecaptainclosely.Havingspenthislifetimemisleadingothers,frompolicementopowder-wiggedjudges,Brèvardhadlearnedthatsomemenwereeasiertoreadthanothers.The

honestonesweremoreobviousthantherest.

AsBrèvardstaredatthiscaptain,hepeggedhimasoneofthose.Amanwithprideandsmartsandagreatsenseofdutyforhispassengersandcrew.ThatsenseofdutycompelledhimtocomplywithBrèvard’sdemandsinordertoprotectthelivesofthoseonboard.Butitalsomadehimdangerous.

Evenasheacquiesced,

Ilberystoodtallandramrodstraight.Thoughheclutchedhisstomachfromtheblowhe’dtaken,hekeptafireburninginhiseyesthatbeatenmendidn’thave.Allofwhichsuggestedthecaptainwasnotreadytorelinquishhisshipjustyet.Acountermovewouldcome,soonerratherthanlater.

Brèvarddidn’tblamethecaptain.Quitefrankly,herespectedhim.Allthesame,

hemadeamentalnotetobeready.

SS Harlow - 10 milesahead of the Waratah

LikethecaptainoftheWaratah,thecaptainoftheHarlowwasonthebridge.Thirty-footwavesandfifty-knotwindsrequiredit.He

andhiscrewweremakingconstantcorrections,workinghardtokeeptheHarlowfromgoingoffcourse.They’devenpumpedinsomeextrawaterasballasttohelpreducetheroll.

Asthefirstofficerreenteredthebridgefollowinganinspectionrun,thecaptainlookedhisway.“Howarewefaring,numberone?”

“Shipshapefromstemto

stern,sir.”“Excellent,”thecaptain

said.Hesteppedtothebridgewingandglancedoutbehindthem.Thelightsofanothervesselcouldbeseenonthehorizon.Shewasseveralmilesastern,andmakingagreatdealofsmoke.

“Whatdoyoumakeofher?”thecaptainasked.“She’schangedcourse,outawayfromthecoast.”

“Couldbeaturntoget

moreclearancefromtheshoals,”thefirstofficersaid.“Orperhapsthewindandcurrentareforcingheroff.Anyideawhoitis?”

“Notsure,”thecaptainsaid.“ShemightbetheWaratah.”

Momentslater,apairofflashesonlysecondsapartlitoutfromthevessel’sapproximateposition.Theywerebrightwhiteandthenorange,butatthisrangethere

wasnosound,likewatchingdistantfireworks.Whentheyfaded,thehorizonwasdark.

Boththecaptainandfirstofficerblinkedandstaredintothatdarkness.

“Whatwasthat?”thefirstofficerasked.“Anexplosion?”

Thecaptainwasn’tsure.Hegrabbedforthebinocularsandtookamomenttotrainthemonthespot.Therewasnosignoffire,butacold

chillgrippedhisspineasherealizedthelightsofthemysteryshiphadvanishedaswell.

“Couldhavebeenflaresfromabrushfireontheshorebehindthem,”thefirstofficersuggested.“Orheatlightning.”

Thecaptaindidn’trespondandcontinuedtostarethroughthebinoculars,sweepingthefieldofview.Hehopedthefirstofficerwas

right,butiftheflashesoflighthadcomefromtheshoreorthesky,thenwhathadhappenedtotheship’slightsvisibleonlymomentsbefore?

Upondocking,bothmenwouldlearnthattheWaratahwasoverdueandmissing.She’dnevermadeportinCapeTown,norhadshereturnedtoDurbanormadelandfallanywhereelse.

InquicksuccessionboththeRoyalNavyandtheBlueAnchorLinewoulddispatchshipsinsearchoftheWaratah,buttheywouldreturnempty-handed.Nolifeboatswerefound.Nowreckage.Nodebris.Nobodiesfloatinginthewater.

Overtheyears,nauticalgroups,governmentorganizations,andtreasureseekerswouldsearchforthewreckofthemissingship.

Theywouldusesonar,magnetometers,andsatelliteimaging.TheywoulddispatchdiversandsubmarinesandROVstoscourvariouswrecksalongthecoast.Butitwasallinvain.Morethanacenturyafterherdisappearance,notasingletraceoftheWaratahhadeverbeenfound.

September 1987

Maputo Bay,Mozambique

Thesunwasfallingtowardthehorizonasanagingfifty-

foottrawlersailedintothebayfromtheopenwatersoftheMozambiqueChannel.ForCuotoZumbana,ithadbeenagoodday.Theholdofhisboatwasfilledwithfreshfish,nonetshadbeentornorlost,andtheoldmotorhadsurvivedyetanotherjourney—thoughitcontinuedtobelchgraysmoke.

Satisfiedwithlife,Zumbanaclosedhiseyesandturnedtowardthesun,letting

itbathetheweatheredfoldsofhisface.Therewaslittleheenjoyedmorethanthatgloriousfeeling.Suchpeaceitbroughthimthattheexcitedshoutsofhiscrewdidnotbreakhimfromitatfirst.

“Mashua,”oneshouted.Zumbanaopenedhis

eyes,squintingintheglareasthesunlightblazedoffthesealikeliquidfire.Blockingthelightwithhishand,hesawwhatthemenwerepointing

at,asmallwoodendinghybobbinginthechopofthelateafternoon.Itseemedtobeadrift,andtheredidn’tappeartobeanyoneonboard.

“Takeustoit,”heordered.Tofindasmallboathecouldsellwouldonlymakethedaybetter.Hewouldevensharesomeofthemoneywiththecrew.

Thetrawlerchangedcourse,andtheoldenginechuggedalittleharder.Soon,

theywereclosingthegap.Zumbana’sfacewrinkled.

Thesmallboatwasbadlyweatheredandlookedhastilypatched.Evenfromfiftyfeetawayhecouldseethatmuchofitwasrotted.

“Someonemusthavedumpeditjusttoberidofit,”oneofhiscrewmensaid.

“Theremightbesomethingofvalueonboard,”Zumbanasaid.“Takeusalongside.”

Thehelmsmandidasordered,andthetrawlereasedtoastopbesidethedilapidatedcraft.Astheybumpedit,anothercrewmanhoppedaboard.Zumbanathrewhimarope,andthetwoboatswerequicklytiedoffanddriftingtogether.

Fromhisposition,Zumbanasawemptycookingpotsandpilesofrags,certainlynothingofvalue,butasthecrewmanpulleda

moth-eatenblanketasideallthoughtsofmoneywerechasedfromhismind.

Ayoungwomanandtwoboyslaybeneaththeoldblanket.Theywereclearlydead.Theirfaceswerecoveredwithsoresfromthesunandtheirbodiesstiff.Theirclothingwastattered,andabloodstainedragwastiedtothewoman’sshoulder.Acloserlookrevealedscabbedwristsandanklesas

ifthethreeofthemhadoncebeenheldincuffsandrestraints.

Zumbanacrossedhimself.“Weshouldleaveit,”one

ofthecrewmensaid.“It’sabadomen,”another

added.“No.Wemustrespectthe

dead,”Zumbanareplied.“Especiallythosewhohavebeentakensoyoung.”

Themenlookedathimsuspiciouslybutdidasthey

wereordered.Witharopesecuredfortowing,theyturnedonceagainforshorewiththeolddouble-endedboattrailingoutbehindthem.

Zumbanamovedtothestern,wherehecouldkeepaneyeonthesmallcraft.Hisgazewentfromtheboattothehorizonbeyond.Hewonderedabouttheoccupantsofthesmallboat.Whowerethey?Wherehadtheycomefrom?What

dangerhadtheyescapedonlytodieontheopensea?Soyoung,hethought,consideringthethreebodies.Sofragile.

Theboatitselfwasanothermystery.Thetopplankintheboat’ssideseemedasifitmighthaveoncebeenpaintedwithaname,butitwasunreadablenow.Heworriediftheboatwouldmakeitintoport.Unlikeitsdeadpassengers,it

seemedancient.Certainlyitwasolderthanthethreeoccupants.Infact,itlookedtohimlikeitmightbelongtoanothereraalltogether.

March 2014

Indian Ocean

Aflashofbluelightningforkedacrossthehorizon.Forasecondortwoitlitupthe

graydarknesswhereseaandstormmet.KurtAustinstaredintothatdarknessfromtherearsectionofaSikorskyJayhawkasthebighelicoptershouldereditswaythroughbandsofpouringrain.Turbulenceshookthecraft,andthirty-footswellsrolledbeneaththem,theirtopsblownoffbythehowlingwind.

Asthelightningfaded,Kurtsawhisreflectiononthe

glass.Roughlyforty,withsilver-grayhair,Kurtwashandsomeintherightkindoflight.Astrongjawlineandpiercingblueeyessawtothat.Butlikeatruckthatspentitsdaysontheworksiteinsteadofinthegarage,hisfacecarriedthemilesinplainview.

Thelinesaroundhiseyeswereetchedalittledeeperthanmost.Acollectionoffadedscarsfromfistfights,

carcrashes,andotherincidentsmarkedhisbrowandjaw.Itwasthefaceofamanwhoseemedreadyforanything,determinedandunyielding,evenasthehelicopternearedthelimitsofitsrange.

HepressedtheintercomswitchandlookedaheadtowherehisfriendJoeZavalasatinthecopilot’sseat.“Anything?”

“Nothing,”Joecalled

back.KurtandJoeworkedfor

NUMA,theNationalUnderwaterMarineAgency,abranchoftheAmericangovernmentdedicatedtothestudyandpreservationofthesea.But,atthemoment,theywerepartofamakeshiftrescueteamcalledontoassistagroupofflounderingvesselsthathadbeencaughtinadebilitatingstorm.

Astheyflewon,theradio

crackledwithstaticandrapid-fireconversationsbetweentheSouthAfricanCoastGuardandthesmallgroupofrescuecraft.

“SapphireTwo,what’syourposition?”

“SapphireTwohascontactwiththeEndlessRoad.Sheappearstobedriftingbutwatertight.Fourcrewarevisible.Maneuveringintopositionforbasketrescue.”

“Rogerthat,SapphireTwo.SapphireThree,what’syourstatus?”

“Inboundwithrescues.Twoappeartohavehypothermia,thirdisstable.”

Thestormhadcomebarrelinginfromthesoutheast,gainingintensityasitapproachedtheCapeofGoodHope.Itsweptupseveralfreighters,includingathousand-footcontainership,andthenswungnorthandset

itssightsonagroupofyachtsandotherpleasurecraftinvolvedinafriendlyracefromDurbantoAustralia.

ThefuryofthestormanditssuddenarrivalhadtaxedtheSouthAfricanCoastGuardtothelimit.They’dcalledforanyableassistance,enlistingthehelpofaRoyalNavyfrigate,twoAmericansupplyships,andtheNUMAresearchvesselCondor.

Seventymileseastofthe

Condor,Kurt,Joe,andthepilotoftheJayhawkwerenearingtheGPScoordinatesthey’dbeengiven.Butthey’dyettospotathing.

“Weshouldbealmostontopofher,”Kurtsaid.

“Shemighthavegonedown,”thepilotreplied.

Kurtdidn’twanttoconsiderthat.Byastrangetwistoffate,heknewthefamilyontheyachttheywereattemptingtoassist.Atleast

heknewoneofthem.“Howmuchfuel?”“We’reBingointen

minutes.”Atthatpoint,they’dhave

onlyenoughfueltomakeitbacktotheCondorandwouldhavetoturnaroundorrisksplashingdownshortofhomeandneedingrescuethemselves.

“Stretchit,”Kurtsaid.“Theheadwindsare

killingus.”

“There’llbetailwindsonthewayhome,”Kurtinsisted.“Keepgoing.”

Thepilotclammedup,andKurtturnedhiseyesbacktothesea.

“Ihavesomething,”Joeshouted,holdingahandtohisheadset.“It’sweak,butIthinkit’stheiremergencybeacon.Turnrighttozerosevenzero.”

Thehelicopterbankedintotheturn,andseveral

minuteslaterKurtspiedthehullofahundred-sixty-footyachtlistingtooneside.Shewasstillafloatbutdownatthebow,andallbutawashinthewaves.

“Takeusin,”Kurtordered.

Heyankedopenthecargodoor,slidingitbackandlockingitinplace.Windandrainwhippedintothecabin.

Awinchsystemandfourhundredfeetofcablewould

allowthemtoliftsurvivorsonboard,buttheyhadnobasket,soKurtwouldhavetogodownandgrabthemhimself.Heclickedthecabletotheharnesshe’dpulledonpreviouslyandslidhimselftotheedge,feetdanglingovertheside.

“Iseenoone,”thepilotsaid.

“Theycouldbeclingingtotheside,”Kurtreplied.“Takeusaround.”

Kurtcouldfeeladrenalinesurgingthroughhisbody,muchasithadbeensincethedetailsofthedamagedcraftcameinfromtheSouthAfricanCoastGuardstation.

“VesselEthernetreportsheavyflooding,”theSouthAfricancontrollerhadinformedthem.“NUMAJayhawk,pleaseassist.Youareonlyrescueinrange.”

“ConfirmvesselID?”Kurthadasked,hardly

believingwhathe’dheard.“Ethernet,”thecontroller

advised.“OutofSanFrancisco.Sevenpersonsknowntobeaboard.IncludingBrianWestgate,hiswife,andtwochildren.”

BrianWestgatewasanInternetbillionaire.Hiswife,Sienna,wasanoldfriendofKurt’s.Yearsearlier,she’dbeentheloveofhislife.

ThemessagehadstunnedKurtinawayfewthingsever

did,buthewasthetypetorecoverquickly.Heblockedoutanythoughtsofthepastorfearsofnotreachingtheyachtintimeandfocusedonthetaskathand.

“Getthespotlighton,Joe!”

Asthehelicoptercircledtheflounderingvesselanddroppedtowardit,Kurtcouldseewavessweepingoverthehull.Theonlysavinggracewasthattheforward

superstructurewasbeingshelteredbytheaftsectionoftheship.

Joeturnedonthespotlight,andtherainbecameafieldofslashinglines.Theeffectwasblindingforamoment,butonceJoegottheangleright,Kurtcouldseethehullmoreclearly.Hecaughtaglimpseoforange.

“There!Nearthebridge.”Thepilotsawittoo.He

maneuveredthehelicopter

closer,asJoeunlatchedhimselfandcamebacktooperatethewinch.

“Thiscableisn’tdesignedtohoistpeople,”heremindedKurt.

“Ittowsasonararray,”Kurtsaid.

“Thefishonlyweighsninetypounds.”

“It’lldothejob,”Kurtsaid.“Now,releasethetension.”

Joehesitated,andonce

Kurthadlookeddownandgaugedtheirposition,hereachedupandpunchedthetensionerhimself.BeforeJoecouldstophim,he’ddroppedfromtheedgeofthehelicopter.

Holdingamasktohisfaceandpointinghisfeetstraightdown,Kurthitthewateratthetopofaswellandplungedthroughit.Foralongmoment,hewasbathedinthestrangemutedsilenceofthe

sea.Itwascalmingandpeaceful.

Andthenhesurfacedintothemaelstrom.

Theswellswerelikerollingmountains,anddropletsfromthetorrentialdownpourdancedonthesurfaceineverydirection.

Turningtotheflounderingyacht,Kurtbegankickinghardtowardit.

Reachingthevesselamidships,hestretchedfor

therail.Beforehecouldgetafirmgrip,atroughrolledby,andhedroppeddownalongthesideofthehull.Hefoughttostayinposition,untilthenextswellarrived.Itcarriedhimupwarduntilhewasevenwiththedeck.Thistimehequicklygrabbedtherailandpulledhimselfaboard.Heclamberedacrossthedeck,scarcelyavoidingbeingwashedoverboardbyanotherwave.

Hereachedthebridge,wherehefoundthewindowssmashedin.Theorangeflashhe’dassumedtobealifevestwasnowheretobeseen.

“Sienna!”heshouted.Itwasuselessagainstthewind.

Hepeeredinside.Severalfeetofwatersloshedaround.Forasecondhethoughthesawabody,butthepowerwasout,andinthedarknessitcouldhavebeenanything.Hegrabbedthehatchwaydoor

andyankeditopen,forcinghiswayin.

Thevesselgroanedominouslyasitwallowedinthestorm.EverythingaroundKurtseemedtobemoving.Heraisedhisarmandswitchedonawaterproofflashlightthatwasstrappedtoit.

Thebeamplayedonthewaterandflaredasitreflectedoffawallofglassbehindthebridge.Insome

cornerofhismind,Kurtrememberedreadingabouttheyacht’sdesign.Everywallintheupperdeckwasacrylic.Itwassupposedtomaketheinsideofthevesselseemmorespacious.Ifprivacywasneeded,theycouldbedarkenedwiththeflickofaswitch.

Anotherwavehittheshipandsherolledalittlefarther.Kurtfoundhimselfslidingtowardthatglasswallas

greenseawaterbeganpouringinthroughtheopenhatch.

Furniture,charts,lifevests,andotherkindsofdetritussloshedaroundhim.Kurtstoodandsteadiedhimself.Hisarmcameoutofthewater,andthelightplayedofftheglassonceagain.Foramoment,itflared,blindinghim,butasheadjustedhisaimhesawafaceontheotherside.Awoman’sfaceframedinwet

blondhair.Achildfloatedbesideher,atowheadedblondgirl,nomorethansixorperhapsseven.Hereyeswereopenbutunresponsive.

Kurtlungedtowardthemonlytocrashintoaglasspartition.

“Sienna!”heshouted.Therewasnoresponse.Thewaterwasrising

morerapidlynow.ItswirleduparoundKurt’schestasheslammedhisfistagainstthe

glassandthentriedtosmashitwithachairhefoundfloatingbesidehim.Thepartitionheldagainsttwosolidblows.AndasKurtrearedbackforathirdswing,theshiprolledfartherandthewaterreachedhisneck.

Theyachtwasgoingover.Hecouldfeelit.

Withoutwarning,theharnesssnappedtightaroundhim,andKurtfelthimselfbeingdraggedbackward.

“No!”heshouted,onlytoswallowamouthfulofwater.

Hewasbeingpulledbackwardagainstagreatcurrentfloodingintothebridge.Itwaslikebeingdraggedupwardthroughawaterfall.Forabriefinstant,hesawthefacesagain,andthenhismaskwasrippedoffandtheworldwentblurryandgreen.Thecablejerkedoncemore,pullinghimhardandslamminghisheadagainstthe

doorframeintheprocess.Dazedandbarely

conscious,Kurtsensedhe’dbeenpulledfree.Buthisprogresswasslowing.Somepartofhimknewthereason:Joeandthepilotmusthavemaneuveredthehelicoptertodraghimoutofthesinkingvessel.They’dmanagedtoyankhimclear,butthecablemusthavesnapped,perhapswhenhehitthebulkhead.

Hetriedtoswim,kicking

feebly,buthismindwascloudyandhismusclesweremostlyunresponsive.Insteadofrising,hewasbeingpulleddeeper,drawndownbythesuctionofthesinkingyacht.Hesawitbeneathhim,agrayblurretreatingfromthebeamofhislight.

Thinkingonlyofsurvival,heturnedhisgazeupward.Abovehim,Kurtsawaringofsilverylight.Andthen,feelingonlysimple

fascination,hewatcheditcloselikethepupilofavastdiscerningeye.

Withajolt,Kurtbolteduprightinhisbed.Hewasdrenchedinsweatandgaspingforair,andhisheartpoundedasifhe’djustrunupamountain.Foramoment,heheldstillandstaredintothedarkness,tryingtofreehimselffromthegraspofthe

nightmareandthepowerfulemotionsthatlingeredintheafterlifeofadream.

Theprocesswasalwaysthesame,aquickrealizationofwherehewasandthenabriefmomentofuncertaintyasifthemindwastorndecidingwhichworldwasrealityandwhichwasillusion.

Thunderrumbledoutside,accompaniedbyadimflashoflightningandthesoundof

therainpeltinghisdeck.Hewasathome,inhis

ownbedroom,intheboathouseheownedonthebanksofthePotomacRiver.Notdrowninginthefailedrescueattemptthathadtakenplacemonthsearlierandhalfaworldaway.

“Areyouallright?”asoothingfemalevoiceasked.

Kurtrecognizedthevoice.AnnaEricsson,askindasshewaspretty.Anatural

blondewithstrikinggreeneyes,thefairestofeyebrows,andaperfectlittlenosethatturnedupattheend.Forsomereason,hewishedshewassomewhereelseatthismoment.

“No,”Kurtsaid,throwingthecoversback.“I’mfarfromallright.”

Heclimbedoutofbedandwenttothewindow.

“It’sjustanightmare,”shesaid.“Repressed

memoriesworkingtheirwayout.”

Kurtcouldfeelhisheadpounding,notjustwithaheadachebutatthebackofhisskull,wherehe’dsustainedahairlinefractureasJoehadpulledhimfreeofthesinkingyacht.“They’renotrepressed,”hesaid.“Tobehonestwithyou,Iwishtheywere.”

Shewascalm.Notonetorespondtohisagitation.“Did

youseethem?”sheasked.Thundercrashedoutside,

andtherainrattledagainsttheArcadiadoorwithrenewedvigor.Kurtwonderediftherainhadtriggeredthenightmare.Thenagain,hedidn’tneedanythingtotriggerthem.Theyseemedtocomealmostnightly.

“Didyouseethemthistime?”sheaskedagain.

Kurtexhaledinfrustration,wavedheroff,

andmadehiswaytothewetbarinthelivingroom.Annafollowedsecondslater,wearingyogapantsandoneofhisT-shirts.Hecouldn’thelpbutadmirehowprettyshewas.Eveninthemiddleofthenight.Evenwithoutabitofmakeup.

Heswitchedonalight.Itpainedhiseyesforamomentbutallowedhimtopluckahalf-emptybottleofJackDaniel’soffthetray.He

noticedthathishandwasshaking.Hepouredhimselfadouble.

“Youknowitmeanssomething,”sheprodded.

Hegulpedsomeofthewhiskey.“Canwepleasekeepthepsychoanalyzingtoofficehours?”

Shewassupposedtobehistherapist.Intheaftermathoftheconcussion,he’dbeguntohavetremorsandotherissues.Thenightmarescame

first,thenmemoryproblemsandbarelysuppressedfeelingsofragethatthosewhoknewhimwererighttoconsideroutofcharacter.

Inresponse,NUMAhadassignedMs.Ericssontoactashistherapistandcounselor.Inafitofspiteagainstthosewhoweretryingtohelphim,Kurthadspentweeksplayingtheroleofacurmudgeon.Ithadn’tbeenenoughtowardheroff,andthetwohad

endedupseeingeachotheronamore-than-professionalbasis.

Kurtswiggedsomemorewhiskeyandwincedatthepain.Henoticedacontainerofaspirinbesidetheliquorbottlesandreachedforit.Howmanynightsthisweekhadherepeatedthissameroutine?Four?Five?Hetriedtoaddthemupbutcouldn’thonestlyrecall.Ithadbecomefartoocommon.

“Haveyoubeentoworklately?”shesaid,ploppingdownontheedgeofhiscouch.

Kurtshookhishead.“Ican’tgotoworkuntilyoufixme,remember?”

“You’renotbroken,Kurt.Butyouareinpain.Nomatterhowmuchyouwanttopretend.Yousufferedasevereconcussion,afracturedskull,andanemotionaltraumaallatthesametime.

Formonths,youdisplayedeverysymptomofatraumaticbraininjury.Andyou’recontinuingtohavesomeofthem.Beyondthat,you’reatextbookcaseofsurvivor’sguilt.”

“Ihavenothingtofeelguiltyabout,”heinsisted.“IdidthebestIcould.”

“Iknowthat,”shesaid.“Everyoneinvolvedknowsthat.Butyoudon’tbelieveit.”

Hedidn’tknowwhattobelieve.Literally.

“EvenBrianWestgateknowswhatyoutriedtodowasheroic.”

“BrianWestgate,”Kurtmutteredwithdisdain.

Shepickeduponthetoneinhisvoice,theonethatsignaledanuptickinhislevelofagitation,butshepushedanyway.

“Hestillwantstomeetwithyou,youknow.Shake

yourhand.Tellyouthanks.”Shepaused.“Haveyouevenreturnedhiscalls?”

Ofcoursehehadn’t.“I’vebeenalittlebusy.”

Shewasstudyinghim,noddingslightly.“That’sit,isn’tit?”

“What’sit?”“Youweresupposedto

marrySiennabutyoudroveheraway.Ifyouhadn’tdonethat,shewouldn’thavemetWestgate.NoWestgate,no

yacht.Noyacht,nostorm.Nostorm,nosinking.Andnofailedattempttorescueher.That’swhatyou’reblamingyourselffor.”

Survivor’sguiltwascomplicated.Kurtknewthis.Hehadfriendswho’dcomebackfromIraqandAfghanistan.They’ddoneheroicthings,moreheroicthananythinghe’ddone,andyettheyblamedthemselvesformuchofwhatwent

wrong.Hetookabreathand

lookedaway.Therewastoomuchtruthinwhatshe’dsaidforhimtoargue,butforreasonshewasn’twillingtoexplainitdidn’thelphimmuch.Heturnedhisattentionbacktotheaspirin,priedthetopoffthebottleandpoppedafewofthepillsintohismouth.Hechasedthemdownwithmorewhiskey.

Feelinghisheadachewas

nowbeingproperlytreated,heturnedbacktoAnnaandtriedtobemorecivil.“Whydoesitmatter?”heasked.“Whydoesitmattersomuchtoyou?”

“Becauseit’smyjob,”shesaid.“AndbecauselikeanidiotIchosetocareaboutyouasmorethanapatient.”

“No,”hesaid,correctingher.“WhydoesitmatterwhetherIseetheminthedreamornot?Youkeep

askingaboutthat.Whydoesthatmattertoyou?”

Shepausedandstaredupathim.Thelookwasamixofkindnessandfrustration.“Itdoesn’tmattertome,”shesaid.“Itmatterstoyou.”

Kurtstared.“Basedonwhatyou’ve

toldme,thedreamsareallthesame,”shepointedout.“Exceptinhalfofthem,youseethisblondCaucasianwomanandoneofher

children,whileintherestyouseenothingbutdebrisandemptylifejackets.Youcan’tevenbesurethewomanisSienna.Buteitherway,realorimagined,youcouldn’treachthem,theshipwentdown,and,unfortunately,they’regone.Endofstory.”

Shetiltedherheadabit.Alookofempathysettledonherface.“Totherestoftheworld,itdoesn’tmakeadifferencebecausethe

outcomeisthesame.Butthesealternatedreams—thesealternaterealities—theymustmattertoyouoryouwouldn’tkeephavingthem.Thesooneryoufigureoutwhy,thesooneryou’llbegintofeelbetter.”

Hecouldonlystare.Shewasclosertothetruththansheknew.

“Isee”wasallhecouldsay.

Shesighed.“Ishouldn’t

havecomeover,”shesaid,reachingforhersneakersandslippingthemon.“Forthatmatter,Ishouldn’thavekissedyou.ButI’mgladIdid.”

Shestoodupandgrabbedhercoatoffarackbythedoor.“I’mgoinghome,”shesaid.“Gobacktowork,Kurt.Itmightdoyousomegood.Infact,goseeWestgate.He’sactuallyinWashington.He’smakingsomebig

announcementtomorrowonthestepsoftheSmithsonian.He’sprobablynotthebastardyouthinkheis.Anditmightgiveyousomeclosure.”

Shepulledhercoaton,openedthedoortothesoundofrainonthedriveway,thensteppedthroughandshutitbehindher.Secondslater,theengineofherFordExplorerrumbledtolife,followedbythesoundofherbackingoutandupthehillontoRiver

Road.Kurtstaredattheempty

spaceforaminute.Withagulp,hefinishedthedrinkandwaveredonwhethertopourhimselfanother.Heputthetumblerdown.Itdidn’thelpmuchanyway.

Insteadofanotherdrink,hewalkedthroughthelivingroomandslidopentheArcadiadoorthatledoutontothedeck.Therainwasrelentless,beadinguponthe

freshlystainedwoodlikequicksilverinalabtray.Theriverwascoveredindancingdropletsjustliketheseainhisdream.

Whydiditmatter?Hewalkedtotherailing.

Astherainsoakedhim,itseemedtodrawsomeoftheagonyout.FartothelefthesawtheredtaillightsofAnna’sFordasshedroveoff.

Whydidhetryharderandhardertoseethetrutheach

timethedreamstarted?Heknewtheanswerto

thismystery,ithadcometohimweeksago,buthekeptittohimself.Hecouldn’ttellanyone,certainlynothistherapist.

Soakingwet,hesteppedbackinside,grabbedatoweltodryhishandsandface,anddroppedintothechairathisdesk.

Tossingthetowelaside,heflickedonthecomputer

andwaitedasthescreenlitup.Aftertypinginhismainpassword,heclickedaniconthatrequiredasecondpassword.Itbroughtupaseriesofencryptede-mails.

ThelatesthadbeensentbyaformerMossadagentwhomKurtknewthroughathirdparty.Moneyhadbeenwiredandreceived,andthemanagreedtoinvestigatearumor.

Thee-mailreadrather

matter-of-factly.Canneitherconfirmnor

denythepresenceofSiennaWestgateinMashhadorsurroundingarea.

MashhadwasacityinnorthernIran,suspectedofbeingtheheadquartersofanewtechnicalgroupworkingfortheIranianmilitary.Noonewascertainjustwhattheywereupto,buttheIranianswerebelievedtobedesperatelyupgradingtheir

cybersecurityandattackforce.EmbitteredthattheU.S.hadsomehowgottenavirusknownasStuxnetintotheirnuclear-processingfacilitiesandcausedathousandhigh-pricedcentrifugestospinoutofcontroluntiltheyexploded,theIranianswerenotonlylookingtoprotectthemselves,theywereplanningtohitback.

Partofthateffortseemed

toinvolveforeignerswho’dbeenspottedshufflinginandoutofMashhad,sometimesunderguard.

Kurtreadtherestofthee-mail.

Ongoodauthority,I’vebeeninformedthatthreeWesternpersons,twomale,onefemale,wereinMashhadforsometime.Theywerepresentforatleastnineteenandpossiblyasmanyasthirtydays.It’sunclearif

theseindividualswerecaptivesorpaidexperts.DescriptionofthefemalematchesMrs.Westgateinsizeandapproximateagebutnothaircolor.Nophotographsareavailable.Subjectdidnotappeartobeinjuredortofavoreitherhandindailyactivities.

ShewasseenarrivingandleavingthesuspecteddefensebuildinginnorthernMashhadunderlightsecurity.No

coercionwasevident.Nomistreatmentdetected.

Allthreeindividualswerespotteddepartingviasmallaircrafttwentyonedaysago.Noinformationhasbeenuncoveredtoaccuratelysuggestthedestinationofthataircraftorthecurrentwhereaboutsorwelfareofthepersonsonboard.

Kurtclosedthefile.Whydiditmatterwhathe

sawinthedreams?Because,

despiteallevidencetothecontrary,he’dbecomeconvincedthatSiennawasalive.Andifshewasalive,hecouldthinkofonlyonereasonshe’dbedoingworkfortheIranians:herchildren,TannerandElise.Someonehadtobeholdingthemhostageandusingthemasleverageagainsther.

Heknewitwasastretchoflogic,suppositionpileduponsupposition.

Consideringthefacts,itwasirrationalandunreasonable,andyethefeltitwitheveryfiberofhisbeing.Onlythedreamsmadehimdoubt.

Iftheemptysalonandtheabandonedyachtwerethetruememories,thenhehadreasontobelieve,tohope,andtotrusthisinstincts.

ButifhehadwitnessedSiennaandherdaughterdrown—

andwastrying

subconsciouslytorewritehismemoriesandreplacewhatheknewwithwhathewantedrealitytobe—thenhewasbalancingontheveryedgeofmadness,onemisstepfromtumblingintotheabyss.

June 2014

Western Madagascar

Thewomanonhorsebackmovedslowly,materializinglikeanapparitionthroughthe

shimmerofthemiddayheat.Youngandfit,inherlatetwenties,sheheldthereinsofaspottedAppaloosawithquietconfidenceasittrottedslowlyalongthesandattheedgeofamuddyriver.

Sheworeblackfromheadtotoe,stylishridingboots,andacaballero’swide-brimmedhattokeepherpaleskinfromthesun.

Sheguidedthehorseeffortlessly,passingthrougha

narrowsection,keepinghereyesonthewater’sedgeincaseanycrocodileswerelurking.Asthegorgewidenedout,shecameuponagroupofzebus—BrahmancattlewithsharpV-shapedhornsanddistinctivelyhumpedshoulders.

Thecattlewerepartofherfamily’sabundantwealth,asymbolofbothpowerandplenty,thoughlittlecarewasgiventothemthesedays.

Mostlytheywanderedunchecked,grazingonthevegetationthathadgrownduringMadagascar’swetseason.

Sheputthecattlebehindherandroundedabendintheriver.Itbroughthertoanareaofnaturalcarnage.Weeksofrainhadbroughtonheavyflooding,theworstthispartoftheislandhadeverseen.

Asthestreamsfunneledtogether,therushingtorrents

hadgrownstrongenoughtoscourouthugesectionsofthebanks,undercuttingthelandandtearingitawayinparking-lot-sizedchunks.Fallentreeshadbeensweptdownriverliketoothpicks;thosethatremainedlayinatangle,theirrootsupturned.

Fartheron,shecametoasectionofshorelinethathadoncebeenapeninsulastickingoutintoalargebendintheriver.Itwasnowan

island,cutofffromthelandandsurroundedonallsidesbythearmsoftherushingriver.

Shecheckedthehorsewithaslightmovementofthereinsandpaused.TheMozambiqueChannelspreadoutaheadofher,itsshimmeringwatersstretchingtothehorizon.ThreehundredmilesbeyondlaytheeasternshoreofAfrica.

She’dcometothisspot

oftenovertheyears.Itwasherfavoriteplaceontheisland,thoughforreasonsotherswouldfindodd.Aloneinthisdesolateplace,shefeltsomethingdifferent:acertainkindofsadnessthatshehidfromtheworld.Itseemedtobelongtoherlikenothingelseshepossessed.Itwaspartofher,anemotionshedidn’twanttolose.

Unfortunately,thingswerechanging.Eventswere

unfoldingbeyondhercontrol,andthatmelancholyfeelingwasbeingtornawaypiecebypiece,likethesmallislanderodinginthecenteroftheragingchannel.

Asshewatched,asectionofredclaythesizeofahousesloughedintothewaterfromthefrontoftheisland.Itsliddownatanangle,likeanicebergcalvingfromaglacier,andbegantodissolveasitcontactedthechurning

river.Initsplaceshenoticed

somethingodd.Notmoreclaybutdark,blackenedmetal.Flatandsmoothlikeawallmadeofiron.Thechurningwaterrushedpast,relentlesslyscouringthemudfromitandslowlyrevealingmoreandmore.Aseamappearedandthenanother.Shesawthatthewallwasactuallygreatplatesofrivetedsteel.

Achillsettledonherspine,asickfeelingrisinginherstomach.Fearandcuriositymixedinacocktailofemotions.Shefeltdrawntowhatshesawandafraidofitatthesametime.

Anurgetocrosstheriverandinvestigatecameoverherasifsomethingorsomeonewascallingtoher,asifshewerebeingaskedtocometotheaidofghoststrappedbeyondthatmetalwall.

Sheeasedthehorsetotheriver’sedgebuttheanimalbuckedandresisted.Thecurrentwasfartoostrong,thefootingtootreacherous.Onestepintoitandsheandthehorsewouldbecarriedawayaseasilyasthelargetrees.

Thehorseraiseditsheadandneighed.Somehow,theactbroughtthewomantohersenses.Shebackedoffandlookedtowardthesmallislandoncemore.

Shedidn’tknowwhatlaybeneaththereddishsoil.Andsuddenlyshedidn’twanttoknow.Sheonlywantedtoleave,togetoutofthere,beforethetruthwasrevealed.

Sheturnedthehorsesharply,pullingitsheadaround,andkickingherheelsintoitssides.

“Comeon,”shesaid.“Yah!”

Withawillingsurge,thehorsetookoff,galloping

away,headingbackinland,backtotheplantation,thepalacelikemansionandthelifesheknew.

Morestormcloudsweregatheringabovethehillsinthedistance.Anotherfloodwouldbecoming.Sheguessedaccuratelythatwhateverlayburiedunderthatislandwouldbegonebeforemorning.

SebastianBrèvardwaitedinthemainhallofhisopulentplantationhouse.Sixfeettall,trimandmuscularatforty-twoyearsofage,withsmootholiveskinanddarkhairthatrevealedhisancestraloriginsintheSouthofFrance,Brèvardwasahandsomemanintheprimeofhislife.Hishairwasthickanddarkasmahogany,hiseyeswerelightlycolored,almosthazel,andhesportedathinbeard

thatranalonghisjawline,trimmeddailybyapersonalbarber.Hecarriedhimselfwithanairofconfidence—somewouldsayarrogance—thatcamefromaprivilegedupbringingasmasterofthehouse.

Andwhilehelikedthefinerthingsinlife,heworenojewelry,saveforasinglegoldringgiventohimbyhisfather.

Thehousearoundhim

wasaminorpalace,builtinthebaroquestyleofeighteenth-centuryFrance.Thegrounds,arrangedinterracesontheslopeofthegreathill,containedstables,ornategardens,fountains,evenahedgemazethattookupseveralacresonthesecondterracejustbelowthemainhouse.

Thehouseitselfwasfilledwithsplendor.Ashewalkedthehall,hetrodsoftlyon

polishedItalianmarble.Doriccolumnsofgraniteroseoneithersideofthespace,whileextraordinaryworksofartlinedthewallsbetweenstatuesandintricatetapestries.

Likehishome,Sebastianwascladimpeccably.Heworeathree-buttonSavileRowsuitthatcostasmuchasasmallMercedes.Hisfeetwerecoveredinsilksocksandtwo-thousanddollar

crocodile-skinshoes.Completingtheensemblewasafive-hundred-dollarEtondressshirtwithFrenchcuffs,claspedtogetherbydiamond-studdedcufflinks.

Itwastruethathehadanimportantmeetinglaterthatafternoon,butheconsidereditaprivilegetodresslikeaking.Ithelpedthosewhomethimknowtheirstationinlife;itreassuredthosewhoworkedforhimthathispath

wasapathofsuccess.Neartheendofthehall,

twomenwhoresembledhimintheirfeatureswaited.Theywerehisbrothers,EganandLaurent.Theyknewoftheimportanceoftoday’smeeting.

“AreyoureallygoingtoentertainAcosta’smessenger?”Laurentasked.“Weshouldhavekilledhimforbetrayingus.”

Laurent,severalyears

youngerthanSebastian,wasalwaysreadyforafight,asifheknewnootherwaytodealwithconfrontation.DespiteSebastian’seffortstoteachhim,Laurenthadnevergraspedthatmanipulationwasmoreprofitableandusuallymoreeffectivethanconfrontation.

“Letmeworryaboutthat,”Sebastiansaid.“Youjustmakesureourdefensesarepreparedincasewehave

tofight.”Laurentnoddedand

movedaway.Indayspast,thetwohadclashed,butLaurenthadgivenwaytohisolderbrother’sleadershipcompletelynow.

“Whataboutalltheexplosivesinthearmory?”Eganasked.“SomeofthemunitionsthatAcostalefthereareunstable.”

“Ihaveusesforthem,”Sebastianexplained.

Ofthethreebrothers,Eganwastheyoungestandmostinterestedinpleasingothers.Sebastianconsidereditaweakness,but,then,Eganhadbeenonlyfourteenwhentheirfatherpassed.He’dnotlearnedfirsthandhowtobehard.

“I’llmakesuretogiveyouaninventory,”Egansaid,andleftbythemainhall.

Withthetwoofthemgone,thesoundofhigh-

heeledbootsclickingagainstthemarblefloorturnedSebastianaround.Comingdownthehalltowardhimwasthelitheformoftheyoungestmemberofthefamily.

Calistawasfifteenyearshisjuniorandasdifferentfromthebrothersasnightandday.Unlikethem,shedressedasacommoner.Thoughwithonlyhalfasmuchstyle,hethought.Todaysheworeblackfromheadtotoe,

includingacowboyhat,whichshetookoffandplacedontheheadofapricelessstatue.

Hershorthairwasdyedthecolorofcoal.Hernailswerepainteddarkly,andshe’ddonehereyeswithenoughmascarathatsheresembledaraccoon.

“Hello,Calista,”hesaid.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”“Outriding,”shesaid.

“Anddressedfora

funeral,Isee.”Sheputanarmaround

himprovocativelyandreacheduptosetaskewhisperfectlycenteredtie.“Isthatwhat’sontheagendatoday?”

Heglaredatheruntilshesteppedback.

Restraighteninghistie,hespokebluntly.“ItwillbeifAcostadoesnotreturnwhathe’stakenfromus.”

Sheperkedupatthat.“IsRenecominghere?”

“Yourpersonalinterestinhimbothersme,”Sebastianscoldedher.“He’sbeneathyou.”

“Sometimesacatplayswithamouse,”shereplied.“Sometimesshekillsit.Whatconcernisthatofyours?”

Calistawasalostchild.Shedidn’tbondwellwithpeople.Notthatsheavoidedhumanrelationships;onthecontrary,shewasalwaysenteringintoorleavingone.

Butfromtheirfatherondown,allherrelationshipswereamixofloveandhate,angerconstantlysetoffbyacrushingdevotionforallthethingsshecouldneverhave.

Andonceshepossessedthem,itchanged.Suddenandcruelindifferencewastheusualresponse,orevenadesiretocausepainandtormenttothatwhichshenowcontrolled.Howperfect,hemused,tohaveabeautiful

littlesociopathforasister.Itmadeheruseful.

“Rene’sdisobedienceismyconcern,”hetoldher.“He’sbetrayedus.”

Sheseemedreadytodefendherex-lover.“HetookthewomantoIranasyouasked,”shesaid.“She’sdonewhatweneededhertodo.TheTrojanhorseisinplace.Thetrapdoorlinkisactive.I’vecheckeditmyself.”

Brèvardsmiled.Calista

hadhercharms,oneofwhichwasherabilitywithcomputersandsystems.Atleasttheyhadthatincommon,forSebastianwasanaccomplishedprogrammerinhisownright.Butshecouldn’tseethebigpicturelikehedid.

“TheIraniansarejustonepartoftheplan,”heremindedher.“Givingthemaccessdoesusnogoodunlesssheisbackhereandinour

possessionattheappropriatetime.Unlesstheworldfearswhatwecando,theywillnotreactasweneedthemto.”

Shestaredathimandshrugged,hoppinguponafive-hundred-year-oldcredenzaandswingingherlegsbackandforthasifitwereasideboardfromasecondhandstore.“ThatpieceoncegracedNapoleon’ssummerretreat,”Sebastianchidedher.

Sheglancedattheantiquewoodwithitsperfectlycurvedlinesandornatefinish.“I’msurehedoesn’tneeditanymore.”

Sebastianfelthisangerbuildingbutheldback.

“Weshouldn’thavegivenhertoRene,”sheadded,suddenlybecomingthecold,darkversionofherselfagain.“WeshouldhavemadeadealwiththeIraniansourselves.”

Brèvardshookhishead.

“Reneisthefront.Hispresenceinsulatesandprotectsus.Wesethimupinbusinessforthatveryreason.Weneedtokeepthatinplace.Butheneedstobereinedin.”

“Thenwehavetofindawaytomotivatehim,”sheadded.“Isuggestviolence.Plentyofit.”

“Really?”hesaid.“WhyamInotsurprised?”

“It’sallheunderstands.”“Wearenotblunt

instrumentslikeRene,”heinsisted.“Wemustsucceedwithstyleandgrace.Moretothepoint,weareartists.Whenwetakewhatwe’reafter—”

“Iknow,”shesaid,cuttinghimoff,“noonemustknowitwasus.”

“No,”hecorrected.“Noonemustknowitwastaken.”

Thiswasapointhethoughthe’dhammeredhome.

Shesighed,tiredofhislectures.“YouwillnevergetthewomanbackfromReneuntilhe’safraid.Hemaybeabrute,butItellyouhelivesingreatfearandthat’swhyhelashesout.Youwantherback,youwillhavetotapintothatfear.”

Sebastianwassilentforamoment.“Youmightberight,”hesaid.“Cometomyoffice.Rene’smessengershouldbearrivinganyminute

now.”Twentyminuteslater,a

servantopenedthedoortoSebastian’soffice.“Aguesthasarrived,MonsieurBrèvard.HeclaimstospeakforMr.Acosta.”

“Didhecomealone?”“Hecamewiththreemen.

Theyareundoubtedlyarmed.”

“Showthemessengerin,”Sebastiansaid.

“Andtheothers,sir?”

“Offerthemadrinkfromourprivatestock.”

“Verygood,sir.”Theservantbowed

slightlyandbacktrackedthroughthedoubledoors.

Momentslater,astockymanintancargopantsandaloosefittingpoloshirtcamein.“MynameisKovack,”themansaid.HespokeEnglishwithanEasternEuropeanaccent.HemadeuneasyeyecontactwithSebastianand

glancednervouslybehindhimatCalista,whostoodwithherbackpressedflatagainstthewall.Shedidn’tacknowledgehimormoveorevenblink.

Sebastiangrinnedinwardly.Hisoddlittlesisterhadawayofunnervingeventhemosthardenedofguests.“WhereisRene?”

“He’shereandthere,”Kovacksaidflippantly.“Averybusyman.”

“Andwhyhashebroken

ouragreement?TheAmericanwomanwassupposedtobereturnedtousaftertheIranianexercisewasover.”

KovacktookaseatinoneofthechairsfrontingSebastian’sornatedeskandbegantoexplain.“Wehavediscoveredotherbuyersforherservices.”

“Who?”Sebastianasked.“I’mnotatlibertytotell

you.”

SebastianguessedtheChinesewereinvolved,andprobablytheRussians.Bothwereknowntobeinterestedincyberwarfareandusingcomputerhackingasaweapon.Perhapstherewereothers.Underdifferentcircumstances,hewouldhavesetupabiddingwarandsoldthewomanandtheotherstothehighestbidderjustasRenewasattemptingtodo.Butheneededherback.No

oneelsewoulddo.Nodoubtawareofthis,

Kovackshiftedinhisseat.HisnewpostureoozedsuperiorityandarroganceasifhewerereadytodictatetermsinBrèvard’sownhome.HiseyeseemedtocatchtheboxofCubancigarsonSebastian’sdesk.

“Thesearemostdelicious.”

“Youdon’teatthem,”Sebastianpointedly

explained.“Butifyoumeantheyhaveawonderfulflavor,then,yes,you’recorrect.”WithgreatcalmnessBrèvardpickeduptheboxandofferedittohisinsolentguest.“Whydon’tyoutryone?”

Kovackreachedoutandpluckedoneofthecigarsfromthebox.Inthenextinstant,Calistaappearedinthechairbesidehim.ShemovedquicklyandstartledKovack.Shedidn’tsitas

muchasperchonthearmrestwithherfeetonthecushion.

Shereacheddown,tookthecigarcutterfromSebastian’sdesk,andtoyedwithit.“Allowme,”shepurred.Inaswiftmove,shecutofftheendofKovack’scigar.

Sebastianalmostlaughed.Howshelovedthatlittleguillotine.

Kovackseemedtoenjoytheattention.Hesmiledand

broughtthecigaruptohisnose,breathinginthearoma.“Doyouhavealight?”

Sebastianreachedforawedge-shapedblockmadeofiridescentglass.Ithadsharpedgesandlookedvaguelyvolcanic.Itheldabutanelighter,partiallyrecessedinonesurface.“Obsidian,”Sebastiansaid.“FromMountEtna.”Inamomentthecigarwasalight.TherichflavoroftheCubantobaccowassoon

waftingthroughtheroom.Sebastianlethisguestenjoythesmokeforaminuteandthenspokeoncemore.

“Backtobusiness,”hesaid.“WhatexactlydoesRenewantfromme?”

“Hewantsyoutobid.Inrealmoney.”

Therewasasarcastictonetothecomment.

“Realmoney?”Sebastiansaid,hiseyebrowsgoingup.Kovacknodded.“He’s

arranginganewauction.Somepartieshavealreadybeenrejected.Theirbidsaretoolow.Ifyouwantherdeliveredbackhere,youwillhavetooutbidtheothersorMr.Acostawillhavenochoicebuttomovethemerchandisetotheplacewhereitbringsthehighestprofit.”

Despitehisegoandpride,Sebastianansweredquickly.“Done,”hesaid.Itwas

foolishtoquibblewhenbillionswereatstake.

“Idon’tthinkyouunderstand,”Kovacksaid,puffingonthecigar.“Therearemanybidders.Idoubtyouwillbeabletoaffordthegoingrate.”

Withthat,Kovackexhaledalargecloudofsmoke.Forabriefinstantitmadearing.

Sebastianfoundhisiregrowing.Mostlybecause

Kovackwasright.TherewasnowayhecouldoutbidtheChineseortheRussiansortheKoreans,whowerealsorumoredtowanttheknowledgethewomanpossessed.Acostaknewthis.Hewasflauntingitintheirfaces.

ItwasobviousthatAcostahadbrokenfromthemcompletelynow.Hedidn’tknowBrèvard’splan,couldn’tpossiblyexposeitor

threatentoduplicateit.Butthroughsimplegreed,andstupidity,hewasendangeringaschemethreeyearsinthemaking.Amasterpieceofalongcon.ThelongestofSebastianBrèvard’slife—andbyfarthemostprofitable,ifitworked.

Thetimefornegotiationshadended.Brèvardwouldnotbedrawnin.Hiswillwouldbeimposed.Hesmiledlikeawolfbaringitsteeth.

“YouhavelearnedmuchaboutcapitalismfromRene,”hesaid.“Icomplimentyou.”

Thetensioneasedabit.Kovackofferedaslightnodofthehead.

“Yourcigarseemstohavegoneout,”Sebastianadded.“Letmerelightitforyou.”

KovackleanedforwardandputahandonthedesktobalancehimselfasSebastianpickeduptheobsidianlighter

onceagain.Insteadofrelightingthe

cigar,SebastianstretchedouthisfreehandandclampedaviselikegripontoKovack’swrist.HeyankedthemanforwardasCalistaleaptfromherperch,landedbehindKovack,andshovedhischairforward.

Kovackwasslammedagainstthedesk,oneofhisarmspinnedbelowthedesktop,theotherstretched

andpulledtowardSebastiantothepointwhereitfeltasifitwouldberippedfromitssocket.Thecigarwaslonggone,fallenfromKovack’smouth,butSebastian’sfreehandstillcurledaroundtheheavylighter.

Kovackshiftedhisweight,tryingtogetinapositiontousehislegs,butCalistabroughtaletteropenerupagainsthisthroat,prickingtheskin.

Kovackstoppedstrugglinginstantly.

“Makehimmad,”shehissed,brushingKovack’searwithhersoftlips.“Iwanttoseewhathedoes.”

KovackwasunsureifthewordswereforhimorforSebastian.Needlesstosay,hedidnothing.

“Don’tlistentoher,”Sebastiansaidcalmly.“Shewillleadyouastray.Youwouldnotbethefirst.”

“What’sthisallabout?”Kovackshouted,panickedbywhatseemedlikeamadgamebetweenthetwoofthem.“We’retalkingbusiness.”

“Thisismywayofsendingamessage,”Sebastiansaid.“Onethatwillbeclearlyunderstood.”

“Callforyourmen,”CalistaadvisedKovack.“Perhapsthedrinkhasnotgonetotheirheadsyet.Perhapsthepoisonwasnotas

potentasintended.”“Poison?”Kovack’seyes

werealmostbulgingoutofhishead.Theydartedbackandforthuntilheforcedhimselftobestill.HefocusedonBrèvard.Thewomanwasinsane.

“Whatmessagedoyouwantmetodeliver?”heblurtedout.“Iwilltellhimanythingyouask.Iwilldeliveritpersonally.Youcantrustme,I’mRene’sright-

handman.”Sebastianwincedatthe

statement,anawkwardlookthatcrinkledtheedgesofhisweatheredface.“Anunfortunatechoiceofwordsonyourpart,”hesaid.

Withthat,hetensedfurther,raisedtheobsidianlighterandslammeditdownonKovack’soutstretchedwristlikeameatcleaver.

Abloodcurdlingscreamechoedthroughthepalace,

andKovackrockedbackward,releasedbyCalistaandfallingtothefloor.Helandedonhisback,cradlingthestumpofhiswristasbloodspurtedinalldirections.

ThedoubledoorsburstopenandthreeofSebastian’sservantsrushedin.

“Seetohim,”Sebastiansaid,tossingtheseveredhandatthewoundedman.

Theservantsdropped

downbesideKovackandwrappedhisarmquickly.Atourniquetwasapplied,andhewasdraggedout.

Sebastianglancedaround,studyingthebloodthatsoakedhisdeskandsuit.“Lookatthismess,”hesaidasifadrinkhadbeenspilled.

Moreservantscameinandimmediatelybegancleaning.SebastiantookoffhiscoatandwalkedthroughadoubleFrenchdooroutontoa

balcony.Calistafollowed.Thunderrumbledinthe

distanceasthelateststormpreparedtosoakwesternMadagascar.Hewasthinkinghe’dmadeamistake.Angerhadcausedthat.“Renewillnottrustyouafterthis,”hesaidtohissister.

“Renehasnevertrustedme,”shecorrected.“Buthelustsforme,andhethinksI’mplayingbothsides.”

“Thenyouwillgotohis

auction.”“Tobidonthewoman?”“Tostealherback,”

Sebastiansaidunequivocally.“Renewouldneveracceptourbid,evenbeforeallthis.He’sgoneintobusinessforhimself.Heknowsifhedeliveredhertous,wewouldkeepher.She’sourpropertyafterall.Andhewouldbepassinguptoomuchmoney.Thewayhespendsit,heneedsallhecanget.”

Asherbrotherspoke,Calistanodded,thoughsheseemedpreoccupiedwithKovack’sbloodonthebackofherhand.Shedippedherfingerinitanddrewlinesupalongherforearmasifitwerebodypaint.

“Areyoulisteningtome?”

“YouknowIam.”“Thentellmeifyou’reup

toit.”“Ofcourse,”shesaid,

lookingup.“ButReneisnofool.Hewillbewatching.AndifIstealwhatothersbidfor—theRussians,theChinese—theywillbecomeaproblemtoo.”

Brèvardwasnotworriedaboutenemies.Whenhewasdonewiththecon,hewoulddisappearlikeaghost,likesmokeinthewind.Anditwouldbeasifhe’dneverexistedinthefirstplace.

“Figureitout,”hesaid

bluntly.“You’resmarterthanhim.Smarterthanallofthem.Putthatdeviouslittlemindofyourstoworkandgetherbackbeforeeverythingwe’veplannedgoesupinflames.”

KurtAustinarrivedattheNUMAbuildingindowntownWashingtonunderanimpossiblybluesky.Heparkedinthegarage,madehiswaytothelobby,andtooktheelevatortotheninthfloor.Thereceptionistwassurprisedtoseehim.

“Goodmorning,”hesaidtoher,smilingandheadingdownthehall.

Hearrivedatthebullpennearhisofficewhereseveralothersweregatheredabout,sippingcoffeeandgettingreadytoputinagoodday’swork.

Theycaughtsightofhimandstopped.

“Ifevenoneofyouclapsorsays,‘Welcomeback,’I’llassignyoutoMcMurdo

stationinAntarcticaforthewinterandyouwon’tseedaylightforsixmonths.”

Knowingsmilescreptacrosstheirfaces,andafewnodscamehisway,buttheresponsewaslimitedtohissecretarysqueezinghisarmandsomeoneelseofferinghimacupofcoffee.

JoeZavalaarrived,filledwithenergyandsmilingashealmostalwaysdid.“Hey,”hecalledoutloudly,“lookwho

finallymadeitbacktowork.”Heseemedsurprisedby

thelimitedreactionfromtheothers.

“Goodluck,Joe,”someonesaid.“Dresswarm.”

“Don’tpackthesunblock,”anothercoworkeradvised.

Astheypassedhim,JoeturnedtoKurt.“Whatwasthatallabout?”

“Longstory,”Kurtsaid,surprisedathowgooditfelt

tobesurroundedbyfriendsagain.“HowareyouonthegeographyofAntarctica?”

“Whydoyouask?”“BecauseIhavetosend

youtherenoworloseallcredibilitywiththestaff.”

Joenarrowedhisgaze.Hecouldguesswhatthatmeant.“Consideringthatyouwouldn’tevenbehereifIhadn’tdoveintotheragingseatopullyououtafteryoursafetycablesnapped,I’dsay

we’reeven.”KurtwastheDirectorof

SpecialProjectswithinNUMA.Itmeantheandhiscrewcouldbeassignedtoanythinganytime,anywhere.JoeZavalawastheteam’sassistantdirector,afantasticengineerandoneofthemostresourcefulpeopleKurthadeverknown.HewasalsoKurt’sbestfriend.

“Goodpoint,”Kurtsaid,unlockingthedoortohis

officeandsteppinginside.“But,thenagain,ifyouhadn’tgottensoantsyandtriedtoreelmeinlikeaprizemarlin,Iwouldn’thavecrackedmynogginonthatsteeldoorframeandscrambledupallmyeggs.Thankstoyou,I’vespentthelastmonthsonashrink’scouch.”

JoefollowedKurtinandclosedthedoorbehindhim.“I’veseentheshrinkwhose

couchyou’vebeensharing.Youcanthankmelater.”

Kurtnodded.Therewasplentyoftruthtothattoo.Hesatdownathisdesk.Itwaspiledhighwithunopenedpackagesandunreadreports.Theinboxwasstackedtwofeethigh.

“Didn’tanyworkgetdonearoundherewhileIwasgone?”

“Sure,”Joesaid.“Wheredoyouthinkallthosereports

camefrom?”Kurtbegantoleaf

throughthings,mostofitdull.Maybehe’dbringthosefileshomeincasehehadtroublesleeping.Theyseemedboringenoughtoputhimrightout.

Hescannedthroughastackofmemosandotherpapersrequestinghispresenceatmeetingsthatwerelongover.Intothecircularfiletheywent.

Hebegantolookatthemail.Acoupletubesheldchartshe’drequestedmonthsago.Heopenedabox,findingaDVDinside.

“What’sthis?”Joeleanedforward.

“FromtheJayhawk’scamera,”Joesaid.“SouthAfricanreporterturneditintoanewsstory.Itshowssomeoftheaction.”

Kurtthoughtaboutwatchingthevideobut

decidedagainstit.Itcouldn’thelphimwiththequestionshehad.“ToobadIdidn’thaveacameraonmyshoulder,”hemuttered.

HeputtheDVDasideandwentthroughsomemoreinterofficemail.Finally,hegotdowntoanenvelopefromtheSouthAfricanCoastGuard.Hetoreitopentofindareportonthestormandtherescue.Hescanneditlikeonemightreadthesportspage,

lookingonlyforthehighlights.Hisattentionsharpenedwhenhecametosomethinghedidn’tknow.

Hesatupstraight,readingtheparagraphthreetimesjusttobesure.

HelookedatJoe.“BrianWestgatewaspickedupnineteenmilesfromwheretheEthernetwentdown?”

“Thenextday,”Joesaid.“Afterthestormpassed.Hewasinaninflatableraft.”

“Iwasundertheimpressionhewasfoundinalifejacket,bobbingupanddownlikeafighterpilotwhobailedout.”

“Thestorywaskindofspunthatway.Hedoveoutoftheraftandswamtothehelicopter.Whentheypickedhimup,theonlyvideotheyreleasedwasofhiminthewaterallalone.Probablyapublicitything.”

Kurtputthereportdown.

“Doesn’titstrikeyouoddthathewasinaraftbyhimselfwhilehiswifeandkidsweredrowning?”

“Hesaidhewastryingtogettheraftreadywhiletheyheldfastinthebridge.Asurgingwavecrashedontothedeckandtookhimandtheraftoverboard.Accordingtohisstory,hetriedlikecrazytopaddleback,butitwasimpossible.”

Kurtflickedonthe

computerandpulleduptheNUMAmappingsystem,zoominginontheeasterncoastofSouthAfrica.

Runninghisfingerbeneaththenumberslistedinthereport,hememorizedthelatitudeandlongitudewheretheEthernetfoundered.Hetypeditintothecomputerandtappedtheenterkey.Thecomputermarkedthespotwithabrightredtriangle.

Hedidthesameforthe

locationofWestgate’srecoveryandagreentriangleappeared.

“Nineteenmilesapart,”Kurtsaid.“Noway.”

“Itwasalmostthirtyhourslater,”Joepointedout.“Andthatwasahellofastorm.”

KurtknewwhatJoewasthinking,butitdidn’taddup.“Unlesshewasdriftingagainstthecurrentandthroughacrosswind,he

woundupinthewrongplace.”

KurtturnedthemonitoraroundsoJoecouldsee.LittlegrayarrowsdenotingtheprevailingcurrentranoppositetothedirectionWestgatehaddrifted.

“Heshouldhavewoundupsouthwestoftheyacht,notnortheast.”

Joestudieditdumbfounded.“Maybethestormcausedatemporary

shiftinthecurrent,”hesaid.“Ormaybethewindchangedasthestormpassed.”

“Notthismuch.”Joelookedatthemap

again.Heexhaled.“Okay.I’llbite.Whatdoyouthinkhappened?”

“Ihavenoidea,”Kurtsaid,standingup.“Whydon’twegoaskMr.Billionairehimself?He’sgotsomedogandponyshowgoingonattheSmithsonian.”

“Uhmmm...”Kurtglancedattheclock

andgrabbedhiskeys.“Comeon,wecancatchhimifwehurry.”

Joewashesitating.Hestoodupwithallthespeedofatreesloth.“Idon’tknowifthat’ssuchagoodidea.”

Kurtwasbeaming,almostmanic.Hethoughtitsoundedlikeagreatidea.Especiallythepartaboutitbeinginpublic.

“It’sfine,”hesaid,headingforthedoor.“Infact,mydoctorrecommendedit.It’sallpartofmyrecovery.”

Withthat,hesteppedthroughthedoor,hittingthelightswitchonthewayout.Hedidn’tturnaroundtoseeifJoewasfollowing.Hedidn’thaveto,hecouldhearJoerunningtocatchupwithhiminthehall.

ThestepsoftheoriginalSmithsonianofferedagrandbackdropforanyonewishingtomakeabigannouncement.BuiltofredsandstonefromMaryland,the“Castle,”astheoriginalbuildingwasnicknamed,hadaromanticandsturdyqualitytoit.It

lookedlikeafortfromtheCivilWarera,oreventhetypeofbuildingthatmighthavestoodinthe“rockets’redglare.”

ButtheSmithsoniannamewasalsorenownedforitsmissiontoteachandforitscelebrationofthemoderntechnology.ForamanlikeBrianWestgate—anInternetbillionairedescendedfromanold-moneyfamily—therewasprobablynomoreperfectspot

toshowcasehimselforhiscompany.

Acrowdhadbeguntoassembleunderthebrightbluesky,andWestgatefoundhisnervesgettingthebestofhim.Hesatinsidethebuilding,ensconcedinanofficejustdownthehallfromthemainentrance.Ashewaitedhisturntogoon,twohandlersprimpedandcheckedhimover.

Hewasaneasysubjectto

workon.Fifty-oneyearsold,fitandtrim,withouttheslightesthintofexcessinhisface,hehadwavyhair,highcheekbones,andatinycleftinhischin.Helookedmorelikeanewsanchorthanthecomputergeekhewasmadeouttobe.

Hissandyblondhairwasneverunruly,thoughayoungwomannamedKaramadesureitwascoiffedjustright.“Importantnottolooktoo

youngortooold,”shewhispered.

Atthesametime,anotherhandleradjustedtheAmericanflagpinonhislapelandmadesurethecreasesinhisnavybluesuitweresharpenoughtoslicebread.

Astheyfussedoverhim,DavidForrester,theCEOofWestgate’scompany,satacrossfromhim.

“FeellikeI’mrunningfor

office,”Westgategrumbled.Hewavedthehandlersoff.He’dhadenoughofthem.

“Maybeyoushould,”Forrestersaid.

“BekindofhardtosellPhalanxtoothergovernmentsifIwastheheadofourown,”Westgatereplied.

“Goodpoint,”Forrestersaid.“We’vealreadygotrequestsfromfiveEuropeancountries,alongwithBrazilandJapan.Everyonewants

theirdatasecured,andnothingcomesclosetoPhalanxintermsofensuringthat.”

“Maybeyoushouldgooutandgivethespeech.”

“DoIlooklikethefaceofthiscompany?”

Forresterwasalawyerwho’dspenttwodecadeswithaninvestmentbankingfirmandseveralyearsworkingforoneoftheFederalReservebanks.He

wasshortandsquat,likeanoldathletegonetoseed,butwithgreatstrengthhiddenbeneaththeslowlygrowinglayeroffat.Hehadajowlyface,thinninghair,andworerimlessglasses,behindwhichweresharpeyesthatdidnotmissatrick.Thin,almostcolorlesslipsgavehimastern,menacinglook.Thedisciplinarianyoudidnotmesswith.

“You’regivingawaya

millioncomputerstoAmerica’sschools,”Forresterpointedout.“AndyoujustsignedacontractwiththefederalgovernmenttoprotectAmericandatafromforeignsources.Theseareallgoodthings.Thisisyourchancetobragtoagratefulnation.TotellallAmericansthattheirdataissecure.”

“Itfeelswrong,”Westgatemoaned.

“Becauseofthesinking?”

Westgatenodded.“It’stoosoon.”

“It’sbeenmonths,”Forrestersaid.“That’saneternityinourtwenty-four-hournewscycle.Besides,thestockisupfifteenpercentsincetheaccident.Sympathybuying.”

“What’swrongwithyou?”Westgateblurtedout.“You’retalkingaboutmywifeandkids.Mydaughterandmyson.”

Forresterheldupahand.“I’msorry,”hesaid.

“Forgetit.”“Look,”Forrestersaid.

“Wasn’tthisSienna’sideainthefirstplace?Didn’tsheaskyouwhatgoodmoremoneywoulddoinyourbankaccount?Shewantedyoutostartgivingbackandhereyouare.WeallknowthePhalanxdesignandarchitecturewasSienna’sstrokeofbrilliance.It’sherlegacy.Aslongasthe

systemliveson,she’smadeamarkintheworldthatnoonecanerase.”

Westgatepursedhislips,unabletoeitheragreeordisagree.

Aknockatthedoortoldthemitwastimetogoonstage.

Bothmenstoodup.Westgatewalkedoutthedoorandontothestagetofairlyloudapplause.

Hebeganinearnest,

talkingalmosttooquickly.Butashehithisstride,hebegantoforgetaboutthecrowd,thecontracts,andevenDavidForrester,andhebegantotalkfromtheheart.

HespokeabouteducationandopportunityandthevastinvestmenthiscompanywasmakinginAmerica’sschools.Hespokeabouthowcomputersandtrainingmeantbetterjobsforsinglemothersandwhytechnologyand

educationmeantawayoutofpovertyandoffthegovernmentrolls.

Hedidn’tmentionthedealshiscompanyhadjustmadetoupgradesecurityforabasketoffederalagencies,didn’tmentionthemultibillion-dollarcontractswiththeDOD,SEC,theFed,andHomelandSecurity.Nordidhementionthesinkingorthelossofhisfamily.

Hedidn’thaveto.The

reportersinattendancebroughtupboththemomenthebegantakingquestions.

Atallwomaninareddresswentfirst.“WeunderstandyourcompanyhasjustbeenchosentoupgradeInternetsecurityformostbranchesofthefederalgovernment.Amillioncomputersisalargegift,butit’ssmallincomparisontoamultibilliondollarcontract.”

Westgatesmiled.He’d

beenpreppedwithexactlythesamequestion,phrasedexactlythesameway,thenightbefore.ItdawnedonhimthatForresterwasbehindit,mostlikelypayingthewomantoask,keepingthemessagepureandensuringthefaceofthecorporationstayedonmessage.

Westgateheldhissmilejustlongenoughforthecamerastosnapafewshots.

“Thecomputersarejust

thebeginning,”hesaid.“Thenextphaseistoopensecurelearningcentersinallthedowntroddenneighborhoods.Safeplaceswherechildrenandadultscanlearnforfree.Wedon’tjustwantdatatobesecure,wewantthepeopleusingittobesecure.

“Asforthebigcontract,”headded,“abilliondollarsayearissmallpotatoesifitpreventstwentybillionayearinthefts.Didyouknowthat

inthelastyearalone,anonymoushackersandstate-sponsoredgroupshavebreachedallegedlysecurenetworksattheFBI,theDepartmentofEnergy,theSocialSecurityAdministration,aswellasthedatastoragecentersatNASAandtheDefenseDepartment?

“Andthat’sjustthegovernmentbreaches.Everyday,companiesaroundtheworldareundersiegefrom

criminals,statesponsoredterrorists,andpurveyorsofcorporateespionage.ThePhalanxsystemmywifehelpeddevelopcreatesadifferentkindofsecuritywhenit’sinstalled.Itliterallythinksforitself,detectsthreatsusinglogic,notjustrandommatchingofcode.TheFedandtheDepartmentofDefensearethrilled.Andtherestofthecountrywillbetoo.”

Asmatteringoffollow-onquestionswereeasilyhandledbeforeareporterfromalocalTVstationaskedaboutSiennaandthechildren.Westgatepaused.Hetriedtocollecthimself,butwhenhespokehisvoicegenuinelycrackedandhecouldn’tquitegetthewordsout.

Itwasunplanned,andawkwardforhim,butfromthecornerofhiseyehesawForrestergrinning.Somepart

ofhimwantedtoapologizeanddeflectthequestion,buthepushedon,despiteasuddenpaininhistemplethatfeltlikethebeginningsofastroke.

“ApartofmethinksIshouldbeinmourning,”hesaid.“And,privately,Iam.Imissmywifeandchildren.Theywerethelightofmylife.ButSiennawouldbethefirsttosaydon’twallowingrieforself-pity.Shewasthe

firsttostandupandhelpothersevenwhenshewashurtingherself.Thisprogramwashers.I’dliketothinkit’sherlegacy.Onethatwillhelpprotectourcountryinwhathasbecomeanundeclaredwar.”

Ahushofrespectlingeredoverthecrowdbeforeafeweasierquestionscamehisway.Whenhefinished,theapplausewasloudandheartfelt.Bythetimehe

walkedoffthestage,BrianWestgatewasgladhe’ddecidedtopushthrough.

ForrestermethimonthestepsandthetwomadetheirwaybackintotheSmithsonian.

“Greatwork,”Forresterwhispered.

Theysteppedinsideandturneddownthehallwaytowardtheofficethey’dbeenallowedtouseasawaitingroom.Astheynearedthe

door,Westgatenoticedtwomenapproaching.

Oneofthemenlookedvaguelyfamiliar.Thesquarejaw,thebrightblueeyes,themaneofplatinum-grayhair.

“Ihaveaquestion,”themansaid.

“Nomorequestions,”Forresterreplied.

Westgatepausedatthedoor,eyeingtheman.Itdawnedonhimsuddenly.KurtAustin.Beforehegota

chancetosayanything,Austinspokeagain.

“Wherewereyou?”“Excuseme?”Westgate

said.Forrestersteppedbetween

thetwomen.“Isaidnomorequestions.”

ForrestermadethemistakeofputtinghishandsonAustinandsoonfoundhimselfspunaround,hisarmbentbackwardandhisfaceshovedintothewall.The

impactwassoabruptitcrackedthedrywall.

Pinnedagainstthewall,Forrestershoutedforsecurity.Apairofguardsattheendofthehallturnedslowlyandthenbegantorundownthepassagewaytowardthem.

Thesecondintruder,amanwithdarkhairanddeep-browneyes,triedtokeepthepeace.Hewasflashingsomekindofbadge.“We’rewiththegovernment,”hesaid.

“KurtAustin,JoeZavala.We’rewithNUMA.”

Itdidn’twork.EvenasAustinreleasedForrester,theplainclothesofficerspounced.Austindidn’tresist,andtheytookhimdownwithoutafight.HeseemedonlyfocusedonWestgate.

ThroughatangleofbodiesheshoutedatWestgate.“WherewereyouwhentheEthernetwentdown?”

“Thisisn’tnecessary,”Westgatesaid,tryingtointervene.

“Thehellitisn’t!”Forresterbellowed.“Arrestthissonofa—”

“Youwerenineteenmilesaway,”Austinshouted.“Nineteenmiles!”

“Shutup,”Forresterdemanded.

Amanappearedattheendofthehall,pulledoutacameraphone,andaimedit

theirway.“Turnthatcameraoff!”

Athirdofficerenteredthefray,pullingoutapairofcuffsandslappingthemoverAustin’swrists,whichwerenowbehindhisback.Austinwasn’tstrugglingabit,heseemedtoknowbetter,butwasstillstrainingtoseepastallthemenandlookWestgateintheeye.

“Lethimgo,”Westgateshouted,puttingahandtohis

temple.“ForGod’ssake,there’snoneedforthis!”

ThecopsyankedKurtup,haulinghimtohisfeet.

“Wehavetotakehimin,”oneoftheofficersexplained.“Anythinglikethishappens,wehavetorunthemin.”

“Himtoo,”Forresterinsisted,pointingtothedark-hairedman.

“WhatdidIdo?”Zavalaasked.

“Youcamewithhim,”

oneofthecopssaid.“Now,turnaround!”

“You’rehidingsomething,”Austininsistedastheybegantodraghimoff.

Forresterhadhadenough.Hecouldn’tgetthepolicetogagthismadman,buthecouldgethisownguyoutofthere.HegrabbedWestgatebythearmandhustledhimintotheoffice.

“Getthatcamera!”heyelledtoanassistant.“Idon’t

carehowyoudoit.”Westgatewastoostunned

todoanythingbutgowithForrester.Ashewaspulledintothewaitingroom,hecaughtsightofAustinshoutingathimonemoretime.

“Whathappenedonthatyacht,Westgate?Whatthehellhappenedoutthere?”

Thedoorslammed,theintrusionended,andForrestersatWestgateonthecouch.

“Areyouallright?”Westgateblinked.“Of

courseI’mallright.Didyouseesomeonehitme?”

“Youmaynotfeellikeyouwerehit,”Forrestergrowled.“Butifthattapegetsout,you,me,andtheentirecompanyaregoingtohaveaproblem.”

Westgatecouldhardlythink.Thepoundinginhisskullwasrelentless.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

Forresterdidn’texplainbutinsteadmovedtoamakeshiftbar,pouredadrink,andshoveditintoWestgate’shand.

“Here.”Westgatetookafewsips.

Hefeltconfusedanddizzy.Forrestersatdownand

pouredadrinkforhimself.Hechosetodomorethansip.“Thiscouldbeadisaster,”hemumbled.

Thedooropenedandthe

assistantcamein.Heheldthecameraphoneinquestion.

“Howmuch?”“TwentyK,”theassistant

said.Forresternodded.“Good,

takecareofit.Andgivetheguyajob,ifhe’lltakeit.Ahighlypaidspot.Idon’twanthimchanginghismind.”

TheassistantleftandWestgatelookedup.Hiswitswerereturningtohim,theachinginhisheadsubsiding.

“Doyouknowwhothatwas?”

“OfcourseIdo,”Forrestersaid.“AndI’mgonnahavehimlockedawayforassault,makingthreateningstatements,andanythingelseIcanthinkof.”

“Areyouinsane?”Westgatesnapped.“Thatmandovefromahelicopterinthemiddleofahurricanetotrytosavemeandmyfamily.You’regoingtoprosecute

him?How’sthatgoingtolook?”

Forresterexhaledinfrustration.Westgatecouldseehimthinking,comingtotheonlylogicalconclusion.Thecalculationswereeasy.

“Iwanttomeetwithhim,”Westgatesaid.

“Noway.”“Whynot?”“Because,”Forrestersaid.“Becausewhat?”Forresterhemmedand

hawedforasecond.“Becausehe’scrazy.FromwhatI’veheard,he’sbeenstruggling.Hewasinjuredintherescueandhasbeenonmedicalleave.He’slockedintosomeconspiracytheoryabouttheyachtnotreallysinkingoryourwifenotbeingonboardorsurvivingsomehow.Hethinksshe’sworkingfortheIranians.”

Westgatewasstunnedforamoment;hefeltdizzy.

“WorkingforIran?Areyoukiddingme?”

“Toldyouhewascrazy,”Forrestersaid.“Nowdoyouunderstandwhyyoucan’tmeetwithhim?”

“Whywouldhethinkthat?”

Forresterlookedaway.“Forgetit,Brian.It’snothing.”

“It’snotnothing,”Westgateinsisted.“Couldheberight?Isthereanypossible

way?”Forresterturnedandfixed

hisgazeonWestgate.“Don’tdothistoyourself.YouknowaswellasIdothatshedrowned.”

Westgatelookedaway,hismindspinning.Ofcourseheknewthat.Thequestionwas,whydidn’tAustin?Hewastheonewho’dseenher.“HowdoyouknowAustin’sbeenonleave?”

“Ikeepaneyeonthings,”

Forrestersaid.“That’smyjob.AndwhenIfirstgotthedetailsoftheincident,Istartedlookingintoit.”

“Andyoudidn’ttellme?”Forresterleanedtoward

Westgate,cradlingthedrinkinbothhands.Histonechanged.Therewasvenominit.“AndwhatwouldyouhavedoneifItoldyou?”

Westgatedidn’tanswer.“He’sadangertous.

Whateveraxhehastogrind,

weneedtokeephimfarawayfromyou.”

“Whywouldhehaveanaxtogrindwithme?”

“Comeon,Brian,”Forrestersaid,“don’tbesonaïve.Hewasengagedtoyourwifeyearsago.Theyweresupposedtogetmarriedthesamesummerthatyoutwomet.Ordidn’tshetellyouthat?”

Westgatetookthestatementforwhatitwas,a

barbtogethimriledupagainstAustin,toprodhimintogreen-lightingsomedirtytrick.Anditdidsting.Howcoulditnot?Butitwasn’tnews.

“You’dbesurprisedwhatSiennatoldmeaboutKurtAustin,”hesaid.“Thebiggestthingisthathe’sadecenthumanbeing.Asgoodastheycome.”

“Well,thatdecenthumanbeingcoulddestroythis

companywithonewrongword.”

WestgatesawfearlightupinForrester’seyes.Itwassomethinghe’dneverseenbefore.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

Forresterwasblunt.“Youdon’tknowthisbutwe’reteeteringonthebrinkoffinancialcollapse.WorkingonPhalanxtothedetrimentofallotherproductshasputusinadesperatespot.Sofar,

I’vemanagedtohidethiswithafewaccountingtricksIlearnedfrommyWallStreetdays,andsomerecentcashflowthat’stidingusover.”

Westgatecouldguesswherethemoneywascomingfrom.“Theyachtbelongedtothecompany,”hesaid.“Thefifty-fourmillionfromLloyd’s...that’swhat’stidingusover.You’reworriedthey’llstopthepayout.”

Forresterwavedasifhewaswayoff.“Thatwouldbetheleastofourproblems,”hesaid.“Sienna’sknowledgeistherealthreat.Shedesignedthesystem.Ifarumorthatshe’saliveandhidingoutsomewheregottraction...Canyouimagine?We’dbedeadinthewater.”

Westgatelookedaway.“Deadinthewater,”hewhispered.“Likemywifeandkids.”

“YouknowIdidn’tmeanthat...”

Westgatenodded.“WhatifAustin’sright?”

Forresternarrowedhisgaze,studyingWestgateasifsearchingforsomething.Heslidonehandintoapocketasiffishingforhiskeysandsettledbackonthecouch.“We’vetalkedaboutthisbefore,Brian.”

Westgatefelttheringinginhisheadonceagain.“Yes.

..Iguesswehavetalkedaboutthis...”

“Maybewe’dbettergooveritagain.”

Westgatefeltamigrainecomingon.Thepainwasscalding,theroomseemedtoobright.

“Whathappenedinthestorm?”Forresterasked.“Howdidyouendupontheraft?”

Westgatehesitated.Heknewwhattosay.Butthe

wordsstuckinhisthroat,andhetookanotherswigofthegintotryandfreeuphisvocalcords.

Strangely,Forresterbegantellinghimthestory.“Theyachtwastakingonwater.Youwerepreppingtheraft.Ahugewavehitandyougotsweptovertheside.”

Westgaterememberedthis.Hefeltthecoldofthesea.“Ialmostdrowned,”hesaid.

“That’sright,Brian.Youalmostdrowned.”

HelookedoveratForrester.Thepaininhisheadwasnowblurringhisvision.Soon,Forresterwasjustavoiceattheendofatunnel.“Youcouldn’tgetbacktothem.”

“Itried,”Westgatesaid.Hecouldfeelthepaininhisshouldersfromrowingwithallhismight.Hecouldtastethesaltonhislipsfromthe

sea,couldfeelhiseyesburning.“Theweatherwassobad...Intwentyminutes,Icouldn’tevenseetheship.Iheard...Iheard...”

“Youheardthehelicopter,”Forresterremindedhim.

“Buttheydidn’tseeme.”“Andbeforethat?”

Forresterasked.“Beforeyouwentoutonthedeck?”

Westgaterememberedsomething.Shouting.Chaos.

Itseemedtomakethepaininhisheadflareagain.Evenwithhiseyesshut,hesawascaldinglight.Herecalledsomethingaboutthepumps.Afailedhatch.HerememberedSiennaandtheirchildrenhuddledintheirlifejackets.Buttherewassomethingoddaboutthememory.Itwastoostill.Noonewasmoving.Noonewastalking.

Thevoiceinthefog

pressed,“Ineedananswer,Brian.Whathappenedonthatyachtbeforeyouweresweptoverboard?Canyoutellthestorywithouthelpthistime?”

Westgatefumbledforthewords.

“Brian?”Thetruth.Foronce,

Westgatemanagedtospeakit.“Iwish,”hesaid.“IwishtoGodIknew.”

AsWestgatesaidthesewords,thepainspikedto

unbearablelevels.Hisvisionfaded,hisworldshranktonothing.NothingexceptthesoundofDavidForrester’svoice.

“I’msorry,Brian.Butthat’snottheanswerI’mlookingfor.”

DirkPittwastheDirectorofNUMA,aposthe’dheldforseveralyearssincehismentorandfriend,AdmiralJamesSandecker,hadgoneontobeVicePresidentoftheUnitedStates.

Atsixfootthree,Pittwasleanandalittleonthelanky

side.Hisopalineeyesconveyedanintensityandasenseofmirthequallywell.Withthickdarkhair,broadshoulders,andasquarejaw,hecutastrikingfigure.Thatwasespeciallytruetonight,cladinatuxedo,freshlyshaved,anddousedwithasplashofmuskycologne.

Acharityballforwoundedmilitaryveteranswasontheagendafortheevening,acausePittwasglad

tobepartof.Hewouldgiveaspeech,presentanaward,andsubmitaprivatedonationanonymously.Fortherestofthenight,he’dmixandminglewithacrowdofinterestingpeople.Despiteallthat,Pittknewthetruestarofthenightwouldbehiswife,LorenSmith.

She’dchairedtheball,overseenthecommitteesandtheinvitations,andevenchosentheorchestra.With

herstrikingbeautyandeffortlesscharm,shewouldcaptivateallwhomsheencountered.Nodoubtshe’dlookresplendentinwhatevershewore,andmostoftheattendeesmightrememberPittonlyasthathandsomegentlemanwhostoodbesideher.Whichsuitedhimjustfine.

Theonlydrawbackwasdressingfortheevening.Theyweregoingtobelateif

Lorenwasn’treadysoon.Ratherthanbadgerher—

whichwouldonlyslowtheprocessfurther—hestoodcalmlyamongagroupofperfectlyrestoredantiquecars.Thevehicleswerepartofhiscollection.TheygracedthegroundflooroftheaircrafthangarhelivedinatWashingtonNationalAirport.

AsthecurrentDirectorofNUMA,andtheheadoftheSpecialProjectsDivision

priortothat,Pitthadbeenallaroundtheworldonvariousmissionsandexpeditions.Manyofthevehiclesinthehangarhadcomebackwithhimorweredeliveredshortlyafterwardbygratefulcolleaguesorthankfulgovernments.

Tothevictorwentthespoils.

Beforehecoulddecidewhichofthemagnificentvehiclestodrivetonight,the

intercomsystembuzzed.Pittglancedatamonitoronthewall.HesawthefaceofanoldfriendwithaneatlytrimmedVandykebeardstandingatthedoor.Twolargermenloomedbehindhim,nodoubtmembersoftheSecretService.

Pitttouchedabuttonthatreleasedthelocksonthesteeldoor.ItswungopenandtheVicePresidentoftheUnitedStateswalkedin.The

bodyguardstriedtofollow,butSandeckerwavedthemback.

“Atease,men,”hesaid.“Mr.VicePresident,”Pitt

said.“Iwasn’texpectingtoseeyouuntillateronthisevening.TowhatdoIowethepleasure?”

“Ithoughtyoumighthavesometimetotalkbeforetheevent,”Sandeckersaid.

Pittglancedupthespiralstaircasetotheapartment

above.NosignofLorenyet.“Ithinkwe’reontothethirdwardrobechange,”hesaid.“Youprobablyhaveatleastonemorebeforethebigreveal.”

Sandeckergrinned.“Iplayedtheodds.Youhaveanythinginthisjointtoquenchawearytraveler’sthirst?”

PittwalkedSandeckertothebarandfilledacoupleofshotglasseswithJohnnie

WalkerBlueLabelscotch.Afterhandingaglassto

theVicePresident,Pittopenedthequestioning.“Whydoesn’tthisseemlikeasocialcall?”

“BecauseI’mhereonbusiness,”Sandeckersaid.“Specifically,thatbusinessKurtpulledthismorningonBrianWestgate.”

Pittnodded.“I’vebeenfieldingsomeblowbackfromthatmyself.”

“Itdidn’tputNUMAinagoodlight.”

IftherewasanythingtogetSandeckerriledup,itwasbadpublicityforNUMA,theorganizationhe’dbuiltfromthegroundupandstillprotectedlikeanavengingangel.

“True,”Pittsaid.“ButIthinkKurt’searnedafreepassortwoatthispoint.”

Sandeckernarrowedhisgaze.“Isthatwhatyoutold

DavidForrester?Iheardhecalledyou.”

Pittgrinnedmischievouslyandtookasipofthescotch.“WhatItoldForrester,”hebegan,“shouldn’tberepeatedingoodcompany.Butthegistofitwentlikethis:IfhewasgoingtogoafterKurt,hewasgoingtohavetogetthroughmefirst.”

Sandeckergrinned.“Ishouldhaveguessed.Lucky

forKurt.”“Kurtscrewedup,”Pitt

admitted,“butI’mnotthrowinghimtothewolves.Ifitcomestoashovingmatch,I’vegothisrecordtostandon.That’sgoodenoughforme.”

Sandeckernodded.Therewasanunmistakablesenseofprideinhiseyes.“Iwouldn’thaveexpectedanythingelse.Loyalty’satwo-waystreetandKurt’sneverletusdown.

Soyou’llhavemysupport.Butthere’sabiggerissue.What’syourtakeonKurt’sstateofmind?”

Pittwasn’tsurehowtoanswer.Andhewasn’tusedtoSandeckerbeatingaroundthebush.“Whatareyougettingat?”

“Kurt’sbeencontactingforeignsources.Wiringmoneytopeoplewhomightworkwhatwecalltheshadysideofthestreet.”

This,Pittdidn’tknow.“Towhatend?”

“LookingforanysignthatSiennaWestgatemightsomehowbealive.”

Pitt’seyebrowswentup.“Areyousure?”

Sandeckernodded.Pittlookedoffintothe

hangar.Thatdidn’tsoundhealthy.Nor,honestly,diditsoundlikeKurt.Kurtwaspragmatic,notgiventoflightsoffancy.

“Everymanhashislimits,”Pittmused,consideringSandecker’soriginalquestion.“EvenyouandIhavebeenclosetooursatimeortwo.Isupposeit’spossibleKurt’sreachedhis.”

“Possibly,”Sandeckersaid.“Butinthiscase,there’satwist.TrentMacDonaldoveratCentralIntelligencehandedmeafiletoday.They’velookedatthesamephotosKurtreceivedandthey

can’truleoutthechancethatKurtmightbeontosomething.”

“‘Can’truleout’?Whatdoesthatmean?”

“Itmeanstheythinkhe’stiltingatwindmills,buttheycan’tproveit.”Fromhispocket,Sandeckerproducedathree-by-fiveglossy.ItshowedawomanwholookedsomewhatlikeSiennaWestgategettinginacarwithaburly-lookingbodyguard.

“ThiswastakeninBandarAbbas.”

Dirkstudiedtheimage.Itwasalittlegrainyfrombeingblownup.“Dotheyreallythinkit’sher?”

“Aone-in-fivechance,I’mtold.Notallthathigh.ButthepossibilityofamissingAmericanbeingchauffeuredaroundIrandoesn’tmakethegovernmenthappy.Especiallynotwhenshewastheguidingforce

behindPhalanx.”“Icanseewhythatwould

makepeoplenervous,”Pittsaid.“Whatdotheyplanondoingaboutit?”

“Well,there’stherub,”Sandeckersaid.“Despitemyefforts,theAgencyisreluctanttodomorethankeepaneyeonthings.Theyseeitasacatch-22.Ifthat’sher—andtheIranianstookher—that’sanactofwar.Andbelieveme,noone

wantstoopenthatcanofworms.Ontheotherhand,ifitisn’ther,theyriskexposingpreciousresourcesintheeffort.”

Dirkunderstoodthedilemma.Heglancedbackatthephoto.Thewomanwasmade-up,herhairpulledback,herclothesconservativebusinessstyle.Largesunglassesmadeitimpossibletoseehereyesorperformanytypeoffacialrecognition

analysis.“Shedoesn’tappeartobeunderanyduress.”

“That’sanotherconcern.”“Who’sthejugheadnext

toher?”“He’samystery,”

Sandeckersaid.“HegoesbythenameofAcosta.He’saminorplayerintheMiddleEastandAfrica.Weaponsmostly.Weknowhe’srungunsandothercontrabandfromtimetotime,buthe’snotabigname.”

Dirkhandedthephotoback.“SowhatdoesthishavetodowithKurt?”

“It’sbeenexpressedtomethat,shouldKurtAustinbeinterestedinpokingaroundalittle,nooneinapositionofpowerwouldbetooupsetaboutthematter.Aslongashediditinthecapacityofaprivatecitizen.”

Pittraisedaneyebrow.“Isee.”

“Healreadyshookthe

tree,”Sandeckernoted.“Ifheshakesalittleharder,whoknowswhatmightfallout.”

Pittwasn’tsurehelikedtheidea.“SotheywanttouseKurttosoundouttheedgesofthisdarklittlecave.Ifhefindssomething,we’realittlewiser.Andifhegetsburnedintheprocess,nothingstrategicgetslost.”

“That’slifeinthebigleagues,”Sandeckersaid.

“Idon’thaveaproblem

withthat,”Dirkreplied.“ButdidanyoneconsiderKurt’sconditioninallthis?I’mnotinterestedinsendingawoundedmanintothelion’sden.”

“NoramI,”theVPsaid.“Whichbringsusbacktomyoriginalquestion.Inyouropinion,isKurtAustinfitforduty?”

Theconversationhadcomefullcircle,andPittwaslefttoconsiderthequestion

onhisown.Sandeckerpulledathin

blackmemorystickfromhispocket.AtinygreenLEDontheendgloweddimly.“Encryptedfiles.TogetKurtonhisway.Butonlyifyouthinkhe’suptoit.”

PitttookthememorystickfromSandeckerwithoutcomment.Ashedid,thedoortotheupstairsapartmentopenedandLorenSmithsteppedout.Shewasdressed

inagolden-vanillaRalphLaurengownthathuggedherbodyperfectly.Herauburnhairwassweptoffherfaceanddrapedsoftlyoveroneshoulder.

“Congresswoman,”theVicePresidentsaid,“youlookradiant.Beautifulenoughtomakeupforthelunkyou’llbedraggingaroundwithyouallnight.”

“Thankyou,Mr.VicePresident,”shesaid.“Butone

lookatDirkandI’mquitesureI’llneedaclubtochaseawayalltheadmiringwomen.”

Sandecker’seyestwinkled.“Chaseafewofthemmyway.”Heleanedinandkissedheronthecheekandthenturnedtolethimselfout.“Seeyouattheparty.”

AsSandeckerleft,LorenslidherarmaroundDirkandthenpaused.Shecouldinstinctivelysensethe

tension.“What’swrong?”“Ihaveadifficult

decisiontomake,”hesaid.“You’veneverbeenone

tohavetroubledecidinganything.”“Thischoiceismorecomplicatedthanmost,”hesaid.“Hopeyou’renottoohungry.We’regoingtohavetomakeadetouronourwaytotheevent.”

KurtAustinwasbusypacking.Hefilledaduffelbagwithclothesandanythinghethoughtmightcomeinhandy.Astackofcashandvariouscreditcardswereready,alongwithhispassportandotherformsofID.

He’dwrittentwonotes.

OneforAnna,whichreadasacombinationapologyandthank-youletter.ThesecondwasforDirkPitt.ItcontainedhisresignationfromNUMA.Hehadn’texpectedtobehandingitoverinperson.

“WouldLorenliketocomein?”KurtaskedashemetPittatthedoor.

“She’dratherwetalkalone,”Pittsaid.“Besides,shelikesnothingbetterthantorearrangethepresetsonmy

carradiobuttons.It’soneofhersecretjoys.”

KurtnoddedandledDirktohisoffice.

“Goingsomewhere?”Kurtdidn’ttrytohideit.

“Iran.”“DidtheyopenaClub

MedthereIhaven’theardabout?”

Kurtshookhishead.“IhavereasontobelieveSienna’saliveandbeingheldinIran.Iknowsomeonein

Turkeywhocangetmeovertheborder.I’llfigureouttherestfromthere.”

Pittheldsteady.“Evenforyouthathastosoundlikethelongestoflongshots.”

“It’sastart,”Kurtsaid.Heopenedadrawer.InsidelayhisNUMAIDbadgeandkeycard.“I’msorryaboutwhathappenedtoday.Ihonestlydidn’tmeantoflyoffthehandle.ButI’mnotmyselfrightnow.”

Kurthesitatedforasecondandthentookthebadgeandcardandslidthemacrossthedesk.“Iknowyoustoodupforme.Itmeansalot.Idon’twanttoletyoudownagainordoanythingelsetoputNUMAinabadlight,butI’mnotgoingtochangemymind.”

Pitttookthebadgeandstudieditthoughtfullyforamoment.“Ididn’tcomeheretotalkyououtofit,actually.”

“Thenwhyareyouhere?”“Wonderedifyouwere

seeingpinkelephants.”Kurtfeltpensiveandfull

ofself-doubt.Hefeltlikeakidrunningawayfromhome,leavingafamilyhe’dbeenpartoffortenyears.DutytoNUMAhadalwayscomefirst,butthatwashalfthereasonhe’dlostSiennainthefirstplace.Ifshewasaliveandtrappedsomewhere,hecouldn’tputanythingbefore

thatrightnow.“Soareyou?”Pittasked.“I’mnotsure,”Kurtsaid.

“I’veneverbeenlesssureofanythinginmylife.ButIcan’twaitaroundherehopingtogetwell.Ihavememoriesthatmakenosense.IhavefeelingsthatseemtobeatoddswithwhatIknowtobefacts.IhavequestionsandIneedtogofindtheanswers.UntilIdo,I’mnotgoingtobeanygoodtoanyone.”

“Haveyouconsidereddivingthewreck?”

Kurtnodded.“Firstthoughtthatcametomind,buttheSouthAfricanCoastGuardscanneditwithsonar.Theyachtbrokeuponthewaytothebottom.She’ssittinginthree,maybefourmajorpieces.Chancesareanyoneinsidewouldhavebeensweptfree.Sothatwouldn’thelp.”

Pittnodded,givingKurt

theimpressionheknewthisalready.KurtsensedPittstudyinghim,evaluating.He’dhadenoughofthatoverthelastthreemonths.“YouthinkI’mcrazy?”

“Ithinkthatifsomeoneisawareofthepossibilityhemightbecrazy,”Pittbegan,“thenchancesarehe’snot.AndIhavereasontobelievethere’sapossibilityyoumightbeontosomething.”

Kurtdidn’tmovea

muscleasPittrelayedtheinformationSandeckerhadgivenhim.Helistenedintently,hangingoneveryword.Itdidn’tproveSiennawasalive,orevenmakeitsoundlikely,butiftheCIA’sanalyststhoughtthepossibilityexisted,itmadethatpartofKurt’squestseemmorerational.

“Changeyourflight,”Pittsuggested.“StartinDubai.”

“Whythere?”

PittslidthephotooutofhisbreastpocketandhandeditandthememorysticktoKurt.“ThisphotowastakeninBandarAbbas,straightacrossthegulffromDubai.”

Kurtstudiedthephoto.Themanlookedlikeathug,butthewoman—wasitSienna?Evenhecouldn’tbesure.“Idon’thaveanycontactsinDubai.”

“Ido,”Pittreplied.“CheckintotheExcelsior

Hotel.AmannamedMohammedElDinwillfindyou.Youcantrusthim.”

Kurtwasmomentarilyspeechless.He’dexpectedtobefired,orsuspended,orrakedoverthecoals.Instead,he’dfoundsupport.“Thankyou”wasallhecouldcomeupwith.

“Sinceyou’replayingspy,”Pittadded,“makesureyoudestroythephotoandtheflashdrivewhenyou’redone

studyingthem.”Kurtnoddedandthen

thoughtofonemorething.“TellJoenottofollowme.Idon’twanttodraghimintothis.Ialreadygothimarrestedbythecapitolpolice.They’veevenbannedhimfromtheAirandSpaceMuseum.Youknowhowmuchhelovesthatplace.”

Pitthesitated.“I’llfindsomethingforhimtodo,”hesaid.“Whendoyouthink

you’llbeback?”Itwasadifficultquestion.

Kurtcouldonlyansweritbyturningitaround.“IfLorenwereoutthere,orifyou’dknownSummerwasaliveallthoseyears,howlongwouldyouhavelookedforthem?”

“UntilIfoundthem,”Pittsaidtruthfully.

“That’swhenI’llbehome.”

PittgrinnedandslidtheIDbadgebackacrossthe

desktoKurt.“Putitinadrawer,”hesaid.“Noonequitsonmywatch.”

Kurtdidasordered,andthetwofriendsshookhands,arock-solidhandshakebetweenmencutfromthesamecloth.

Pittturnedtogobutstoppedinthedoorway.“Becareful,Kurt.Youknowthereisachanceyoumightnotlikewhatyoufind.”

Withthat,Pittslipped

throughthedooranddisappeared.Fiveminuteslater,KurtwasbackingoutofthedrivewayinhisblackJeepandheadingfortheairport.Unknowntohim,DirkPittandLorenSmithwerewatchingfromtheircarahundredyardsuptheroad.

“Sohe’sgoingoffhalf-cockedafterall,”Lorennoted.

“No,”Pittsaid,“he’sfullyloadedandgunningfor

bear.”Hestartedtheengineandputthecaringear.“Buthe’snotgoingalone.I’mgoingtoroundupJoeandtheTrouts.Atsomepoint,Kurtisgoingtoneedsomehelp.And,officiallyornot,we’regoingtobetherewhenhedoes.”

United Arab Emirates

Dubai

KurtAustinwatchedthroughbinocularsasrichdarksoilflewfromthehoovesofa

chestnutThoroughbredthatwasthunderingdownthetrackatMeydanRacecourse.Sevenotherhorsestrailed,butmostweresofarbackthatitseemedasiftheleaderwastheonlyhorseintherace.

Thousandscheered,othersgroaned.Kurtnotedthatthelongshotshadn’tstoodachance.

“Nothinghereiswhatitseems,”someonementioned.Thevoicewasanaged

whisper.Itcarriedwisdomandevenawarninginitstone.“Thatisthefirstthingyoumustunderstand.”

Kurtwatchedthehorsecrossthefinishline.Itsjockeystoodupinthestirrupsandslowlyeasedbackonthereins,allowingtheanimaltogentlyrunoffthespeed.

Withtheshowover,Kurtloweredthebinocularsandglancedatthemanwhowasspeaking.

MohammedElDinworeacrispwhitedishdasha,ashirtthatwentfromthenecktotheankles.Awhitegutra,orheadcloth,coveredhishair,keptinplacebyacheckeredband.Hisfacelookedsmallbeneaththecloth,hisshoulderswereslight.Kurtguessedhisagetobeseventyormore.

Kurtplacedthebinocularsdownontheedgeofthetable.“Areyoureferringtotherace

orsomethingelse?”Themansmiled.The

cornersofhiseyescrinkled.“Everything,”hesaid,andthenpointedtowardthetrack.“Thisraceisnotaracebutastagedsalespitch.Therearebuyersdownthere.Theleadhorseistheprize.Theotherjockeysarepaidtorunslower.Itmakesthevictoryseemmoreimpressivethanwhatthestopwatchactuallysays.Eventhesoilbeneath

theirhoovesisartificial;it’sactuallyasyntheticmixofsand,rubber,andwax.Allofitacarefullystageddeception,muchlikethecityitself.”

Kurtnoddedthoughtfully.Tryingtodistinguishbetweenfictionandrealityseemedtobearecurringthemeinhislife.

“Isitamirage,then?”Kurtasked.

“Inamannerof

speaking.”Kurtreachedtowarda

teapotmadeofhandblownglassandbandedwithasilverringinaswirlingArabicmotif.“Tea?”

“Please.”Hepouredtwoglasses,

oneforhimself,oneforhishost.

ElDinwasnowawealthybusinessmanbuthadoncebeenapurveyorofinformation.Rumorhadit,

he’dsoldinformationtoboththeU.S.andRussiabackduringtheColdWar,afactbothcountrieshadknown.Buthe’dnevercrossedlines,asfaraseithersidecoulddetermine.And,atanyrate,goodinformationwashardtofind,allofwhichputElDinintothecategoryofthedevilyouknowbeingbetterthanthedevilyoudon’t.

WhereElDinandDirkPittmetwasanyone’sguess,

butthemanhadspokenadmirablyofPittandPitthadsaidElDinwastrustworthy.ThatwasgoodenoughforKurt.

Placingthecarafedown,Kurtlookedbackoutacrosstheracetrack.“Sodidwemeetheretotalkabouttheficklenatureofreality?”heasked.“Orarewehereforsomethingmoreconcrete?”

ElDintookasipoftheapple-flavoredtea.“Dirksaid

youwereeager.Looktothepaddockwherethewinninghorseisbeingbrusheddown.”

Kurtpickedupthebinocularsagainandfocusedonthefarsideofthetrack.Hesawseveralmengatheredaroundthehorse.TwoweredressedinArabgarblikeElDin,theotherthreewereinsuitsdespitetheheat.

“WhoamIlookingat?”Kurtasked.

“Theonewithoutatie,”ElDinsaid.

“Whoishe?”“Hegoesbythename

ReneAcosta,butheisneitherPortuguesenorSpanish.HespeakspassableFrench,butnooneknowswhathisrealnameisorwherehecamefrom.”

KurtrecognizedthenamefromtheelectronicfilePitthadgivenhim.HezoomedinonAcosta.Itwasthesame

maninthephotoDirkhadshownhim.Hewasbroadandshort,thickfromfronttoback,withabarrelchestandatree-stumpneck.Hisnosewasflattenedlikeaboxerwho’dtakentoomanypunches.Abuzzedheadofshortgrayhaircoveredthesidesandbackofhisskull,thoughthefrontandtopweresmoothandshinyinthehotMiddleEasternsun.Kurtpeggedhisageatforty.

“Isheabuyeroraseller?”Kurtasked,takingaquicklookatthetwomenbehindAcosta.Bothweretaller,moresvelte,thoughpowerfullybuilt.Bythewaytheystood,Kurtguessedtheywerebodyguards.

“Both,”ElDinreplied.“Acostalikesthefinerthingsinlife.Hetradeslessworthyitemstogetthem.”

“Thebartersystem?”“Notexactly,”ElDin

said.“It’satriangletrade.Hewilldelivertheitemsunderhiscontroltoathirdpartyifthethirdpartypurchaseswhathedesiresanddeliversittohim.Averycomplicated,tax-freewayofliving.”

“Sohe’sasmuggler.”“Thatheis,”ElDinsaid.

“Andhehasanewlineofbusinessthatisrapidlyexpanding:thesmugglingofhumancargo,particularlyexpertsinadvanced

electronics.”“Areyousureofthis?”“Unfortunately,yes.”Kurtlookedbacktoward

thepaddock.“Hewantsthehorse.”

“Verybadly,”ElDinsaid.“Thatanimalwillbetheodds-onfavoritetowintheDubaiCupandaten-million-dollarpurse.Ifitdoesthat,itwillbeworthfiftymillionormoreasastud.”

“That’saheftyprice.

Acostamusthavesomethingbigtosell.”

ElDinnodded.“Andifit’syourmissingfriendhe’soffering,youcanbesuretherearemanyintheworldwhowouldpayhandsomelyforwhatsheknows.”

ItwasalmostmorethanKurtcouldhavehopedfor.HebrieflywonderedifSienna’sknowledgecouldbeworthmillionstotherightperson.Thenhestopped

doubting.PhalanxitselfwasworthbillionstoWestgate’scompany.IfshecouldgivetheIranianstheirownversion,theywouldbesecurebehindanelectronicwall,agoalthey’dsoughtforyears.Fiftymillionwasnothingforthatkindofsecurity.

“Anychanceyoucangetmeintooneofhismeetings?”

ElDinshookhishead.“No,”hesaid.“Myworkmakesitimpossible.”

KurtknewaboutElDin’s“work”fromtheCIAfilesonthememorystick.AsadfactwasthatmuchofDubai’sglitteringskylinehadbeenbuiltonthebacksofmodernslaves,foreignersbroughtfromIndiaandthePhilippineswithpromisesofwealth.Theywerenotslavesintheliteralsense,buttheywereoftenpaidfarlessthanwhattheywerepromisedandworkedtwiceashard.ElDin,

alongwithafewothers,hadbeenfightingtochangethat.“You’vemadeenemiestryingtoemancipatetheworkersinyourcountry.”

“AndI’mafraiditmakesmetoowellknowntogetyouaccesstoamanlikeAcosta.”

KurtadmiredElDin’sstand.“SohowdoIgetathim?Heseemstohaveplentyofsecurity.”

“Hehasayachtintheharbor,”ElDinexplained.

“ItsnameistheMassif.Perhapsamonumenttohisego.Hewillbehostingapartythenightaftertomorrowforallhisprospectivebuyersandsellers.Aslowcruiseisplannedupanddownthecoast.”

Kurtgrinned.“Alittlesightseeingtour.”

ElDinnodded.“Yes,exactly.Somethingtellsmeamanlikeyoumightfinda

waytoslipaboard.”

KurtreturnedtotheExcelsiorbywayoftheharbor.HegotagoodlookattheMassif,takingpictureswiththezoomlensonhis20-megapixelCanonDSLR.

Shewastoobigforanyofthemarinaslips,soshemooredoffshore.Herhull

wasdarkblue,hersuperstructurewhite.Forward,shehadasharpV-shapedbowwithalargeslotforaheavyanchorthatwascurrentlydeployed.Amidshipsweretheusualpendecks,ahigh-mountedflybridge,withahelipadonthestern,uponwhichasleekhelicopterwitharedlogosat.Forwardofthehelipad,wavesofheatdistortedtheairasexhaustfromthetwin

stacksvented.Thestackswereangledlikethetailfinsofsomehypersonicfighterplaneandpaintedwiththesamelogoasthehelicopter.

“Smugglingbusinessmustbeprettygood,”Kurtmutteredtohimself.

Hesauntereddownthewaterfront,playingthetourist,takingpicturesofotherboats,eventurningbacktowardDubaiandgettingafewshotsoftheskyline.

WhenhelookedbacktotheMassif,asmalllaunchwaspullinguptoherside.Hetookadozenphotosofthelaunch,catchingAcostaboardingalongwithablondwoman.Asshetookoffhersunglassestocleanoneofthelenses,Kurtzoomedinandfocused,snappingaclearshot.Eventhroughthelenshecouldn’thelpbutnoticeherdark,smokyeyes.AsKurtwatched,Acostatook

themysterywomanbythehandandwalkedtowardthebow.Oncetheymovedoutofsight,Kurtturnedhisattentiontothesecurityteam.Armedguardswereeasytoseepatrollingthedecksforeandaft.Hesawvideocamerasintheuppersuperstructure.Fromthere,heguessed,theycouldseetheentirelengthoftheupperdecksandanythingapproachingfromportor

starboard.Apairofspotlightsandtwinradardomessproutedfromthebridge,mostlikelyoneforweather,theotherfortraffic.

Allofwhichmeanttheshipwouldbedamn-nearimpossibletoapproachwhilemovingatsea.Thatlefttwooptions:comeinfromaboveorupfrombelow.Kurtrecalledparachutingontoamovingsupertankersomeyearsback.Ithadbeena

treacherousoperationeventhoughthevesselwasthesizeofseveralfootballfieldsandmovingslowly.Hedidn’tfancytheideaoftryingthesamethingonayachtone-fifththesizeandmovingthreetimesasfast.

Hismindmadeup,Kurtlefttheharborandcontinuedbacktothehotel,travelingonfootandfightingthestrangesensationofbeingwatchedorfollowedtheentiretime.He

changedcourseandstoppedafewtimes,scanningtheseaoffacesaroundhim,lookingforanyoneoranythingsuspicious.Atonepoint,amalewearingapatterneddishdashalookedawayandsteppedintothecrowdwithhaste.

Kurtstared,butthemandidn’treappear.

“Great,”hemuttered.Unhappywiththethought

thathispresenceinDubai

mighthavebeencompromised,Kurtcontinuedontothehotel,occasionallycheckingbehindhimbylookinginthereflectionsoftheglass-walledstoresalongtheboulevard.Hecaughtglimpsesofthemanseveraltimesbutpretendednottonotice.

Finallybackatthehotel,hecrossedthelobby,tooktheelevatortotheseventeenthfloor,andwaitedaroundthe

corner.Sureenough,theother

elevatorpingedmomentslater.

Heheardthedoorslideopenandsomeonewalkinghisway.Hopinghewasn’tabouttomugsometourist,Kurtwaitedforthemantoroundthecornerandthenlungedathim.Itwasthesameman,inthesamerobe.

Kurtslammedahandovertheman’smouth,shoved

himagainstthewall,andthenswungafisttowardthetarget’ssolarplexus.Tohissurprise,themanreactedalmostinstantly,archinghisbodyandtwistingtotheside.

Kurtcaughthimwithonlyaglancingblow,hisfisthammeringabsthatwerehardenedandreadytotaketheshot.ThemanknockedKurt’shandawayandputhisownhandsup.

“Easy,Kurt.It’sme!

Joe!”Therewasamomentof

incoherenceasKurt’smindputtwoandtwotogether,tryingtoreconcilehisfriend’svoicewiththeclotheshesawinfrontofhimandthefactthatJoeshouldhavebeenatleastseventhousandmilesfromthere.

AsifreadingKurt’smind,Joepulledoffthegray-coloredgutrathatwascoveringhalfhisface.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Kurtasked.

“Icametohelpyou.”Kurtdidn’tknowwhether

tobehappyorfurious.HeledJoetohisroomandrepeatedthequestion.

“I’vebeenfollowingyou,”Joesaid.“You’rehardtotrack,youknowthat?”

“Nottoohard,obviously.What’swiththedisguise?”

“Ididn’twantyoutonoticeme.”

“Inthatcase,yoursurveillancetechniqueneedsalittlework,”Kurtsaid.“Myadvice:Whenthemarkturnsaroundandlooksrightatyou,don’tduckoutoftheway.”

Joesmiled.“Dulynoted.”“Good,”Kurtsaid.“Now

thatwe’vegotthatstraight,you’regettingonaplaneandgettingoutofhere.Iappreciatethethought,butI’mnotdraggingyouintothis.Thisismyproblem,not

yours.”“Youcan’tsendme

home,”Joesaid.“Whynot?I’myour

boss.”“You’reonaleaveof

absence,”Joeremindedhim.“Technically,you’renotanybody’sbossatthemoment.”

“You’restillgoinghome.”

Joeshookhishead.“Sorry,amigo,nocando.”

Hereachedintoapocket,producedanenvelope,andhandeditovertoKurtwithahintofgleeinhiseyes.

AsKurtopenedit,Joefloppeddownonthecouch,puthisfeetup,andplacedhishandsbehindhisheadasifhewereplanningonstayingawhile.

InsidewasanoteinDirkPitt’shandwriting.Itcontainednoorders,onlyafewbriefwordsandaquote

fromRudyardKipling.

NowthisistheLawoftheJungle—asoldandastrueasthesky;

AndtheWolfthatshallkeepitmayprosper,buttheWolfthatshallbreakitmustdie.

Asthecreeperthatgirdlesthetree-trunktheLawrunnethforwardandback—

ForthestrengthofthePackistheWolf,andthe

strengthoftheWolfisthePack.

Weneedyoubackinonepiece,Kurt.Andyouneedourhelp.

Dirk

“What’sitsay?”Joeasked.“I’vebeendyingtoreadit.”KurtconsideredwhatDirkwastryingtotellhim.“ItsaysI’mstuckwithyou.Andluckytohavesuchgoodfriends.”“Muybueno,”Joe

said.“Anythinginthereaboutaraiseandmyrequestforhazardpay?”

“Afraidnot,”Kurtsaid,foldingupthenoteandslidingitintohispocket.HelookedoveratJoe.

Despitehisgrufftone,Kurtwasgladtoseehisbestfriend.

Joewasthekindoffriendwhoneverwavered,neverhedgedhisbets.Hewasallinatalltimes.Alwaystherefor

thosehecaredabout.Evenifthetaskwasgoingtobedifficult,KurtcouldcountonJoetogothedistance.

Justasimportant,Joewasamechanicalgenius.HebuiltandmaintainedmostofNUMA’sadvancedsubmersibles,ROVs,andotherexoticmechanicalequipment.Hisworkoncarswaslegendary:he’dmadeoneflyandanotherswim.He’deventurnedagolfcart

intoafive-hundred-horsepowerdragracer.“Maybeyoucanbeofassistanceafterall,”Kurtsaid.“IneedtofigureawayontoayachtcalledtheMassif.It’smooredintheharbor,guardedbytwenty-four-hoursecurityandfilledwitharmedthugs.AndIalmostforgot,Ihavetodothisallwithoutdisturbingaposhgatheringofpeoplewhomayormaynotbehardened

criminals.”Joelookedathimasif

he’dlosthismind.AlookKurthadgottenusedtooverthelastmonths.ButnomorethantensecondspassedbeforeJoeperkedup.

“Isupposeyoucan’tsneakonwiththecateringcrew.”“NotunlessIlearntospeakArabicinrecordtime,”Kurtsaid.“NorcanIapproachheronthesurface.Orexpecttogetaboardwhile

she’smoored.Ithinkourbestbetisfrombelowwhileshe’smoving.”

“You’llneedasubmarine.”

“Mythoughtsexactly.”“Kindofshortnotice,”

Joesaid.“Can’texactlybuildonefromscratch.”

“WhataboutsomethingIcanride?”

“Adiverpropulsionvehicle?”

Kurtnodded.“Canyou

buildmesomethingthatwillcatchayacht?”

“Sure,”Joesaid.“Butwheredowegettheparts?”“Funnyyoushouldask,”Kurtgrinned.“Ihaveanidea.”

Anhourlater,whileElDinwassecuringafishingboatthatwouldnotdrawmuchattention,KurtandJoewereattheairportlookingoverasprawlingparkinglotofdustycars.

“IfeellikeI’vediedand

gonetosupercarheaven,”Joesaid.“Oratleastpurgatory,”Kurtreplied.

Thecarsinfrontofthemwereexotics.Hundredsofthem.Lamborghinis,Maseratis,Bentleys.Ferrariswereasplentifulasminivansatakids’soccerfield.Theywerestoredlikeonemightexpecttofindlemonsandjunkersonanauctionlot,parkedsoclosethedoorsweretouching.Howlong

they’dbeenouttherewasanyone’sguess,butmostwerecoveredinsomuchsandanddustthatthecolorswerehardtomakeout.Thetireswereflatonmanyofthem,andallofthemwerebakinginthesun.

“SomewhereamannamedEnzoiscrying,”Joesaid.“NottomentionfivebrothersfromModena.”

“Therearethreeotherlotslikethis,”thesalesmanwho’d

takenthemtoseethedisplayadvised.

“Why?”Joeasked.“Foreignersindebtleave

themwhentheyrunoff.ThereisnobankruptcyinDubai.Prisonandpunishmentaredealtouttothosewhocannotsatisfytheirdebts.”

Kurtraisedaneyebrow.“We’llbesuretopayinadvance.”

“That’swise,”theman

said.“Whatisityouneed?”“Oneoftherarestofthe

rare,”Kurtsaid.“ThenewsedanfromTesla.”

Anhourlater,theirbankaccountsfiftygrandlighter,KurtandJoeweretakingthedustyTeslaapartinagarageprovidedbyMohammedElDin,whoarrivedthatafternoonwithatruckloadofsuppliesfromthenautical

scrapyard.Thereweresectionsoffiberglass,apairofwreckedJetSkis,andthepropsfromseveralhigh-poweredoutboardmotors.Twoofthemlookedhopelesslynicked-up,butthethirdwasfairlyclean.

“Thesewilldo,”Kurtsaid.

“Forwhat?”ElDinasked.“You’llsee,”hesaid.

“You’llsee.”

Twodayslater,asduskapproached,KurtandJoesatonthegunwaleofasmallfishingboatasitroseandfellonthegentlewavesofthePersianGulf.Thelong-nosedboathadasmallcabinattheback,twinoutboards,andheapsofnettingandstorage

containers—normallyfilledwithicetokeeptheday’scatchfresh.Tworodssproutedfromholdersatthestern,theirlinesstrungoutintothesea.“Yousureyouwanttodothis?”Joeasked.

“Yousureyouwanttohelpaguywhomighthavelostafewscrewsrecently?”

“Recently?”Joelaughed.“Thismaycomeasashocktoyou,amigo,butInever

thoughtyouwereplayingwithafulldecktobeginwith.”

Kurtcouldn’thelpbutlaugh.“Youknowyou’retheonlyonewhohasn’taskedmewhyI’mdoingthis.”

“That’sbecauseitdoesn’tmattertome,”Joesaidfirmly.“Youneedhelp.I’mhereforyou.”

Kurtnoddedandlookedbeyondthefishingpolestotheglitteringbuildingsof

Dubai,litupinshimmeringgoldandbronzetonesasthesunbegantosetbehindthem.Ignoringtheglitter,heloweredhisgazeandtrainedapowerfulspottingscopeontheburlyprofileofAcosta’sMassif.

“She’sthickallaround,”Kurtsaid.

MohammedElDinsteppedfromthesmallpilothouse.“LikeAcostahimself,no?”

Kurtsmiledandcontinuedtostudythevessel.“Howfastdoyouthinksheis?”

“Noidea,”ElDinsaid.“Idon’tdesignshipsforaliving.”

“I’dguessabouttwenty,twenty-fiveknotsmaximum,”Joeoffered.“Alotfasterthanwe’llbeinthisthing.”

“She’smakingsmoke,”ElDinsaid.“Theymustbegettingreadytoleave.”

Kurtagreed.“Timetoputthisplanintoaction.”

ElDinmovedtothedriver’sseatandturnedthekey.Thetwinoutboardssputteredtolifeamidacloudofbluishsmoke.

JoewenttothesternandbegantoreelinthefishinglinesasElDinnudgedthethrottlesoffidleandeasedtheboatforward.Hebroughtitaroundinawidesemicirclethatwouldtakethemtoward

thechannel.Kurtpulledoffhis

dishdashatorevealawetsuit.Hedroppedtothefloorandslidatarpfromwhatlookedlikeasmalltorpedowithhandles.

“Doyouthinkthiscontraptionofyourswillwork?”ElDinasked.

“Ofcourseit’llwork,”Joeinterjected.“Ibuiltmostofit.”

Withcare,KurtandJoe

hadtakenthebatteriesfromtheabandonedTeslaandmatedthemwithanelectricalmotorfromoneofthecar’swheels.Withalittleingenuitythey’dweldedthatmotortoapropellertakenfromaspeedboat.

Aftertestingthemotorandconfirmingtheirabilitytocontrolit,they’dwrappedtheentiredesigninathickplasticliningandthenconstructedawatertightbodyaroundit

withfiberglasssectionsfromtheruinedJetSkiandanothersmallcraft.High-strengthepoxysealedthejointsinamessyfashion,andacoatofdarkgraypainthadbeenaddedtomakethecontraptionlessvisible.

Itlookedlikeachild’sscienceprojectonsteroids.Kurtwouldstraddleit,controllingarudderatthetailwithhisfeet,andmanipulatingapairofdive

plainsviahandlebarswouldlethimguidethepropulsionunit.

“Iadmit,it’snotourmostaestheticallypleasingdesign,”Kurtsaid.“ButJoeandIwereonabudgetandalittlepressedfortime.”

“Atleastyougoontheoutside,”ElDinsaid,thenofferedalookthatsuggestedhemighthavemisspoken.“Youdositontheoutside,right?”

Kurtnodded.Withtheflickofarubber-bootedswitch,heactivatedthepower.AsetofLEDscameoninthemakeshiftcontrolunit.Hetwistedthethrottleandthepropellerspunwithinstantpower.Theelectricalmotor’swhiningandthedisplacedairweretheonlysounds.Butthepowerwasobviousandinstant.

“Ifyousurvivethis,”Joesaid,“Imightstartselling

theseonstreetcorners.”“Ithinkyou’llfindcash

flowtobeaproblem,”Kurtsaid,“consideringwetookallthepartsfromaneighty-thousanddollarcar.”

Astheoldfishingboatchuggedforward,ElDinaskedthenextquestion.“Howdoyouplantogetonboardonceyoucatchthem?”

“LikeSpiderman,”Kurtsaid.

Hemovedtoalocker,

openedit,andpulledoutfourmetallicobjects.Thefirsttwowereattachedtoatypeofwristbrace.Heslidthemoverhisforearmsandstrappedthemintoplace.Theylookedlikethegauntletswornbyknightsofold.Thenexttwowereattachedtokneebraces,likethosewornbyskierswho’dinjuredthemselves.Theywerebulkyandawkward,buttheystrappedontightly,fittingoverKurt’s

wetsuit.Kurtsmiled,proudofhis

ingenuity.Eachbracehadalithium-ionbatteryofitsownandapowerfulelectromagnetattachedtoit.Afteradjustingthebracesforcomfort,hepowereduptheoneonhisrightarmbytappingathumbswitchandheldhisarmoutoverametaltacklebox.Theboxlevitatedfromthedeckandstucktohisarmwithasuddenclang.

Despitepullingwithhisotherarm,Kurtcouldnotbreakthetackleboxloose.Heswitchedtheunitoffandtheboxdroppedbacktothedeck.“IftheMassifhasasteelhull,Ishouldbeabletoclimbrightuptheside.”

“Whatifshe’smadeoffiberglass?”ElDinasked.

“Inthatcase,”Kurtbegan,“I’llneedyoutopickmeupassoonaspossibleandtakemesomewhereIcan

drinkenoughtoforgetallmytroubles.”

JoeandElDinchuckledwhileKurtfinishedhispreparations.Inaminute,hewasreadytogo.Heslidasmalltransmitterintoawaterproofpocketdesignedtostashone’skeysinwhendivingandthenzippeditshut.Hestashedacompact9mmBerettapistolinasecondpocketandstrappedadivingknifearoundhiscalf.

“WhenIgetofftheyacht,I’llgetthetransmitterwet.Itwillautomaticallyactivate.Ithasaverydimlightthatyoushouldbeabletoseeifyou’rewithinthirtyfeet,butfartheroutyou’llhavetousethescannertohomeinonme.”

Joenoddedandheldupasmalldevicethatlookedlikeasmartphone.“Checkedandworking,”hesaid.

“Followatadistance,butkeepitcasual.AndifAcosta

opensupthrottles,don’ttrytokeepup,”Kurtadded.“Itmightlooksuspiciousifyoutailherallthewaydownthecoastathighspeed.”

“Thesewatersarefilledwithfishingboats,”ElDinsaid.

“Yes,butmostofthemareengagedinfishing,notchasingyachts.”

“Goodpoint.”Kurtnodded.“If

everythinggoesaccordingto

plan,I’llfindSiennaandgetherofftheboatwithoutthemevenknowingI’mthere.Inthatcase,waitforthemtomoveoffbeforeyouswoopinandgetus.”

“Whatifalldoesn’tgoaccordingtoplan?”Joeasked.

Kurtlookedathimaskance.

“Ionlyasksinceitneverhasbefore.”

Kurtshrugged.He

couldn’tdenyit.“Inthatcase,useyourbestjudgmentandadjusttothesituationasneeded,dependingonexigenciesandcircumstances.”

ElDinlookedperplexedbythatresponse.

“Hemeanswingit,”Joeexplained,“whichIassumeiswhatwe’llbedoingrightfromthestart.”

“You’rewisebeyondyouryears,”Kurtsaid.

“Ijustknowyoutoowell.”

Bynowtheywerenearingtheendofthehalf-mile-longchannel,theNoWakezonethatledoutoftheharborandintotheopenwater.Itwouldtaketheyachtsevenoreightminutestocoverthedistanceiftheyheldtotherules.

“Letmeoffhere,”Kurtsaid.“They’llprobablystartbendingthespeedlimitbeforetheypassthefinal

buoy.Idon’twanttomissmyride.”

“It’sshallowhere,”ElDinsaid.“Twentyfeet.”

“Shecan’tdrawmorethaneightornine,”Kurtreplied.“I’llwaitonthebottomandcatchonasshepassesby.”

ElDinslowedthevesselfurther,makingaslightturntoporttoshieldKurtfromview.

WithJoe’shelp,Kurt

liftedthetorpedo-shapedpropulsionunitandbalanceditonthetransom.Hegavethethumbs-up,pulleddownhismask,andbitintothesoftrubberofhisregulator.WithanodfromElDin,heandJoepushedtheDPVofftheedgeandithitthewaterandsubmergedlikeamodelsubmarine.Kurtslippedintothegulfrightbehindit.

Withtheweightofhisbelt,Kurtsankfasterthanthe

propulsionunit,whichhadonlyaslightnegativebuoyancy.Hereacheditquickly,guidedittoaspotinthesiltandthensettleddownontopofit,listeningtothesoundofthesmallfishingboattrundleaway.

Immersedinthewarmgulfwater,Kurtsoonheardnothingbuthisownbreathingastheairtraveledthroughthelines,intohislungs,andbackouttotherebreather.The

advantageofthissystemwasthatitleftnotrailofbubbles.Hedoubtedthecrewoftheyachtwouldbelookingforanythingsosimple—morelikely,they’dbepayingattentiontotheirdepthsounderandtheradarscope—buthewasn’ttakinganychances.

AsKurtwaitedonthebottomofthechannel,alow-frequencythrumtoldhimtheMassifwasapproaching.

Hegazeddownthechannel,lookingforanysignofher.ThefirstthinghespottedwasthefoamyV-shapedareaattheyacht’s

bow.Theleadingedgeoftheship’skeelsooncameintofocus.Itseemedtobegrindingtowardhim,pulverizingthewaterratherthanslicingthroughit.

Justashe’dsuspected,theyachtwasmovingfasterthantheallowedthreeknots.

Kurtchangedposition,settinghimselfuplikeamotorcyclecoponthehighwaygettingreadytochaseaspeeder.Hegoosed

thethrottleandthepropspun,stirringupthesedimentandeasinghimforward.Hebegantomove,tryingtotimehisintercept.

Itwouldbeatrickyapproach.Heneededtocomeupbesidetheyacht,closeenoughtobehiddenbythehull’soverhangbutnotsoclosehewouldgethimselfrunover.ThebestspotwouldbetheshelteredareajustbehindtheVofthebow

wave.Anyfartherforwardandhe’dbepushedawayfromtheshipwiththedisplacedwater;anyfartherbackandheriskedgettingcaughtinthestrongestpartoftheslipstreamandflungbackwardtowardthepropellers.

TheharmonicrumbleoftheyachtgrewcloserandKurtincreasedhisspeed.Aglanceovertheshouldertoldhimitwasbarrelingdownon

himtooquickly.Hetwistedthethrottlefarther,accelerated,andswungouttotheside.

Ashepassedsevenknots,Kurtrealizedanerrorinhisplan.TheforceofthewaterthreateningtopullhimofftheDPVwastentimeswhathe’dfeelridingamotorcycle.Alreadyitwaslikehangingoninaseventy-mile-per-hourwind.

Hepulledhimselfcloser

totheunit.Thewaterracedpast.Heturnedhisheadawkwardly.TheMassifwasstillgaining,thekeelmovingrelentlesslytowardhimlikeagreatbladethreateningtocuthiminhalf.Suddenlyhisgreatideaseemedlessthanbrilliant.

HegavetheDPVfullpowerandbegankeepingpacewiththechargingyacht.Almostimmediatelythepropulsionunitbegantoflash

awarninglight.That’swhatIgetfor

usingarepoleftattheairport.

Heglancedatthewarninglight,thenbackattheapproachinghull.Hedriftedcloser,feelingthepressureofthebowsurgeonhisshoulders.Thecloserhegot,themoreviolenttheridebecame.Thesoundalonewastremendous,likethenoiseofawaterfallandrushing

freighttraincombined.Itpoundedhisearsasthepressurewavehammeredagainsthisshoulders.Theblinkinglightonthepropulsionpackwentfromyellowtoorange.

Kurtdroppedback,passingunderthebowwave,andwasalmostswungoutofcontrol.Finallybehindthewave,heangledtowardthehullandbeganinchingupward.Ashebrokethe

surface,thedragontheDPVlessenedandhepickedupalittlespeed.

Heaccidentallybangedthehullonce,thrownsidewaysbyaneddy.Theimpactalmostsenthimspinningoutofcontrol,buthereestablishedhislineandtriedonceagaintomovecloser.Theorangelightwasblinkingnow,abouttoturnred.Thepowerbegantofade.

Inadesperateeffort,Kurt

swungtowardthehull,stretchedforward,andpushedofftheDPVwithhislegs.Helettheunitgo,clickedhisthumbswitches,andslammedintothemetalskinoftheyacht’shull.

Thepadsonhisforearmshitandlockedfirst.Thekneepadsfollowed,snappingintoplaceaninstantlater.

Hewason.Justabovethewaterline.Astowawayofthestrangestorder.

Helookedup.Asfarashecouldtell,noonehadseenhim.Norweretheylikelyto.TheV-shapedhullcurvedoutoverhim,wideningonthewayup.Tospothim,someonewouldhavetoleanoutovertheedgeatleasttwoorthreefeetandlookstraightdown.

Forafullminutehedidn’tmove,gatheringhisstrengthasthepowerfulmagneticfieldsheldhiminplace.

Whenhefeltready,heclickedtheleftthumbswitchandpulledhisleftarmaway.Hestretcheditforwardandclickedontotheboatonceagain.Anotherclickandhebroughthisrightlegup.

Leftarm,rightleg,rightarm,leftleg.Hemovedinthisfashion,slowandsteady.

Bytheshapeandfuryofthebowwavebeneathhim,Kurtcouldtelltheyachtwaspickingupspeed.Heguessed

theywerepassingfifteenknots,headingfortwenty.Hecontinuedtoclimb.Thehardpartwasover,hetoldhimself.

Atleastthefirsthardpart.

ThemaindeckoftheMassifheldasprawlingovalparlor,abouttwiceaslongasitwaswide.Floor-to-ceilingwindowscoveredthesides.Intricaterepeatingpatternsofwarm-huedinlaidwoodcoveredthewalls.Artdecofurnishingswrappedin

buttery-smoothItalianleatherweretastefullyarranged.Andtheentirespacewaslitbysoftrecessedlighting.

Atthecenterofthisroom,likethefunnelofawhirlpool,layacircularstaircase.Itswirleditswayintothelowerlevelsoftheyachtbeneathaskylighttwelvefeetindiameter.Theskylightallowednaturallighttoenterduringtheday,butatnightitactedasadarkmirror,

reflectingallthatwentonbelow.

Spreadabouttheparlorwerefifteenpeople,notcountingtheship’sstaff.Somewereadmiringtheartwork,othersdrankandspokeamongthemselves.

CalistaBrèvardenteredthisquietlyswirlinglandscapeinashimmeringblackcocktaildress.Hermakeupwasmorerestrainedthanusual,herdarkhair

hiddenbeneathawigofplatinumblondethatfelltohershouldersinthebackandgavehergracefulbangsthathaltedjustabovehereyesinthefront.

ShemovedslowlytowardagrandpianowhereReneAcostawasholdingcourt.

“Thebottomlineissimple,”AcostawastellingaChineseman.“Youwillbelockedoutandtheywillstillhaveaccesstoyourdeepest

secrets.”“Canthissystemreallybe

thatadvanced?”themanasked.“We’veheardtaleslikethisbefore.Allsystemshaveweaknesses.ItisonlyamatteroftimeuntilwepenetratethePhalanx.”

Acostashookhishead.“WouldtheUnitedStatesputallitseggsinonebasketifitdidn’tknowthatbasketwasabsolutelyuntouchable?”

“Perhapsthey’rewrong.”

Acostashrugged.“Perhaps,”hesaid.“Canyoureallyaffordtotakethatchance?”

TheChinesemanturnedandbegantodiscussthiswithtwoofhiscountrymen,andAcostaexcusedhimselfandtookCalistabythearm.

“Youhavethemrightwhereyouwantthem,”shesaid.“Imustadmityou’refarsmootherthanIexpected.”

“I’velearnedtobe

tactful,”hesaid.“Andmybrotherhas

learnedtobeabrute.”“Youcouldhavestopped

him,”Acostasaid.“PoorKovack.Hehastolearnhowtoshootandstabpeoplewithhisotherhandnow.Perhapsitwouldbebestifyouavoidhimforthetimebeing.”

“Idoubthe’llrecognizeme.”

“Andifhedoes?”“Thenhe’llfindthathe

gotofflucky.”Acostachuckled,andthey

movedtothebar.Thebartenderimmediatelypouredhimaglassoffifty-year-oldport.

“Andforthelady?”“Icewater,”shesaid.“Itrunsinherveins,”

Acostaadded.Thebartender

immediatelyfilledaleadcrystalglasswithicewater.Hewipedthesidewitha

napkinbeforehandingittoher.

“Youcouldhaveatleasttriedtolimitthedamage,”Acostasaid.

“Andshowmytruecolors?Idon’tthinkso.IfIprotectedKovack,mybrotherwouldhavebecomesuspicious.Hemaybeanyhow.Ifyoudon’treturnthewomantous,itwillbeall-outwarbetweenyoutwo.”

“Ionlyneedheralittlelonger,”Acostasaid.

“Notjusther,theothersaswell.Allthreeofthem.”

“Youdon’tunderstand,”Acostasaid.“Youhavenoideawhattheseforeignersarewillingtopay.Tenmillionforamonthofwork.Twentymillionforsixweeks.Canyouimagine?Shecan’tpossiblybeworthmoretoyourbrother.Holdhimback.TellhimIwillcuthiminon

thespoils.”“Hehasotherplans,”

Calistasaid.“Whatkindofplans?”“HowwouldIknow,”

Calistasaid.“Hetellsmeonlywhathewantsto.ButIpromise,theyareimportanttohim.Hesentmeheretotakeherfromyou.TheonlywayIcanstopthatisifyoudeliverhertomeasplannedandblametheIraniansforthedelay.”

AcostahesitatedandCalistanarrowedhergaze.Shesawsomethinginhiseyes.Itsaidhe’dalreadycrossedtheRubicon.“Whathaveyoudone,Rene?”

Hedidn’trespond,butthetensionwasobviousinatighteningofthemusclesinhisthickneck.

“Rene?”“She’snothere,”hesaid

finally.“IdeliveredhertoThanRanglastweek.He

wantstheothersaswell.”ThanRangwasaKorean

industrialist.Calista’smindracedtryingtofigureoutwhyhewouldneedorwanttheAmericanortheotherhackers.“Ifthat’sso,you’dbestretrieveher.”

“Ican’t,”hesaid.“ThanRangisnotamantobetrifledwith.I’dratherdealwithyourbrother’swraththanhis.”

Calistawonderedifhe

waslyingornot.“Sebastianwillnotwait,”shesaid.“Thewomanmustbedeliveredintomybrother’shandsbeforetheAmericansfinishtheirtrialrunwithPhalanxorthreeyearsofeffortwillberuined,thatmuchIknow.Andifthatoccurs,Sebastianwillnotrestuntilhemurdersyou.”

Asshespoke,Calistastaredatherformerloverwithunblinkingeyes.The

morenervousheappeared,themorejoyitbroughther.Anythingtoincreasehisagony.

“What’sdoneisdone,”hesaid.“Theonlyquestioniswhereyourloyaltiesrest.”

“My‘loyalties’?”“Yes,”hesaid.“Ifit

comestowar,whosesidewillyoubeon?”

Shetiltedherheadasifthequestionwassilly.Awickedsmilegrewonher

face.“Why,mydearRene,”shebegan,“I’llbeonmyownsideofcourse.Ithoughtyouwouldhavelearnedthatbynow.”

Sheputtheglassdownandturnedaway.

Hewatchedherwalkoff,headedforthespiralstaircase.Despiteaplantoremaincalm,hefoundhisemotionshadbecomeunbalanced,avolatilemixtureofangerandlustas

alwayswhereCalistawasconcerned.

Butthefactsweresimple.HecouldnotretrievetheAmericanwomanfromThanRang’sclutchesevenifhewantedto.Norcouldheforegotherevenuefromtransactionsinvolvingtheotherthreeexpertsheheld.Tokeepuphisextravagantlifestyleheneededmorecashandheneededitnow.

Hesnappedhisfingers

andtwoofhismenappeared.“Keepaneyeonher,”hesaid.“Idon’twanthercausinganytroubleorupsettingtheotherguests.”

Theynoddedandturnedtofollow.

Forherpart,Calistaexpectedtobefollowed.Shewalkedslowlytothecenteroftheroomandtookthespiralstaircasedowntotheaccommodationsdeck.Shetraveledtowardthestern,

whereasmallbutwarmlyappointedcabinwithasingleberthhadbeenreservedforher.

Sheopenedthedoorandheldit,pausinglongenoughtomakesureRene’smenspottedher.Theyslowedtheirpacebutkeptoncoming.Shewinkedatthemandthenduckedinsideandshutthedoor.

Theywouldlikelyguardheruntiltheauction.But

Renewouldwantherthere.Shewasamysteriouspresenceandadistraction.Thebidswouldbehigherbecauseofher.Thatwouldmakeiteasier.

Sheturnedtheradioonandstartedtheshower.Shefiguredthatwasenough.She’dalreadyswepttheroomforbugsandotherlisteningdevices.

Unzippingthecocktaildressandremovingthewig,

shequicklychangedintoanotheroutfitconsistingofdarkslacksandagraysilkshirt.Itwasfancyenoughthatshecouldpassforoneoftheguestsbututilitarianenoughtolethermovefreely.

Nextsheremovedafalsepanelfromhersuitcase,pulledoutasatellitephone,andsliditintoherpocket.AcompactBersa.380pistolcameoutnext.Itwasathin,nickel-platedautomatic,with

blackpolymergrips.Itcarriedsevenhollow-pointroundsinashortmagazineandonemoreinthechamber.Itwasatrustyweapon,accurate,withasmoothtriggerpull.Calistahadtakenoutseveraladversarieswithit.Asafinalprecautionsheslidafour-inchknifeintoathinscabbardaboveherankle.

Readyforaction,shemadeherwaytothecabin’s

largewindow.Itslidopenwithease.Sheglanceddownthenarrowgangwaythatranaroundtheedgeoftheyacht.Seeingnoone,sheclimbedthroughthewindowandontothedeck.Withsmoothprecision,sheslidtheglassshutandbeganwalkingtowardthebow.

ClingingtothesideoftheMassiflikeastubbornbarnacle,Kurtstudiedhisoptions.Theheavyyachtwasnowcruisingattwentyknots.Lightspillingfromthesuperstructurecastasubtleglowonthewatersflowingpast,butotherthanthathe

wasbathedindarkness.Sincehecouldn’tgoup

andovertherailwithoutbeingseen,Kurtmovedquicklytowardthestern.Heknewtherewereseveralhatchesthere,oneofwhichhadbeenwideopenshortlybeforedepartureasthecrewtookonsupplies.

Hemovedtowardit,travelinglikeacrab,untilhefoundit.Consideringhowcloseitlaytothewaterline,

Kurtwasn’tsurprisedtofinditbatteneddowntight.Helookedaround,noticedacrackoflightuphigheronthehullandfartheraft.

Hereacheditquickly,peekedaroundtheedge,and,seeingnooneinside,swungaroundanddroppedin.

Hewasinasmallworkspaceconnectedtotheengineroom.Itwascramped,hot,andloud.He’dcoveredafewfeetwhenafigurein

whitecoverallsappeared.Themanworeabulkyheadsettoprotecthishearingfromthewhiningenginesanddidn’tnoticeKurtorhearhimcoming.

Shockandconfusionregisteredonthecrewman’sfaceasKurtgothisattentionwiththeBerettaandwavedafingertodissuadehimfromtryinganything.Thatdone,Kurtpulledofftheheadset.

“YouspeakEnglish?”

Themannodded.“Arethereanyprisoners

onboardthisyacht?”Themanseemed

confusedbythequestion.“Prisoners?”

“Anyonebeingheldagainsttheirwill,”Kurtexplained.“I’mlookingforablondAmericanwoman.”

“No,”themansaid,shakinghishead.“Ijustruntheturbines.”

Itmadesense.Thepoor

guywasjustasailor.Buthehadtoknowhisship.

Kurtwalkedhimtoanelectricalschematicoftheship’swiringonwhichthedemarcationsforhallways,berths,andcommonareaswerelaidout.

“ReneAcosta,”Kurtsaid.“Whichcabinishis?”

Themanhesitated.Kurtpulledbackthe

hammerontheBeretta.“Firstcabin,”theman

said.“Accommodationsdeck,forward.”

Kurtstudiedthediagram.Bythelookofit,thatcabinwasthelargestontheship,itmadesenseitwasAcosta’s.

Kurtdraggedthemantoastorageroom,shovedhiminside,andtookoutasmallsyringe.Hejabbeditintotheman’sthighandwatchedashiseyesrolledquickly.Inasecondhewasoutcold.

“Sleeptight,”Kurtsaid,

tossingthesyringeaway.Inaminute,Kurthadthe

crewman’scoverallson.Theycoveredhiswetsuitandelectromechanicalgearbutnothishair.Hespottedaredskullcaponapegandaddedthattohisensemble.Withthecappulleddownsnuglyoverhissilverhair,Kurtheadeddownthehalltowardthebow,whereAcosta’scabinsatattheendofthecentralgangway.

Kurtfoundthedoorlockedandwasabletopryitopenusingaknife.Heslippedinsideandbeganhissearch.He’dbeentherealloffiveminuteswhenheheardahandonthedoorknob.

Withsurprisinggrace—consideringthebulkyequipmentandthelayershewaswearing—KurtmovedtothebathroomandcrouchedbehindthecurvedglassblockofAcosta’swalk-inshower.

ClutchingtheBerettaagain,hepreparedhimselfforafight.IfhewasluckyenoughtofindAcostaentering,he’dgetsomeanswersfromthemanhimself.

Thecabindooropenedbrieflyandthenlatchedsoftly.ToKurt’ssurprise,nolightscameon.MutedfootfallsontheplushcarpettraveledslowlyfromthemaindoortothedeskwhereKurt

hadbeenriflingthroughAcosta’sthings.

Thesqueakofachairtoldhimsomeonehadtakenaseat,buttheroomremaineddarkuntilitwaspartiallyilluminatedbyasoftblueglow,easilyrecognizableasthelightfromacomputerscreen.

Kurtheardtypingandthenfinallyawoman’svoice.“Rene,”thevoicesaidscornfully,“didyoureally

thinkmyownsecuritysystemwouldstopme.”

Itwasarhetoricalquestion.Therewasnoonetheretoanswer,andKurt’scuriositybegantogetthebetterofhim.

Hemovedtoanewspotwherehecouldsee.

ThewomanbehindAcosta’sdeskwastypingfuriously.“Damnyou,Rene,”shesaid,andthenpulledasatellitephonefromher

pocketandpunchedinanumber.

Kurtdidn’thearthegreetingveryclearlybutlistenedasaquickconversationtookplace.

“Wehaveaproblem,”shesaid.“They’renothere...Noneofthem.NottheAmerican,nottheothers.They’renotonboard.”

Apausefollowed.“Yes,I’msureofit,”the

womanreplied.“I’mreading

itonRene’scomputerrightnow.Ithoughthewaslying,butitlookslikehe’salreadyshippedthewomantoKorea,andpromisedtheotherthreetoThanRangaswell.Theauctionmustbearuse.EitherReneisshortofmoneyorhe’sliningupbuyersforthefuture.”

Anotherpause,moreprotractedthistime.

“No,Idon’tthinkthatwillwork...Well,Icould

putaguntohishead,butthatwon’tbringthemback.We’llhavetoliftthemfromThanRangourselves.Andthatwon’tbeeasy.”

Kurtstrainedtolisten,but,tryashemight,hecouldonlymakeoutthewoman’ssideoftheconversation.

“There’snootherway,”shesaid.“Withouther,noonewillbelievewecancrosstheairgap,breachtheAmericanWall,andbringthe

systemdown.”Kurthadnoideawhatshe

wastalkingabout,buthehungoneveryword.

“Ihavetogo,”shesaidfinally,tappingafewkeysandclosingtheprogram.“Otherwise,Renemighttrytojoinmeintheshower.”Shepaused,andthenadded,“You’reright,bytheway.I’mtoogoodforhim.”

Shehungup,turnedthecomputeroff,andsteppedout

frombehindthedesk.Kurtmovedaswell,

makinghiswaytotheedgeofthemaincabin.Inthelowlighthesawthewomanputanearupagainstthefrontdoor.Henoticedasmallpistolinherhand.“You’reforgettingsomething,”hewhispered.

Shewhirledaround,buthehadtheBerettaoutandready.Shesawitclearlyandfroze.

“Thatlaptopwasclosedwhenyoucamein.”

“Tossthegunoverthere,”Kurtsaid.

Hepointedtowardathickrugnearthebathroomdoor.Withashrugsheflippedthegungentlyinthegeneraldirection.Itlandedwithnomorethanasoftbump.

Kurtmotionedtowardone

ofthechairsacrossfromAcosta’sdesk.“Haveaseat.”

Shehesitatedforjustasecondandthenmovedtowardthechair,slidingontoitwitheffortlessgrace.Kurtnoticedadecidedlackofnervousnessinherposture.Shelookedcomfortable.Sheleanedbackandcrossedherlegsasifawaitingacocktailatsundown.

KeepingtheBerettaaimedather,Kurtmoved

behindthedeskandtappedthecomputerkeyboard.Thescreenlitup.Backtothepassword.

“You’vealreadybrokenintothisonce,”hesaid.“Caretotellmehow?”

“Whoareyou?”sheasked.Therewasnofearinhervoice,onlyasubtlecuriosity.Likesomeonewho’ddiscoveredanewplaything.

“Password,”Kurtsaid,

ignoringher.“Areyouathief?Amole

ofsomekind?”“Password.”“Calista,”shetoldhim,

“withaC.Asifyoucouldspellitanyotherway.”

Hetypedthename,alternatingglancesbetweenherandthekeyboard.

Thelockscreendissolvedandaspreadsheetappeared.Thewhitebackgroundwassobrightitcausedhispupilsto

constrict,makingitdifficulttoseebeyondthescreen.Hetappedthekeytolowerthescreen’sbrillianceuntilitwasasdimashecouldmakeit.

Thewomanhadn’tmoved,thoughshewasnowleaningforward,studyinghim.

“You’renotpartofthecrew,”shesaidcalmly.“Andyou’realittletooscruffytobeoneoftheguests.”

“Myinvitegotlostinthe

mail,”Kurtsaid.“Now,whatwereyoulookingfor?Andwhowereyoutalkingto?”

Hereyebrowswentup.“Howbadlydoyouwanttoknow?”

“Badlyenoughtoputabulletinyouifyoudon’ttellme.”

Shelaughed.“You’renotgoingtoshootme.Forone,itwouldmaketoomuchnoise.”

“Ihaveasilencer.”“I’mnogoodtoyou

dead,”shesaid,standingup.Kurtmethergaze.“Who

saidIwasgoingtokillyou?Akneeshotwoulddothetrick.”

“AndwhileIscreaminpain,”shesaid,slinkingforward,“willIbeabletotalkclearly?”

Kurtdidn’treply,andthewomanclimbedonthefaredgeofthedesk,stretchingoutonallfourslikeacat.Shereachedforthecomputer,

walkedherfingersontothekeyboard,andpressedF1andF4atthesametime.

Shelookedupathim,lickingherlips.“DoIgetanythingforcooperating?”

Kurtfeltasifhe’dlandedintheTwilightZone.Ifhedidn’tknowbetter,he’dhaveguessedthiswomanwaspropositioninghim.“Agoldstar,”Kurtsaid.

Heglancedatthescreen.Thespreadsheethadvanished

andadarkerscreenopenedup.Itshowedapairofcolumnsmadeupofboxes.Eachboxhadaphotographofsomethinginside,asparklingnewLearjetinone,asmallcacheofwhatappearedtobediamondsinthesecondbox.Acaptionunderneathitread“400caratstotal,allstonesVSorVVS.”Athirdboxindicatedtheracehorsehe’dseen,DesertRose.Numbersunderneatheachbox

indicatedsupplementalmoneycontributions.Apparently,thebusinesswasn’tascash-freeasElDinsuspected.

KurtassumedtheseboxescontainedbidsforwhateveritwasAcostawasselling.Kurtfollowedthelinesacrossthescreentothesecondcolumnofimages.Eachoftheseseemedtobeaworkofart.

Kurtnoticedavarietyofartisticstyles:cubist,

classical,andevensomeoldmasters.

“Rollthecursoroverthepaintings,”thewomansaid.“You’llgetadescriptionandabetterunderstanding.”

Withoneeyeonhisstrangelyhelpfulfriendandtheotheronthecomputer,Kurtdidasshesaid.

Thedescriptionswereodd.Kurtquicklyunderstoodwhy.

“‘Weaponsexpert,

knowntohaveworkedwiththeSyriangovernmentonchemicaldispersants,’”Kurtreadaloud.

Thenext“painting”wascaptioned“Guidancesystemengineer,familiarwithSovietandAmericandesigns.”

Thethirdhadnothingbutagroupofoddwords:“ZSumG,”“Montresor,”“Xeno9X9.”

“Thosearehackernames,”shesaid.“Handles.

That’swhat—orwhom—he’sselling.”

Kurtthoughtaboutwhatshe’dsaidonthephone.Hescrolleddown.Therewereadozenmoreboxeslabeledwithworksofart.HecheckedeveryboxbutfoundnosignofSiennaWestgate.

Helookedupjustintimetoseethewomanlungeforhisgun.

Shemovedquickly,butKurthadbeenexpectingit

soonerorlater.Hesnappedhisarmoutofreach,grabbedherwithhisotherhand,andthrewheroffthedesk.Shecameupswingingafour-inchdagger.Kurtsteppedoutofrangeandknockedoverametallicsculpturethatlookedvaguelyhuman.Itcrashedtothefloorasthewomanlungedforwardagain.

Withhisfreehand,Kurtcaughtherbythewristandtwistedherarmuntilshelet

gooftheknife.Heswunghertowardthewallandslammedherintoitandheldherthere.

Shestruggledforasecond.Tomakeherstopsquirming,hebroughtthesilencedpistoluponceagain.

“I’mnotinterestedinkillingyou,butIwillshootyouifyouputmeindanger.”

Herdarkhairhadfalleninfrontofherface.Herlipwasgashedandbleeding.Shestaredathim,hereyeswide.

Therewassomethinginthatlook,Kurtthought.Itwasrecognition.

“Iknowyou,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Whiteknight...Fearless...Imustsay,I’msurprisedtoseeyouhere.You’reabitearly,I’mafraid.”

Kurtkeptthepressureonher.Hewasn’tfallingforthedistraction.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,lady.I’veneverseenyou

beforeinmylife.”“Ididn’tsayyouhad.”“Whowereyouspeaking

toonthephone?”Shedidn’treply,butshe

ranhertongueacrossthebleedinglip,seemingtoenjoythetasteofherownbloodlikesomekindofvampireprincess.

“Iaskedyouaquestion.”“Kissme,”shewhispered.Kurtdidn’treply.“Eitherkissmeorshoot

me,”shesaid,“butIwillscreamifyoudon’tdooneortheother.”

“You’renotabouttoscream,”Kurtsaid.“YouwanttobediscoveredhereaboutasmuchasIdo.”

Kurthadn’tevenfinishedhisstatementwhenshetiltedherheadbackandshriekedatthetopofherlungs.

“Damn!”Kurtshouted,clampingahandoverhermouth.

Betweenthescreamingandthecommotion,hefigureditwastimetoshoveoff.Hereachedintoherpocket,grabbedthesatellitephoneshe’dused,andtuckeditintoapocketinhiscoveralls.

Beforehecoulddoanythingelse,thedoorflewopenandagroupofAcosta’smencamepilingin.TheytackledKurtandknockedthegunfromhishand.He

managedtothrowoneofthemoffandthenslammedthesecondguyontothedesk,butthethirdguycaughthiminthechinwithaknee.

Kurtwasknockedbackwardforaninstant,justlongenoughtoallowtheothersbackintothefight.Puncheslandedfromallsides.Unabletobreakfree,Kurtwasquicklysubdued.

Themenliftedhimtohisfeetandslammedhiminto

thesamewallhe’dheldthestrangewomanagainst.

ShewasbehindthemnowwithKurt’spistolinhand.“Threeagainstone,”shesaid.“That’shardlyfair.”

Withouthesitation,shebeganfiring,drillingholesinthemenwhorestrainedKurt.Theydroppedtothegroundallaroundhim.Andshekeptfiring,makingcertaintheyweredead.Withthethreemenlyingstillonthefloor,

shetossedthepistoltoKurt.“Betterrun,”shesaid

quickly.“There’splentymorewheretheycamefrom.”

Kurthadnotimetoconsiderthemadness.He’dlandedinthemiddleofsomethingstrange.Damnedstrange.

Helookedoutintothehall.Menwithgunswererunninghisway.Heshutthedoorandduckedbackintotheroom.

“Youshouldhavekissedme,”shesaid,raisinghereyebrows.

“Maybenexttime.”Heturnedandblasted

threeholesinthewindowandthendovethroughit,shatteringtheweakenedplateglassandlandingonthedeckoutside.

Hegotupquicklyandsprintedforthesternasanalarmbegantoblareoverhead.Gunshotsfollowed,

comingfromaboveandbehind,andbulletsricochetedoffthedeckallaroundhim.

Takingcover,Kurtpressedhimselfagainstthesuperstructure,changedoutthespentmagazine,firedafewshots,andthenscrambledbeneaththesteelbeamssupportingthehelipad.Hegazedup,lookingjealouslyattheshinyhelicopter.Realizingitcouldbeaproblemforhimlater,he

aimedforthecockpitandreeledoffahalfdozenshots,shatteringthesidewindow,drillingafewholesintheinstrumentpanelandafewmoreinthesheetmetalwherethefueltankwaslocated.Hewasn’tsureifhe’dhitanythingvital,butanypilotwouldhavetothinktwicebeforetakingthehelicopterforaspin.

Duckingbackintotheshadows,Kurtcheckedthe

clipinhisBeretta.Fourshellsleft.“Timetoabandonship,”hemuttered.

Thesoundofbootedfeetpoundingthestairwayfromaboveonlyreinforcedhisdecision.

Hefiredtwoshotstowardtheapproachingcrewmenandtookofffortherailing.Atthesameinstant,oneofAcosta’smencameracingaroundthecorner.Theycollidedliketwocarsatanintersection.

Kurthitthedeckandrolledover,lookingfortheBeretta,turnedbacktheotherwayandcameface-to-facewithaColt.45aimedathischest.Themanholdingithadwispyblondhair,paleeyes,andahollowfacethatlookedalmostskeletalinthedimlight.

“Handsup,”hesaid,inchingtowardKurtuntiltheweaponwasnomorethaneightinchesfromhisnose.

Kurtraisedhisarmsslowly.Themanrelaxedabitandusedhisfreehandtodepressasmallradioattachedtohiscollar.“ThisisCaleb,”themansaid.“Ihavetheintruder.Doyouwanttointerrogatehim?”

Asecondofstaticprecededthereply.“No,”amanKurtassumedwasAcostasaid.“Justshoothimandbringmehisbody.”

Asthewordscamefrom

Acosta’smouth,Kurthitthethumbswitchonhisleftwristguard.Thepowerfulmagnetcameoninstantly.ItdrewtheheavymetalguntothesidejustasCalebpulledthetrigger.Fireexplodedfromthebarrel,andthebullethitsixinchestotheleft,punchingaholeintheteakdeckinsteadofKurt’sskull.

CalebstaredindisbeliefastheColtstucktothemagnetonKurt’sleftarm.He

neversawKurt’srighthandballedintoafistandflyingtowardhisjaw.Theblowknockedhimsidewaysandsenthimsprawlingontothedeck.

Kurtsprangtohisfeetanddashedfortherailwithoutlookingback.Atafullrun,heputhishandsontherailandhurtledoverit.Heswungthroughtheair—holdingtherailforasplitsecondlongerthannecessary

—andthenhevanishedintothedark.

OnthebridgeoftheMassif,ReneAcostawaitedtohearthattheintruderwasdead.Tohissurprise,Caleb’svoicecameovertheradiosoundingangryandsomewhatpanicked.

“Theintruderhasgoneoverboard,”heshouted.“Irepeat,theintruderhas

escapedandgoneovertherail.”

Acostaliftedaradiotohismouth.“Itoldyoutoshoothim!”

“Idid,”Calebsaid.“Then,whathappened?”“Idon’tknow,”Caleb

said.“ButI’msureIhithim!”

Acostaburnedwithindignation,halfatCalebforsuchstupidity,halfattheintruderforhavingthe

insolencetocrashhisparty.Heglancedoveratthe

yacht’scaptainandmadeatwirlingmotionwithhishand.“Turnusaround.We’regoingtohaveahuntingparty.”

AtthatmomentKovackcamein,wavingforAcosta’sattentionwithhisbandaged,handlessarm.AsAcostalookedhisway,KovackslungCalistaontothedeck.ShelandedatAcosta’sfeet.

“Shewasfoundinyourcabin.”

“Mycabin?”Calistaspokeupwitha

snarl.“Theintruderbrokeintomycabinfirst,”sheinsisted.“Heputaguntomyheadanddraggedmeoutthewindowwhileyourineptfoolssnoozedoutsidemydoor.”

Acostaglaredather.Anotherlie.Therewasalwaysanotherliewaitingon

herlips.“Doyoureallyexpectme

tobelievethat?”heboomed.“You’redresseddifferentlythanyouwerebefore.Perhapswe’reseeingyourtruecolors.”

“Lookatme,”shesaid.Herfacewasbruised,thesplitlipswollenandwetwithblood.“DoesitlooklikeIwenttoyourcabinofmyownaccord?”

AcostaturnedtoKovack.

“Didyouoryourmenhither?”

“No,”Kovackinsisted.“Tellthemhowyou

foundus,”Calistaprodded.Kovackhesitated.“Well?”“Herscreamsalertedusto

hispresence,”Kovacksaid.“Ifitwasn’tforher,wewouldn’thaveknownhewasthere.”

BynowAcostacouldfeeltheshipleaningintotheturn.

Hehadbiggerissuestodealwith.“Lockherbackinhercabinandpostaguardoutsideherwindow,”heordered.“Andthenjoinmeondeckwithriflesandaspotlight.”

“Theguestsareconcerned,”anotheroneofAcosta’speoplementioned.

“Tellthemwe’regoingtohaveabitofsport,”hereplied.“Theintruderisinthewater.I’llgiveten

thousanddollarstowhoevergetsoffthekillingshot.”

FivemilesbehindtheMassif,JoeZavalastoodatthebowofthesmallfishingboat,tryingtokeepthespeedingyachtinsight.Atthispointhecouldtrackthewarmglowfromtheship’sinteriorlights.Butifshewentdark,theywouldhaveaproblem.

HeturnedtoElDin,whostoodatthehelm.“We’restill

fallingback.Can’tyougooseanymorespeedoutofthislobsterboat?”

“Patience,”ElDinsaid.“Remember,patiencemaybebitter,butitsresultissweet.”

JoecuthiseyesatElDin.“I’mnotinterestedinlearningpatience.Justkeepingthatyachtinsight.”

Withoutwarning,thetrackingscannerbegantochirp.“It’sthebeacon.He’sinthewater.”

“ThankAllah,”ElDinsaid.Heshovedthethrottlesfullontothestops,hopingformorespeedthantheboatpossessed.

“Whathappenedtoallthat‘patience’?”Joeasked.

“Iwasneververygoodatit,”ElDinsaid.“Besides,thetimeforpatienceisover.Nowisthetimeforaction.”

Joecouldnotagreemore.KurthadbeenaboardtheMassifforjustunderanhour,

butitfeltlikehalfthenight.Heplacedthescannerdownandraisedthespotter’sscopeuptohiseye.Almostimmediatelyhesawsomethinghedidn’tlike.

“Damn.”“Whatisit?”“Theyacht’sturning

broadside,”Joesaid.“They’recomingbackaround.”

TheMassifturnedinawidearc,sheddingvelocityas

itwent.Bythetimeitsrudderwasbackoncenter,thehugevesselwasmakingnomorethanfiveknots.

Standingonthebridge,AcostamarkedaspotontheGPSmapwherethestowawayhadgoneoverboard.

“Holdthisspeedandkeeptheshipstable,”heordered.“Iwantyoutomakeslowpassesbackandforththroughthisareauntilwespotandkill

theintruder.”“Yes,sir,”thecaptain

said.Hedidn’tbataneyeatthebrutalorder.

Withthatdone,Acostasteppedoutonthedeck.Calebwaitedthereholdingabolt-actionhunter’srifle.“Givemethat,”Acostasaid.“Youmightmissagain.”

Calebscowledandhandedtherifletohismaster.

Inadditiontohisownhand,Acostahadstationed

teamsofarmedmenatvariousspotsonthemaindeck.Twogroupsstoodamidships,oneoneachside.Twomoremenwaitedatthestern.

“Lightstofull,”Acostaordered.

AroundthemexteriorlightslitupthewatersofthePersianGulfinaswathtwohundredfeetwideandfivehundredfeetlong.Twospotlightsabovethebridge

cameonandwereaimedaheadandoutwardatforty-five-degreeanglesinordertocoverthemostwaterpossible.

“Thiswon’ttakelong,”Acostapromised,wrappingtherifle’sstraparoundhisforearm.

“Targetoffthestarboardbeam,”someoneshouted.

Acostawasontheportside.Hestrodebackthroughthebridgeandpushedout

throughthestarboarddoorjustashismenopenedfire.Ribbonsofwaterflewupwherethemenlacedbulletsintothefirezone.

Acostaraisedhisweaponandspottedthetargetquickly:aflashofwhiteclothing.Hefiredonce—adirecthit.Thecoverallsjerkedasthebulletfounditsmark,buttherewasnobloodoreventheslightestdefensivereaction.

Asthetargetdriftedcloser,Acostasawwhy.Thestolencoverallswereempty.Theyfloatedpastinatangle,slidinggentlyacrossthewaves.

Moreshotsrangout.“Holdyourfire!”Acosta

shouted.“There’snoonethere.Hemusthaveshedtheclothingandleftthembehindasadecoy.”

Theshootingceased,andAcostaturnedhisattention

backtowardtheinscrutablewaters,lookingforanysignofthemanwho’dcomeaboardhisyacht.

Afterseveralminuteswithnothingtosee,helosthispatience.“Takeusbackaround,”hebellowed.“Hehastobeoutheresomewhere.”

Infact,KurtwasmuchcloserthanAcostacouldhave

guessed.Hewasclingingtothesideoftheship,twentyfeetbelowthemaindeck,aboutsixfeetfromtherushingwater.

Ashe’dhurtledovertherailing,he’dheldonforasplitsecondlongerthannecessary,convertinghisoutwardanddownwardmotionintoaturningarc.Thetrajectoryhadslammedhimintothesideoftheyachtjustashe’dactivatedthe

magneticpadsonceagain.Ithadbeenanawkward,

jarringcrash,butthemagnetsdidn’tcare.Onceagainthey’ddonethetrick,lockinghimtothesteelhullandholdinghiminplace.

Fromthere,KurthadcrabbedhiswayforwardandparkedhimselfinaspotbelowtheMassif’sfour-tonanchor.

Aftertearingoffthewhitecoverallsandthrowingthem

intothesea,hewaitedpatientlyastheyachtreversedcourseandslowedtoacrawl.Asidefromsomestrainonhisarmsandlegs,Kurtwasquitecomfortable.Assumingthebatterypacksheldout,hecouldhanginthereforquitesometime.Andheintendedtodojustthat.

Soonerorlater,Acostawouldgiveup,dousethelights,andturnbackontohis

originalcourse.AtthatpointKurtwouldslipoffthesideandintothedarkness,treadingwateruntiltheyachtwasfarenoughawayforJoeandElDintocomegethim.

Afterthreerunsbackandforth,Kurtfiguredthetowelwasclosetobeingthrownin.Hegrinnedinthedarkathisowntacticalbrilliance,allbutreadytopathimselfontheback,whenhenoticedsomethinghehadn’t

expected.Speedingtowardthem,

justbarelyvisibleinthemoonlight,wasthesilhouetteofalong-nosedfishingboat.

“You’vegottobekiddingme,”Kurtwhispered.“Whatcantheypossiblybethinking?”

Andthenitdawnedonhim.Heglancedathisrightarmwherethekeypocketwas.Ithadbeentornopen,perhapsinthescufflewiththe

womanorevenwithAcosta’sthug.

Withnothingtokeepitsecure,thetransmitterhadeitherbeencaughtinthecoverallswhenKurtpulledthemofforhadsimplyfallenintotheseaasheclimbedaroundonthesideofthehull.Nodoubtitwasnowbobbinginthewatersomewhere,broadcastingamessagetohisfriendsandluringthemunwittinglytowardthe

monstrousyachtbristlingwithgun-totingthugs.

Astheyracedtowardthebeepingtransmitter,JoedividedhisattentionbetweentheyachtandthesectionofwaterwhereheexpectedtofindKurt.Therewasnomorethanaquartermileseparatingthetwo.

“Theymusthavemissed

him,”Joesaid.“Weneedtohurry.”“Whatiftheyspotus?”ElDinasked.

“I’dbesurprisediftheyhaven’tseenusalready,”Joesaid.

“Butwe’renotleavingKurtouttheretoberundownorshot.”“They’relituplikeyouraproverbialChristmastree,”ElDinsaid.“Maybethey’renotabletoseeusouthereinthedark.”“Let’shopeso.”

ElDinkeptthethrottlesopen,andJoedugintooneoftheboat’slockers.

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”

“I’mthinkingthisisgoingtobeoneofthosehigh-speedoperations.WeneedsomethingforKurttograbonto.”Hepulledoutacargonet.“Thisshoulddo.”

ElDinnodded.“Threehundredmeters,”hesaid,glancingatthescanner.

“Slowherdownabit,”Joesaid.

“Twohundred.”Joegrabbedaninfrared

scopeandscannedthewater.Thesurfaceofthegulfremaineddark.ButtheheatfromKurt’sbodyshouldhavestoodoutplainly.Hesawnothing.“Areweheadedforthetarget?”heasked.

“Deadahead,”ElDinsaid.

“Let’snotusetheword

dead.”“Onehundredmeters,”El

Dinsaid.“Threehundredtwenty-eightfeet,ifyoudon’tlikethemetricsystem.”Joeloweredthescopeandsquinted,lookingforanysignfromKurtalertingthemtohislocation.

“Fiftymeters,”ElDinsaid,backingoffthethrottles.Theyweresooncoasting,ElDincorrectingtheirheadingtoport.Thenoseoftheboat

slewedaround.“Weshouldberightontopofhim.”

Joefelthisnervestingling.Asthefishingboatsettledanditswakedissipated,thenightbecameawfullyquiet.

Heglancednervouslyattheyacht.Ittoowassittingidle,itsnosepointedthirtydegreesofflinefromthem.

Withtheirsmallboatinasimilarcondition,itfeltlikeastalematebetweenpredator

andprey.Theyacht,abigcatcrouchingonitshaunches;thesmallfishingboat,agazellereadytoboltatthecat’sslightesttwitch.Fornow,bothheldstillasstone,waitingfortheothertomakethefirstmove.

“Theyknowwe’relookingforhim,”Joesaid,whispering.

“They’rewaitingforustofindhim.Bereadytogo.”“Assoonaswehavehim,I’ll

headstraightfortheshore.”Joeraisedtheinfraredscopeandstudiedtheyacht.Hecouldclearlyseetheheatplumeemanatingfromitsangledstacks.

Thescopewasworking,sowhywasn’titpickingupKurt’sbodyheat?

Fearingtheworst,hegrabbedthescannerandstaredintheexactdirectionofthebeacon.Kurtwasn’tthere,butinthedarknessJoe

caughtsightofadimflash,toodimtobeseenfrommorethantwentyorthirtyfeetaway.

“There,”hesaid.ElDinnudgedthe

throttlesandthenbroughtthemback.

Theboatcoastedforwardontheimpulse,closingthegap.

Asthedimflashcameintorange,Joeusedafishingnet,stretchingovertheside.

Hescoopedafamiliar-lookingcylinderoutofthewater.

“IsthatwhatIthinkitis?”ElDinasked.

Joenodded.“Kurt’stransmitter.”

“Sowhereisthemanwho’ssupposedtobeattachedtoit?”Asuddenrumblefromtheyachtdrownedoutanyreply.Joeturnedtoseewaterchurningattheaftendofthebigvessel

andthebowoftheyachtswingingaroundrapidlyasifguidedbyabowthruster.Almostsimultaneouslythetwinspotlightsonthebridgeconvergedonthesmallfishingboatandtheseaaroundit.

Inquickorderthebehemothwaschargingtowardthem.“Go,”Joeshouted.

ElDingunnedthethrottlesandturnedaway

fromtheyacht,settingaheadingfortheshore.Asthechasebegan,Joesawabigproblemwiththeirplan.Theyachtwasstillacceleratingandalreadygainingonthem.

“Wecan’toutrunit,”heshouted.“Turntowardher.”“Areyousure?”

“Quickly,”Joeshouted.HewasamazedbythespeedoftheMassif’sacceleration.Itwasbearingdownonthemlikeathunderinggiant,eating

upthedistancerapidly.ElDinspunthewheelto

port.Theoutboardmotorspivotedintheircradlesandthenimblelittleboatcurledbacktowardthebigyacht.Joehadtoholdontokeepfrombeingtossedout.TheMassiftriedtomatchtheirturnbutwassimplyunabletochangedirectionfastenough.Thelittleboatracedbylessthanahundredfeetfromtheyacht.

GunfirerangoutandJoedoveforcover.Hegazedupatthesideoftheyachtasitsweptby.

“Wehaveaproblem,”hesaid.

“Ifyoumeangettingshotfullofholes,”ElDinsaid,“I’dhavetoagreewithyou.”

“Unfortunately,that’snottheproblemIwastalkingabout,”

Joesaid.“I’mafraidweneedtogetcloser.”

“Closer?Whywouldwewanttogetcloser?”

“BecauseKurtisclingingtothesideoftheirhull.”

Fromhisposition,thesideofthehull,Kurthadwatchedthefishingboatcoasttoastop.He’dfeltthesuddensurgeofpowerthroughthehulloftheMassifasthegasturbineenginescameonfullboreandhertwinscrewsbitintothewarmgulfwaters.

He’dhopedtheboatwithhisfriendsonboardwouldrunfortheshallows,butthey’dturnedandracedbacktowardhim,passinginclearview.

Thetwovesselswerenowcaughtinastalemate.Likeagrizzlybearbeingpesteredbyayappylittledog,thebigyachtcouldnotturnwiththesmallboat.Butifthefishingboattriedtoflee,theMassifwouldusehergreatspeedto

runthesmallboatdown.Whengunfirerangout,

Kurtknewhehadtogoontheoffensive.

Astheyachtleanedintoanotherturn,Kurtbeganaslowclimb.Hemovedstraightup,headingfortheanchorandthehawsehole,wherethechaincamethroughthehull.

Thehigheruphewent,themoreangledthebowbecame.Itwaslikeclimbing

aninvertedoverhang.Hehadtobecareful.Ifoneofthemagnetsslipped,hemightfallfromhisperchandhitthewaterinfrontoftheship’sbulk.Animageofhisbodygettingcrushedunderthekeelandthenshreddedbythepropellersattheaftendflashedthroughhismind.

Heshookitoff.“Ireallyhavetolearntothinkpositive,”hetoldhimself.

Hemadeittothe

hawsehole,squeezedthrough,andfoundhimselfontheforedeckjustastheyachtwhippedintoanotherturn.Withalleyestrackingtheirprey,noonesawhim.

“Toobadthisisn’ttheengineroom,”hemuttered,thinkingofallthedamagehecouldcausebackthere.“Butit’llhavetodo.”

Anotherburstofgunfirerangoutandthespotlightsswungaroundoverheaduntil

theypointeddownthestarboardquarter.

Kurtscrambledtowheretheanchorchainwaswrappedaroundalargecapstan.Afierce-lookingmetalhook,knownasadevil’sclaw,securedthechain.

Acheckofthecontrolpaneltoldhimitwasastandardtype.Heactivatedthepower,easedthechainback,andunhookedtheclaw.

Heconsidereddroppingtheanchoruntilitcaughttheseafloor.TheaveragedepthofthePersianGulfwasonlyahundredfiftyfeet,andtheyhadplentyofchainforthat.Buttheanchoritselfwasafluketype.Withtheyachttravelingatsuchahighrateofspeed,itwouldliterallyflyonceithitthewaterlikeakiteonthebreeze.

Evenifitdidreachtheseafloorandcatch,itwould

justripoutthecapstanandpullfreefromthehull.Andifittookthefulllengthofchain—towhatwasknownasthebitterend—itwouldn’tevendothat,asthelastlinkwasdesignedtobreakundersuchaload.

Despitetheconfusionitwouldcause,cosmeticdamagewouldn’thelphisfriendsmuch.Kurtmadesomequickmentalcalculationsandpressedthe

releasebutton.Thechainbegantoplayout,thefifty-poundlinkschatteringloudlyastheywent.

Thesoundreachedallthewaytothebridge,andawarninglightflashedonthecontrolpanel.

“Captain,”thehelmsmansaid.“We’relosingtheportanchor.”

ItwasAcostawhoreplied,pushingpastthecaptain.“Whatdoyou

mean?”“Someone’sreleasedit.”Theanchorhitthewater

withasplashandslammedagainstthehullintheslipstream.Theclangoftheimpactreverberatedthroughtheship.

“Theintruderisstillaboard!”Acostasaid.“That’swhywecouldn’tfindhim.Getaspotlightontheforedeck!”

Acostaracedtothe

stubbybridgewingandwatchedasthespotlightchangeditsaimandlituptheforedeck.“There!”heshouted,spottingashapeonthedeck.“Killhim!”

Twoofhismenopenedfire.Sparkslitoutaroundthemanontheforedeck.Butwiththedeckpitching,itwasn’taneasyshot.Noneofthebulletsfoundtheirmark,andtheintruderquicklyduckedbehindthebulkhead.

Acostaturnedtothecaptain.“Canyoustoptheanchorfromhere?”

“No,”thecaptainsaid.“He’sswitchedittomanual.But...”“Butwhat?”

Thecaptainhadaperplexedlookonhisface.“Forsomereason,he’sstoppedithimself.”

Theshipbeganslewingtoport,causedbythedragoftheanchoronthatside.Anothertremendousclang

rangoutastheanchorslammedagainstasideofthehullfartherback.

ThesoundwasenoughtosendshiversdownAcosta’sspine.Butthenextimpactwasworse.

Theanchorwasnowtrailingoutbehindthevessellikeastreameroutthesideofaspeedingcar,swingingbackandforthinthecurrent.Asitswunginonceagain,itwhippeditselfaroundthe

sternandcaughtoneofthepropellers.

Withbrutalefficiency,thefour-tonanchorsnappedoffthespinningblades.Aninstantlaterthechainfouledthepropellershaftandwaspulledtight.Itsnappedagainstthesideofthehulllikeaplumbline,shatteringwindowsandgougingadiagonalcreaseinthehull.

Thesuddenbrakingactiononthepropellershaft

destroyedthetransmission,andtheyachtlurchedandswoonedtotherightinresponse.

Acostaandtheotherswerethrownagainstthecontrolpanel.Thecaptainpulledbackonboththrottlesimmediately,andtheyachtbecamecontrollable.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Acostagrowled.

“Untilwecanslipthatanchoranddropittothe

bottomofthesea,wecan’tmoveatanythingfasterthanquarterspeed.Otherwise,weriskitswingingbackupanddestroyingtheotherproporpunchingaholeinthebottomofthehull.”

Acosta’seyesbulged,theveinsonhisneckpoppedout.HeturnedtoCaleb.“Getdownthere,killhim,andbringmehisbullet-riddledcarcass.”

“Iwill,”Calebshouted,

eagertoredeemhimself.Heracedfortheladderwithtwoothersfollowinghim.

“Ifyoudon’tsucceed,”Acostawarned,“don’tbothertocomeback!”

Fromthebackofthefishingboat,Joenoticedtheyachtlosingground.“They’reslowingdown,”heshouted.“Ithinkthey’rehavingsometrouble.”

“Canyoutellwhat’shappened?”ElDinasked,craninghisheadaroundforabetterlook.

“No,”Joesaid.“ButI’dbetKurthadsomethingtodowithit.”

Theyachtwasgoingoffcourse,nolongerfollowingthem.Thespotlightsseemedtobeshiningdownontheforedeck.

“Nowit’sourturn,”Joesaid.“Bringusaroundwide

andcomeatthemfrombehind.”

“Holdon,”ElDinsaid.Joegrabbedthetransom

andheldtightasthefishingboatmadeonemoresharpturn.

Ontheforedeck,Kurtcouldtellhisplanhadworked.Nowcamethehardpart:gettingoutalive.Eachtimehepokedhisheadoutfrombehindthe

bulkhead,asniperupnearthebridgetookapotshotathim.

Whathereallyneededwasawaytotakeoutthespotlights.ButtheBerettawaslonggone,andtheColthe’dwrestledawayfromCalebwiththehelpofthemagnetshadbeendislodgedandtumbledintotheseawhenhe’dcrashedbackintothesideofthehull.Aftertwomoreshotsrangout,hesawthehandleonthehatchway

begintoturn.Atthesamemoment,henoticedthefishingboatcomingalongside.Itwasnowornever.

Hetookoffrunning,stayingasclosetotheshelterofthebulkheadaspossible.Heracedpastthehatch,slamminghisshoulderintoitjustasitbegantoswingopen.Theheavydoorclosedonsomeone’sarmwithasickeningcrunch.

Kurtonlyheardafragmentofanagonizingscreamashelaunchedhimselfovertherailforasecondtime.Thistimehewentheadfirst,divingasfarfromthevesselaspossible.

Withperfectform,heknifedthroughthesurfaceandwentdeep.ThinlinesofbubblesprobedthedarknesslikearrowsasAcosta’smenshotathim.Theshotsmissed.Kickinghard,Kurtangled

awayfromtheyachtanddown.

Theyachtrumbledpast,theanchorchainstillfouledaroundthebentpropellershaft.

Whenthenoisepassed,Kurtbegantoswimhorizontally.Hekeptswimminguntilhislungsfeltasiftheymightburst,thensurfacedinthedarkandlookedback.

Theyachtwasalready

turning.Outaheadofithecouldseehisfriendscomingaround.

Hedidn’tbothertoyell—allthatwouldgethimwasamouthfulofwater—buthemadeeveryefforttokickhard,swimmingatananglethatwouldmakeiteasierforthemtogethim.

Asthesmallboatracedin,Kurtroseupandwaved.Theychangedcourseandboredownonhim,slowingat

theverylastsecond.“Grabthis!”Joeshouted,

throwingoutacargonet.Kurtgraspeditandbegan

topullhimselfforward.Hewasalmostatthetransomwhenthespotlightsfromtheyachtswungacrossthewaterandfoundthem.

Joehauledhimin,andElDinwastednotimeingunningthethrottles.

Thesmallcrafttookoffagainasaribbonofshells

skippedacrossthewater,firedbyCalebandhismatesfromthebowoftheyacht.

Splintersofwoodflewinalldirections.Kurtfeltabulletscrapehisarm.Butinsecondsthey’dpassedoutofthefirezoneandwerehightailingitintothedark.

Thewoundedyachtcouldnotkeepup.Thegapwidenedbythemoment,andafterafewminutestheyachtbegantoturnaway.

“Wemadeit,”ElDinsaid.

Lyingonthedeck,exhaustedandhalfsurprisedtobealive,Kurtlookedaroundathisrescuers.“Iseveryoneokay?”

ElDinnodded.Joeflashedathumbs-up.“We’refine,”Joesaid.“Whataboutyou?”

“Neverbetter,”Kurtsaid.“You’rebleeding,”ElDin

pointedout.

Kurtcheckedthewound.Itwassuperficial.Anothercreaseinthesheetmetal.“Cutmyselfshaving,”hejoked.“Havetobemorecareful.”

Joelaughed.HewasgladtoseeKurt’ssenseofhumorhadreturned.Ithadbeenmissingduringhisthreemonthsofrecovery.“How’ditgoontheyacht?Didyouenjoytheparty?”

“Notreallymykindof

people,”Kurtreplied.“ButIcan’tsayitwasboring.”

Kurtlookedback.Farbehindthem,thelightsoftheMassifwereblinkingoutonebyone.Shewasresumingheroriginalcourse,takingwhateversecretsKurthadfailedtopryfromherintothenight.

Questionsabouttheeveningreverberatedinhismind,beginningwiththeidentity—nottomentionthe

sanity—ofthedark-hairedwomanhe’druninto.

Hewonderedwhatshe’dmeantbythequipsshe’dthrownathim.Couldshereallyhaveseenhimsomewherebefore?Orwasitjustaploytodistracthim?Whatwasshedoingthereinthefirstplace?Whatcouldshepossiblymeanbysayinghewasearly?

InsomewaysheowedherforshootingAcosta’s

thugs.Ontheotherhand,theywouldn’thavefoundhimwithoutherscreaming.Hewonderedifshe’descapedtheyachtduringthecommotion.Moreimportant,hewonderedwhoshe’dbeentalkingtoonthephoneandwhattheywereupto.

“NoluckfindingSienna,”Joeguessed.

“Shewasn’tonboard,asfarasIcouldtell.”

“Anyideawhereshe

mightbe?”ElDinasked.“Notsure,”Kurtreplied.

“ButIoverheardaphonecallreferencingsomeonetheywerecalling‘theAmericanwoman.’Whoeversheis,itsoundslikeshe’sbeendeliveredintothehandsofaguynamedThanRang.”

“Who?”Joeasked.“Koreanindustrialist.

Probablysomewell-connectedguywhocouldcauselotsoftroubleifhe

wantedto.”“Whenhasthatever

stoppedus?”Joeasked,laughing.

“Never,”Kurtsaid.“Andit’snotgoingtothistimeeither.Butsomethingbiggerisgoingonhere.Somethingbiggerandmorecomplicatedthanasimpleabduction.”

“Anyideawhat?”“Nope,”Kurtsaid.“ButI

heardthemtalkingabout‘breachingtheAmerican

Wall.’Whateverthatmeans,weneedtostopitfromhappening.”

“ThanRangisastone-coldkiller,notthekindofmanyouwanttotanglewithonawhim.”

ThewordscamefromDirkPitt.TheywerespokenviaanencryptedlinkupthatendedinthedisplayscreenofJoe’scomputer.

“Notgoingoffonawhim,”Kurtsaid.“IfSiennaisoutthere,thisguyRanghasher.AndbasedonwhatIsawonthatcomputer,he’sgatheringupasmallstableoftopflighthackingtalent.”“Ibelieveyou,”Pittsaid.“Thequestionis,why?”

“What’shisbackground?”Kurtasked.“Maybethatwilltellussomething.”

“He’stheheadofaSouth

Koreanchaebol.Hiscorporationworksinmining,wastemanagement,andenergy.”

“Canyougiveussomedetails?”

“Thanwasbornin’49,rightbeforetheKoreanWar.Hisfamilyfortuneswerealreadyindecline,butbecausetheNorthravagedsomuchofSeoulandthesurroundingareawhentheyoccupiedit,thedeclineofthe

familybusinessesintensified.Atsomepoint,hisfathergotinvolvedwithunderworldelementstokeepthecashflowgoing.BythetimeThanwassixteen,thecompanydidmoresmugglingandlaunderingthananythingelse.Whenhisfatherdied,awarbrokeoutwithintheranks.Bythetimeitended,Thanhadmurderedallthosewhoopposedhim,wipedoutthecriminalswho’dfundedhim,

andkilledeveryfamilymemberwhodisagreedwithhisleadership.”

“Apalacecoup,”Joenoted.

“Andthensome,”Pittsaid.

“Whydidn’tthegovernmentgoafterhim?”

“Friendsinhighplaces,”Pittexplained.“MostpeopleforgetthatSouthKoreawasbasicallyamilitary-industrialdictatorshipfrom1951to

1979.Allemphasiswasongrowingtheeconomyanddoingsobyanymeansnecessary.TheyneededwealthtobuildamilitaryandprepareforthenextinvasionbytheNorth.Crimeshadawayofbeingforgivenorignorediftheycentralizedpower,broughtaboutorder,orincreasedindustrialproduction.”

“SoThanRangisaglorifiedstreetcriminal,”

Kurtsaid.“Butthatdoesn’ttelluswhathewantswithcomputerexperts.”

“Couldbeanynumberofthings,”Pittsaid.“Consideringthestructureofthechaebolandtheintensecompetitionintoday’sworld,I’dlaymymoneyoncorporateespionage.”

“Makessense,”Kurtsaid.“Butthestrangewomanandherbackersseemedtowantthesepeopleforsomething

else.ShetalkedaboutbreachingtheAmericanWall.Shealsomentionedsomethingcalledanairgap.Anyideawhatthosetermsmean?”

Pittlookedoffthescreen.“Hiram,youwanttotakethisone?”

HiramYaegercameintoview,longhairstillinaponytail,grannyglassesfirmlyinplace.

“Goodmorning,

gentlemen,”hesaid.“I’llgetrighttoit.ThetermAmericanWallhasbeenusedincyberspaceforthelastfewyears.Itreferstoanelaborateseriesoffirewallsanddefenseswe’vebuiltuptoprotecttheinformationinfrastructure.Thethingis,nooneissupposedtoknowaboutthem.ThesesystemsareoperatedexclusivelybytheNSA.Theycovergovernmentinstitutionsand

importantciviliancorporations.”

ThistookKurtbysurprise.“Ikeephearinghowvulnerableweare,”hesaid.“Areyousayingthisisn’tthecase?”

“Let’sputitthisway,”Hiramsaid.“We’renotasweakaswepretendtobe.Butthefactthatyourfriendwastalkingaboutbreachingthewallandbringingthesystemdownsuggeststhey’re

contemplatingsomethingmuchbiggeranddeeperthanyourstandardeverydayhacking.”

“She’snotmyfriend,”Kurtsaidtestily,“thoughshedidsavemylife.”

“Odd,that,”Pittsaid.“Trustme,thatwasn’tthe

onlyoddpart,”Kurtsaid.Pittlaughed.“HowmightSiennaand

Phalanxfitintoallthis?”Kurtasked.

Hiramwasblunt.“IfPhalanxworks,itwillreplacetheexistingwall.Ineffect,itwillbetheAmericanWall2.0.”

“Whataboutthesehackers?”Joeasked.“Anyideawhotheyare?”

“We’reworkingonit,”Hiramsaid.“Aidedandcomplicatedbythefactthathackershavetheirownnamingsubculture.”

“Thewomancalledthem

handles,”Kurtsaid.“Exactly,”Hiramreplied.

“They’remorethanjustrandomcallsigns;theymeansomething.It’sawayofgettingintouchwiththerightperson.Forexample,eventhoughXeno9X9soundslikearandomstringoflettersandnumbers,itactuallytellsusaboutthehacker’sskills.Xenomeaning‘foreign,’9X9beingsimilartotheoldradioterminology‘fivebyfive,’

meaning‘strongsignal,clearsignal.’MybestguessisthatXeno9X9issomeonewhocanhackacrossborderswithlittleproblem.”

Pittchimedin.“Basedonprodigiousamountsofresearch,webelievehe’saUkrainiannamedGoshun.Interestinglyenough,hewentmissingoverayearago.Theprevailingthoughtwasthathe’dgoneonthelambecausehisidentityhadbecome

known.Nowwe’rewonderingifAcostahadsomethingtodowithit.”

Kurtmadeamentalnoteofthat.“Whatabouttheothers?”

“WethinkZSumGisshortfor‘zerosumgame,’”Hiramsaid,“atermcommonlyusedineconomicandmarkettheories.Itmeansonesidecanprofitonlyiftheothersidelosesanequalamount.”

“Onewinner,oneloser,”Joesaid.“Nowayforawin-winoutcome.”

“Exactly,”Hiramsaid.“SoZSumGmightbea

financialhacker?”Kurtasked.

“That’sourthought,”Hiramsaid.“Basedontheevidence,ZSumGisbelievedtohavecrackedthesecurityofseveralmajorbanksinthelastfiveyears,stealingmillionsofcreditcard

numbers,identityprofiles,andbankaccountpins.Hethensoldthemtocriminalgroupsaroundtheworld.”

“Soundslikealovelyguy,”Joesaid.

“Orgal,”Hiramsaid.“We’renotsure.Whichbringsustothelastname:Montresor.”

“Whydoesthatsoundfamiliar?”Joeasked.

Kurthadbeenthinkingthesamething.Theanswer

hadcometohimthismorning.“Notkeepinguponyourrequiredreading,”hesaidtohisfriend.

“Iwaittilltheendofsummerbreak,”Joereplied.“AndthenIcramitallinatthelastminute.”

Kurtlaughedlightlyandthenspoke.“‘ThethousandinjuriesofFortunatoIhadborneasbestIcould,’”hesaid.“‘Butwhenheventureduponinsult,Ivowed

revenge.’”“‘TheCaskof

Amontillado,’”HiramexplainedtoJoe.“ThenamecomesfromtheEdgarAllanPoeclassic.”

“Soitcouldbeareferencetorevenge,”Joesuggested.

“Ortohidingthingswheretheycan’tbefound,”Kurtguessed,“thewayMontresorsealedFortunatointhewall.”

“OrhecouldbeItalianandlikeshisredwine,”Hiramsaid.

“MightwanttocheckonGiordino,”Kurtsuggested.

“Don’tthinkwehaven’t,”Pittsaid.“Turnsout,he’sstilltryingtomasterSpaceInvadersonhisCommodore64.Soit’sprobablynothim.”

Kurtsmiled,appreciatingthemomentoflevity,butthefogofwarhadnotlifted.“Sowehavenorealanswers,”he

said,“onlymorequestions.”“WhatabouttheMassif

?”Joeaskedhopefully.“Wetrackedheron

satellite,”Pittsaid.“She’sputintoBandarAbbasforrepairs.Probablyinneedofanewpropellershaft.Butsinceshe’sinIranianwaters,there’snotmuchwecandotogetalookather.”

“I’dguessallthebigshotsonboardarelonggonebynow,”Kurtsaid.

“Whichputsusbacktosquareone,”Pittadded,takingcenterstageagain.“Weknowthere’ssomekindofhackerdreamteamforsaleorrentoutthere,andatleasttwogroupsfightingoverthem.Butwedon’tknowwhy.Andwe’reprettycertainneithergrouparethekindofplayerswe’dliketobeatthemercyof.”

“Thenwehaveonlyonechoice,”Kurtsaid.“Toshort-

circuitboththreatssimultaneously.”

“Andhowdoyouproposetodothat?”Pittasked.

“WegotoSouthKoreaandgetthis‘Americanwoman’andtheotherhackersback.Aslongasthey’reinourhands,noonecanusethemagainstus.”

OnthetopflooroftheNUMAbuildinginWashington,DirkPittandHiramYaegersatononesideofthecommunicationsconsole.KurtandJoehadjustsignedoff.

Pittdecideditwastimetogetthetemperatureofthe

room.“Well,”hesaid,“whatdoyouthink?”

Acrossfromhim,outofsightandsilentduringthecall,satTrentMacDonaldoftheCIA,amannamedSuttonfromtheNSA,andtwoothersfromNUMA:Dr.ElliotSmith,who’dbecomeNUMA’schiefmedicalofficer,andAnnaEricsson.

Pittdidn’tlikespeakingtoKurtwiththeseobserverswatchingfromtheshadows

likesomekindofjudgingcommittee,butconsideringhowthestakeswererising,itneededtobedone.

Dr.Smithspokefirst.“Kurtlooksstable.Hisaffectisnormalandhe’snotreportinganysymptoms.”

“That’sgood,”Pittsaid.Smithgavea

noncommittalshrug.“Itis,exceptthatsymptomslikeKurt’sshouldn’tjustvanishbecausehegotawayfrom

Washington.”“I’vealwaysfound

leavingthisplacecuresafewills,”Yaegeradded,clearlyhopingKurtwasontheroadtorecovery.“Maybe,”Smithsaid,“butnotthekindKurthad.”Pittjumpedin.Hewantedconcretestatements,notvagueassertions.“Meaningwhat?”

“I’dsaywecanexpecthissymptomstoreturnatsomepoint.

Mostlikely,underamomentofextremeduress.”

“Ms.Ericsson?”Pittasked.

“Helookswelltome.Betterthanhedidwhenhewascoopedupbackhere.”

“Whatabouthisstory?”Suttonasked.

“Whataboutit?”Pittsaid.“Seemsalittleodd,don’t

youthink?Hegotonboardtheyacht,foundsomethingextremelyvague,was

attacked,andthenwasrescuedbythisstrangemysterywoman.Hesupposedlygothersatellitephonebutlostit.Gaveusapoordescription.Allthingswehavetotakeonfaith.”

“Youthinkhewasmakingthatup?”

“That’sjustit,”Suttonsaid.“Hewastheonlyonethere.Sowecan’tproveitonewayoranother.”

“Whataboutthecallshe

made?”Pittasked.“We’vebeentryingto

determineifthathappened,”Suttonadmitted.“Noluckyet.”

“Itcouldhavebeenforeignservice,”Hirampointedout,“someoneyoudon’thaveaccessto.”

“Wehaveaccesstoeveryone,”Suttonassuredhim.

“Trustme.”“Whataboutthenamesof

thosehackers?”Pittasked.“Hedidn’tjustpluckthemoutofthinair.”

Suttonshrugged.Hehadnocomebacktothat.

“Nowfortheelephantintheroom,”Pittsaid.“WeknowwhereSuttonstands.Hethinksthisisallonebigdelusion.ButwhatdoesitmeanifKurt’sactuallyontosomething?”

TrentMacDonaldwrunghishandsforasecond.Pitt

notedthattheCIArephadbeenawfullyquiet.

“Trent?”“Ifhe’sontosomething,if

SiennaWestgateisaliveandinthehandsofforeignnationalsorpersonsunknown,thenwemayhaveabiggerproblemthananyofusknow.Attheveryleast,weshouldletKurtcontinueandlookintothisThanRangcharacter.Withalittleprodding,Imightbeableto

pledgesomehelp.WehavealotmoreassetsontheKoreanPeninsulathanwedoinIran.”

Dirknoddedquietly.Hecouldn’trecallatimehe’dgottensomuchcooperationfromtheCIA.HewonderedifithadsomethingtodowithKurt’shistorythereor,forthatmatter,withSienna’s.Athoughtformedinhismind.“IsSiennaWestgatestillworkingfortheCIA?”

MacDonalddidnotreplyimmediately.“Inamannerofspeaking,”hesaidfinally.“SiennalegitimatelylefttheAgencyeightyearsago.Wedidn’twanttoloseherwhenshewentprivate,butwecouldn’tcompetewithaguylikeWestgateandallhehadtooffer.”

“Goon,”Pittsaid.“Shewasbrilliant,”

MacDonaldsaid,noddingtoHiram.“You’veseenher

work.”“Asavant,”Yaegersaid.

“AndImeanthatasthehighestcomplimentIcangive.”

“Exactly,”MacDonaldsaid.“SowemadeadealwithherandWestgate.Wegavethemthebeginningsofourmostadvancedtheoreticalsystemandaskedthemtobuilditintoanunbreakablebarrier.”

“Whichsheturnedinto

Phalanx,”Pittsaid.MacDonaldnodded.“Butyouneverexpected

ittogetoutofthebottle,”Yaegerpointedout.

“No,”MacDonaldsaid.“Andthatpossibilityisdauntingfortworeasons.One,we’regoingtolosealotofintelligence-gatheringabilityiftherestoftheworldco-optsPhalanxandkeepsusfrompryingintotheirsystems.Butthere’sabigger

worry,onewedon’tknowhowtoquantify.”

“Whichis?”“Weallbelievethat

Phalanxisunbreakable.We’veinstalleditoneverythingfromtheDODcomputernetworktotheSocialSecuritydatabase,butnooneknowsasmuchaboutitasSiennaWestgate.Shewastheleaddesigneroftheproject,shewastheonlyoneentrustedwiththetechnology

wegaveher,andshetookittenstepsbeyond.Thatmeanssheknowsitsweaknessesbetterthananyone.Shemightevenhavedesignedabackdoorintothesystemincasesheeverneededtouseit.Wehavenowayofknowing.”

Pittwasbeginningtounderstand.“AndPhalanxisnowprotectingtheentirefederalgovernment.”

MacDonaldnodded.Suttondidlikewise.

“MaybeweshouldpullPhalanxoffactiveduty,”Pittsuggested.

“It’sbeingconsidered,”Suttonsaid.“Butitwouldbeprematureandfoolishtodosobasedonwhatweknowatthispoint.Weneedproofonewayortheotherbeforeweact.”

MacDonaldsummedup.“Idon’tknowifshe’soutthereandinthehandsofourwould-beenemies,”hesaid.

“ButasmuchasIhatetosayit,I’dbealothappierknowingforcertainthatshe’dbeendraggedtothebottomoftheseaanddrowned.”

Ascoldasthestatementwas,Pittunderstoodthethought.“Thenwe’dbettergetateamdowntowhat’sleftofWestgate’ssunkenyacht,”hesaidbluntly.“It’salongshot,consideringtheconditionofthevessel.ButifwefindSienna’sbody,then

youguyscanresteasy.AndIcanbringKurthome.”

TheNUMAvesselCondorsatcalmlyonaglitteringseatwohundredmilesnortheastoftheSouthAfricanportcityofDurban.Thesunwashighaboveandtherewasn’tacloudinthesky.Theseawaslikeglass.

Withnoweatheronthe

horizonandtheautomatedstationsystemholdingtheCondoragainstthecurrentandkeepingheroverthepropercoordinates,therewaslittleactivityonthebridge.

Theaftdeckwasadifferentstory.Adozenmenandwomenwereclusteredaroundapairofdavitsastwinsubmersibleswerebeingreadiedforlaunch.

ThesubswerecalledScarabs,becausethey

resembledthebeetlesofEgyptianlegend.Insteadofnarrowandtube-shaped,likemostsubmersibles,theScarabswereflatandwide.Theyhadalargebulbousfront,madeentirelyofthree-inch-thickclearpolymer,andarearcompartmentthattaperedtoapoint,filledwithequipment,batterypacks,andballasttanks.Thrusterpodshousedinshorttubesoneithersideofthebodylooked

likestubbylegs,andapairoflargemechanicalarmsthatsproutedfrombeneaththenose,carryingsamplingprobesandgrabbingappendages,werereminiscentofabeetle’spincerlikeclaws.

ScarabOnewastheoldermodel,paintedinternationalorange,thecoloroflifejackets.ScarabTwowasbrightyellow,thecolorcommonlyassociatedwithexperimentalsubmersibles.It

hadcomefromthefactoryonlyamonthbefore,equippedwithmorepower,newer,longer-lastingbatteries,andanadvancedtouchscreencontrolsystem.

Standingonedeckabovethebusycrewmen,PaulTroutwatchedwithgreatinterestasthesubswerereadiedforoperations,thoughhehadnointentionofgoingdownineitherofthem.

Paulwasthesizeand

shapeofaprofessionalbasketballplayer,thoughevenhewouldadmitnotascoordinatedorathleticallygifted.WhathelackedinsportingskillsPaulmadeupforwithabrilliantmind.Agiftedgeologist,heandhiswife,Gamay,wereoftencalledontorunNUMA’smostimportantscientificstudies.Whileheexcelledingeology,GamayhadaPh.D.inmarinebiologyandhad

madeseveralimportantdiscoveriesofpreviouslyunknownspecies.

Paulrealizedthislatestmissionwouldnotoffersuchapositivefind.

“Hey,Paul,caretojoinme?”

TheshoutcamefromWilliam“Duke”Jennings,oneofNUMA’smostexperiencedsubmersiblepilots.

“Nothanks,”Paulsaid.“I

prefersomethingwithlotsofheadroom.Orevenaconvertible,butthat’snotgoingtoworkathousandfeetunder.”

“Goodpoint,”Dukesaid.Hisnexttargetwasoneofthemoreshapelywomenondeck.“Whataboutit,Elena?Roomfortwointhere.Can’tbeattheview.”

Bythat,everyoneknewDukewasreferringtohimself.Dukelookedlikea

surfer:youngandmuscular,withbronzedskinandamaneofblondhair.Evennow,hehadhisshirtoff.Hewashumorousandcockyandprettygoodateverythinghedidtobackitup.

“Nothanks,”Elenaresponded.“I’dratherbeinaphoneboothwithanamorousoctopus.”

Dukefeignedgraveinjury.“Whereareyougoingtofindaphonebooththese

days?”Asthecrewcontinued

working,thehatchswungopenbehindPaul.Gamaysteppedthrough,headedforhisside.

Fivefootten,withhairthecolorofredwine,andsmoothpaleskin,Gamaywasanathleteandinfantasticshape.Shehadasharpwitthatwasusuallyusedinjest,thoughyoudidn’twanttobeonherbadside,asshedidn’t

sufferfoolslightly.“Iseewe’realmost

ready,”shesaid.“Justabout,”Paulsaid.

“Thinkwe’regoingtofindanythingdownthere?”

“Idon’tknow,”Gamaysaid.“Butlookatthis.”

Shehandedhimaprintoutfromthemultibeamsonarscan.ItshowedtheEthernetlyingontheseaflooreighthundredfeetbelow.Theywerelucky.Theshiphad

landedonashelfthatstuckoutlikeasubmergedpeninsulainthedeeperwatersoftheMozambiqueChannel.Tenmilesineitherdirectionandshe’dbesittingunderfourthousandfeetofwater.

Paulnoticedsomethingmoresignificantalmostimmediately.“She’sinonepiece,”hesaid.“Kurtwastoldtheshiphadbrokenupintoseveralsectionsonthe

waydown.Noneofuseverquestionedit.”

“Iwonderwherehegothisinformation,”Gamayreplied.

“Orwhohadsenthimtheincorrectinformation,”Paulasked.

“ItalkedwithMs.Ericsson,”shesaid.“Ifthesubconsciouspartofhismindisrunningwithafantasyordelusion,itwilldoeverythingitcantokeepthestoryalive.

Knowingtheshipdidn’tbreakupwouldmeanthetaskofconfirmingthetruthwaseasilydonebysearchingher.”

“Thenitwaseasyforhimtotakethereportatfacevalue.Thedelusioncouldn’tallowthattohappen,”Paulguessed.

“I’mtoldit’sfairlycommon.”

Paulfeltaknotinhisstomach.Itwashardtofathomoneofthepeoplehe

admiredmostcouldbeoffhisgamesobadly.Itmadehimallthemoredeterminedthattheyshouldfindtheanswer.

“Let’sgetthisshowontheroad,”hesaid.

Gamaynoddedandmadeherwaytothestairs.“I’llbeinScarabOne.”

“I’llmonitoryoufromthecontrolroom,”Paulsaid.“Becareful.”

Hegaveherakissandlethergo.AsGamaymadeher

waydowntotheaftdeck,Paultookalonglookaround.Hesawnothingbutthepeacefulseainalldirections.Hopingitwouldstaythatway,hesteppedinside.

WithScarabOnereadytobehoisted,Gamayclimbedinandtookaseatontheright-handside.ToherleftsatElenaVasquez,thesubmersible’spilot.Elena

waspetite,withshortblackhairandamocha-coloredcomplexion.AformerNavydiver,shewasarecentadditiontoNUMA.

WhileElenadrovethesub,Gamaywouldhandletheunderseacommunicationsandoperatethemechanicalarms,whichwereoutfittedwithcuttingtools,includingacetylenetorchesandacircularsawwithadiamond-tippedcarbonsteelblade.It

couldcutthroughtwo-incharmorplatewithease.Attachedtotheotherarmwasasmallhydraulicwedge,somethingliketheJawsofLifethatparamedicsusedtopryopenmangledcarsonthehighway.

Theplanwassimple:Cutopenthesideofthehull,sendaremote“swimming”cameraintotheship,andlookforthebodies.

Gamayputonaheadset

andranthroughherchecklist.Elenadidthesamefromhercommandseat.

“Myboardisgreen,”Elenasaid.

“Minetoo,”Gamayreplied.Shespokeintotheheadset’smicrophone.“ScarabOnereadytogo.Putusinthewater.”

Thehydraulicsofthecranewentintoactionandtheeighttoncraftwasliftedfromthedeckandcarriedoverthe

sideoftheCondor.Withcarefulprecision,itwasloweredintothewaitingsea.

Aloudclankingsoundandthefeelingofthecraftsettlingtoldthemthesubmersiblehadbeenreleased.

“ScarabOne,you’reclearoftheboom.Turningyouovertocontrol.”

Withthat,Paul’svoicecameontheradio.“You’recleartodive.”

Secondslater,Duke’svoicecameovertheheadsetwithmockindignation.“You’recuttinginline,ScarabOne.Iwassupposedtogofirst.”“Yousnooze,youlose,”Gamayreplied.

Elenachuckled.“Girlsrule,boysdrool,”sheaddedovertheradio.“Deployingcommunicationsbeacon.Seeyouonthebottom.”

Withacalmhand,Elena

flickedthroughaseriesofswitches.Airbegantoventfromthesub’sballasttanks,andthegreenseawaterswirleduparoundtheclearcockpit,soonengulfingthem.

Elenaengagedthethrusters.Withincrediblesmoothness,theorangevehiclebeganthelongdive.Itwouldbenearlythirtyminutesbeforethebottomwouldbevisible.

Gamayswitchedthe

exteriorlightsonastheypassedtwohundredfeet.Atadepthofalmosteighthundredfeet,theseafloorcameintoview.

“ScarabOneonthefloor,”Gamaysaid.Herradiocallwastransmittedupafiber-opticcablenothickerthanamonofilamentfishinglinetoasmallbuoyatthesurface.ThebuoyhadanantennathatrelayedthesignaltotheCondor.

“Proceedingtothewrecksite.”

Momentslater,thewreckcameintoview.TheEthernetwassittingonitskeelinthesilt,almostperfectlyupright.Therewassomecrushingdamagenearthebowasshe’dclearlyhitnosefirst,butlittleelseseemeddamaged.

“Wehaveherinsight,”Gamayreplied.“Frontendlookslikeanaccordion,topsideexternalstructures

seemfine.Radarmastandantennasaremissing.But,otherthanthat,shelookslikeshe’sondisplayataboatshow.”

AstheycircledaroundtheportsideoftheEthernet,Gamaycaughtsightoflightsdroppingdownthroughtheblackwateronthestarboardside.“Duke,isthatyou?OrarewebeingvisitedbyUFOs?”“Youcanallrelax,”he

replied.“TheDukeisonthejob.”

Gamayrolledhereyes.“Gladyoucouldjoinus.We’llworktheportside,youworkthestarboard.Thatway,wekeepourcommlinesfromgettingtangled.”

“Rogerthat,”Dukereplied.

ElenaturnedtoGamay.“Wheredoyouwanttostart?”“Let’sgoinuptop,”Gamaysaid.“That’swhere

Westgatesaidhiswifeandkidswerewaiting.It’salsowhereKurtmayormaynothaveseenthem.”

Elenanoddedandrotatedthethrusters.TheScarabroseupalongthesideofthehull,movingslowlytowardtheshatteredwindowsofthebridge.

“Wecouldputthecamerainthroughthewindow,”Elenasuggested.

“Idon’tlikethelookof

allthatglass,”Gamaysaid.“Ifitcutsthewire,we’lllosetheswimmer.Let’spullthedooroff.”

Elenanoddedandoperatedthecontrolcolumnandthrustleverwiththeskillofafighterpilot.

Shefocusedoneofthespotlightsonthehatch.Itwasslightlyajar.WhenElenabroughttheScarabincloseenough,Gamaywasabletograspitwithoneofthesub’s

claws.Afewpullstoldheritwasstuck.

“We’regoingtohavetocutitloose,”shesaid.

Thesubbegandriftingback.

“We’recaughtinacrosscurrentswirlingoverthesuperstructure,”Elenaexplained.

“Canyoucompensate?”“Withease.”Astheyrepositioned,

Duke’svoicecameoverthe

radio.“Thissideisinfairlygoodshape.Nosignofdamagethatcouldn’tbeattributedtohittingthebottom.Continuinginspection.”

BynowElenahadrepositionedthesub,andGamaywasreadywiththecuttingtorch.

Withasnapandsizzle,theacetylenetorchflaredtolife.Astreamofbubblesflowedtowardthesurface.

Theycutthroughthehingesandgraspedthedoorwiththegripperhandle.Withalightpull,Gamaydrewtheheavysteeldoorbackandittoppledslowlyontothedeckwithamutedthump.

“Releasingcamera,”Gamaysaid.

InamomenttheScarab’slittleswimmingcamerawasheadinginsidethesunkenyacht.Ithaditsownspotlightandpowersourcebutwas

tetheredtotheScarabbyathinfiber-opticlinethroughwhichthecamerafeedwasrelayed.

“Thebridgeisfilledwithdebris,”shenoted.Shedirectedthecameratopanandscanandsoontheyhadathree-sixtyswathofeverythingonthebridge.Theglasswall—whichKurthadseen—wasstillinplace,thoughitwascoveredwithanetworkofcracks.

“LookslikeaPennsylvaniaroadmap,”shenoted.

Betweenthedamageandthethinfilmofslimethathadgrownuponit,theycouldnotseethroughit.

“Havetogoaround,”Gamaysaid.

Anopenhatchwaysuggestedapossibleroute,andGamaysentthecamerainthatdirection.

“Weirdthatallthe

hatchesareopen.”ThiscamefromPaul,whowasseeingthesamevideofeedastheywere.“Consideringthattheshipwasindistressandgoingdown,allthewatertightdoorsshouldhavebeenshut.”

AsGamaydirectedthesmallcameratowardthehatch,Dukechimedin.

“Gotsomethingoverhere,Condor.Seacocksfortheenginecoolingsystemappeartobeopen.”

“Iftheshipwastakingonwater,thoseshouldhavebeenclosedaswell,”Gamayreplied.

“Mythoughtsexactly,”Dukesaid.“Headingtothestern.”

Gamayguidedthecameraintothemainsalon.Shecouldn’tbringherselftohopethey’dfindadrownedwomanandherchildren.Notevenifitmeanttheendofthemystery.

“Scopingoutthesalonnow,”shesaid.

Likethebridge,themainsalonwasfilledwithdebris.Theheavieritemsremainedonthefloor.Thebuoyantitems—cushions,lifevests,plasticbottles,andbins—floatedaroundtheceiling.Shehadtoguidethecamerabeneaththem,likeflyingunderacloudlayer.

Fortunately,theyweredeepenoughthatlittlealgae

couldgrow,buttherewasplentyofsiltinthewater,courtesyoftheMozambiquecurrentandthe“snow”fallingfromabove.Anddespitethefactthatthecamera’sthrustersweretiny,theystirreditupwitheachmaneuver.

Dukecameonthelineagain.“Gotagapingholeatthesternend.”

“Impactorexplosion?”Paulaskedfromabove.

“I’dsayneither,”Dukereplied.“Theedgesaretoosharp.Italmostlookslikeanentireplateismissingfromthehull.I’lldeploythecameraandsendupsomeprettypics.”

Gamaylistenedtothechatterbutconcentratedonthetaskathand.Havingreachedthefarcorner,sheturnedthecameraaroundforanotherruntothefrontofthesalon.

“Goingidleforaminute,”shesaid.“Themaincabinisgettingcloudedbysilt.Ineedtoletitsettle.”

Asshewaitedforthewatertoclear,Duke’svoicecamebackovertheradio.“Somethingoddhere.I’veputthecamerainthroughtheholeonwhatI’mfairlycertainisdecknumbertwo.Shouldbeaftstaterooms.Instead,it’slikesomekindofequipmentbay.”

“Betterchecktheschematics,”Elenasaid.“KnowingDuke,he’scutintothewrongdeck.”

Gamaytappedthecomputerscreeninfrontofherandbroughtupthestructuraldrawingsoftheship.NUMAhaddownloadedthemfromthemanufacturer.Itshowedastoreroomabovethekeel,thencabinsondecktwo,thenaloungeatthetop.

“There’sacradlein

here,”Dukesaid.“It’sfairlystrongrigging.Clearlydesignedtosupportsomethingheavy.Iseeawatertightdooratthefarend.There’ssomethingwrittenonthedoor.Tryingtogetcloseenoughtoreadit.”

Stillwaitingforthesiltinthemaincabintosettle,GamayswitchedtothevideofeedfromDuke’scamera.ThelenswasfacingawayasDukeusedthethrustersto

blasttheslimefromthewatertightdoorhe’dfound.

Whenhespunthecamerabackaroundandpointedittowardthedoor,Gamaycouldseeagraybulkheadofheavysteel.Yellowchevronscutacrossitlikewarningsigns.Beneaththechevronsweretwowords.

“‘SurvivalPod,’”Gamaysaid,readingaloud.“Theshiphasbeenmodifiedsinceitleftthebuilder.”

“I’veheardaboutthose,”Elenasaid.“Justlikesomecelebritieshavepanicroomswheretheycanhidefromstalkersorthezombieapocalypse,someofthesebigwigshaveoutfittedtheirshipswith‘escapepods’and‘panicboats.’Theownersclimbin,sealthedoor,andejectfromthesinkingship.”

“Thatexplainsthesmoothoutlineofthehole,”Dukesaid.“Lookslikeapanelwas

blownoutwithexplosivebolts.”

Gamaynodded.“Oncethey’refree,thepodcaneitherfloatorsubmergeuptoahundredfeet.Deepenoughtokeepthemoutofthereachofpiratesorterrorists.Ortorideouttheworststormimaginable.Dependingonhowmanyoccupants,theymighthaveaweekofsuppliesandatleastadayortwoofoxygen.Theycallfor

helpwiththesamekindofbuoytransmitterwe’reusingandeitherCoastGuardorcontractedsecuritycompaniescomeinandscoopthemup.”

Paulbrokein.“Soiftheyachthadone,whydidn’tWestgateandhisfamilyuseit?”

“Maybehecouldn’tgettoit,”Dukesuggested.“Maybethelowerdeckswereflooded.”

“Someonegottoit,”Gamaypointedout.

“Maybesomeothercrewmembers.”

“Sowherearethey?”Elenaasked.

Gamayfeltachillonherneck.“Maybesomething’sgoingonhereafterall.”

“Hatetobeawetblanket,”Paulsaid,“butanynumberofthingscouldexplainthemissingpod,includingamalfunction,or

sometypeofautorelease.Supposetheshipgoesbeyondacertainstate,likebeingsubmerged?Let’snotgetourselvesallworkedupjustyet.”

“Myhusband,”Gamaysaid.“Thevoiceofreason.I’llmakesuretorepeatthosewordstoyounexttimeyourRedSoxareblowingaleadinthebottomoftheninth.”

“Aslongasit’snotagainsttheYankees.”

Gamaysmiledandswitchedbacktothefeedfromherowncamera.Thesilthadcleared.Shemadealastlapinthemainsalon,movingslowly,tryingnottomissanything.

Shewasabouttoexhalewhenshecaughtsightofahandfloatinglimplybeyondsomeroughlypiledfurniture.“Damn.”

“What’swrong?”Paulasked.

“IthinkI’vefoundsomeone.”

“Idon’tseeanythingonthescreen,”Paulsaid.

“Holdon,”shesaid.“Lookslikeeverythingthatwasn’tnailedortieddownslidforwardandtoonesideastheyachtsank.Ihavetomaneuveraroundapileofjunk.”

Withherheartracingmorethanshe’dcaretoadmit,Gamaybroughtthe

cameraaroundthepileoffurnitureandfocusedthesmallfloodlightuntiltheimageresolved.Andshecouldclearlyseeabody,bloatedbythewaterandtrappedbythepiledfurniture,comeintoview.

“Ihatetosayit,”Elenawhispered,“butthatmandidn’tdrown.”

“Nope,”Gamayagreed.“Bythelookofthings,henevergotthechance.”

Despitethedamagingeffectsofthesaltwater,threebulletholesinhischestwereclearlyvisible.

Eighthundredfeetabovethesunkenyacht,PaulstaredatacomputerscreenthatwasdisplayingtheviewfromGamay’scamera.

Thebulletwoundswereunmistakable.

Pressingabutton,hefrozetheimageande-mailed

itdirectlytoDirkPitt.Hepulledthefreestanding

microphoneclosertohismouth.“Keepsearching,”hesaid.“Bemeticulous.Thisisnolongerarecoverymission.It’snowacrimescene.”

Dukerepliedquickly.ThecallfromGamaywasalittlegarbled.

“Sayagain,ScarabOne?”ThistimePaulheardeven

less.Aburstofstaticcamefromthespeakerandthena

squeal,sharpenoughtohurthisears.

Paulclickedthetransmitbutton.“Gamay,doyouread?”

Hewaited.“Gamay?Elena?”Hecalledacrossthe

controlroomtoanothermemberoftheteam.“Oscar,doyouhavetheirtelemetry?”

Oscarwasflickingthroughscreensofhisown.“Nothing,”hesaid.“I’m

gettingasignalfromthebuoy,butnodatafromScarabOne.”

Paulgrabbedthemicrophoneagain.“Duke,doyoureadme?”

“Loudandclear.”“We’velosttelemetry

fromElenaandGamay.Itmightjustbethewire,butcanyougetoverthereandcheck?”

“Onmyway”cameDuke’sfirmreply.

Paultriednottoworry.ThefilamentlinkingthebuoytotheScarabwasextremelythin,andtheconnectorsoftenhadproblems,buthedidn’tlikelosingcontactwithhiswifewhentherewaseighthundredfeetofcrushingwaterbetweenthem.

Pauldrummedhisfingersonthedeskashewaited.Hetappedtherefreshkeyonthecomputer,hopingthedatafromGamay’ssubwouldpop

uponceagain.Itdidn’t.“Comeon,Duke,”he

whisperedtohimself.“Let’snotdawdle.”

Aflutterranthroughthescreen,andPaulhopedtheimagewasabouttoreappear.Instead,thescreenfrozeandwentblack.

“Whatintheworld...”Atthesametime,the

overheadlightswentdark.Allaround,thelittlegreenLEDsonthecomputertowers

andkeyboardswentout.AndPaulcouldhearthesoundoftheventilatingsystemshuttingdown.

Agroupofbattery-poweredemergencylightscameon.

“What’shappening?”Oscarcalledfromtheothersideoftheconsole.

Paullookedaround.Withoutthefansblowing,theairwentstill.Heclickedthemicrophonetransmitbuttona

fewtimes,buttonoavail.“Lookslikesomeoneforgottopaytheelectricbill.”

WiththeACunitsoff,itgotstuffyinthetinycontrolroomveryquickly.

Paulsteppedovertotheintercom,butittoowasdead.Hecrackedthedoor.Thegangwaywasdark.“Stayhere,”hesaidtoOscar.“I’mgoingtofindoutwhat’sgoingon.”

Paulslippedthroughthe

dooranddownthehall.Asidefromtheemergencylights,everycompartmentwasdark.Theengineswereoff.Theshipwasdeadinthewater.

Heclimbedaladderamidshipsandenteredthebridge.Onlythehelmsmanwasthere.

“What’sgoingon?”“Power’soutalloverthe

ship.”“Icanseethat,”Paulsaid.

“Doesanyoneknowwhy?”

“Cap’nwenttocheckwiththechief,”thehelmsmansaid.“Mainelectricalbuswentout.Followedbythebackup.Allsystemsaredead.”

Paulwasabouttoturnandheadforengineeringwhenhefeltasubtlevibrationtravelthroughthehull.Theenginesandauxiliarypowerunitwerecomingbackon.“Thankgoodnessforsmallfavors,”

hemuttered.Hewenttotheintercom.

Itwasstillout.Sowastheradio.Heflickedthelightswitch.Nothing.

AsPaulwonderedwhy,henoticedtheCondorwasbeginningtomove.Notjustholdingstationinthecurrentbutaccelerating.Hesteppedtothecommandconsole.Therewaspowerforthedisplay,butasthehelmsmantappedvariousiconsonthe

screennothinghappened.Theshipbegantoturn,

healingoverasiftherudderhadbeendeflectedallthewaytothestops.

“It’snotme,”thehelmsmaninsisted.Hewasholdingthesmallwheelthatcontrolledtherudderdeadcenter.

Theshipcontinuedtoaccelerate,straighteningoutandheadingduesouth.Theycontinuedtopickupspeed.In

amomenttheshipwasrunningflatout,racingacrosstheglassyseaandcuttingawhiteswathawayfromthetwosubmersiblesandthewreckbelow.

Awarninglightontheconsoleshowedthepropellerrpm’sreachingmaximumandgoingbeyond.“Youhavetoreducespeed,”Paulurged.

“I’mtrying,”thehelmsmansaid.“Nothing’sworking.”

Therpm’swerealreadythreepercentbeyondtheredline.“Whyisn’tthelimitercuttingin?”

Anothercrewmanjoinedthemonthebridgeandwenttothecircuitbreakerpanel.

“Hittheoverride,”Paulshouted.“Emergencystop.”

ThehelmsmandidasPaulordered.Heslammedhispalmontotheyellow-and-redemergencystopbuttonthatactedastheoverride.The

shipcontinuedtochargesouth.

ItdawnedonPaulthattheoverridewasjustanotherbuttontotellthecomputertostopdoingwhateveritwasdoing.Butifthesystemwasfaultyorhadbeencorrupted,therewasnoreasontoexpecttheoverridetobeworkingcorrectly.

Withtherpm’sstillclimbing,ashaftfailurewaspossible,orevenbearing

failureintheenginesthemselves.

“Keeptrying,”Paulsaid.“I’mheadedtotheengineroom.”FromherseatinthecockpitofScarabOne,GamaycontinuedtransmittingtotheCondor.“Paul,doyoureadme?Comein,Condor?”

Withnoluck,shetriedcontactingDukeinScarabTwo.“Duke,how’syourradio?”

Therewasnoresponse.But,secondslater,ScarabTwoappeared,risingoverthefarsideofthewrecklikethesuncomingup.Gamaysawthethrustersalignwiththebody,andtheyellowsubmersiblebegantocometheirway.Itmovedslowly,itslightsaimedoddlydownwardtowardthewreckinsteadofforward.

“Theradiomustbeout,”GamaysaidtoElena.

“I’llflashhim,”Elenasaid.

“Ibethe’sbeendreamingaboutthat,”Gamayjoked.

Elenasmiledandbegantotogglethelights,tappingoutaquickmessageinMorsecode:Radioout.ScarabTwocontinuedtheirway.Iteasedoverthesuperstructureofthesunkenyachtandbegandescendingtowardthem.Thelightsfinallycameupandfocusedonthem,butthere

wasnoflashedmessageinresponse.

Elenashieldedhereyes.“Thanksforblindingus,Duke.”

“He’scominginawfullyfast,”Gamaysaid.

“Toofast,”Elenasaid.Withaflickofherwrist,sheputthethrustersinreverseandtriedtobackoutoftheway,butDuke’ssubboredownonthematfullspeedandrammedthem,cockpitto

cockpit.Itwasaglancingblow,buttheywereknockedsidewaysjustthesame.Gamayfeltherselfthrownaboutintheseat.

“Whatiswrongwithhim?”Elenablurtedout,strugglingtogetcontrol.

Gamaylookedaround.Therewerenoleaksthatshecouldsee.Nocracks.TheScarabswerecertifiedtodepthsoftwothousandfeet—theirhullswereimmensely

strong—butthebumpercarexperiencewasoneshe’dratherhaveondrygroundinanamusementpark.

Shelookedoutthroughthecleardomeofthecockpit.ScarabTwowasturningaroundandcomingbacktheirway,movingevenfasterthistime.

“Something’snotright,”shesaid.

“Whatisit?”“Idon’tknow,”Gamay

said.“Go.Justgo!”Elenaslammedthe

throttlesforwardandpushedthecontrolcolumndownandtoport.TheyellowshapeofDuke’scraftracedoverheadandturnedbacktotheleft.

“Whatishedoing?”Elenaasked.“Hashelosthismind?”

“Ihavenoidea,”Gamaysaid.“Justkeepusmoving.”

“I’vegotthethrottlesfullopen,”Elenasaid.“But

Duke’sinanewerride,withupgradedthrustersandnewerbatteries.Ihatetosayitbutwe’reoutclassed.”

Gamaycouldseethatplainly.ThistimeDukesideswipedthemandtriedtoforcethemintothehulloftheEthernet.

Elenareversedthrustandtheorangesubmersibleslowed.Dukeshotpastonceagain.

“Nowwhat?”

“Takeusup.”“He’llcatchusifwetry

tosurface.”“Notalltheway,”Gamay

said.“Justovertotheothersideofthewreck.”

Elenatwistedthecontrolcolumnupwardandthethrusterspivotedintoaverticalposition.Thesubroseup,clearedthesuperstructure,andspedacrossit.Assoonastheyhittheotherside,Elenapushedthecolumnforward

andforcedthesubdownbehindtheyacht’sstern,tuckingthemintoaspotattherearsectionofthehull.

“Dousethelights!”Gamaysaid,flickingaseriesofswitchesonherside.

Elenareachedforwardandswitchedoffthemainfloodsandthesubwasplungedintoutterdarkness.Gamaysighed.“Now,holdyourbreath,”shesaid.“Andhopehedoesn’tfindus.”

Uponthesurface,ontheracingvessel,Pauldroppedontothemaindeckandsprintedaft.TheCondorwaschargingacrossthewaterlikeathree-thousand-tonspeedboat,allbutplaningacrossthesea.

Halfwaytotheengineroom,hefoundthecaptain,whowasrushingforwardtothebridge.

“WhatinthenameofPoseidonaretheydoingup

there?”thecaptainshouted.“It’snotthecrew,”Paul

said.“Something’swrongwiththesystem.”

“Ishouldhaveknownbetterthantoacceptashipcontrolledbycomputers,”thecaptainsaid.

“Wehavetogetbacktotheengineroom,”Paulsaid.“She’sover-revving.We’llblowoutthepropulsionunitsifwedon’tshutthemdown.”

Thecaptainturnedaround

andranwithPaultotheaftendoftheship.Theyduckedinsideandtookaladderdowntotheenginecompartment.Thenoisewasear-shatteringandverbalcommunicationwasallbutimpossible.

Theyfoundthechiefandanothermemberofthecrewtryingdesperatelytoslowtheenginesdown.Thecaptainmadeacuttingmotionacrosshisneck.

Thechiefshookhishead.

“Whataboutthefuelpumps?!”Paulshoutedatthetopofhislungs.

Theylookedathim.Heleanedcloser.“Fuel

pumps!Theremustbeanemergencyshutoffincaseoffire!”

Thechiefnoddedandwavedforthemtofollow.Likemanymodernships,theCondorwaspowerednotbyheavydieselenginesbutbyahigh-techgasturbinesystem.

Essentially,ajetengineconnectedtoheavyreductiongearingandthentothepropellershaftorshafts.

Astheyputabulkheadbetweenthemandtheturbines,thesoundlessenedjustenoughthatshoutedcommunicationscouldbeheard.

“Therearetwoturbines,”thechiefsaid.“Twofuelpumps.Climbthathalfladderandreachinbehindthe

gauges.Theredleverwillshutoffthefuel.I’llhandlethestarboardpump.Youtaketheport.”

Paulnoddedandwenttotheladder.Theshipwasshudderingandbuckingwiththespeed.Theheatfromtheturbineswaslikeablastfurnace.Withsweatpouringintohiseyes,Paulclimbedupandfoundtheinstrumentcluster.Henoticedtherpmindicatoratonehundred

thirty-ninepercent.Wellabovetheredline.

Withoutdelay,hespiedtheemergencyshutofflever,grabbedit,andyankeditdownhard.

Thefuelcutoutandtheturbineinstantlybeganarapiddeceleration.Itwasmorethanthereductiongearingcouldhandle.

Withaloudbangandtheshriekoftearingmetal,somethingmajorblewapart

inthesystem.Paulfoundhimselfdivingforthedeckandcoveringhisheadasshrapnelflewthroughthecompartment.

Thehurtlingmissilesofsteelcutapartseveralcablesandacoolantline.Steamcameblastingoutandfilledthecompartment.

Paullookedupasthecommotiondied.Hecouldfeeltheshipslowingevenasthecompartmentfilledwith

steam.Hegottohisfeet,drenchedinsweat,andmadehiswaybacktowherethecaptainandthechiefhadbeen.Thecaptainwasontheground,anasty-lookinggashonhislegbleedingbadly.

“Getmeup,”thecaptainordered,holdingthewound.“Ineedtoseeifwe’reallright.”

Paulhelpedthecaptaintohisfeet.Thechiefpushedthehatchesopentohelpclearthe

room.Theshipwascoasting.“We’redefinitelycoming

toastop,”Paulsaid.“Whathappened?”the

captainasked.“Somethingwentwrong

inthemastercontrolunit,”Paulsaid.“Itcamealiveonitsownandwouldn’trespond.We’redealingwithpeoplewhoknowhowtohackcomputers.Andthisshipisoneofthenewestin

thefleet.It’sbasicallyonebigcomputer.”

Thecaptainnoddedweakly,gettingwhiterbythesecond.“Ripoutallthecomputersandpullthecircuitbreakers.We’llrowthisship,ifwehaveto,butI’mnotlosingcontrolofmyvesselagain.”

Downbelow,GamayTroutgazedintothedarknessasthesuperstructureofthewreckbecameasilhouette,backlitbythefloodlightsofDuke’ssub.Itwasaneeriesightanditsentachilldownherspine.ShenoticedElena’shandsonthethrottle.

“Holdon,”shesaid.Fromthedarkness,

ScarabTwoappeared,cruisingovertheEthernetlikesomepredatoryfish.

“He’sfollowingourlastheading,”Elenanoted.

Gamaywatchedastheglowingorbsurroundingtheyellowsubcontinuedtotrackawayfromthem.Itwaslikewatchingaspaceshipcrosssomevoidinthedepthsofthegalaxy.Therewasnoframe

ofreference.Theseafloorwasblack,thewateraroundthemintothedistancewasblack.Directlyabovewasblack.Thoughitwasbroaddaylightatthesurfacewithacloudlesssky,nolightcouldpenetratethisdeep.

EventhelightsfromDuke’ssubmersiblefadedasheheadedintothedark.Afterseveralminutes,theytoovanished,swallowedupbythedepths.

“Wheredoyousupposehe’sgoing?”Elenaasked.

“Lookingforus,”Gamaybegan.“Why?Idon’tknow.Thisdoesn’tmakeanysense.”

“Somethingbigisgoingonhere,”Elenasaid.

“Seemsthatway.”“Ishouldhaveknown,”

Elenasaid.“WhentheSpecialProjectsDivisiongetsinvolved,it’susuallytrouble.Atleastthat’swhatthe

scuttlebuttis.”Gamaycouldnot

disagree.“Toomuchexcitementfor

me,”Elenasaid.“Metoo,”Gamayreplied.

“Metoo.”“Shallwesurface?”“Canyoudoitwithout

thelights?”“Withease.”Gamaytookonelastlook

intothedark.“Let’sgo.IwanttowarnPaulandthe

othersassoonaspossible.”Elenaaddedsomepower

andtheinteriordisplaylituptoshowthethrusterlevels.Sheeasedthemawayfromtheyachtandwasrotatingthethrusterswhenasetofblindinglightscameon,aimedrightintothecockpit.Thefourlightssurgedtowardthemliketheeyesofsomeunderseamonster.Ahideousscrapingsoundassaultedtheirearsasthegrapplingarmsof

Duke’sScarabclampedontothemlikegreatclaws.

Gamaygrabbedherowncontrolsandtriedtousethearmsoftheirsubmersibleindefense.

Butbeforeshecoulddomuch,Dukehadgraspedoneofthearmsandattackeditwiththerotarysaw.Itsnappedoffinseconds,andGamaywasleftfightingwithonlyonearm.“Usethetorch,”Elenashouted.

GamayignitedtheiracetylenetorchandbroughtitdownonDuke’scockpit,planningtoburnaholeinthebubblelikecanopy.Tohersurprise,shesawDuke’sfaceinthelightandhelookedterrified.HehelduphishandsevenashismachinecontinuedtoshovetheolderScarabbackward.

“It’snothim,”Gamayshouted.“He’snotincontrol.”

InsteadoftorchingaholeinthecockpitandkillingDuke,shemovedthearmtothesideandtriedtocutoffoneofhisthrusters.Atalmostthesameinstant,theywerepushedintothewreckandtheirownportthrusterwasbentandrenderedinoperative.

Duke’ssubnowhadatleasttwicetheirpower.

“He’spinningusdown,”Elenashouted.

“I’mtellingyou,it’snothim,”Gamayreplied.

SheextendedthetorchandbeganburningoffoneofDuke’sthrusters,butthecircularsawfromDuke’ssubshotforward.Itskippedupthecockpitglass,leavinganuglyscar,andbegangrindingontheirback.

Thehosestotheiracetylenetorchwereslicedthroughandthesubwasinstantlysurroundedbya

whirlwindofbubblesthatignited.FireengulfedbothScarabsastheybattledinthedeep.

Inthegarishillumination,GamaysawDukegetupfromhisseatwithablackcrescentwrenchinhishand.Hewasslammingitagainstthecomputerconsole,smashingthecontrolunit.Afterathirdorfourthhit,thelightsonhissubwentoutandtheturbulenceofthebattle

ceased.Thesubs,lockedtogether

andenvelopedinbubblesandflame,fellslowlytotheseafloor.Theyhitthesiltandwerestill.Amomentlater,theacetylenetankswerefullyventedandthefireburnedout.

Theworldbecameutterlydark.Gamayflickedafewswitches.

“Hecutourpowerlines,”Elenasaid.“Orhissubdid,”

sheadded,correctingherself.Gamayfoundaflashlight

andswitchediton.Amazingly,therewerenoleaksinthecabinyet.Shenarrowedthebeamandheldittothewindow.ItcastjustenoughlighttoseetheyellownoseofScarabTwo.

Usingtheflashlightlikeasemaphore,shetappedoutamessagetoDuke.Areyouallright?

Afewsecondslater,a

responsecame.Sorry,ladies,Idon’tknowwhathappened.

GamayrealizedwhatPaulhadalsodiscerneduponthesurface.They’dbeenhacked.Duke’snewersubwasthetarget.Itstouchscreencontrolsystemmadeitvulnerable,unliketheolderScarabwithitsmanualhydraulicsystems.

Itseemsyou’vebeenhacked,Gamayrepliedwiththelight.

AsDuke’sreplycamein,

Gamayreaditaloud.“‘Nothinglefttohacknow.I’vesmashedeverythinginsightandrippedoutallthewires...Don’tsupposethey’lltakethisoutofmypaycheck,doyou?’”

Gamaysmiled.AndElenashookherheadasshegrinned.

“Canwesurface?”GamayaskedElena.

“Wehavenopower,butwecanblowouttheballast

tanks,”shesaid.“Dukeshouldbeabletodothesame.”

Gamaynoddedandtappedoutthethought.

Therewasadelayinresponding,andtheycouldseeDukemovingaroundinthecockpit,usinghisflashlighttocheckreadingsonthefewanaloggaugesstillpresentinthenewScarab.Heseemedtospendalotoftimeattheaftwall.

“What’shechecking?”“Theemergencyair

valve,”Elenasaid,pointingtoagaugeandvalveinthesamespotontheirsub.

AfraidIwon’tbemakingthetrip,Dukesignaled.Seemsyou’vecutintomycompressedairtank.Notenoughlefttogainpositivebuoyancy.Yougalswillhavetogoupfirstandthencomebackandgetme.

Howmuchairdoyou

have?Fivehours’worth.Plus

what’sleftinthecabin.“Shouldbeplentyof

time,”Elenasaid.Gamayagreed.Allthey

hadtodowasgetacabledownhereandtheycouldusetheCondor’swinchtohaulDukebacktothesurface.

“GoodthingPauldidn’tjoinhim,”Gamaysaid.“He’dhavehalfasmuchair.”

“Andyou’dbetwiceas

worried.”Thatwastrue,though

GamaywasworriedenoughforDukeasitwas.Shetappedoutanewmessage.

We’regoingup.Hopeyoucanstandbeingrescuedbyacoupleofgirls.

IfitmeansIgettoseethesunlightagain,I’llwearawomen’slibT-shirtfortherestofthetrip.

“That,I’dliketosee,”Elenasaid,puttingherhand

onthereleasevalve.“Preparetoblowtanks.”

Goodluck,Gamaysignaled.

Youtoo.Withthat,Elenaturned

thevalve.Aturbulenthissingsoundfollowedashigh-pressureairforceditswayintotheballasttanks.Asthewaterwasforcedout,thesubmersibleslowlybegantorise.

Therewasabriefpause

andsomeoddmetallicclangsastheyuntangledfromDuke’ssub,andthentheywerefreeandascending.

AfewmoreflashesoflightfromDukecameforth.Ifyouspotawaiter,sendmedownadrink.

Gamaylaughedandturnedherattentionupward.Fornow,itremainedblackupabove,asdarkasanightwithoutanystarsormoon.Shecouldn’twaitforthefirst

hintofgrayishgreenthattoldherthesurfacewasnottoofaraway.

Aminutewentby.Andthenanother.Gamaybegantofeelalittledizzy.“IfeellikeI’minasensorydeprivationtank,”shesaid.

“Mythoughtsexactly,”Elenasaid.

Gamaydecidedtokeepherheadlevel.Lookingupwasmessingwithherinnerearandgivinghervertigo.

Sheglancedatherwatch.“Tenminutes.”

“Fifteenmoretogo,”Elenasaid.

Itwasasmoothrideuntilsuddenlytheywerejarredbyanimpact.Gamaywasthrownforwardandwhiplashedbackintoherseat.

“Whatwasthat?Didsomethinghitus?”

Elenawaslookingupasifthey’dcrashedintothebottomofaledgeorthehull

oftheCondororsomething.Gamaydidn’tthinkso.She’dfelttheimpactcomeupthroughherfeetandherlowerbacklikeitdidwhensheandPaulwentfour-wheeling.

Shepulledtheflashlightfromherpocketandflickeditbackon.Holdingitagainstthewindow,shesawcloudsofsiltandthenthefeaturelessgray-brownoftheseafloor.

“We’rebackonthe

bottom,”shesaid.Alightflashedonandoff,

perhapsthirtyyardsaway.Missedmethatmuch?Gamayreleasedherbelt

andclimbedhalfwayoutofherseat.Shetwistedaroundandheldtheflashlightagainsttherearsectionofthecanopy.ThinstreamsofbubbleswereflowingfromtheballasttanksontheScarab’sback.ItlookedlikesomeonehadopenedawholeboxofAlka-

Seltzer.“Youdon’tevenhaveto

tellme,”Elenasaid,“Ialreadyknow.Dukeholedourballasttankswiththatsaw.”

Gamaynodded,satbackdown,andswitchedthelightoff.“SomuchforDuke’spiñacolada.Andourquickridebackintothesunlight.”

“It’sworsethanthat,”Elenasaid.“Therearetwoofusinhere.Andwejust

ventedallourspareair.Bymycalculations,wehavelessthantwohoursleft.”

Inadarkenedroom,verysimilartotheCondor’scontrolcenter,SebastianBrèvardstaredatthepairofflat-screenmonitorsinfrontofhim.HegrinnedalmostmanaicallyinthecoldcomputerlightasCalistatappedawayatthekeyboard.

Shelookedup.“I’mafraidbothlinksaredead,dearbrother.”

“Yes,Icanseethat,”hesaid.“We’rereceivingnothingfromeithertheNUMAsubortheCondor.”

They’djustwatchedinlivingcolor—viaNUMA’sowncameras—asavirusofCalista’sdesignunleashedchaosintheNUMAoperation.Byhackingasimplenavigationupdate,

they’ddownloadedvirusesonboththeCondorandtheScarab.Thoseprogramsturnedcontrolofthecomputerizedvesselsovertoaremotelocation—inthiscase,theBrèvardlair.

OnlyScarabOnehadbeenimmune,becauseitsdesignwasolderandlessautomated.

Withtheskillofahunter,Calistahadusedthecontrolsatherfingertipstoturnoneof

theNUMAsubmersiblesintoakiller,seekingouttheotherandsmashingitagainstthehullofthewreck.Lastshe’dseen,theywerelockedinadeathstrugglewitheachother.Thenallhadgonedark.

“Well,you’vegottenwhatyouwanted,”shesaid.“They’vediscoveredthemissingsurvivalpod.They’llknowthetruthabouttheEthernet’ssinkingbeforetoolong.”

“Abouttime,”herbrothersaid.“Iwasbeginningtothinkthey’dnevergolookforit.”

“Perhapsweshouldn’thaveeditedthesonarscantoshowthevesselinruins.”

“Itwasnecessary,”Brèvardsaiddismissively.“OnceAustinbegantorecover,heimmediatelystartedlookingintoit.Hewouldhavemadeadivetheremonthsagoifwedidn’ttrick

him.Andthatwouldhavethrownourwholetimetableoff.”

Herbrotherandhistimetables.Everythinghadtobesocomplicated.“Won’ttheygoafterWestgatenow?”

“Notrightaway.Itwillonlyratchetupthesuspicion.Theywillbegintoinvestigatefromafar.Hopingnottoalerthim.”

“Andthen?”“Andthenwewillprod

themalongwithanotherclueattheappropriatetime.”

Onestepatatime,shethought.Buttherewasaproblem.“Wehavetoassumetheyknowthey’vebeenhacked,atthispoint.”

“Iwouldhopeso,”hesaid.“Weneedthemtounderstandjusthowvulnerabletheyare.Itwillgetthegearsturninginthemindsofthepowerful.Itwillbeginthechemicalreactionthat

leadstodoubtandconfusion,itwillcreateahiddensenseofpanicandaneedtodosomethingaboutit.Anything.That’showtheywork.Action.Reaction.Theywillnotsitstill.”“You’replantingaseed,”shesaid.

Henodded.“Onethatwillleadtothefloweringofourplan.”

Shepushedoutfromtheconsole,leanedbackinherchair,andputherfeetupon

thedesk.Thigh-highbootswithstilettoheelslandedonthedesktop,clippingthekeyboard.

“Iwishyouwouldbecareful,”hesaid.

Sheignoredhimasusual.“Nowwhat,”shesaid.“Acostaisgoingtotrade

thehackerstotheKorean,”hesaid.“YouandEganaretotakeagroupofthemenandmakecontactwithhim.Ifyoucanbargainforthem,then

bargain.Ifnot,letthedealgodownandswoopin.Mostlikely,theywillleadyourighttoSiennaWestgate.Bringherbacksowecanfinishthis.”

PaulTroutstoodonthedeckandwatchedastheCondor’scaptainwasairliftedintheship’shelicopter.ThesameonethatKurtandJoehadbeeninwhenthey’ddiscoveredtheEthernetsinkingthreemonthsbefore.

Thecaptainobjectedto

leaving,buttheship’sdoctorconfirmedthatamajorarteryhadbeennickedinhisleg.Hewasluckynottohavebledoutandheneededsurgeryquickly.

Havinglostsomuchblood,thecaptainwastooweaktoargue.“Takecareofmyship,”he’dsaidtoPaulasthey’dloadedhimonboard.

Asthehelicopterdisappearedtowardthewest,theCondor’schiefcameup

toPaul.“Iguessyou’reincommandnow.”

“Luckyme,”Paulsaid.“What’sourcondition?”

“Allsystemsareoff-line,”hesaid.“We’redeadinthewater.”

“Atleastwe’renotgoinganywhere,”Paulmuttered.

“Whatdoyouwanttodoaboutthesubs?”

Paulglancedathiswatch.“It’sbeenforty-fiveminutes.StandardNUMAprotocol

requiresunderwateroperationstobeabortedifcommunicationswiththesurfacevesselarelostandnotreestablishedwithinthirty.”

“I’vehadmenonwatch,”thechiefsaid.“Nosignofthemyet.”

Paulnodded,silentlyworried.“Canyougetoursystemsbackupandrunning?”

Thechieftookoffhiscapandscratchedathisscalp.

“Starboardenginesurvivedtheemergencyshutdown.Wecouldrestartit—butonlyifwebringthepropulsioncontrolunitandthemaincomputerbackonline.”

Paulshookhishead.“Findanotherway,”hesaid.“Nocomputers.”

“How?”“Idon’tknow,”Paulsaid.

“HowdoesMr.ScottalwaysgettheEnterpriserestartedwhenthedilithiumcrystals

fail?”Thechiefexhaledsharplyandheadedbacktotheengineroom,grumblingsomethingabouttheCondornotbeingaspaceship,butPaulwasconfidenthe’dfiguresomethingout.Inthemeantime,Paulturnedhisattentiontothesea.Hemadehiswaytotherail,broughtasetofbinocularstohiseyes,andscannedthewaterhimself.Therewasnosignofthesubmersibles.

TheScarabsshouldhavebeenonthesurfacebynow,firingofflocationflares.Thefactthattheyweren’tsuggestedaproblem.Hebroughtupahandheldradio,theonlyformofelectroniccommunicationleftontheship.

“Marcus,thisisPaul,”hesaid,callingtheengineerinchargeoftheCondor’ssubmersibles.

“Goahead,Paul.”

“TheScarabsareoverdue.Iwanttogolookforthem.Whatelsedowehaveonboard?”

“AsmallROVandtheADS.”

ADSstoodforatmosphericdivingsuit,madeofhard-platedmetal,andusedfortakingasingledivertogreatdepths.Theywereoftenwornbydiversworkingonpipelinesandoceaniccables.

ThemostfamousofthevariousADSdesignswerethebulkyJIMsuitsoftheeightiesandnineties.NUMA’sADSwasamoremoderndesign,stillbulkyandrobotic-looking,butitcamewithitsownthrusterpacklikeaNASAsuitdesignedforwalkinginspace.

“DoestheADShaveanykindofcomputerinterface?”Paulasked.

“No,”Marcusreplied.“Why?”

“Noreason,”Paulsaid.“Getitready.I’mgoingdown.”

Inside Scarab One

“Someonewillcome,”Gamaysaidwithdetermination.“Paulwon’tleaveusdownhere.”

Elenanoddedgrimlyandstaredintotheblack.“Idon’t

wanttodie,”shesaid.“Whodoes?”Gamay

replied.Elenasmiledatthat,butit

fadedquickly.Whatcouldbetaking

themsolong?Gamaywondered.Theyhadtoknowbythelackofcommunicationsthatsomethinghadgonewrong.Theyhadtohaveknownforatleasttwohours.

Toconserveair,they

hadn’tmovedandhadbarelyspoken.Butthesilencemadeittortureandtheminutesfeltlikehours.Gamaywasawareofeverylittlecreakandgroanandshenearlyjumpedoutofherskinwhenthehullreverberatedwithabang.

Lookingup,shesawamodicumoflightthroughthefrost.Excitedly,shereachedforwardandscrapeditoffwiththepalmofherhand.

Shesawnothingatfirst

andthenrecognizedtheCondor’sADS.

Shegrabbedtheflashlight,switchediton,andsignaledtothediverthattheywerealivebutfreezingandrunningoutofair.

Inresponse,thediverbegantotaponthehull.

Don’tworry.Savingyouisonmyhoneydolistfortoday.

“It’sPaul,”shesaidwithasighofrelief.

Hecontinuedtotap.Getreadytobereeledin.Youfirst,thenDuke.

Thankyou,shetappedout.Youaremyknightinshiningarmor.

Paulflashedhislightsafewtimesandmovedtotheside.OnlynowdidsheseetheROVbesidePaul,ahigh-strengthcablegrippedinoneclaw.Showingsurprisingdexterityforamanwithgiantmetalpincersforhands,Paul

hookedthecabletotheScarab’spickupbarandsteppedaway.

ThecablewenttautandtheScarabbegantoriseonceagain.Thistimeitcontinuedupward,hauledbythewinchforthirtysolidminutes,untilitbrokethesurfaceattheaftendoftheCondor.Thrilledtobeonthesurface,GamayandElenawerebothsurprisednottobeliftedaboardandinsteadonlysecuredtothesideofthe

ship.“What’sgoingon?”

Gamayaskedassheclimbedoutofthehatch.

“Technicaldifficulties,”thechiefreplied.“Sorryittookussolongtogetyoubutwe’vehadourownproblems.”

Gamaysmelledsmokeandnoticedthatportablegeneratorswererumblingbesidethewinchthathadjusthauledthemfromthe

seafloor.ThecablewasspoolingoutsothatitcouldbehookedtoDuke’sstrickensub.

“We’vehadtojerry-rigeverything,”thechiefsaid.“We’reoperatingononeengine,andthemenarecontrollingitbyhand.Ifitgetsanyworse,we’llbesewingthebedsheetsintoasail.”

SomethingtoldGamayitwouldn’tgetthatfar,butshe

wouldn’tleavethedeckuntilPaulsurfacedwithDuke’sScarabbesidehim.Ashecameup,smokebeganpouringfromtheventstotheengineroom,andtwoofthecrewcamestumblingoutthroughthesmoke.

“That’sit,Chief,”oneofthemsaid.“Thebearingshavegoneoutonthestarboardgearing.”

“Fire?”thechiefasked.“No,”thecrewmansaid,

“justsmoke.”Thechiefnodded.“Keep

aneyeonit.”Paulwasliftedaboard

momentslater.AshewasextricatedfromtheADS,hewasgiventhebadnews.

“Getontheradio,”hesaid.“Callforatow.”

“Rightaway,”thechiefsaid.

“And,Chief,”Pauladded.“Tellthemnottosendanythingfancy.Wewantthe

oldest,leastautomatedrustbucketofatugtheycanscroungeup.”

WithaplanthatwentnofurtherthangettingthemselvestoKorea,KurtandJoehadpackedquickly.Theirhost,MohammedElDin,gavethemalifttotheairportinhisarmoredlimousine,biddingthemfarewellinthetraditional

Arabstyle:withahugandakissoneachcheekandpartinggifts.

ToJoehegaveasmallhourglass.

“Thehourglassistohelpyoulearnpatience,”ElDinsaid.“Itdidn’tseemtohelpyou,”Joenoted.

“WhydoyouthinkI’mgettingridofit?”

Joelaughed,andElDin’sbeamingsmilecameoutagain.ElDinturnedtoKurt

nextandhandedhimasmallcase.

Openingit,Kurtfoundanantiquerevolver,knownasaColtSingleActionArmy.Itwasinexcellentcondition,chamberedforColt’s.45caliberrounds,sixofwhichwerelinedupinaneatrowbeneaththebarrel.Itwasthetypeofweaponagunfightermightcarry—infact,theSingleActionArmywasoftencalledtheGunthatWon

theWest.ItwasthestandardU.S.sidearmfrom1873until1892.

“Dirktoldmeyoucollectduelingpistols,”ElDinexplained.

“Thisisnotexactlyofthatera,butIthoughtyouwouldlikeit.Itwasgiventomygreat-great-grandfatherbyanAmericanwhohelpedmyfamilyescapefromBarbarypirates.”

“Ican’tacceptthis,”Kurt

said.“Ishouldbegivingyouagift.”

“Youmusttakeit,”ElDinsaid,“orIshallbeoffended.”

Kurtnoddedandofferedaslightbowofthanks.“It’sabeautifulweapon.Thankyou.”

AsmilecrinkledElDin’sweatheredface.“Maypeacebeuponyou,”hesaid.

“As-salamualaykum,”Kurtreplied.

WithElDin’sinfluence,KurtandJoebypassedsecurityandboardedtheirplane.

TheKoreanAirA380double-deckerwasspacious,whichwouldservethemwellonaflightthatwouldspanninehoursgatetogate.

Itwasalongtrip,andbythetimetheyreachedSeoul,thewholeworldhadchanged.TheblindingsunlightandheatofDubaiweregone,

replacedbyacold,mistyrain.Thenatureoftheirmissionevolvedaswell,thoughfortheminuteneitherKurtnorJoeweretoldhoworwhy.Butinsteadofarent-a-carandthenextstepintheirprivateer’sunderfundedjourney,theyweremetattheairportbythreemenindarksuitsandmackintoshovercoats.

StateDepartmentIDswereflashed.“Comewith

us,”theleaderofthegroupsaid.

Withlittlechoiceinthematter,KurtandJoecollectedtheirluggageandclimbedintothebackofavanwithdiplomaticplates.Ittookthemnorth.

AsthelightsofSeoulreceded,Joepointedouttheobvious.“Ifwe’regoingtotheconsulate,wemustbetakingthescenicroute.”

“We’renotgoingtothe

consulate,”Kurtreplied.Heknewwhothemenwere.Herecognizedtheirstyleandtheirtightlippedexpressions.Theywereemployeesofthecompany.“We’vebeenshanghaied,”hesaid,“andwe’renoteveninChina.”

ThevancontinuednorthforanotherfifteenminutesuntiltheywerenearingtheDemilitarizedZone.Withtherazor-wirefencesandguardpostsvisibleinthedistance,

thevanturnedeastanddrovethroughanunpopulatedareafilledwithtrees,hugesatellite-trackingarrays,andtowersbristlingwithstrangelookingantennas.Therewerenobuildingstobeseen.

Eventuallytheroadbegantodrop.Smoothconcretewallsroseuponeithersideuntilthevanwastravelinginachanneltwentyfeetdeep.Itcruisedbeneathanoverhang,

andthechannelbecameatunnellitwithorangelights.

SomewheredeepbeneaththerollinghillsofcentralKorea,theundergroundroadcurvedtightlyandcametoanend.Ahugesteeldooropenedandletthemintoaparkingarea.Theywereescortedfromthevanandledtoacommandcenter.

Inside,twomenweretalking.Bothlookedratherhaggardbutindifferentways.

ThefirstwasaKoreancolonelinmilitarydress,thesecondfigurewasanAmerican.HeremindedKurtofabusinessmanstayinglateattheofficetofinishabigproject.Heworeawhitedressshirtwithrolled-upsleevesandaloosenedredtie.Hisjacketrestedonthebackofthechairnexttohim.

“Isupposeyoutwoarewonderingwhyyou’rehereandnotattheRitz-Carlton,”

hesaid.“Actually,webookedthe

Hilton,”Kurtreplied,“thoughitdidn’tquitelooklikethisonthebrochure.”

Awearygrincameacrossthetable.“MynameisTimHale,”theAmericanreplied.“I’mtheCIAstationchieffortheDMZ.ThisisColonelHyun-MinLee,deputydirectorofsecurityfortheSouthKoreanNationalIntelligenceService.”

Allfourmenshookhandsandsatdown.

“Weknowwhoyou’relookingfor,”Haleexplained.“Weknowwhy.Andwewanttohelp.”

“Why?”Kurtasked.“What’schanged?”

“YourfriendsatNUMAdoveonthewreckoftheEthernet,”Halesaid.

“And?”“NosignofSienna

Westgateorherchildren.”

“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme,”Kurtsaid,“consideringtheshapeofthewreck.Whenavesselbreaksuponthewaydown—”

“That’stheinterestingpart,”Halesaid,cuttingKurtoff.“TheEthernetissittingonthebottominonesolidpiece.”

Kurtnarrowedhisgaze.Hesuddenlyfeltconfused.He’dseenthesonarscan.Theshiphadcomeapart.

Haleexplainedwhatthey’dlearned.“Thereportyousawwasdoctored.SomeonetappedintotheSouthAfricanCoastGuarddatabaseandchangedit.TheSACGsentyouwhattheythoughtwasalegitimatefile,butyousawwhatsomeonewantedyoutosee.”

“Why?”“Soyouwouldn’tdivethe

shipandfindwhatyourfriendsfound,”Halesaid.He

wentontoexplainthatthreebodieswererecoveredfromtheship:twomembersofWestgate’screwandhispersonalbodyguard.

HealsotoldKurtwhathadhappenedtotheCondorandthesubmersibles.“Tohackbothofthosesystemsandgainsuchcontrolisquiteafeat,”hesaid.“EspeciallyconsideringNUMAhasstringentsafeguardsinplace.”

“Obviously,notenough,”Kurtsaid.

“We’renotsurewhatis,thesedays,”Halereplied.

“Whichleadsustoyourmainsuspect,”Col.Leesaid.“Mr.ThanRang,headoftheDaeShanGroup,andamanwithmanysinisterconnectionstogeneralsinNorthKorea.”

Kurtsatdumbfounded.“AreyoutryingtotellmeThanRangisaNorthKorean

sleeperagent?”“No,”Leesaid,“theother

wayaround.ThanRangisinterestedintheinevitabledaywhenNorthandSouthfinallyembraceinreunification.HiscorporationhasspentyearsbuyingupancientdeedstolandintheNorth.Thedeedsareworthlessofcourse,butifunificationevercomesabout,hewillhavesomeamountofstandingtoclaimnearlyone-

thirdofthelandinNorthKorea.Tobolsterhisclaims,he’sspentyearscurryingfavorwiththegeneralsandotherswhofloatjustbelowtheleveloftheGloriousLeader,KimJong-un.Ifchangeevercomes,thesefriendsofhiswillbethefirsttobenefit,justastheardentdefendersofcommunismintheoldSovietUnionawardedthemselvesthevastmajorityofstate-runindustriesassoon

asthecountryturnedtocapitalism.”

“Whatdoeshegivethem?”Joeasked.

“Coldhardcash,high-techmachinery,andadvancedsoftware,”Leesaid.

“Andpossiblywell-knownprogrammersandhackers,”Haleadded.

“Inexchangefornearlyworthlessland?”Kurtasked.

“Muchofitliesaboveprovenreservesofminerals,”

Col.Leesaid.“AndThanRanghasalreadyshownaknackfortakingplayed-outminesandincreasingtheirproduction,inmanycasestorecordlevels.Hewouldnodoubtbeverysuccessfulifhisschemeevercametopass.”

Joeheldhisphoneup,bringingitclosetohismouthlikeapocketrecorder.“Notetoself:InvestretirementnestegginDaeShanGroup.”

“Iwouldn’tgothatfar,”Halesaid.“Wedon’tseeanythinghappeningforalong,longtime.”

Joebroughtthephonebackup.“Cancelnotetoself.”

Kurtlaughed.“Igetit.Youwantustodosomedirtywork.Thequestionis,canyougetmeintoNorthKorea?”

“No,”Halesaid.“Youwouldn’tlastfiveminutes

thereifwecould.”“Thenwhat?”“ThanRangishavingan

elegantreceptionforhisbusinesspartners,”Col.Leeexplained.“Therewillbewine,women,andsong,asyouAmericansliketosay.Mostimportant,therewillbeaguestarrivinganddeliveringaveryimportantpackage.Ibelieveyouknowtheman.Fortunately,hedoesn’tknowyou.Atleast

notbysight.”“Acosta,”Kurtsaidwith

disgust.“He’sbringingtheother

hackers,”Joeguessed.“Exactly,”Halesaid.“He

willexchangethemforalargesumofdiamondsandapaintingbyoneofthemasters.”

Kurt’smindwasrunningnow.“Forsuchanexchangetohappen,bothitemswouldneedtobeverified.”

Halesaid,“Acostaisn’tinterestedingettingafake,andThanRangisn’tinterestedindeliveringacoupleofdupestohisfriendsintheNorth.They’llbothneedexpertstomakesurethegoodsarebonafide.ThanRangwilluseseveraltechsfromhiscompanytogivetheprospectivehackersafinalexamofsorts.Mostlikely,they’llbegivenacomplexcodeandaskedtobreakit,

andthenperhapsasecondarytaskofinsertingaprogramthroughasophisticatedfirewall.Inthemeantime,Acostawillbeexaminingthepaintingandthat’swherewegetourchance.Yousee,Acostaholdshimselfoutasabig-timecollector,butheknowslessaboutartthanhepretends.Farless.Tomakesurehe’snotswindled,he’sarrangedforalegitimateexpertnamedSolanotogo

withhim.Forahealthyfee,Solanowillverifywhatisnodoubtastolenworkofarttobeginwith.It’sallaverysordidbusiness.”

“Whatdoyouwantustodo?”Kurtasked.

“Mr.ZavalaherewillposeasourfriendSolano,whohailsfromMadrid.They’rethesamebuild,almostthesameheight.Withalittlemakeupandsubtleliftsinhisshoes,Joewillbethe

spittingimageofthewaywardartexpert.”

“WhatifAcostafiguresitout?”

“Hewon’t,”Haleinsisted.“He’snevermetSolano.Onlytalkedtohimonthephone.Andthey’rearrivingseparately.Solanocomesintomorrow,Acostawillbeherethedayafter.”

Fortunatetiming,Kurtthought.Buttherewereproblems.“Whatabouthis

voice?Ifthey’vetalked,JoewillhavetosoundlikeSolano.”

“Accordingtohisfile,JoespeaksfluentSpanish.”

Joenodded.“Theonlyconcernisthat

thisisCatalanSpanish,”Halesaid.“Butwe’regoingtotakeSolanooutofcirculationbeforehemakesittohishotel,gethimtotalk,andallowJoetopracticehisvoice.”

Kurtdidn’tlikehisfriendtakingtherisk,butheknewtheyweren’tlikelytogetanotherchanceatthis.

“Shouldbeapieceofcake,”Joesaid.

“I’mgoinginwithhim,”Kurtinsisted.

“Ofcourseyouare,”Halesaid.“BecauseyourjobistoplaceatransmitterononeofthehackerswhileJoekeepsAcostaandtheothersbusy.”

Kurtnodded.That

soundedfair,butthenwhat?“Ithinkwecanallpicturetheoutcomeifwefail.Butwhathappensifwesucceed?Youcan’tgetthemoutoftheNorthanymorethanwecan.”

“Thethingis,”Halesaid,“we’renotsurewheretheyare.Anyofthem.NorthKoreahasacyberforceknownasUnit121.We’veconfirmedthatsomeofthemoperateinChina,othershavebeentrackedtositesin

Russia,andsometositesrighthereinSeoul.Youdon’thavetobeathometoattackacountrythesedays.YoucanlaunchyourstrikefromanywhereyoufindacomputerterminalandanInternetconnection.Iftheylike,thesepeoplecanwagewarintheirpajamas.”

Kurtunderstood,butsomethingwasmissing.HestudiedHale.BothheandCol.Leewererather

inscrutable.Maybeitwasthenatureoftheiroccupationsorthehangdogexpressionsthattoldhimthey’dbeenworkingtheangleslongandhardonthisone.Eitherway,somethingdidn’tquitefit.Kurtcouldn’tbegintoguesswhatitwas,buthehadafeelinghe’dfindoutattheworstpossibletime.

NUMA Vessel Condor,Southwestern IndianOcean

TheCondordriftedwiththecurrentallafternoon,andPaulTroutbegantofeellikeasailoronanoldgalleon,

caughtinthehorselatitudesandgoingnowhere.

Asduskapproached,theshipwasenvelopedindarkness.Thechiefandhismenriggedupanauxiliaryunitthatbroughtpowerbacktothedesalinizationandventilationsystems,butbecausetheunitwasrelativelysmallcomparedtotheneedoftheship,mostofthelightswerekeptoffandtheHVACprocessorswere

runatthelowestsettings.Asaresult,theinterioroftheshipwasasweatboxandthosewhodidn’thavetobeinsidecongregatedonvariouspartsofthedeck.

PaulconsideredhimselffortunatetobeonthebridgewingwithGamay.

“Whatabeautifulnight,”shesaid.

“Itreallyis,”hereplied.Therewasasoftsoutherlybreeze,justenoughtokeep

thehumidityfrombeingoppressive.

“Maybethere’ssomethingtobesaidfortheoldways,”sheadded.“Nohumofmachinery.Noannoyingcomputerstellingusanewmessagehasarrived.”

Sheputanarmaroundhiswaistandpulledcloser.“Iwouldn’tmindacandlelightdinner,ifyou’vegotnothingelseplanned.”

Paulcockedhisheadat

her.“Areyougettingromanticonme?”

Shehuffedandpushedhimaway.“Ifyouhavetoask,Imustbedoingitwrong.”

Hepulledherbacktohisside.“No,you’redoingfine,”hesaid.“Now,wherewerewe?”

“Toolate,”shesaid.“Themomenthaspassed.”

Ifitwasn’talreadygone,theappearanceofacrewman

sweatingthroughhisT-shirtsentitpackingforgood.“Sorrytointerruptbutwe’repickingupsomethingonradar.”

“Ithoughttheradarwasout?”Gamayreplied.

Paulshookhishead.“Consideringourpredicament,Ithoughtitwouldbewisetoknowwhat’sgoingonaroundus.Ihadthechiefpoweruptheshort-rangeunit.”

“Doyouwanttotakealook?”thecrewmanasked.

Paulnodded,andbothheandGamayenteredthesemidarkenedbridge.

“Anychanceit’sthetug?”Gamayasked.

“No,ma’am,”thecrewmanreplied.“Targetistotheeast.Tugwillbecominginfromthewest.Byourestimates,she’sagoodfourhoursaway.”

Paulsteppedovertothe

radarscope.“What’stherange?”

“Forty-sixmiles.That’sprettymuchthemaximumrangeofthesystemonthispowersetting.”

“What’shercourseandspeed?Maybewecanhailher?”

“That’sjustit,”thecrewmansaid,“shehasnocourseandspeed.Thetargethasbeenintermittent,appearinganddisappearing.

Forthelasthourtherewasnothingthereandwethoughtwhoeveritwashadmovedon,butthenitcamebackinthesamerelativeposition.”

“Butwe’redrifting,”Paulsaid.“Evenifshewassittingstill,herbearingshouldbechangingunlessshe’sdriftingaswell.”

“Oritcouldbeshadowingusattheverylimitofourradarcoverage,”thecrewmannotedominously.

“Hastobeaprettybigtargettoshowupthatfaroff,”Gamayadded.“Maybethey’rekeepingtheirdistance,hopingnottobeseen.”

Itwasallguesswork.Butconsideringwhatthey’dalreadybeenthrough,Paulwasnotinterestedingivinganyoneoranythingthebenefitofthedoubt.“When’sthehelicopterdueback?”

“That’sproblemnumber

two,”thecrewmansaid.“ThepilotreportedamechanicalfailureshortlyafterleavingDurban.They’vehadtoturnback.Thelastweheard,theyweretryingtoscroungeupasparepart.Buteveniftheyfoundonerightaway,wewon’thavethembackuntiltomorrowmorningattheearliest.”

“Andthetugisfourhoursoff?”

“Atleast.”

Paulsighed.Aloneonthedarkeningseaandbeingwatchedwasnotapositionhelikedbeingin.“ContactHQonthesatellitephone,”Paulsaid.“Tellthemwemighthavecompany.”

“Whatdoyouthinkweshoulddointhemeantime?”Gamayasked.

Paulwaspragmatic.“Eitherhopeit’snothingandenjoytheeveningorpreparetorepelborders.”

Gamayfoldedherarmsacrossherchestandofferedapout.“GuessI’llcancelmyplansforacandlelightdinnerandgoscourtheholdforafewrocksandaslingshot.”

AstheCondorcontinuedtodrift,duskgavewaytodarknessandthelonelyfeelingofisolation.Theship,normallyahubofactivity,wasquietasthecrewpreparedtofightifnecessary.Butthefearedbordersnevermaterialized,andPaulbegan

towonderifthey’dreadsuspiciousintentionsintoaharmlesssituation.

“Anychange?”heaskedtheradaroperatorashesteppedontothebridge.

“No,sir,”thecrewmanreplied.“Whoevertheyare,they’vedriftedalongwithusforthepastthreehours.”

Sensingthedangerhadpassed,especiallywiththetugonlyanhouraway,Paulhadanewidea.“Wehavea

high-speedlaunchonthisboat,don’twe?”

“AnFRC,”thecrewmanreplied.“Fastrescuecraft.”

“Good,”Paulsaid.“Haveitreadied.I’mgoingtotakeitoutandinvestigateourmysterycontact.”

“Notwithoutme,youwon’t,”avoiceinsistedfrombehindhim.

PaulturnedtoseeGamayinthedoorway.“Wouldn’tdreamofit,”hesaid.“Infact,

Ithinkweshouldmakeitadoubledate.BringDukeandElena.”

Shortlythereafter,thefourofthemwereaboardthequickestofCondor’smotorizedlaunches,asleekmachineconstructedbytheDutchSpecialMarineGroup.Indesign,thethirty-footboatlookedlikeapolicerivercruiseronsteroids,withahighbow,anopendeck,andacentralizedcontrolconsole

andnavigationmast.PoweredbyathroatyVolvowaterjet,itracedacrossthewavesatfortyknots.

PaulstoodatthebowwithGamaywhileDukehandledthecontrolsandElenapreparedaraftofweaponsobtainedfromtheCondor’sarmslockerjustincasetheywereneeded.

Navigatingfromdeadreckoning,Dukeofferedanupdate.“Weshouldbeclose

enoughtoseethetargetinafewminutes,”hesaid,“assumingshehasanysortofrunninglightson.”

Peeringthroughthedarkness,Paulnodded.Hesawnothingyet.

“What’sourplanwhenwearrive?”Gamayasked.

“Plan?”Paulasked.“Plan,”Gamayrepeated.

“Youknow,thatthingyoucomeupwithinadvancesoyoucanthrowitoutthe

windowwheneverythinggoeshaywire.”

“Ohyeah,”Paulsaid.“Ifigureweencirclethetargetand,shoulditbeathreat,talkthecaptainintosurrendering.”

Gamaysighed.“Yep,”shesaid,“thatwillgorightoutthewindow.”

Paulchuckledathiswife’sconcern.“Idon’tthinkwe’redealingwithanythinghostile,”hesaid.“Ithink

we’regoingtofindanothershipindistresslikeourown.”

“Thenwhydoweallhaveweapons?”Elenaasked.Sheheldapistol.TwoAR-15srestedonthedeck.PaulandGamaywouldcarrytherifles.

“Fortheinevitablemomentwhenmyguessturnsouttobewrong,”Pauldeadpanned.

AstheFRCracedonthroughthedarkness,theradiosquawkedwithabarely

audiblesignalasthechiefcalledthem.

“FRC,thisisCondor.You’vegoneoffthescope.We’renotreadingyoursignatureanymore.Basedoncourseandspeed,youshouldberoundingthirdandheadingforhome.”

Thetransmissionwascodedinsimpletermsincaseanyonewaslistening.“Roundingthird”toldPaultheywereaboutthreemiles

fromthetarget.Hegrabbedthemicrophone.“Areyouholdingusuporwavinguson?”

“Nosignofoutfieldersreadytothrowhome,”thechiefreplied.“Keeponrunning.”

“Wilco,”Paulsaid.Heputtheradiodown.“Coastisclear,”hetoldtheothers.

“Sothoughtthemouse,assheracedforthecheese,”saidGamay.

Paulreturnedtothebow,watchingandwaiting.

“Shemustberunningdark,”Gamaysaid,“orwe’dseeherlightsbynow.”

“Havetoagreewiththat,”Paulsaid.Helookedup.Thewaxingmoonwasthree-quartersfullandcastingafairamountoflightonthiscloudlessnight.Evenifthetargetwasrunningdark,theyshouldhavebeenabletoseeit.

“Duke,what’sourheading?”

“Zeroninefive,”Dukereplied.

“Itshouldberightinfrontofus.”

“Maybeit’saghost,”Elenasuggested.

“Aghost?”Paulsaid.Elenarolledhereyes.“On

theradar.Youknow,afalsereturn.”

Paulhadtoconsiderthatapossibilityandbeganto

wonderifthey’dmadethetripfornothing.Hepulledonasetofnightvisiongogglesandstareduntilhefinallysawanoutlinegrowingonthehorizon.Itwaslowandlongandjustbarelyjuttingabovethecalmsea.

“Deadahead,”hesaid.“Atlast.”

Thegraybulkofthetargetbegantogrowlarger,thoughitwashardtocalculatedistanceinthedark.

“Cutourspeed,”Paulsaid.“Giveustenknots.”

Theroaroftheenginedroppeddowntoaheavypurr,andthewindnoiselessenedastheFRCslowedappreciably.Itdidn’tappeartheyweredealingwithathreat.

PaulglancedatGamay.“Somuchforatrap,”hesaid.

“Famouslastwords.”Theymovedincloser,

andtheblackhulkinthe

darknessbeganblockingoutthehorizontoeithersideofthem.Paulestimatedthetargettobenearlyfivehundredfeetfromstemtostern.Therewerenosmokestacksorantennas,nodefinedareasofsuperstructure,thathecouldsee.Andthoughsomesectionswerehigherthanothers,therewasaroundedeffecttothem,morelikeariverbargepiledhighwith

coalorsomeotherbulkcommodity.

“Lookslikeabarge,”Paulsaid.

“What’sabargedoingallthewayouthere?”Elenaasked.

Nooneventuredaguess.“Takeusaroundtoport,”

Paulsaid.Dukecutthewheel,and

theFRCturnedrightandtraveleddownonesideofthevessel.Astheypassedthe

endofthederelict,Duketookthemupalongtheotherside.

“Roundedend,”Paulsaid.“Thisisthestern.”

“It’snotabarge,”Gamayadded,“it’saship.”

“Adark,deadship,”Elenasaid.

“Aghostship,”Gamayreplied.

EvenPaulhadtoadmittherewassomethingominousaboutthevessel,somethingthegrainygangrene-tinted

viewthroughthenightvisiongogglesonlyaddedto.Mistshroudingtheship,backlitbythestarsandtheslivermoon,gaveitaspectralaura.

“Ghostship,”Gamaywhispered.

Paulhadseenenough.HepulledoffthegogglesandwenttotheFRC’ssmallmast.Asarescueboat,theFRCwasequippedwitharowofpowerfullights.Paulswitchedthemainfloodon

andturnedittowardthetarget’shull.

Thegarishlightspreadacrossheavysteelplate,rustedandcorrodedasiftheshiphadbeendriftingforyears.Theship’sportholesappearedtobesealedshutandwereopaquewithatawnyscale.Alineofthemranjustabovethewaterline.

AsPaulpannedthelight,itrevealedtangledlinesrunningacrossthehull,

strandsofbrownandgreen.Ittookamomentforanyofthemtorealizewhattheywerelookingat.

Gamaywasfirst.“Vines,”shesaid.

Dukebroughtthethrottlebacktoidle,andPaulangledthespotlight,trackingatangledgroupofthevinesthatranupthesideofthehullpastwhatshouldhavebeenthesharpedgeofthemaindeckbutwhatwas,infact,an

erodingslopeoftancoloredsediment.

“Whatintheworld...”Upontop,thevinesran

everywherelikeivydrapinganoldstonewall.Dyinggrasses,weeds,andtangledscrubbrushgrewwherethesuperstructureshouldhavebeen.

Dukeshookhisheadatthesight.“I’vefoundsomestrangethingsfloatingoutatseabefore,butI’venever

seenanythinglikethis.”Theypassedthebow

withoutsightinganymarkings,andDukebroughtthembackamidships.

“IthinkweshouldgobacktotheCondor,”Gamaysaidabruptly.

Paulturned.“Aren’tyoucuriousaboutwhatwe’vefoundhere?”

“Ofcourse,”shesaid,“I’masintriguedasyouare.Butwecameheretoseeifthe

targetwasathreatoravesselinneedofourhelp.It’sobviouslyneither.Withthatestablished,weshouldgetbackhomebeforeanythingstrangeoccurs.”

Paulstudiedhiswife.“Notlikeyoutobethevoiceofreason,”hesaid.“Where’syoursenseofadventure?”

“Onthenightstandbackhomewithmycarkeys,”shesaid.

Helaughed.“We’ve

comethisfar.Mightaswellgoaboard.”

“Andhowdoyouproposewedothat?”sheasked.

Paullookedatherasifitwasobvious.“Tarzanstyleofcourse,”hesaid,pointingtothevines.

Withcalmprecision,Dukebroughtthelaunchupagainstthehullwhereathickgroupofcreepervineshung.Paulgrabbedthemandpulledwithallhismight.

“I’mgoingfirst,”hesaid.“Iftheseholdme,they’llcertainlyholdtherestof

you.”Usingtherimofa

portholeasafoothold,hewentup,climbinghandoverhand,likehewasgoingovertheobstaclecoursewallinbasictraining.Eventually,hemadeitupontothedeck,whichwascoveredwithsediment.

Gamaycameupnext,andElenafollowedrightbehindher.Dukeremainedonthelaunch.

“Feellikewe’vediscoveredadesertedisland,”Elenasaid.

“Let’shopeit’sdeserted,”Gamayadded.“I’dhatetofindheadhunterslivingaboard.”

Paullookedaround.Itreallyfeltasifthey’dmadelandfall.Therewasnothingman-madeinsight.Justafoliage-coveredmoundinthemiddleoftheIndianOcean.“Lookslikethisshipgot

caughtintheSargassoSea.”“Exceptthatthisisn’t

seaweed,”Gamaysaid.“Thefactthatshe’sstill

afloattellsmeshe’sbasicallywatertight,”Elenamentioned,“thoughshe’sridingawfullylowinthewater.”

Paulthoughtsoaswell.“Iwonderifallthisvegetationisweighingherdown.”

“Possibly,”Elenasaid.“Consideringthethicknessofthevegetationandthesoil,

it’sprobablymakinghertop-heavy.Hopefully,wedon’tgetanybigwaveswhilewe’reonboard.Ifshestartstoroll,she’llalmostcertainlygoover.”

ToPaul,thediscoveryoftheshipwasaboltofadrenaline.Hewantedtoknowwhatshipitwasandwhereithadcomefrom.HesteppedtotheedgeandshouteddowntoDuke.“Throwupthepaddles.I

thinkwecanusethem.”DukepulledtheFRC’s

emergencypaddlesfromalockerandtossedthemuponeatatime.Paulcaughtthem,handingonetoGamayandkeepingoneforhimself.

“Whatarewesupposedtodowiththese,”Gamayasked,“rowthisshipbacktocivilization?”

“Thatisnotapaddle,”Paulexplained,“it’sashovel.Andwearenotgoingtorow,

we’regoingtodig.Ifthisshipiswatertight,thatsuggestsallthemuckisontheoutside,leavingtheinteriorintact.We’regoingtofindahatchandgoinside.”

“AndIcan’tgetyoutoraketheleavesathome,”Gamaysaid.

“Notasmuchfun.”“Ilikeit,”Elenasaid.“See?”Paulsaid.“You’resupposedtobe

onmyside,”Gamaytold

Elena.“Girlpower,remember?”

“Sorry,”Elenasaid.“ThisbeatssittingaroundontheCondorinthedarkanddoingnothing.”

Withasmileofsatisfaction,GamayhandedElenathepaddle.“Thenyoucanhelphimdig.”

PaulchuckledandcalleddowntoDukeoncemore.“Stayclose.We’regoingonanaturewalk.”

“Willdo,”Dukereplied.Withhissenseof

curiositynearanall-timehigh,Paulledthepartythroughthefoliagetowardthehighestpointofthemounding,anareacompletelyentombedinthethickestofvines.Ifhewasright,themainpartoftheship’ssuperstructurewashiddenbeneathit.

Pushingbetweenapairofwildbushes,hestopped.

“Lookatthis,”hesaid,aiminghisflashlightintoatangleofleaves.

Ahugespider,thesizeofachild’shand,satinthemiddleofanornateweb.Ithadayellowcolortoitsbodyandwashardshelled,asopposedtosoftandfurrylikeatarantula.Nearby,asecondspiderofsimilarsizeandcolorrestedonanevenlargerweb.Theyfoundthreemoreinaten-footradius.

“Ewww,”Elenasaidquietly.“They’reabsolutelydisgusting.”

“Didyouhavetopointthemout?”Gamayasked.“NowIfeellikethey’realloverme.”Shewasturningawkwardly,tryingtoseeifanythingwasonherback.

Paulhadtolaugh.He’dalwaysfoundspidersinteresting,thoughevenhehadtoadmithewouldn’twanttheonestheywere

lookingatsneakingintohissleepingbag.

“Comeon,”Paulsaid.Hecontinuedforward,carefultoavoidthespidersandthethickerpartsofthescrub,andtheysoonarrivedataspotjustbelowthepeakofthemoundandnearthecenteroftheship’sbeam.

WithGamayprovidingtheillumination,PaulandElenabeganpullingoutthevinesandexcavatingthe

clumpysoil.Thepaddlesprovedtobefairlyeffectiveasshovels,andtheyweresoontunnelingataforty-five-degreeangle,gougingachanneldeepintothesoil,whenGamayputahandonPaul’sshoulder.

“Stop.”Helookedbackather.“IthoughtIheard

something.”“Youmeanbesidesmy

gruntingathavingtodoall

thework?”“I’mserious.”Paulgrippedtheshovel.

HeandElenastillcarriedsidearms,RugerSR9s,madeinPrescott,Arizona,butnooneseriouslythoughtthey’dbeneededoncetheydiscoveredtheradartargetwasanabandonedship.

Gamayusedthebeamofherlighttoscanthearea.Nothingappearedoutoftheordinary.

“Maybeit’sagiantspider,”Paulwhispered.“Mommaspidertoallthoselittlebabieswefound.”

Gamaygavehimalightsmackontheshoulder.“I’mserious.Ihaveabadfeelingaboutthis.”

Besidethem,Elenaunlatchedtheholsterstraponhersidearmandputherhandonthegripofthepistollikeagunfightergettingreadytodraw.

Alightbreezerustledtheleavesaroundthemandfadedaway.Asitdid,Paulheardsomethingtoo.Itwaslowandraspy,likethesoundoflaboredbreathing.Itlastedfornomorethanafewsecondsandthenceased.Helookedaroundinthegrowthbutsawnothing.

“Youheardittoo,”Gamaysaid.“Didn’tyou?”

Moreliketheirmindswereplayingtricksonthem,

Paulthought.“Youtwoandyourghostship,”hesaid.“Let’snotgetalljumpy.”

Elenanoddedandtookherhandoffthepistolgrip.

“I’mgoingtokeepaneyeoutfordisembodiedspirits,”Gamaysaid.

Paulnodded,returningtotheworkathand.“Especiallyanythatmightbeinterestedindigging.”

Withrenewedvigor,hecontinuedtheexcavation.

Soonenough,thepaddlestrucksomethinghard.Brushingthedebrisaway,hespottedtherustedsteelplate.“We’vehitthewall,”hesaid.“Literally.”

Theywidenedoutthechannelandcameuponahatch.Attemptingtopryitopenwasuseless,buttheycontinuedtodiganduncoveredahalf-shatteredwindow.Clearingtheremainingglassaway,Paul

lookedinside.“Whatdoyousee?”“It’slikeacave,”Paul

said.“Thesilthasfilledmostoftheroom,butfartherinitseemstolessen.”

“I’msurpriseditisn’tfilledtothetop,”Elenasaid.

Paulwonderedaboutthat.“Maybethefoliageontheoutsidebecamemattedatsomepoint.Afterthat,itmighthaveactedlikeashell.Althoughitseemstohavelet

moisturein.Thesedimentlookssmoothandwet,packeddownlikesandonthebeachafterthetiderecedes.”

Ashepannedthebeamoftheflashlightaround,thelightseemedtobeswallowedup.Theywerecertainlylookingintoavoluminousspace.

Hesteppedback.“Whowantsthehonor?”

Elenashookherhead.Gamaydidthesame,gesturingtotheopening.

“Thiswasyouridea.”Beingaslargeashewas,

Pauldidnotenjoycrampedspaces.Itwasn’ttrueclaustrophobia,justapracticalsensethattightspaceswerenotsuitedforsomeonehissize.ButGamaywasright,itwashisidea.

Steppingbacktotheopening,hemadesuretherewerenoresidualshardsofglassinthesill,thenclimbedupandover.“Oncemoreinto

thebreach,”hesaid,togroansfromhisaudience.

Squeezingthroughthegap,Paulmadeitontothedampsediment.Thesoilwascompactedanddamp.

“Anyspiders?”Gamaycalledout.

“NotthatIcansee.”“Areyousure?”“Positive.”Withthatestablished,

Gamaycrawledinafterhim.ToPaul’ssurprise,Elena

camenext.“You’renotleavingmeoutthereonmyown,”shesaid.

Atfirst,theycouldonlycrawl.Thesedimentintheroomhadpiledupsohighthattheceilingwasonlythreeorfourfeetabovetheirheads.Astheymovedawayfromthewindow,thespacespreadoutandthesedimentslopeddownward.Inonesection,smallridgesprotruded.Paulmadehiswayovertothem

andstartedtolaugh.“What’ssofunny?”

Gamayasked.“Rememberthat

candlelightdinneryouwanted?”“TheoneInevergot?”

“Well,here’syourchance,”Paulsaid.Heworkedtheobjectoutofthesilt.Itwasarottingchair.“Ithinkwe’reintheship’sdiningroom.”

Gamaychuckled.

“Somehow,Iwashopingforalittlemoreambience.”

Theymoveddeeperintotheroom,travelingdowntheslopeoftheinvasivesedimentuntilitwasnomorethanathinlayeronthefloor.AsPaulstood,hefoundittobepackeddownhardandnomorethansixinchesdeep.

Gamaystoodupandwipedherpalmsonthefrontofherjeans.“NotgonnaneedamudbathnexttimeIgoto

thespa,”shesaid.“Whatnext,Ofearlessleader?”

Paullookedaround.“Let’sseeifwecanfigureoutwhatshipthisisandwhereshecamefrom.”

Theymoveddeeperintothehull,soonfindingthekitchenandastoreroom.

“Lookattheseovens,”Gamaysaid.“They’reancient.”

“Howold?”Paulasked.“Idon’tknow,”Gamay

replied.“Old.Likethestovemygrandmotherhadforever.”

Paultookalookatthestovesandsomeoftheotherequipment.Thedesignsbelongedtoanotherera.Hebegantofeelasifhe’dsteppedbackintime.

Hepulledopenacabinetanditwasstackedwithservingplates.Hepickedoneupandbeganscrapingofftheblackenedmold.Whenhe’d

clearedenoughofit,alogobecamevisibleinthecenter,astylizedanchorwithbarbedflukes,restingsideways.Itlookedfamiliar.

HeshowedittoGamay,whoshruggedandshookherhead.

“Thestoreroomsareempty,”Elenasaid,poppingintothekitchen.“Notacanofbeansleftbehind.”

Paulputtheservingplateback.“Let’sfindthebridge.”

Hetookasteptowardthedoorandstopped.Theharshbreathingsoundhadreturned.Itwasadeepsound,gutturalandmenacing.Thistimetheyallheardit.

Paulaimedhislightforthedoorwayassomethingshotforward.Aroarofsomekindechoedthroughthedarkasallthreeofthemdoveindifferentdirections.

PaulgrabbedGamayandpulledhertosafetyasashape

spuntowardthemandwhatfeltlikealogslammedPaulintheribs.Hetumbledandsprawledinthemud.Hisflashlightflewfromhishand,andtheroaringcontinued.

“Run!”heshouted.Elenaclambereduponto

thestovesasGamayhelpedPaulup.

Somethingslammedagainsttheold,cast-ironstoves,andtheimpactsenttheservingplatesPaulhad

discoveredsmashingtotheground.Aburstofgunfirerangout,bathingtheroominstaccatoflashesasElenafiredherRugerattheattacker.

BynowPaulandGamaywerescramblingoutthedoorandintothediningroom.IntheirhasteGamayslippedinthemuckandpulledPauldownwithher.Theytumbledtoastopagainstthefarwall.

Paul’slightwasgone,butGamayfoundhersandaimed

itbackatthedoortothekitchen.Amonsteremerged,chargingtowardthem.Atwelve-footcrocodilewithraggedteethandanuglybumpysnout.ItlungedjustasPaulpulledhisgunandfired,blastingseveralshotsstraightintothecreature’sgapingmouth.

GamayscreamedinPaul’sear,butthegunshotsdrownedheroutastheshellswentthroughtheupperjawof

theanimal,intothebrain,andouttheotherside.ThecreatureslammedintoPaul,crashingontohisabdomenandknockingthewindoutofhimlikeasackofconcretetossedfromthebackofatruck.Butitdidn’tbiteorthrash,itjustcollapsedonhim,twitchingandthenlyingthere.

ThelongsnoutandwhatremainedoftheheadlayrightonPaul’schest.Thestubby

forearmsandclawscontinuedgrippingPaul’slegsuntilthemusclesdied.Ofallthings,Paulnoticedhowbadlyitsbreathstank.

Realizingitwasdeadandthattheywerealive,Paulkickedoutfromunderthebeastandpusheditawaywithhisboot.Itspowerfultailtwitchedoncemorebeforegoingpermanentlystill.

ItwasonlynowthatPaulrealizedhewasleaning

againstGamay.Shewasbehindhim,onearmwrappedaroundhimtight,theotherholdingtheflashlightandaimingitatthedeadcreature.

“Elena?”Paulshouted.“Areyouokay?”

Shecameoutofthekitchen,hobblingandholdingherweaponup.“I’mokay.Twistedmyknee,butIcanwalk.”

PaulslidoffofGamayandmovedtotheside,

leaningagainstthewallasshewas.“Goodworkwiththeflashlight,”hesaid.“Areyouallright?”

Shenodded.“Andstrangelyenough,I’mnolongerafraidofspiders.”

Paullaughed.Amongallherotherwonderfulattributes,Gamay’sspiritandhumorweretwothathecouldneverresist.“Iloveyou,”hesaid.Hereachedoverandkissedher,muddyandall.

“Isupposewe’rehavingcrocodilefordinner,”shesaid.

“No,”Paulreplied.“Butonthebrightside,he’snothavinguseither.”

“Hewouldmakeanicepairofboots,”Elenasaid.“Andamatchinghandbag.”

Theyalllaughedatthat.“Wheredidhecome

from?”Paulwondered.“Hecouldn’thavebeeninhere.”

Gamaypointedthe

flashlightbacktowardtheentrance.Telltaleclawmarksandaslidingtrailfromthecreature’sbodywereeasytoseeinthemuck.“Itmusthavebeenlivingontheship,”shesaid.“Lookslikeitfollowedusin.”

“What’sacrocodiledoingonashiptobeginwith?”Elenaasked.“Nottomentionthehundred-acrewoodsoutthere.”

Paulhadbeenconsidering

thateversincethey’dfoundit.“IrememberKurtandJoetellingmeaboutasalvagejobtheydidonce.Theshiphadbeenagroundforseveralyears,beachednearaprotectedwildliferefugeonthecoastofBurma.NUMAagreedtohelpbecauseitwasleakingoilintothewater.Kurtsaidtheshiphadbecomepartofthelandbythetimetheygottoit.Coveredinweedsandfilled

withplantsandinsects.Theyliterallyhadtodigitfree.”

Helookedaround.“I’mguessingthisshiphadasimilarfate.”

“Youwouldn’tknowitfromtheweatherwe’vehadlately,buttherehavebeenbigstormsdownhereoverthelastfewmonths,”Elenasaid.

“Sothisshipmighthavebeenbeachedforawhileandthengottenpulledouttoseawithastormsurge,”Gamay

proposed.“Maybe,”Paulsaid.“And

thispoorcreaturewasprobablycaughtonboardwhenitwaspulledouttosea.”

“Whydidn’thejustdropbackintothewaterandswimtoshore?”Elenaasked.

“Maybethestormwastoobad,”Paulguessed.

Gamaylookedatthedeadanimal.Itwasbigincomparisontothethree

humansbutdidn’tappearoverlylargeforacrocodile.“Iknowsaltwatercrocodilescancrosslargesectionsofocean,butthisonelooksdifferenttome.Kindofskinny.Maybehe’sadifferentspecies.”

Paulnodded.Thatmadeasmuchsenseasanything.

Hestoodup,pullingclearofthemuckandhelpingGamaytoherfeet.Itwasthenthathenoticedthelarge

pictureframebehindthem.Thecanvasinsidewasblackfrommoldanddecay,andnothingcouldbeseenoftheartworkhiddenbeneath,butabrassplateaffixedtotheloweredgeoftheframeseemedtooffersometypeofinscription.

Reachingforward,Paulbegantorubtheplatewithhisthumb,scrapingyearsofdebrisaway.Evenasheworked,theplateremained

tarnishedanddark.Butbeforetoolongtherecessedmarkingsofanengravingbecamevisible.Hecontinuedscrapinguntilhecouldjustmakeoutthelastpartofaname.Threeletters:T-A-H.Despiterubbinghisfingersraw,hecouldn’tmakeoutanythingelse.

“Itcan’tbe,”hewhispered.

“Can’tbewhat?”Gamayasked.

Hethoughtabouttheadvancedageofthekitchenappliances,thedimensionsofthevesselasthey’destimatedthem,andthelogoontheservingplatehe’dfound.

“Youmayberight,”hesaidtoGamay.“Thismightbeaghostshipafterall.”

Gamaylookedathimsuspiciously.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Let’sgettothebridge,”Paulsaid.“Idon’twantto

jumptoanyconclusions.”Itwouldtakeanother

twentyminutesforthemtofindthebridge.Itwaseerie,standingthere,withmudsmashedupagainsttheship’swindows.Itwasasiftheshipitselfhadbeenburiedinsomegiganticgrave.

Paullookedthrougheverydrawerandcabinet.“Nocharts,nologbooks,nothingofvalue.”

“Justlikethestoreroom,”

Elenasaid.“Someonecleanedthisshipout.”

Finally,Paulfoundsomethingthatwastooheavytocarry:abellthesizeofalaundrybasket,lyingonitsside.Herolleditoveruntilhefoundanotherengraving.Thistimethecarvedmarkingsweredeeper,andoncehe’dscrapedthecorrosionandtarnishaway,Paulcouldseethelettersclearly.Anamewasengraved

onthesideofthebell,anameherecognized,anamethatallthosewho’deverstudiedshipwrecksknewquitewell.

“TheWaratah,”Paulsaidoutloud.“Ican’tbelieveit.ThisshipistheWaratah.”

HeshowedtheengravingtoGamay,whoseemedassurprisedashim.

“WhydoIknowthatname?”Elenaasked.

“Becauseit’sfamous,”Paulsaid.“TheSSWaratah,

oftheBlueAnchorLine,vanishedwiththecrewandpassengersin1909.ShewasbelievedtohavegonedowninastormsomewherebetweenDurbanandCapeTown.Nowreckagewaseverfound.NotsomuchasalifejacketorabuoywiththenameWaratahstenciledonit.”

Elenanarrowedhergazeatthetwoofthem.“You’resayingthisshipwe’reon,

coveredinmudandwrappedinvines,isactuallyahundred-year-oldderelictthat’ssupposedtobesittingonthebottomofthesea?”

Paulnodded.“Sittingonthebottomoftheseaalongwayfromhere.”

“Itoldyouthosestoveswereold,”Gamaysaid.

Paullaughedandconsideredtheirony.“Everyonewhoisanyoneinunderseaexplorationhas

searchedforthisshipatonetimeoranother.Treasurehunters,navalhistorians,adventurers.NUMAeventookastabatitwiththehelpofthisfamousauthorwhosenameescapesmeatthemoment.Wethoughtwe’dfoundit,butthewreckturnedouttobeadifferentshipcalledtheNailseaMeadow.”

“Nowondernoonecouldfindit,”Elenasaid.“Itneveractuallywentdown.”

“Whichbegsthequestion,”Gamaysaid,“wherehasshebeenhidingoutalltheseyears?Andsincesheseemstobeempty,whathappenedtoherpassengersandcrew?”

Incheon Airport, SouthKorea

ThepassengersofAirFranceFlight264fromParistoSeoulgatheredtheirthingsintheorderlybuteagerfashionofthosewho’dbeencooped

upinametaltubefortoolong,asiftheelevenhoursontheaircraftweremoreeasilyenduredthanthefiveminutesittooktounloadandescapeintotheterminal.

AnannouncementthattheJetwayhadmalfunctionedwasmetwithauniversalgroan.Buttheopeningofthereardoorsallowedfreshairintothecabin,andsoonthepassengerswerestreamingdownthestairsattherearof

theaircraft.Thisoddmethodof

emptyingtheaircraftmeantthatthepassengersintherearwentfirstwhilethoseinfirstclasshadtoenduretheinterminabledelay.

Intheveryfirstrow,inseat1A,ArturoSolanodidlittletohidehisdispleasure.TheonlysolacewasafewmoreminutesstaringattheshapelyAmericanwomanwhosatnexttohim.They’d

spokenalltoobrieflyduringtheflight,butastheotherfirst-classpassengersfiledoutsheturnedhisway.

Heknewthelook.Afewwordsaboutartandpartiesandmostwomenwentweakintheknees.Shewasgoingtoaskhimifshemightattendthepartyorperhapsevenmeetprivatelyfordinner.

Withamischievouseye,shewatchedthelastofthefirstclasspassengers

disappearthroughthecurtainandthensmiled.

“Iknowwhatyouwant,”hesaidinhisbestEnglish.

“Doyou?”shereplied.“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“I’d

bedelightedtoputyouontheguestlist.”

“I’mflattered,”shesaid,glancingforwardasthefrontcabindooropened.“Butsinceyouwon’tbegoing,there’snoneedformetoattend.”

Solanofeltamomentof

confusion.ItgrewdeeperasthreeKoreanmenindarksuitsappeared,enteringthroughthesupposedlybrokenJetway.Hestoodup,indignantandsuspicious,butthewomanjabbedhimwithsomething.Hefeltashockgothroughhisbodyandthenbecamerapidlydrowsy.Hefellintoherwaitingarmsandbegantodozeevenasshelaidhimdownonthecabinfloor.

Shortlybeforehepassedout,anothermanentered.Thismanworeawhitelinensuit,identicaltoSolano’sown.Hishairwascoiffedinthesamenouveaupompadourstyleandhisfacesportedagoatee.Infact,asthisnewarrivalstareddownathim,Solanofeltasifhemightbelookinginamirror.

“Who...are...you?”Solanomanagedtowhisper.“I’myou,”themanreplied.

Baffledandtoodrowsytoformanotherthought,Solanoclosedhiseyesandfellasleep.

TwooftheKoreanmendroppeddownbesidehimandpulledhimupright.Astheyfoldedhisunconsciousbodyintoacartdisguisedasacateringtrolley,thewomaninthebusinesssuittookJoebythearm.

“Timeforustoexit,”shesaid.“Acostasentadriverto

pickSolanoup.Sayaslittletohimaspossible.We’llgetSolanotalkingandgetyousomeaudiotolistentosoyoucanmimichisvoice.”

“Noproblem,”Joesaid.HegrabbedSolano’sbriefcaseandfollowedthewomantowardtheaftendoftheplane.

Minuteslater,hewasintheterminal,meetingwithAcosta’sdriver,whopickeduptherestofSolano’s

luggageandledhimtoawaitinglimo.

“Whathotel?”Joeasked,usingaccentedEnglish.

“ShillaHotel,”thedriverinsisted.“Fivestars.MonsieurAcostahassparednoexpenseandisveryexcitedtoseeyou.”

Joeonlynoddedandsatbackintheplushseatuntilthedrivershutthedoor.Hewasn’tconcerned.HeknewthattheCIAandtheSouth

Koreansecurityforceswerelisteningin.Theywouldtrackhimand,whentheywerecertainthecoastwasclear,theywouldcontacthim.Untilthentherewasnothingtodobutenjoytheride.

Milesaway,KurtAustinwaslessrelaxed.Whathadbegunasapersonalmissioninsearchofanswershadnowbecomeaninternational

operationthathadputhisbestfriendatthetipofthespear.

KurtspenthoursstudyingtheschematicsofThanRang’sskyscraper,wherethepartywouldbeheld.Thefifty-two-storyglass-and-steelbuildingwasamarvelofengineering.ItroselikeamonolithintheheartofSeoul.Elevenfloorsup,onesidewascutaway,andanornategardenandoutdoorterraceofferedsomeofthe

bestviewsinthecity.Kurtnoticedthatthe

gardenwasprotectedbyaglassatrium,therestbeingopentotheelements.Helearnedthattheelevatorsranthroughacentralcolumnandthattherewerestairwellsatallfourcorners.Hefoundthataccesscorridorsranbehindcertainwallsandthatthereweremanynarrowspaces,designedforpipesandelectricalconduits,that

hadentryandexitpointstoallowmaintenanceaccess.

HavinglearnedallhecouldaboutThanRang’sbuilding,heturnedtootherdistractions:lookingoverthephotoshe’dtakenofAcosta’syachtandzoominginonthefacesofthosewho’dbeencaughtinthesnapshots.

Acosta’sbulbousheadwasclearlyvisibleinseveralphotos,aswastheblondwomanAcostahadspokento

outonthedeck.AsKurtstudiedher

features,hebegantothinkshelookedfamiliar.Hercheekboneswerehigh.Hereyeswereadarkbrownandhereyebrowsdarkerstill.Shewasn’tablondeatall,hethought.

Hezoomedincloserandrealizedwhoitwas.“Awomanindisguise,”hesaid,recognizingthefaceofthemysteryintruderhe’dfought

withinAcosta’scabin.Hepluggedthecamera

intoacomputerterminal.Withafewkeystrokesheuploadedtheshot.Thatdone,hepickedupthephoneanddialedaWashingtonnumber.Thephonerangahalfdozentimesbeforeagrumpyvoiceanswered.

“Hello?”“Hiram,thisisKurt.”“IhopeI’mdreaming

this,”HiramYaegersaid.

“Doyouhaveanyideawhattimeitis?”

Kurthadalmostforgottenthefourteen-hourtimedifferentialfromSeoultoD.C.“I’vealwaysheardtimeisarelativeconcept,”hereplied.

“Notinthiscase,”Yaegergrumbled.“ButIassumeit’simportant.Whatdoyouneed?”

“I’msendingyouaphotoofaprettywoman.”

“Mywifemightnotappreciatethat.”

“Ithinkit’sthemysterywomanfromtheyacht.Only,she’swearingablondwig.It’saclearshotthroughthezoomlens.Maybeyoucanrunitthroughyourmagicalmachineandfigureoutwhosheis.Unlessthat’sbeyondwhatthesystemcanhandle.”

Yaegerscoffedatthenotion.“I’mhurtthatyouwouldevendoubtus,”he

replied.“Ourfacialrecognitiontechnologyhasadvancedbyleapsandboundsinthelastfewyears.Ifit’saclearshotandthere’sanyrecordofheranywhere,wecanfigureitout.YouthrowindinneratCitronandI’llgiveyouherpreferreddrink,alistofherlikesanddislikes,andwhereshewenttoschool.”

Kurtlaughed.HefiguredthebestwaytogetHiram

firedupwastochallengehim.“It’sadeal.IheardaboutthecomputervirusontheCondor,”Kurtsaid.“AreyousureMaxissecure?”

MaxwasthenameofHiram’sownsupercomputingsystem.Builtfromscratch,toHiram’sexactingspecifications,Maxwasundoubtedlyoneofthemostadvancedandpowerfulcomputersintheworld—andcertainlythemostunique.It

hadahighlevelofartificialintelligenceanditsown,distinctlyfemalepersonality.

“Areyoupurposelytryingtoannoyme?”Hiramsaid.“OfcourseMaxissecure.Ibuiltherfromthegroundupandprogrammedhermyself.Nooneelseintheworldhaseventhemostrudimentaryunderstandingofhersourcecode,and,withoutthat,amachinecan’tbecompromised.Infact,if

everybodybuilttheirowncomputersinsteadofbuyingthemofftheshelf,theworldwouldbeafarmoresecureplace.”

“Okay,fine,”Kurtsaid,notmeaningtodenigrateHiramorhismachine.“SoIdon’tneedtoprintthisoutandsenditFedEx?”

“No,”Hiramsaid.“JustusethesecurelinetheCIAhassetupforyou.I’vescannedtheirsoftwarewith

ours.It’sclear.”“Okay,”Kurtsaid.

“Sendingnow.Letmeknowwhatyoufindout.”

“Willdo.”Yaegerhungup,andKurt

hadnodoubtthattheinquisitivecomputergeniuswasalreadycrawlingoutofbedtogettheresearchgoingimmediately.Healmostfeltguilty,buthehadafeelingtimewasnotontheirside.

JoeZavalaarrivedatThanRang’sbuildinginalimo.HeworeatailoredwhitesuitandasilvertiestraightfromSolano’swardrobe.Kurttraveledwithhim,wearingamoretraditionalblacksuitandcarryingasmallbriefcasewiththetoolsofSolano’s

tradeandatransmitterheandJoehopedtosecureonthehackers.Asalast-minuteprecaution,Kurt’ssilverhairhadbeencutshortandtemporarilydyedblackincaseAcostahadanysurveillancefootageofhimfromtheyacht.

Steppingfromthelimo,theyweredirectedtoaprivateelevatorbyThanRang’ssecuritypersonnelandtookaquickrideuptothe

eleventhfloor,wheretheysteppedoutintoapartythatwasalreadyinfullswing.

SpreadoutacrossalargeballroomandspillingoutontotherooftopgardenwerehundredsofSouthKorea’smostpowerfulandinfluentialpeople.Industrialists,politicians,andcelebritiesmixedwithpoets,artists,andphilanthropists.Ambassadorsfromfivenationswerethere,alongwithdozensoftrade

representatives,includingagroupfromtheUnitedStates.

Tokickthefestivitiesintohighgear,ThanRangappearedonaraisedstageattheendoftheballroom.HeworeatraditionalKoreanoutfitknownasagongbok,whichwasanindigocoloredrobeofsilktiedatthewaistwithagraysashandfittedwithahighcollar.IntheancientdynastiesofKoreathegongbokwasthedressof

anoblemanoraking.IttoldKurtalotaboutwhoThanRangthoughthewas.

WhiletherewereafewothersdressedsimilartoThanRang,mostoftheguestsworeWesternclothing:suitsandtuxedosforthemen,allvarietyofbrightformalwearforthewomen.Itwasadizzyingkaleidoscopeofmovementandcolor.“WhendoyoumeetupwithAcosta?”Kurtasked.

“Hismessagesaidhe’dfindmewhenheneededmeandtoenjoythepartyuntilthen.”

KurtnoticedJoewasspeakingwithaheavyaccenteventhoughhewasusingEnglish.He’dbeenincharactersincetheyleftthehotelroom.Theactingclassesseemedtobepayingoff.

“Perhapsyou’dliketowaitinthegarden,sir?”Kurt

asked,speakinginthetoneofanassistant.

“Yes,”Joesaid,“IbelieveIwould.Let’senjoythecoolnightairforawhile.”

Theymadetheirwayoutsidetotheornategardenthatcoveredhalftheeleventh-floorrooftop.Itwaslitupbythousandsoftinylights,enoughtocompetewiththeglowofthecitybeyond.Theotherhalfofthebuildingroseanotherforty-

onestoriesintothenightbehindthem.

Outinthegardenitdidn’ttakelongforatrioofwomentocatchJoe’seye.Heflashedagrin,histeethaswhiteasthejackethewore.Thewomenrespondedwithsmilesoftheirown,andthetwoboldestofthembegantowalkhisway.

“Mustbethesuit,”Kurtwhispered.

“Idomakeitlookgood,”

Joereplied.“YoulooklikeMr.

Roarke,”Kurtsaid.“They’reprobablyhopingforatriptoFantasyIsland.”

“ThatwouldmakeyouTattoo,”Joewhispered.“Letmeknowifyouspotdeplane.”

Asthewomencameintorange,Joebegantoholdcourt,gettingtheirnamesandtheirstoriesanddiscussinghispositionintheworldof

art.Iftheyweren’talreadyweak-kneedfromJoe’slooksandcharm,hearingthathewasaninternationalartexpertwithabighaciendaonastretchofSpanishbeachmadethempositivelymelt.

Asoneofthemsippedthelastofhermartini,Joeaskedifshe’dlikeanother.

“I’dloveone,”shesaid.“SowouldI,”thesecond

womanadded.WithoutaglanceatKurt,

Joesenthimtothebar.“TwomartinisandaGinRickey,”hesaid,orderingSolano’sfavoritedrink.

Hisfriendwasenjoyingthis,andKurtcouldnotsomuchasgivehimtheevileye.Hewouldhavetofindawaytorepayhimlater.“Yes,Mr.Solano,”hesaid,“rightaway.Doyourequireanythingelse?”

“No,”Joerepliedwithalightsigh.“Iseemtohaveall

Ineedrighthere.”Kurthandedthebriefcase

overtoJoeandmadehiswaytowardthecenterofthegarden,whereacircularbarmadeofglassshimmeredwithelectricbluecolorwhereitwaslitfromwithin.

OneofthemanybartendersnoticedKurtimmediately.Asthemanwenttowork,Kurtstudiedthesurroundings,lookingforAcosta.Sofar,hehadn’tseen

him.Butconsideringthenumberofguests,thatwasnotasurprise.

Thebluemartinisarrived,madewithvodka,curaçao,andanounceofbitters.Shakenandpoured,theywerealmostidenticalincolortotheglowingbar.TheGinRickeywasanotherstory:thebartenderneededfreshlimes.

Ashewenttoretrievethem,Kurt’sgazesettledonacouplewho’deaseduptothe

bardirectlyoppositehim.Themanhedidn’trecognize,butthewoman’sfacewasunmistakableatthispoint.ItseemedthemysterywomanfromAcosta’syachthadaninvitetoThanRang’sparty.

Herhairwascopper-colorednowandarrowstraight.Itshonelikeanewpennybeneaththelightsandwascoiffedinanasymmetricalstylethatframedherfaceinawaythat

wasbothstrikingandyetwelldesignedtodisguiseherfeatures.

Despitethat,Kurthadnodoubtwhohewaslookingat.He’dstaredatthephotoofherintheblondwigforhoursaftersendingittoHiram.He’dburnedherfeaturesintohismind:theangleofhercheekbones,thenarrowbridgeofhernose,thearchofhereyebrows,andthelittlescarthatranthroughoneof

themlikeapart.Allthesethingswereeasytomakeout.

Henoticedherbottomlipseemedtobeswollen,almostbeestung.Consideringithadbeenbruisedandbleedingfourdaysprior,thatdidnotsurprisehim.Nordiditsurprisehimthatshewashere.Afterall,theywerechasingthesamething.

“Yourdrinks,sir.”Thebartenderhad

returned.

“Thankyou,”Kurtsaid.ItwasanopenbarbutKurtbelievedintipping.Hehandedoverafifty-thousand-wonnote.Theequivalentofaboutfortydollars.

Thebartendersmiledintently.“Thankyou,sir.”

“You’rewelcome,”Kurtsaid,liftingthesmalltrayonwhichthedrinkshadbeenplaced.“Usworking-classguysneedtosticktogether.”

Withthegraceofa

waiter,KurtcarriedthedrinksbacktoJoe,wherethewomencontinuedtohangonhiseveryword.Assoonasthedrinksweredistributed,JoehandedthebagtoKurt.

BeforeKurtcouldexplainthelatestcomplication,Acostaappeared.Hisarrivalwasenoughtoscatterthewomenlikespookeddoves.

Thepleasantrieswereexchangedsomewhatawkwardly.“MySpanishis

notsogood,”Acostamanaged.

“NormyFrench,”Joereplied.“PerhapsEnglishisbetter?”“Notbetter,”Acostagrumbled,“butcommon.”

AcostalaughedathisownjokeandthencontinuedtheconversationinaccentedEnglish.Joedidlikewise,doinghisbesttosoundlikeSolano.

“Areyouready?”Acostaasked.

“Wheneveryouare,”Joereplied.

Withthat,AcostaandhisbodyguardsledJoeandKurttoanotherelevatorguardedbyThanRang’smen.Astheyreachedthedoor,oneoftheguardspointedatKurtandshookhishead.“He’smyassistant,”Joesaid.

“Doyouneedhim?”Acostareplied.

“Ofcoursenot,”Joesaid.“Heissimplyheretocarry

thebags.”Joesnappedhisfingers

andmadeaGiveittomemotionwithhishand.Kurtdutifullyhandedthebriefcaseover.“Enjoythefestivities,”Joesaid.“I’llsignalyouwhenIreturn.”

Theelevatordooropened.AcostaandJoesteppedinside.Asthedoorshut,Kurtheardthebeginningsofaconversationcenteredonacollectionofworksbythe

artistDegas.HehopedJoe’scrashcourseintheworldofartwouldholdup.

Withlittletodobutwait,Kurtturnedandwentbacktothebar.HismainprioritynowwastoavoidbeingrecognizedbyoneofAcosta’sguardsorthemysterywomanfromtheyacht.Hedecidedthebestwaynottoaccidentallyrunintoherwastofollowherandkeepaneyeonherfroma

distance.Trackingherwasfairly

easy,astheshimmerofhercopperlocksstoodoutinacrowdofmostlyKoreanwomen.Avoidinghergazewasalittlemoredifficultashereyesseemedconstantlyonthemove.HeonlyhopedhissurveillancetechniquewasbetterthanJoe’s.

OntheelevatorridetothetopfloorofThanRang’sbuilding,JoecontinueddiscussingtheartofDegaswithAcosta,relayingfactsandanecdoteswithease.Bythetimetheyreachedthefifty-secondfloor,Acostaseemedimpressed.

Theelevatoropenedandletthemoutintoalargefoyer.Amanwithonehandmetthemthere.HewasCaucasian.

“Kovack,”Acostasaid.“ThisisArturoSolano.”

JoenoddedandKovackofferedhimabriefglance.“ThanRangiswaiting.”

“Excellent.”Together,thethreeof

themmadeashorttriptoThanRang’sprivateoffice.

ThanRangwasalreadythere,stilldressedinhisindigorobe,lookingoutoverthelightsofSeoulthroughthefloor-to-ceilingwindows.

“Wehavearrived,”Acostaannounced.“It’stimefortheexchange.”

ThanRangturned.“Assumingyourexpertspasstheirfinalexamination.”

Joeglancedaround.Theofficewassprawlingandincludedaconferenceroom

behindsmokedglass,buttheroomwasdark,andhesawnosignofthehackers.Wherevertheyweresequesteredtodotheirfinalexam,itwasn’tonthefifty-secondfloor.

“Theywillpasseverytestyoucandevise,”Acostainsisted.“OfthatIassureyou.”

“Thenyouwillhaveyourprize.”

ThanRangextendeda

handtowardthefarwall.There,guardedbytwoadditionalmen,wasasmalleasel.Atthecenteroftheeaselsatapaintingnotmuchlargerthanastandardsheetofpaper.Itwassurroundedbyagildedframeandbathedinasoftwarmlight.

“First,we’llrunourowntests,”Acostasaidconfidently.

“Asyouwish.”AcostaledJoetowardthe

easel.“I’msurethiswon’ttakelong.”

Joewenttosetup,buttheguardsdidn’tbudge.

“Doyoumind?”Joeasked.“Ineedsomeroomtowork.”

Theguardssteppedbackafewfeet.

Withsomeroomtobreathe,Joesethiscasedownandstudiedthepaintinginthelowlight.Fortunately,herecognizedit.Thepainting

wasaManet.ItwasknownastheChezTortoni.

Joeranthroughwhatheknewaboutitinhismind.Oiloncanvas,paintedbyManetoveraperiodofseveralyearsandfinishedsometimein1880.ItdepictedaFrenchgentlemanwithahightophatsittinginacaféthattheartisthimselfwasknowntofrequent.

Buttherewassomethingelse...

“Areyousurprisedtoseeitagain?”Acostaasked,allbutchortling.

Ofcourse,Joethought.He’dalmostforgotten.Ithadbeenstolen,alongwithadozenotherpiecesfromtheGardnerMuseuminBoston.Alltold,thevalueofthemissingartwassomewherearoundfivehundredmilliondollars.ThebioonSolanoindicatedhe’dbeenworkingattheGardnerwhenthetheft

happened.Joereactedcalmly.“Ifit’s

real,”hesaid.“I’veseenhalfadozenforgeriesofthispaintinginthelasttenyears,someofthemquitegood.I’llgetexcitedwhenIknowit’sthegenuinearticle.”

“Iassureyou,”ThanRangsaidfrombehindthem,“thisistherealthing.”

Joeshrugged,openedhisbriefcase,andremovedasmalldevicethatlookedlike

acamera.“Whatareyougoingto

dowiththat?”ThanRangasked.

“It’saninfraredscanner,”Joesaid.“Settotheproperfrequency,itwilllookbeneaththepainttoseeifotherimagesarepresent.”

ThanRanglookedalittlenervous,andJoewonderedwhatwouldhappenifanimageofMickeyMouseorBugsBunnyappearedwhen

heturnedonthescanner.Mostlikely,allhellwouldbreakloosebetweenThanRangandAcostaandtheirtwosetsofthugs.NotacrossfireJoewantedtobeinthemiddleof.

Heturnedthescanneronandstudiedthepainting.Fortunately,nocartoonsappeared,butseveralstraylineswereobvious.Thedesignlookedliketheoutlineofasmallbuilding.Joemade

afewnotesonapadandswitchedthescanneroff.“Well?”

“I’mnotdone,”Joesaid.“Lights,please.”

Theroomwasdarkened,andJoeusedanultravioletlighttotesttheshadesofwhitepigment.

“Iseenorepairstothiswork,”hesaid.“Nosignsthatnewpainthasbeenadded.Infact,thefluorescencelevelisrightontarget.Thepigments

matchthosefromthe1800s.”Thelightscamebackon,

andJoenoticedThanRanghadbeguntolookpleased.

“Whataboutthosestraymarks?”

“Fewknowthis,”Joesaid,makingupastoryhehopedcouldn’tbequicklyverified,“butManetpaintedthisworkoverthebeginningsofanother.Themarksbeneatharebelievedtobetheoutlineofacarriagehousein

Toulouse.”“Sothisistheauthentic

item?”“Oraperfectforgery,”

Joesaid.“Whatareyou

suggesting?”ThanRangblurtedout.

“Nothing,”Joesaid.“Buttellme,didyoustealthepainting?”

“Ofcoursenot.”“Thenyouboughtitfrom

themenorwomenwhodid,”

Joepointedout.“Bytheirverynature,thatmakesthemcriminals.Surelyyoudidn’ttakeitonfacevaluewhenyouhandedthemtheirpayment.”

TheKoreanbristledattheremark.“Iwouldnotbefoolishenoughtobuyafake.”

“Theremustbesomewaytotellforsure,”Acostasaid.

“Bringthelightsuptomaximum,”Joesaid.“One

thingthatcan’tbefakediswhat’scalledcraquelure.Asthepaintingages,theoilsdryoutandthepaintcracks.Basedontheageoftheworkandthetypeofpaintused,specificpatternswillappear.It’ssomewhatlikeanartisticfingerprint.”

Withthelightsup,Joeexaminedthesurfaceofthepainting.Fromwhathe’dbeentold,Frenchcraqueluretendedtoformincurving,

sweepinglines,whileItalianpaintingstendedtocrackinsquaresorlittlerectangularblocks,whichwaswhytheMonaLisalookedthewayitdidupclose.

ToJoe’schagrin,neitherpatternappearedontheManet.Therewereverticalcracks,andafewhorizontalones,butnothingthatlookedlikewhathe’dbeentaughttoexpect.Hepulledoutamagnifyingglasstogive

himselfasecondlook,andtobuyhimselfsometime.Butthemorehelooked,themoreconvincedhebecamehewaslookingatafake.

WhileJoeplayedartexpert,Kurttailedthemysterywomanfromtheyacht.Thelongerhefollowedher,themorehenoticedshewasmovinginadeliberatepattern.Outfromthebarandthenback,checkingaquadrantofthegardenata

time,andthenreportingbacktoherdate.

“She’slookingforsomething,”hesaidtohimself.

Hemovedincloserandmanagedtooverhearpartofherconversation.Themancalledher“Calista.”Sonowhehadaname,evenifitwasanalias.

Sheshookherheadatsomethingthemanaskedandthenspoke.“AcostaandThan

Rangarenowheretobeseen.Theymustbemakingtheexchangenow.Timetogetinposition.”

Themannodded.“Verywell,”hesaid.“Let’sbequick.”KurtturnedhisbackandeasedinbetweentwoKoreanbusinessmenwhowerehavingaspiriteddebate,noddinghisheadasifheagreedwithsomethingthatwasbeingsaid.Thebusinessmenlookedathim

oddly,thenwentbacktotheirconversation.

CalistaandherdatemovedpastKurtandseparated,headingoffindifferentdirections.KurtfollowedCalistaasshemadeherwayfromtheterraceintothecoveredpartoftheballroomanddownashorthall.Sheslippedthroughadoorwayanddisappearedasitclosedbehindher.Squinting,Kurtnoticedthe

signonthedoor.Theladies’room.

Helookedforaplacetolinger,butthehallwasadeadend.Insteadofgettingtooclose,heactuallymovedback,loiteringinaspotfromwhichhecouldwatchthehallinthereflectionofasmokedglasswindow.

Soonenough,thedoorswungopenagain.

Kurtkepthiseyesonthereflectionasshemadeher

waybacktowardthegarden.Shepassedhimwithoutaglance.ButKurtnoticedsomethingdifferentabouther.Herwalkhadchanged.Itwasmorerefined,lessbrisk.Thedressseemedtofitalittletighter,thefigureinsidewasalittlefuller.

Kurtcouldn’tseeherface,buthedidn’thaveto,heknewwhatheknew.Thewomanwho’dcomeoutoftherestroomwasnotthe

sameonewho’dgonein.

Onthefifty-secondfloor,Joestaredatthepainting,wonderingwhattodo.Ifhepronounceditafake,allhellwouldbreakloose.IfheclaimedittoberealanditwassomekindoftestsetupbyAcostaorevenThanRang,hiscoverwouldbeblown.

“Well?”ThanRangsaid.

“Whatisyourverdict?”Joestrokedthegoatee

thathadbeengluedtohisface.“It...it...”HeturnedtoAcostaandinfullcharactersaid,“Itbringsateartomyeyetoseesuchanoldfriendonceagain.NeverdidIthinkitwouldberecovered.”

ThanRangrelaxed.Acostasighed.

Joeexhaledalongwiththem.“Yes,”hesaid.“Icanassureyou,thisisthebona

fideworkofthemaster.Lookatthetouch.Lookatthedepth.Youarebothveryluckymen.”

“Verygood,”Acostasaid.HemotionedtothemanwithonehandandpointedtoJoe.“Payhim.”

AbriefcasewasproducedthatlookedexactlylikeSolano’s.“Thesecondhalfofyourfee.Onehundredthousandeuros,asweagreed.”

Joeopenedthecase,lookedoverthemoney,andthenshutitquickly.Unfortunately,evenashedidso,theone-handedmanwastakingthecaseJoehadbroughtinwithhimandcarryingitoffwiththetrackingdeviceinside.

“Mypen,”Joesaid.“It’sinthecase.”

AcostalaughedandslappedJoeontheback.“Youcanbuyawholefactory

ofpenswithwhatI’vepaidyou.”

Joechuckledinanefforttocoverhischagrin,butastheone-handedmanwasalreadydisappearingintoaconferenceroomhedecidednottodrawanymoreattentiontohimself.

“Enjoytheremainderoftheevening,”Acostasaid.“Perhapstheyoungwomenyouwereengagedwithearlierwillstillbeunattached

fortheevening.”“Onecanonlyhope,”Joe

said.ThanRanggestured

towardtheelevatorandJoewalkedthatway.Asthebellpingedandthedooropened,JoeheardThanRangspeakingtoAcosta.“Yourpeoplehavepassedthetest.Ourbusinessiscomplete.Getthemreadytomove.”

Joecouldn’tlingeranyfurther.Hesteppedintothe

elevatorandwaitedforthedoorstoclose.

Assoonastheelevatorbegantodescend,JoeactivatedthemicrotransmittertheCIAhadgivenhim,atinywaterproofdevicethatwasclippedtooneofhismolars.Hespokealmostsilentlywithoutmovinghismouth.

“Gotyourearson,buddy?”

AmomentofsilencerangoutbeforeKurtcameback.

“I’mhere,”Kurt’svoicereplied.

Thetinyspeakerresonatedagainstaboneinthejawthatconnectedtotheear.IttrulysoundedasifKurtwasinhishead.

“I’monmywaydown,”Joewhispered.

“Missionaccomplished?”“Notexactly,”Joesaid.“I

thinkwe’dbettermakeaquickexit,stageleft,right,center,itdoesn’tmatter.”

“What’stherush?”“Well,foronething,”Joe

said,“thepaintingisafake.I’mprettysureThanRangknows.AndifAcostarealizesitorThanRangbeginstothinkthatIknowandjustdidn’tspeakupyet...Well,let’sjustsayIwouldn’twanttobeinSolano’sshoesatthatpoint.”

“ExceptthatyouareinSolano’sshoes.”

“Exactly,”Joesaid.

“Beyondthat,theytookthecasewiththetransmitterinit.Gavemeamatchingonefilledwithcash.Butwithoutthetracer,wecan’tfinishthemissionanyway.”

“Notnecessarily,”Kurtsaid.“I’vefoundusaplanB.”

“PlanB?”“Theonepersoninthe

worldasinterestedinlocatingSiennaasweare.AndifI’mright,she’sjustgoinginto

action.”“Yourmysterywoman.”“Appearingasaredhead

todayandgoingbythenameofCalista.”

Theelevatorfinallyhittheeleventhfloorandstopped.Assoonasthedoorswereopen,Joesteppedout.“Let’smakethisquick.Whereareyou?”

“Gettingreadytosneakintotheladies’room.”

“Iknewyouwere

desperate,”Joesaid,“butthat’stakingitalittlefar,don’tyouthink?”

“Shewentinaminuteago,”Kurtwhispered.“Someoneelsecameoutwearingherclothes.IassumethatwastothrowoffThanRang’scameras.Butnooneelsehascomeoutyetatall.”

“Doyouthinkshewentoutawindoworsomething?”

“Orabackdoor,”Kurtsaid.“I’mabouttogoinand

findout.”“Makessense,”Joesaid.

“Onmyway.”BythetimeJoereached

therestroom,Kurthadpulledajanitor’scartinfrontofthebathroomdoorandduckedinside.Joefoundhimlookingforasecretpanel,knockingonthewallsandlisteningforahollowspot.Therewerenowindowsorbackdoorstospeakof.

“Whatabouttheairvent,”

Joesaid,studyingthelouveredmetalgratethatcoveredit.

“Peopledon’treallyclimbthroughairducts,”Kurtsaidfrominsideoneofthestalls.“Mostlybecausetheyaredesignedtocarryairandpeopleareheavierthanair.”

“Especiallyafterallthosehorsd’oeuvresattheparty.”

“Lookatthis,”Kurtsaid,wavingJoeintothestallandpointingtothefloor,wherea

finelayerofwhitedustlinedthepolishedgranitetile.

“Lookslikedrywalldust,”Joesaid.

“Mythoughtsexactly,”Kurtsaidashefoundaseamthathadbeenhastilycoveredbyaquick-dryingplaster—althoughitwasn’tdryyet.

Withalittleeffort,Kurtwasabletodighisfingersintotheseamandpullthepanelout.Itwasathree-by-three-footsquare.Justbig

enoughforsomeonetoclimbthrough.“Eithertheyhaveverylargemiceorshewentthroughhere.”

“Wheredoesitlead?”Joeasked.

Kurtputhisheadinside.“Isawtheseonthebuildingschematics.It’sacrawlspacebetweenthewalls.Lotsofpipesandelectricalwire.It’sdarktotherightside,butthere’sasliveroflightperhapsahundredfeetdown

ontheleft.Itlookslikethecrackbeneathadoor.”

“Canwefit?”Joeasked.“Onlyonewaytofind

out,”Kurtsaid,climbingin.Joelockedthebathroom

stalldoorandfollowedKurtintothecrawlspace.Hedidhisbesttoreplacethepaneloncehewasinsideandthenturned,immediatelybanginghisheadononeofthepipes.Theimpactreverberatedthroughthedark.

“Keepitdown,”Kurtwhispered.

“Ican’tseeanything,”Joesaid.

“Holdon.”AsJoewatched,abluish

whitelightfilledthespace,courtesyofthescreenonKurt’sphone.Itwasenoughtonavigatewith,andKurtbeganclamberingforward.Joefolloweduntiltheyreachedthespotwherethelightwasfilteringin.

“Inspectionpanel,”Kurtsaid.Asmallhandleinasquaremetaldoorpresenteditself,andKurtduckeddown,twistedthehandle,andeasedthedooropen.

“Whatdoyousee?”Joeasked.

“Backofficehallwayandafireescape.”

Kurtwedgedhisbroadshouldersthroughthenarrowdoorandoutintothehall.Joefollowed,squeezingthrough

andstraighteninguponcehewasfree.

Kurtglancedbackathim.“You’reamess.”

Joelookedathimself.Hisspotlesswhitejacketwassmudgedwithblackgreaseandswathsofgraydust.Hetookitoffandremovedhistie,stuffingthembackintothecrawlspacebeforeclosingthedoor.

“Iwasgettingtiredofthatmonkeysuitanyway,”he

said.“Whichwaynow?”“Goodquestion,”Kurt

said.“Notmuchshecandobackhere.Ifshewantstointerceptthehackers,she’llhavetobeatthemtowhatevermodeoftransportthey’regoingtobeusing.”

“There’sahelipadontheroof,”Joesaid.

“Andagarageunderneaththebuilding,”Kurtadded.

“Ifshewasgoingtotaketheelevator,shewouldn’t

havecomethisway,”Joesaid.

“Thatmeansshe’sonthestairs.”

Withoutdelay,Kurtmoveddownthehalltothefireescapeandeasedthedooropen.Likemostfireescapes,thestairsweremetal,descendinginarectangularzigzag.Evenbeforehewasfullyinside,Kurtcouldhearrapidlymovingfootfallsechoinginthespace.

HemovedtotheedgeoftherailasJoeslippedinsideandshutthedoor.Gazingdown,hespottedawoman’shandontherailmovingrapidlytowardthebasement.Butitwasnotalone—anotherhandtrailedhers.

Kurtsteppedbackandhelduptwofingers.Joenodded.Kurtpointedtotheirfeet.“Shoes,”hewhispered.

JoepulledhisshoesoffasKurtwasdoingthesame.“At

thisrate,I’mgonnabenakedbythetimewecatchuptoher.”

“Thatoughttoscareher,”Kurtreplied.“Nottomentioneveryoneelseinvolved.”

Leavingtheirshoesbehind,theybegantodescendintheirsocks,treadinglightlybutquickly,andstayingawayfromtheinsiderail,whereaquicklookupwardfromeitherofthetargetsmightgivethemaway.

Theywerepassingthesixthfloorandheadedforthefifthwhenthewomanandherfriendreachedthebottomfloor.Thedooratthebaseofthestairwellopened,andtheycouldheartheunmistakablesoundofagunwithasilenceronthebarrel.Threedartlikeshotswerefollowedbyadullthud,andthenanother.

“They’vetakensomeoneout,”Joewhispered.

Kurtstoopedandpeered

overtheedge.Whatlookedlikeapairofguardswasbeingdraggedintothestairwell.Calistaandthemantookseveralitemsfromthebodies,coveredthemhastilywithatarp,andthenwentoutthroughthedoorintothegarageonceagain.

“Whataretheyupto?”Joewonderedaloud.

Kurthadnoidea.Whenthedoorbangedshut,hestartedtomoveagain,racing

downthestairsasfastashecould.Hemadeittothebottomofthestairwellandpressedagainstthedoor,lookingthroughthewiresafetyglasswindow.Hesawthewomanclearlynow.Herhairwasshortandblackagain,andshewasdressedinauniformlikeoneofThanRang’sguards.

“She’sclimbingintothecabofaneighteen-wheeler,”Kurtsaid.

“Whataboutherfriend?”Kurtglancedaround.He

couldn’tseetheman,butthesoundofadoorslammingandaslightvibrationinthemirrorofasecondtrucksuggestedhe’dgotteninthesecondrig.Fornow,theyjustsattherewaiting.

“What’sthestoryonthoseguys?”Kurtasked,glancingbacktoJoe.

AsKurtwatchedthetrucks,Joemovedbackinto

therecessesofthestairwellwherethedeadmenwerecoveredbythetarp.“Ammunitionbeltsandemptyholsters,”Joesaid.“Radioclipsontheirbeltsareempty.I’dguessthesemenaresecurityspecialists,notdrivers.”

“Makessense,”Kurtsaid.“Somebodyhastorideshotgunonanoperationlikethis.Bythelooksofit,ourtwofriendshavesplitup,

takingtheplaceofthesetwo.They’reeachinadifferenttruck.”

“Guardingthecargoandwaitingforthedriverstoarrive,”Joesuggested.

“That’smyguess.”“Sonowwhat?”“Stowawaytime,”Kurt

said.“Wegetonboard,theyloaduptheotherhackersandhopefullytakeusrighttoSienna.”

“WhatifSiennaisbeing

heldinKimJong-un’spalace?”Joesaid.

“ThenwegetatourofNorthKorea,”Kurtsaid.

“NotsureIlikethatidea,”Joesaid.“Theydon’thavealotofMexicanfoodupthere,youknow.Ormuchfoodingeneral,forthatmatter.”

Kurtdidn’texactlyliketheideaofendingupintheHermitKingdomhimself.Buthedidn’tthinktheyweregoingthere.“Fromwhat

ColonelLeesaid,theborderisclosed.Evenifitwereopen,there’snowaytheseguysaredrivingacrosstheDMZinapairofbigrigswiththeDaeShanlogosplashedalloverthem.”

“Thatmakessense,”Joesaid.“I’dstillrathercallinthecavalry.”

“Westoptheseguysonthissideoftheborder,we’llneverfindSienna,”Kurtsaid.“Ididn’tcomethisfarto

showmyhandbeforethefinaldeal.Butifyouwanttostayhere,Iunderstand.”

Joeshookhishead,andwithagruntpulledoffthegoatee,completinghistransformationfromSolanobacktoZavala.“Andgobacktothepartyupstairs?Idon’tthinkso.Butifwe’renotgoingintotheso-calledDemocraticRepublicofNorthKorea,thenwherearewegoing?”

“ColonelLeesaidthecyberattacksweren’tdirectlytraceabletoNorthKorea,eventhoughthey’refairlycertainNorthKoreawasbehindthem.HesaidthisUnit121hadpeopleworkingallovertheworld:inChina,Japan,hiddenhereinSeoul.Ifthat’sthecase,thenwemightnotevenleavethecity.”

Joebrokeintoagrin.“Ilikethewayyouthink,”he

said.“I’msureyou’llturnouttobewrongasusual,butthere’ssomethingtobesaidforremainingpositiveuntilallhopeisactuallylost.”

Kurtglancedbackatthedeadmen,bloodalreadyoozingoutfromunderthebodies.“Thattarpwon’thidethemforlong,”hesaid,“whichmeansourfriendscan’tplayimpostorforanyextendedlengthoftime.Whateverthey’regoingtodo,

it’sgoingtohappenquick.”“Okay,let’sgo,”Joesaid.

“ButifweenduponthedocksatIncheonorgettingloadedontoa747,I’mdefinitelycallinginthecavalry.”

“Deal,”Kurtsaid.AsJoecoveredthebodies

oncemore,Kurteasedthedooropenandmovedoutofthestairwell.Theystoleintothegarageasquietlyasalleycats,makingsuretostayout

ofthemirrors’linesofsight.Whentheyreachedthebackofthefirsttrailer,KurtunlatchedthedoorandwavedJoeinside.AssoonasJoewasup,Kurtclimbedinandclosedthedoorgently.

BythetimeKurtturnedaround,Joehadhisphoneout,usingthelightfromthescreenasKurthaddoneinthecrawlspace.Hewasexaminingthecargo.

“Computers,”Joesaid.

“High-techservers,bythelookofthings.I’veseenracksofequipmentlikethisinHiram’sdatacenter.”

“We’reintherightplace,”Kurtsaid.“ThiscargomustbedestinedfortheNorthKoreanCyber-Force.”

Theysettledin,sittingdownandleaningagainstthewallofthetruck,hiddenbyalargestackofequipmentincaseanyoneopenedthedoorforaquicklook.

Ashorttimelater,thesoundsofactivitypickedupoutsidethevehicle.LoudvoicesspeakingKoreanwereinterspersedwithdirectionsinbrokenEnglish.Shortlythereafter,thebigrigshudderedastheenginecametolifeandthetruckbegantomove.Theyseemedtoinchtheirwaythroughthegarageslowlybeforeclimbingarampandthenaccelerating.

Afterseveralturnsthat

feltliketheywerenegotiatingcityblocks,thetruckbegantopickupspeed.Kurtpulledouthisphone,foundhehadastrongsignal,andswitchedittomapmode.Ittookamomenttolocatehiswhereaboutsandcalculatehisdirectionandspeed,butsoontherewasalittlebluedotonthemovingmap.

“Whereareweheaded?”Joeasked.

“Youdon’twantto

know,”hereplied.ToKurt’schagrin,theywereonthemainhighway,movingduenorth,headingdirectlytowardtheDMZ.

SebastianBrèvardsatontheverandaofhissprawlingbaroquepalace,overlookingtheOlympic-sizedswimmingpoolwhereheswammostmornings,asaservantdeliveredhisbreakfastofcrepesandfreshfruit.

Afterdeemingthemeal

acceptable,Sebastianwavedtheservantaway,onlytohaveLaurentappearsecondslater.

“Iassumeyouhavenews,”Sebastiansaid.

“Calistareportstheinfiltrationplanisunderway,”Laurentsaid.“Eganiswithher.”

Asplanned,Sebastianthought.“Makesuretheextractionteamisreadytopullheroutassoonasshe

signalsus.”“Alreadydone.”“Whatabouttheothers?”“Preparingtoeliminate

Acosta.”“Excellent,”Sebastian

said,grinning.“IonlyregretthatIwon’tbetheretoseehisfatfacewhentheydumphimintothesea.”

“Yes,itwouldhavebeennicetotakehimourselves,”Laurentsaid.

“Makesurethereisno

evidence,”hesaid.“Itwillserveuswelliftherestoftheworldthinkshe’sstillalive.”

“I’vealreadygiventhatorder,”Laurentsaid.

Sebastiantookasipoffreshpapayajuiceandgazedoutovertheshimmeringpooltothesprawlinghedgemazethatcoveredtenacresonalowerleveloftheproperty.Hisgrandfatherhadbuiltthehouseandthesurroundingwalls.Sebastian’sfatherhad

broughtinthefloweringplantsandbuiltthemaze.Areminder,heoftenhadsaid,thatthosewhodon’tknowthepathareliabletogetlost.

Brèvardknewthepathhemusttake.

Muchashisgreat-grandfatherhaddone,Sebastianintendedtocompletethejobofalifetimeanddisappear.Insomeways,hehatedtoleavethefamilyhome,butitwastheonlypath

thatledtoafuture.Tokeepthetreasurehe

plannedtotake,theworldwouldhavetobefooledintothinkingnothinghadbeenstoleninthefirstplace.Tosurvive,iftheyeverfigureditout,requiredasecondtrick:misdirection.Hewouldconvincetheworldthatthey’dkilledhimandendedthethreat.And,forgoodmeasure,he’dpointthefingeratsomeoneelseifthey

neededascapegoattohang.Inthatrole,hewouldcast

hisunstablelittlesisterandherex-loverAcosta.Theywouldplayitperfectly.

Heconsideredherfateforamoment,wonderedifheshouldfeelsomesenseofguilt,andthendismissedtheideaasifitwereabsurd.Muchlikethefamilyhome,shewouldsoonoutliveherusefulness.

DismissingLaurent,

Sebastianopenedalaptopbesidehimandtappedafewkeys.CalistahadsetituptomonitoractivityoftheNUMAcrewtotheirsouth,theonesinvestigatingthewreckoftheEthernet.Accordingtothelatestreport,theywereinthesamevicinity,nowgettingassistancefromaSouthAfricantugandsettingupasalvageeffortonaderelictthey’ddiscovered.

Curious,hetappedafewkeysandwasabletoretrievefromtheNUMAdatabaseseveralphotosoftheship.Tohissurprise,itwascoveredinfoliageandtawny-coloredsoil.Hescrolleddownuntilhefoundadesignation.Thediscoveryallbutsenthimintoshock.Thesalvageclaimlistedthederelict’snameastheSSWaratah.

Heputdownthesliceoforangehewaschewingon

andwipedhismouthwithanapkin,scanningtheNUMAfileformoreinformationontheship.Herdimensionsmatched.Thephotostakeninseveralpartsoftheshipdepictedoldequipmentandfittings.ApictureofservingtrayswiththeBlueAnchorlogointhemiddlewereunmistakable.Andanoff-coloredimageoftheship’sbellwiththenameandtheship’slaunchdateengraved

onitleftnodoubt.“Damn,”hesaid,tossing

thenapkindown.Brèvardfelthisthroat

constricting.Itwasasifunseenhandswerereachingoutfrombeyondthegravetochokehimandtopayhimbackforhisfamily’streacheryahundredyearsbefore.

Ashescannedtheremainingdetailsonthefile,herecalledhisfathertelling

himthestory,astorypasseddownfromonepatriarchtothenextthroughfourgenerations.Itwasalessonaboutpainanddanger.AtaleofescapingdeathandpassingitontootherssotheBrèvardfamilymightbepreserved.

Heknewofhisfamily’sescapefromSouthAfricawiththewolvesoftheDurbanpoliceontheirheels.Herememberedhearingoverandoveragainhowitwas

onlyruthlessnessthathadsavedthefamily,howshortlyafterthehijackingthecrewtriedvaliantlytotaketheshipback.Howthey’dbeenthwartedbecausehisgreat-grandfatherhadexpecteditandhadtakenhostageswhomhewaswillingtokill.

Intheaftermathoftheuprising,thepassengersandmostofthecrewwereputofftheshipinthelifeboats,leavingonlytwodouble-

endersforlaunchesandtwentycrewmenbehindtoruntheshipitself—afarmoremanageablenumber.

Asfatewouldhaveit,astormhadcomeupthenextday,astormsopowerfultheWaratahwasalmostcapsized,justasthenewspapersthoughtshehadbeen.Itseemedimpossiblethatanyofthelifeboatssurvivedthatgale,and,asitturnedout,notoneevermade

ittoshore.TheWaratah,ontheother

hand,wasdrivennorth,where,aidedbythestormsurge,shetraveledupthenarrowriverfartherthananyonecouldhaveexpected.Sheranagroundinameanderthatcouldn’tbeseenfromthecoastinanunpopulatedsectionofthecountry.Itwastherethatthelastmembersofthecrewwerekilled.

Overtheyears,theship

seemedtoburrowitselfintothesilt,sinkinglowerandlower,andsoonbeingenvelopedandcompletelycovered.

Sebastian’sfatherhadshownhimthehillbeneathwhichtheshipsat,and,yearslater,he’dseenpartoftheshipitselfafterawomantheBrèvardfamilywasholdinghadinadvertentlydiscoveredtheshipandtriedtoescape,alongwithtwoofher

children,usingoneoftheship’sremainingdilapidatedboats.

Toeveryone’ssurprise,thewoodenlaunchactuallystayedafloatlongenoughtoreachtheAfricancoast,butthewomanandherchildrenhaddiedfromexposurelongbeforetheyreachedsafety.

Sebastianhadalwaysconsidereditpoetic.Theywere,insomeways,thelastvictimsofadoomedship.But

thesuperstitiouspartofhimnowwonderedifthisancientshipcouldsomehowbeintheprocessofeveningthescore.

“Howisthispossible?”Sebastianwhisperedtonoone.

Hecouldonlyconcludethatthetorrentialrainsofthemonthpriorhadsomehowunearthedtheshipandpushedheroutintothechannel,andfromtherethecurrenthadtakenhersouth,

rightintothepathoftheNUMAteam.Buthowhadsheremainedafloat?Howhadshenotbrokenapartandsunktothewaterygravelongrumoredtobeherhomeafterahundredyearsofrottingaway?

Whateverthereason,itseemedkarma,therandomnatureoftheuniverse,haddealthimaterriblecardattheverymomenthewasgettingreadytoplayhishand.He

didn’tknowwhatevidenceofhisgreat-grandfather’sactionsmightremainontheWaratah,butitwaspossiblethatcluesleftonthatshipwouldrevealthefamily’streacheryorevenleadtheworldtohisdoorbeforehewasreadytoentertainthem.

HecalledforLaurentandwaited.Hehadtospeakcarefully.Nooneelseknewthesecretofthelostship.Noteventheotherfamily

members.“Whatdoyouneed,

brother?”Laurentaskeduponreturningtotheveranda.

“Gatherupyourpilotsandgetthehelicoptersready,”hesaid.“It’stimetoattackourfriendsatNUMAonceagainbeforetheybecometoocomplacent.”

“Youwantustoattackthemfromtheair?”Laurentasked.“IthoughtyouandCalistahadalreadysabotaged

themwiththecomputers.”“Wedid,”Brèvardsaid.

“Butinsteadofbeingtowedintoport,they’veremainedonstationandevenfoundthemselvesaderelicttosalvage.They’reprovingmoreresourcefulandpersistentthanIcaretoallow.Ineedthemdistractedfurther.Atthismoment,withtheirsalvageoperationunderway,theyseemtohavemadethemselvesvulnerable.”

“Wehaveafewtorpedoesinthearmory,”Laurentsaid.“AcostawasgoingtosellthemtotheSomalisbeforehebetrayedus.”

“Perfect,”Brèvardsaid.“Armthehelicopterswiththosetorpedoes.Iwantthatderelictsenttothebottom.Andwhileyou’reatit,makeafewstrafingrunsovertheothershipsintheirlittlefleet.”

“Youwantustoattack

thederelict?”Laurentsaid,soundingconfused.

Sebastianstared.Hecouldunderstandwhytheordersoundedodd.“Don’tquestionme,”hegrowled,“justdoasIorder.Trustme,Ihavemyreasons.”

Laurenthelduphishandsinanactofcontrition.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“IjustwantedtomakesureIunderstood.”

“Howsooncanyoulaunch?”Sebastianasked.

“Withinafewhours.”“Excellent,”Sebastian

said.AsLaurentdisappeared,

Brèvardturnedbacktohisbreakfastbutfoundhe’dlosthisappetite.Thelastthingheneededwastobeexposedbeforehewasreadytomove.

KurtandJoerodeinthebackofThanRang’stractortrailerasitcruisedalongSouthKoreanhighwayRoute3.Throughthewondersofmoderntechnology,Kurtcouldtracktheirprogressonhisphone.

“Stillheadingforthe

DMZ?”Joeasked.“Likeahomingpigeon,”

Kurtsaid.Forty-fivemilesfrom

Seoul,andnomorethanamilefromtheedgeoftheDMZ,theyfeltthetruckgeardown.Aseriesoftwistsandturnsmadeitfeelasifthey’dgoneoffthehighway.Atthesametime,Kurt’sreceptionwentoutanddidn’tcomeback.Wherevertheywere,itwasbeyondtherangeofthe

cellphonetowers.Heputthephoneaway

andglancedoveratJoe.“Youcanforgetaboutcallingthecavalry,we’velostoursignal.”

“Great,”Joemuttered.Kurteasedfromhisspot

andcrawledtothefarwallwhereapinprickoflightwascomingthroughaholeinthetruck’smetalskin.Hecozieduptoitandstaredthrough.

“Anysignssaying

‘WelcometoNorthKorea’?”Joeasked.

“Notyet,”Kurtsaid.“Mostlybrightlights,andaratherfunkysmell.”

Joesmelledittoo.“Itsmellslike...”

“Garbage,”Kurtsaid.“We’redrivingintoagiantlandfill.Iseeoverheadlightsanddumptrucksandbulldozersmashingeverythingdown.LookslikehalfofSeoul’strashisout

there.”“OneofThanRang’s

companies,”Joesaid,rememberingthebriefing.

Kurtnodded.“Youknowwhattheysay:Wherethere’smuck,there’sbrass.”

“Brass?”“Coins,”Kurtexplained.

“Dinero,bigbucks.”“Right,”Joereplied.

“Let’shopethatwherethere’smuck,there’scomputerexperts.”

“Betterherethanacrosstheborder,”Kurtadded,agreeingwithhisfriend.

Thetruckrumbledalong,movingslowerwitheachpassingmoment,eventuallylurchingtoastopwithahissofthebrakes.FromJoe’sperspective,theglarefromthearclightsilluminatingthelandfillwassuddenlycutoff.“We’vepulledinsideashedofsomekind.Maybealoadingbay.”

Kurtstretched,andmadesurehewasreadyforaction,asthetruckrumbledtoastopforasecondtime.Hegotinpositionbehindastackofcomputerpartsandmadesurehecouldn’tbeseenfromthereardoorofthetrailer.Joedidthesame.

Theywaitedinthedarkness,listeningtovoicesspeakingKorean,untilthesoundofaheavymechanicalgearingdrownedthemout.

AlmostimmediatelyKurtfeltthetruckmoving.Notforwardorbackwardbutdescending.

“WhyamIgettingasinkingfeeling?”Joewhispered.

“Becauseweare,”Kurtsaid.

Therateofdescentpickedupandthenseemedtoease,butKurtknewthatwasanillusion,likethefeelingofbeingmotionlessinan

airplanewhenoneisactuallymovingatsixhundredmilesperhour.Theywerestilldropping,butataconstantrate.Theirbodieshadjustgrownusedtoit.

Heglancedathiswatchandnotedthesecondhandmovingpasttwelve.Itmadeitallthewayaroundonceandhadalmostreachedthesixo’clockpositionwhenthedescentfinallyslowedandstopped.

“Ninetyseconds,”hewhispered.“Howfastdoyouthinkweweremoving?”

“Notallthatfast,”Joesaid,“maybetwoorthreefeetpersecond.”

Kurtmadeaquickcalculation.“Thatputsussomewherearoundtwohundredfeetbelowthesurface.”

Afterthesmoothridedown,thenextmovewasajoltasalargecranegrabbed

theshippingcontainerandlifteditoffthebackofthetruck.

KurtlookedoutthroughthepinholeandgaveJoetheplayby-play.“Abigoverheadcranehasus,bythelookofthings.Appearstobemovingustosomekindofplatform.”

Theybegantopivotasthecraneoperatormanipulatedthemintoaproperalignment.

“Icanseetheothertruck,”Kurtsaid.“And

Calista.She’sheadedforwhatI’dguessisthecontrolroom.”

Kurtwatchedherraponthedoorofthecontrolroomandwaitforthedoortobeopened.“Don’tdoit...”hewhispered.

Nooneheardhispsychicwarning.Thelockwasreleasedandthedoorpushedopen.Shehandedthefirstguardsometypeofmanifestand,ashelookedatit,she

calmlydrewhergunandopenedfire.Theshotswereaccurate,firedinrapidsuccession,butunhurriedandwithoutasenseofpanic.Shewascoldandefficient.

Atalmostthesameinstant,Calista’sfriendgrabbedtheotherdriverandbrokehisneckwithaquicktwistandasickeningcrack.Twomencamerunningfrombesidethecranetointervenebutwerequicklygunned

down.Theroomwentstill.“Whatabouttheother

driver?”Joewhispered.“He’sprobablydead,”

Kurtsuggested,figuringCalistawouldhavekilledhimbeforeshegotoutofthetruck.

“Thisgirlofyoursiscoldasice,”Joesaid.

“She’snotmygirl,”hesaid.

“Aretheycomingthisway?”

“No,”Kurtsaid.“They’regoingintothecontrolroom.”

Unawarethatshewasbeingwatched,Calistastrodeintothecontrolroomandimmediatelybeganworkingoneofthecomputers.Ittookonlythirtysecondsforhertobreakintothesystem.

Egan,herthirdbrother,duckedin.“Theloadingplatformissecured,”hesaid.

“Doesanyoneknowwe’rehere?”

“Igotthembeforetheycouldsoundthealarm,”Calistasaid.Sheranthroughthesecurityprotocolsandcheckedforanysignoftrouble.“We’refine.Getthehackersoutofthesecondvan.We’llescortthemthrough.”

“Howmanymenontheotherside?”Eganasked.

“Afullmillioninthe

NorthKoreanArmy,”shesaidwithasmile.

“YouknowwhatImean.”“Accordingtotheduty

rosterIwasabletopulluponthecomputer,theNorthKoreanstationismannedbyahundredtwenty.Mostofthemarerestrictedtothesurfacelevelandthetopsideloadingzone.Onlyfortyareclearedtoenterthelowerlevelsandtheycomprisetwoshifts,sowe’llbedealing

withnomorethantwentyatatime.”

“Thereareonlytwoofus,”hepointedout.

“Makesitinteresting,doesn’tit?”

Hestared.“Relax,”shesaid,

openingapackwiththreesilvercanistersthathadoddnumericmarkingsonthem.“Thiswilleventheodds.”

“Nervegas?”“Nothingsodangerous,”

sheexplained.“It’sanRPA,arapidparalyticagent.Freezesthecentralnervoussystemfortenminutesorso.Itwon’tknockthemoutorkillthem,butitwillmakethemeasytohit.Wetakethemaincontrolroombysurprise,thenpumpthisthroughthestation,andtherestwillbeeasy.”

“Dowehavegasmasks?”Calistaproducedtwo

smallfiltersthatlookedlikebulkierversionsofthemasks

surgeonswore.Theyfitoverthenoseandmouth.“Won’tneedthemforlong,”shesaid.“Thegasgoesinertaftersixtyseconds.”

“Westillhavetogetthroughthetunnelfirst.”

Atthatmomentamessageappearedonthescreen.ItwasinKorean.CalistascanneditwithahandhelddevicethattranslatedittoEnglish.

“Ourinvitation,”shesaid.

“They’reawaitingtransferofthehackers.Getthemoutofthetruckandintothetram.”

“Whathappenstothemwhenwefireoffthegas?”

“Theygetfrozeninplace,”Calistareplied,“whichwillkeepthemfromgettingintheway.”

Doneaskingquestions,EganleftthecontrolroomasCalistamadeonelastcheckofthesystemandpatchedcommandofthesystemtoa

remoteunitshe’dbroughtforjustthispurpose.

Fromthere,shemadeherwaytoatramthatsatattheentrancetoalongtunnel.Withanopentop,itlookedmorelikeanorecarthanthepassengertramsofamiliartomostairporttravelers.

SheclimbedinasEgandraggedthehackersfromtherearofthesecondtruck.

Xeno9X9,ZSumG,andMontresorwerepowerful

menintheunderworldofcomputingbutwerelessthanmagnificenttobeholdinreallife.Threescrawny,scruffy-lookingspecimens.Theirfaceswerepale,theireyessunken,andtheirarmsandlegsthinandspindly.Thereseemedlittleaboutthemtosuggestdangerortheabilitytobringdownnationsallaroundtheworld.Notoneofthemhadofferedanyresistancesincetheircapture,

thoughthatprobablyhadmoretodowiththesisters,wives,andchildrenbeingheldattheBrèvardcompoundthananysortofdocilenatures.

“Getin,”shegrowled.Theyclimbedontoatram

thatrestedjustinfrontoftheplatformonwhichthefirsttrailerhadbeendeposited.

WithEganinfront,Calistatooktherearseat,keepingthehackersbetween

them.Bytypingacodeintotheremote,sheactivatedtheequipment,andthesoundofapowerfulgeneratorspoolingupreachedeveryone’sears.Whenalightflashedgreenontheremote,shepressedthegoswitchandthetrambegantoacceleratedownthelonglightedtunnel.

“They’regone,”Kurtsaid.“Theytookoffdownsometunnel.Now’sourchance.”

Hemadehiswaytothedoorandunlatchedthepanelonthebackofthetrailer.Hoppingout,hetookaquicklookaround.Therewereonlydeadmenleftinthecontrol

room.DeadmenandblinkingcomputersthatCalistahadtamperedwith.Ifheguessedright,anyonewatchingtheroomfromaremotelocationwouldgetnothingbutareportthatsaidSituationnormal.

“We’dbetterarmourselves,”hesuggested,grabbingapistolfromoneofthedeadmen.Joecrouchedbyoneoftheotherbodiesanddidthesame.Thenthey

leftthecontrolroomtotakeaquicklookaround.

Thespacewashuge,thesizeofanaircrafthangar.Ononeside,thebigrigthathadhauledthemsataloneonanoctagonalplatform.Strippedofthecontainerthathadoncebeenonitsback,itlookedsmall,outofplace.

“Remindsmeofaturntableintherailroadyard,”Joesaid.Kurtagreed.Helookedup.Anempty

shaft,matchingthedimensionsandshapeoftheplatform,ranupwardintothedarkness.Thewallsoftheshaftwerenotched,andhugewheeledgearsthatmusthaveintersectedthesenotchessproutedfromfouroftheplatform’seightsides.

“I’dguessthosegearsmoveitupanddown,”Joesaid.“Likeaninclinerailway,onlyvertical.”

Kurthadtoagree.“That

explainshowwegotdownhere,butitdoesn’texplainwhy.”

Lookingfortheanswertothatquestion,hemovedtothehorizontaltunnel,theoneCalistaandherfriendhadvanisheddownonasilenttram.Itseemedtorunontoinfinity,coloredinbandsofwhiteandgraywheretheoverheadlightsandtheshadowsbetweenthemalternated.

“Whatdoyoumakeofallthis?”Joeasked.

“I’mnotsure,”Kurtadmitted,“butI’mgettingtheideathatThanRangisn’tquiteasneutralasColonelLeeandtheCIAseemtobelieve.”

“YouthinkthistunnelgoesundertheDMZ?”

“It’stheonlyconclusionthatmakesanysense,”Kurtsaid.“Foronething,we’rerightupagainsttheborder.

Foranother,theNorthhasbeendiggingtunnelsundertheDMZforyears.Ican’trememberhowmanyhavebeenfound,butthereareatleastthreeorfourmajorones.Mostweresmalleranddesignedforinfiltration,butsupposedlythelargestofthemwascapableofhandlingadivisionofmenandlightequipmentinanhourorso.FromthepicturesI’veseen,eventhathasnothingonthis

place.”Joenodded.“Ithoughtthe

Southwasalwayslisteningforsignsofmoretunneling.Shouldn’ttheyhaveheardthisthingbeingexcavated?”

“We’redirectlyunderalandfill,”Kurtpointedout.“Withallthosebulldozersmovingaround,nottomentionthecranes,thedumptrucks,andthecompactingequipment,thisplaceisaconstantsourceofnoise.I’m

guessingthatanystraysoundsdetectedfromthisareacouldeasilybewrittenoffascomingfromthelandfill.Beyondthat,we’redownhereprettydeep.Thathasatendencytomufflenoiseaswell.”

“Gottahandittothem,thelandfill’saperfectcover.Evengivesthemaplacetohideallthedirtandrocktheyhadtoexcavate.”

Kurtnoddedbutdidn’t

reply.Hewasgazingdownthelongtunnelandhadcaughtsightofmovement.Therewasnosoundlikeasubwaytrainscreechingdowntherails,butsomethingwasdefinitelyheadedtheirway.

“Takecover,”Kurtsaid.HeandJoecrouched

downandreadiedtheirgunsastheapproachingtargetcontinuedtoracetowardthem.Ithadnowheelsor

cables.Itsimplyseemedtobeflying.

“Maglev,”Joesaid,usingtheshorttermfor“magneticlevitation.”“Thatexplainsthehigh-voltagegenerators.”

“Anotherwaytokeeptheoperationquiet,”Kurtsaid.“It’salmostsilent.”

Thecarslowedrapidlythelasthundredyardsandwasalmostmotionlessasitexitedthetunnelandslidontoaplatformsimilartotheone

theirshippingcontainernowrestedon.Asthesoundofthehumminggeneratorwaned,thenewarrivaldroppedseveralinches,settlingontotheplatformwithasurprisinglydullthud.

Kurtwaitedbutnoonecameout.

“Emptycar?”Joeguessed.

Suspiciousofthewholescenario,Kurtcreptuptothesquarecartandlookedover

theedge.“Nopassengers,”hesaid.“Butit’snotempty.”

Hereachedinsideandscoopedupahandfulofthecargo.“Pellets,”hesaid.“Extremelylight.”

Joetookaquicklook,rubbingoneofthepelletsbetweenhisfingers.“Titanium,”hesaid.“Notfullyprocessedyetbuthalfwaythere.”

“IthinkIgetitnow,”Kurtsaid.

“Getwhat?”“ThanRang’splayed-out

minesthatareproducingthreetimeswhattheydidadecadebefore...HisalliancewiththeshadowyfiguresintheNorth...He’ssaltinghisownmines,”Kurtsaid.“Thegeneralssendhimhalf-processedtitaniumthatheshipstoaprocessorasiftheycamefromhisownmineandhesendsthemcomputerhackers,high-techsupplies,

andprobablyasteadydietofcoldhardcashinreturn.TheNorthKoreansgettechnologyandaccesstomarketstheUNsanctionspreventthemfromtouching,andThanRanggetscheaporeatfire-saleprices.”

Asifinresponsetothearrivaloftheore-bearingcar,aseriesofyellowlightsbegantoflasharoundthebaseoftheplatformonwhichtheshippingcontainerhadbeenplaced—theoneKurt

andJoehadbeenridinginwiththehigh-techservers.

“LasttraintoClarksville,”Kurtsaid.“Let’smakesurewe’reonit.”

HeandJoedashedfortheopendooroftheshippingcontainer,jumpinginsidejustastheplatformlevitatedupward.Kurtpulledthedoorshutandthecontainerbegantoacceleraterapidlyandsmoothly.Inseconds,theyweremovingfiftymilesan

hour,allwithouttheslightestsoundofmachineryoreventhegrindofwheelsontheroad.

“Sinceweseemtobeontheexpresstrainhere,”Joebegan,“Ishouldprobablyaskwhatwe’regoingtodowhenwegettotheotherside.”

“Myguess,we’lleitherbeenteringadeadzoneoranall-outfirefight,”Kurtsaid.

“Wecouldhavewaitedforthemtocomeback.”

“Whatiftheyplantotakeanotherwayout?”

“Yougotmethere,”Joesaid.

Itwasn’tlongbeforethebigcontainerbegantoslow.Asitsettledontothereceivingplatformatthefarend,itbecamecleartherewasnofirefightinprogress.AminuteofsilencerangintheirearsbeforeKurtdaredcrackthereardooropen.

Aquicklookrevealed

severaldeadsoldiersinNorthKoreanuniformsandnosignoffightingoralarmsinsight.

KurtandJoehoppedoutofthecontaineranddidaquicksurvey.Ninemendown.Nosignofreinforcements.Ruthlessandprecise.

Oddlyenough,thethreehackerslayontheirsidesinthetramthey’dcomeoverin.Theywerenotmovingbutdidn’tappeartohavebeen

shot.Joeshookoneofthembut

gotnoresponse.“Theylookdruggedtome,”hesaid.“They’restillbreathing.”

“Wecanfigurethatoutlater.”

Theyfollowedthetrailofbodiestoacorridor,wheretheyfoundanelevator.JoewasabouttopressthebuttonwhenKurtblockedhishand.“Let’snotannounceourarrival.”

Theypriedthedoorsopenandfoundanarrowelevatorshaft.Onthefarside,amaintenanceladdertraveledupashallow,recessedchannelthatwascarvedintothewall.

Kurtcountedfivefloorsbetweenthemandtheundersideoftheparkedelevatorcar.

“Whatdoyoubetthat’swhereourfriendsare?”Kurtasked.

“Soundslikeaplacetostart.Wecan’tsearchthiswholecomplex.”

Theymovedintotheelevatorshaftandbeganclimbingtheladder.Kurtwentfirst.Joebracedthedoortokeepitopen.Itgavethemalittlelighttoworkwithandwouldmakeforaquickergetawayiftheyhadtocomedowntheladderaswell.

Climbingquickly,they

passedthefirsttwofloors.Astheyclearedthethird,Kurtheardaclinkbeneathhimandthenadullmetallicclatterassomethingfelldowntheshafttotheconcretebelow.

HelookeddownandsawJoe,holdingonfordearlifewithonehandandclingingtoabrokenpartoftheladderwithanother.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Joehookedthebroken

sectionoftheladderontoone

oftherungsandclimbedpastit.“We’reinalotofdangerhere,Kurt.”

“Idon’tthinkanyoneheardthat.”

“I’mnotworriedabouttheguards,”Joesaid,“I’mworriedaboutNorthKoreanconstructionpractices.Haveyoulookedatthisconcrete?It’sflakingawaylikeaday-oldcroissant.I’mthinkingtheyusedwaytoomuchsand.Andthisrebar...It’sall

rustedandloose.”Asiftoemphasizethepoint,Joepulledononeofthebarsanditcamerightout.“Isaywemakethisquickbeforethewholeplacecavesinonus.”

Kurtsmiled.Hisfriendwasanengineerandaperfectionist.Hewouldneverallowsuchshoddyworkonhiswatch.

“I’llbesuretosendastronglywordedlettertoKimJong-unwhenwegethome,”

Kurtsaid.“‘Pleaseconstructyoursecretbaseswithbettermaterialssowedon’tgetinjuredwheninfiltratingthem.Otherwise,you’llbehearingfromourlawyers.’”

“I’msurethat’llspurhimtoaction,”Joesaid.

Bynowthey’dreachedtheelevatorcar.Kurtsqueezedbyitandclimbedontop.Hepriedopentheemergencyescapepanelanddroppedinasquietlyas

possible.Joefollowed.Thedoorwasalreadyopen.Theequivalentofaholdswitchwasinthelockedposition.

Twomorebodieslayinthehall,andforamomentthesilenceheld.ButasKurtsteppedforward,acommotionrangoutatthefarend.Multiplegunshots.Astungrenadegoingoff.AndthenreturnfirefromthesilencedpistolsofCalistaandherpartner.

Whatevertrickhadgottenthemthisfarwithoutresistancehadapparentlyfailedatthelastmoment.Alarmswerenowsoundingthroughoutthecomplex.

“Somuchforthepeaceandquiet,”Joesaid.

“Comeon,”Kurturged,runningforward,headedstraightforthesoundsofthebattle.

Pressinghimselfupagainstthewallbesideanopendoor,Kurtheardanothervolleyofgunfire,ashoutofpain,andthenasecondexplosionfromastungrenade.

Glancinginsidetheroom,hesawCalistalyingonherside,bloodstreamingfrom

herear.Herfriendwasfiringintoasmoke-filledroomwhenabulletknockedhimbackwardandasecondshellhithimdeadinthecenterofthechest.

OnthegroundbesidethemlaySiennaWestgate.

AspikeofadrenalinesurgedthroughKurt.Hecouldhardlybelievehiseyes.Shewasalive.Oratleastshehadbeen.Butnow...

AtrioofNorthKorean

soldiersrushedthroughthesmoke,andKurtinstinctivelyopenedfire,droppingthefirsttwoquicklyandwingingthethird,whodovebackthroughthesmoketoapositionofrelativesafety.

“Coverme,”KurtshoutedtoJoe.

JoeswungintopositionandunleashedahailofbulletsasKurtcrawledintotheroom,grabbedSienna,anddraggedherout.She

groanedashepulledherintothehallway.Atleastshewasalive.

Ashepulledheraroundthecorner,anewvolleyofreturnfirecamefromthedepthsoftheroom,pepperingthedoorframeandthewall.

Joesnappedoffafewmoreshots,andthelastsoldierdashedthroughthesmoketowardtherearoftheroomandoutintoastairwell.

“Somethingtellsmehe’ll

bebackwiththeposse,”Joeyelled.

“Let’snotwaitaroundtomeetthem,”Kurtsaid.“Gettheelevator.”

AsJoeranoff,KurtbegantopickSiennaup.

“Kurt?”Hervoicewashuskylikesomeonewhosethroatwasdry.

“Areyouokay?”Kurtasked.

“How?What?Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Shewasclearlydisoriented.“Longstory,”hesaid.“Canyouwalk?”

Shetriedtostandbutfell.“Mylegs,”shesaid.“Ican’tfeelthem.”

“Putyourarmaroundme,”hesaid.“Wehavetogetoutofhere.”

SiennadidasKurtasked,andhehelpedherdownthehalltothewaitingelevator.There,heleanedheragainstthewallandpointedtoJoe.

“Staywithhim.”“Why?”sheasked.

“Whereareyougoing?”“Toreturnafavor.”Joeshothimalook.

“Kurt,thisplaceisgoingtobecrawlingwithNorthKoreantroopsveryshortly.”

“Allthemorereason,”hesaid.

KurtletSiennagoandsteppedoutoftheelevator.

Joeflippedtheholdswitchbacktooperateand

pressedthebutton.“I’llsendthecarbackuponcewe’reout.”

Kurtnoddedandtookoffbackdownthehall.Siennadidn’ttakehereyesoffhimuntilthedoorsclosedbetweenthem.

Thesmokefromthefirefightandthestungrenadeshadfilledmostofthehallwaybynow.Theflashinglightsofthefireandsmokealarmsystemspulsed

throughthehaze.Kurtfoundtheroom

wherethefighthadtakenplaceanddiscoveredCalistabeginningtowakeupfromwhatheguessedwasastungrenadethatlandedtooclose.

Hedroppeddownbesideherandshookher.“Rememberme?”

LikeSienna,ittookCalistaasecondtorecognizehim.Whenshedid,shereachedforhergun,which

Kurtknockedoutofherhandandacrossthefloor.

“Youwouldn’tkillyourrescuer,wouldyou?”

Shelookedaround.“Egan...”

“Ifyoumeanyourdate,”Kurtsaid,“he’sdead.”

Thenewsbroughtlittlereactionfromher.Kurtbegantohelpherup.

“Wait,”shesaid.Shepulledoutasmallsilvercanister.“Throwitinthe

stairwell,it’llgiveusafewminutes.”Hedraggedherovertothedoorandcrackeditopen.ThesoundoffeetpoundingdownthemetalstairstoldhimtheNorthKoreanswereontheway.

“Twistthetop,”shesaid,nowstandingonherown.“Anddon’tbreathe.”

Hedidasshedirectedandtossedthecanisterontothelanding.Itskitteredtothewallandbeganhissingastwo

high-pressurejetsofgasburstforth.Kurtslammedthedoorandheardthesoundofmenfallingintheirtracksandtumblingdownthestairs.

“Don’tworry,they’renotdead,”shesaid.

“I’mmoreworriedaboutus,”hesaid.“Go.”

Shebegantomove,lurchingforwardunsteadily,butKurtwasn’tabouttogettooclose.

“Downthehall,”he

ordered.Withawalltolean

against,shemadebetterprogress,slammingherhandontotheelevatorcallbuttonassoonasshereachedit.

Thedoorsopenedandshefellinside.Kurtfollowedandstoodontheoppositesideofthecar,thepistolinhishand.Hepunchedthebottombuttonandtheelevatorbeganaslowcreakydescent.

Shelaughed.“Youreally

areawhiteknight,”shesaid.“Can’tresistadamselindistress.Evenonelikeme.”

“Don’tflatteryourself,”hesaid.“Youhaveanswers,that’sallIwantfromyou.Whoareyou?Whoareyouworkingfor?WhatdoyouwantwithSiennaandtheothers?”

Anexaggeratedpoutappearedonherlips.“Iwashopingforsomethingmorethanboringconversation.”

Theelevatorreachedthebottomfloorandthedoorsopened.

JoeandSiennastoodatwhatappearedtobethecontrolpanelforthemaglevtrain.ToKurt’ssurprise,thethreehackersfromthetramwereawakeandhelping.

“Canyouworkit?”JoelookedatKurtand

shookhishead.“It’sallGreektous,”hesaid.“AndbythatImeanKorean.”

Calistamadeherwayover.“MaybeIcanhelp.”

Kurtdidn’ttrustherbutevenshecouldn’tpossiblywanttostaywheretheywere.

Shestudiedthepanelandflickedthroughacoupleofscreens.“They’vecutthemainpowerfromupabove.Icanprobablyoverridetheircommand.”

Asshefiddledwiththecontrols,Kurtlookedoverabatteryofclosed-circuitTV

feeds.Oneshowedthehallwaywherethefirefighthadbeen.Anothercamerashowedthestairwell.Thereseemedtobeoneoneachfloor.Hecheckedthroughallofthem.Menwerepiledlikecordwoodoneachoftheupperlandings,butatthetoplevelanewgroupofsoldierswererushingin.Theyworegasmasks.

“Betterhurry.”“IthinkI’vegotit,”she

said.“Getinthetram.”Athercommand,the

threehackersbegantomove.JoehelpedSiennawhileKurtstoodbyCalista,waitingfortheinevitabletrick.

“Relax,”shesaid.“I’dratherspendtimeinaWesternprisonthanaNorthKoreanone.”

Sheflippedaswitchandthepowerpackcametolife.Thehumofelectricityandthewhineofhigh-voltage

generatorswereawelcomesoundtoeveryone.

“Getonboard,”Kurtsaid.“Weneedtotransfer

controltotheremote,”shesaid,reachingintoherpocketandgrabbingforsomething.

TheactbroughtaboutaquickjabfromKurt’spistol.“It’sjustaremotecontrol,”shesaid,pullingoutasmalldevicewithaglowingscreen.“We’regoingtoneedit,unlessyouwanttostay

behindandpressgo.”Hesnatchedthedevice

fromherandpushedhertowardthetram.Assoonastheywereallinit,hepressedtheflashinggreenbutton.Butinsteadofthetramaccelerating,alightningboltflashedinKurt’seyesandacrossthesynapsesofhisbrain.Awaveofpainshotthroughhisbodycombinedwiththesensationofdroppingfromagreatheight.

AidedbyapushfromCalista,hefellbackward,tumbledoverthesideofthecar,andwasunconsciousbythetimehehittheground.

“ItoldyouI’dbereadynexttimeIsawyou,”Calistawhispered.

Dumbfounded,JoewatchedKurtfall.Therewasnosound,noindicationanythinghadhappened,Kurtjustdroppingasifsomeonehadturnedoffaswitchinhis

brain.Siennascreamed,andJoe

instinctivelyjumpedoutofthecarandbegantopullKurtup.Kurtwasdeadweight,atwohundred-poundragdoll.

Behindhimtherewasacommotion.

“Sienna,”Calistasaid.Itwasn’tashoutbutascolding,thewayonemightaddressaninattentivechild.

Joeturnedaround.Siennawasaimingaweaponat

Calista.Goodwork,hethought.

Calistaobviouslyfeltotherwise.“Ifyoueverwanttoseeyourchildrenagain,you’llpointthatsomewhereelse.”

Slowly,asifinatrance,SiennaturnedtheweapononJoe.Notsogood,Joedecided.

Confidentshewasnowincontrol,CalistaaddressedJoedirectly.“Pickuptheremote

andtossittome,”shesaid.Joeshookhishead.“Please,”Sienna

managed,tearspouringdownherface.“Shehasmychildren.Shehasallourchildren.Ifwedon’tgoback,they’llbekilled.”

“Wecanrescuethem,”Joeinsisted.“Sheknowswheretheyare.Justgiveustwenty-fourhours.”

Siennawavered,butCalistapressedher.“IfI

don’tbringyoubackhomealive,”shebegan,“noneofyourrelativeswilllivetoseethemorning.”

SiennaretargetedJoe,morefirmlythistime.“I’msorry,”shesaid,“tomorrowwillbetoolate.Please,givemethetransmitter.”

Joeheldstill,butoneofthehackersintervened,climbingawkwardlyoutofthetramcarandgrabbingtheremotefromthefloorofthe

tunnel.Assoonashehaditinhishand,themanclimbedbackinthecarandgaveittoCalista,whotappedthescreenafewtimesandofferedJoeasatisfiedgrin.

“Aurevoir,”shesaidasthetrambegantoaccelerateaway.“Giveyourfriendmylovewhenhewakesup.”

Joewatchedthetrampickupspeedandvanishintothegloomofthetunnel.“Iknew

weshouldhavecalledthecavalry.”

HopingtowakeKurt,Joeshookhimtwicebutgotnothing.Kurtwascatatonic,exactlythewayhe’dbeenwhenJoepulledhimfromthewaterthreemonthsearlier.Theparallelwaseerie.AndJoebegantothinkperhapsitwasnotentirelycoincidental.

“Thisisbad,”hesaid.Itmayhavebeenthe

understatementofJoe’slife.

HewastrappedinasecretbaseonthewrongsideoftheDMZ,withanunconsciousfriend,a9mmpistolcarryingperhapsfiveshellsintheclip,andanangrybattalionofNorthKoreansoldiersbarrelingdownonthem.

“Bad”didnotbegintocoverit.

Withlittletimetowaste,JoeeasedKurttothegroundandbegantolookaroundforoptions.

First,heracedovertothepanelandcheckedthesecurityvideooncemore.ThefeedshowedmoreNorthKoreansoldierspickingtheir

waythroughthepilesofunconsciousmenwho’dmadetheinitialdescent.Countingupfromwherehewas,Joecouldseethatthenewtroopsintheirgasmaskshadreachedtheseventhfloorandwouldsoonreachthesixth,wherethebattlehadoccurred.Heguessedtheywouldclearthatfloorandtheonesbeneathitfirstbeforemakingtheirwaytothebottom,buttimewasnoton

hisside.Hestudiedthecontrol

panel,butitwasanincomprehensiblemessofKoreanandflashingicons.Nowayhewasgoingtobeabletodecipherthatintime.Helookedaround,desperatelyseekingamodeoftransportationthatdidn’trequireaphysicisttooperate.Inthedarkcornertohislefthesawsomethingthatmightfitthebill.

“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“Theorehadtogetdownheresomehow.”

There,sittingonaplatformliketheoneinThanRang’sundergroundbase,wasabigNorthKoreantractortrailer.Itwasabulkhaulerwithanopentop,morelikeadumptruckthanthemodernintermodalshippingcontainersThanRangwasusing.

Joerantothecab,

climbedin,andwasecstatictofindthekeysintheignition.“ThankGodfortheinternalcombustionengine,”hesaid,twistingthekeyandlisteningtothesweetsoundoftherumblingdieselcomingtolife.Forcingitintothelowestgear,JoemanagedtogetthetruckmovingandeaseditovertowhereKurtlayonthefloor.

Stoppingthetruckandjumpingout,Joepickedup

hisfriend,carriedhimtothepassenger’sside,andhauledhimontothetatteredvinyloftheoldbenchseatinthecabofthetruck.Ashesettled,Kurtbegantothrasharoundabit,almostasifhewastryingtoswim,butthenheslumpedagainsttheseatandwentquietonceagain.

Joeclimbedbackintothecabonthedriver’ssideandslammedthedoor.

“Don’tworry,amigo,”he

said,puttingthetruckingear.“Youjustenjoyyourpowernap.I’llgetusoutofhere.Andwhenyouwakeup,we’regoingtohavealongtalkaboutthekindofwomenyourescueandthekindyouleavebehind.Becauseclearlynoonehasexplainedthedifferencetoyouyet.”

AsJoespoke,hemaneuveredthesteeringwheelandmanagedtogetthebehemothofatruckpointing

downthemaglevtunneltowardfreedom.Pressingtheacceleratorbroughtaroarfromtheengineandbeganfillingthetunnelwiththickblackexhaust.Thetruckmovedforwardandwassoonpickingupspeed.

Hehadn’tgonetoofarwhengunshotsrangoutfrombehind.Fromthecaboftherig,allJoeheardwasthepingofricochetsbouncingoffthethickwallsofthetruckbed

andtheboomofatireexploding.

Tryingnottothinkaboutthedanger,Joekepthisfootonthethrottleandcontinuedtogainspeed.Betweentheunmuffleredexhaust,thenoiseofthebigenginereverberatingoffthewalls,andtheoldchassisbouncingandshakingonitsleafsprings,theridebacktothesouthcouldnothavebeenmoreoppositefromthe

smooth,quietrideinonthemaglevtram.

Joecycledthroughthegears,grindingeveryoneofthem.Hebegantolaugh,enjoyingthesoundandthefury.Ithadtobeahundredtwentydecibelsormore.Forthehellofit,hereachedupandpulledthebigrig’shorn,whichechoeddownthetunnelasitblared.

Soonenough,theywerepassingfortyandthenfifty

milesperhour.AheadJoesawaproblem.Everyhalfmileorsointhetunnelwasachokepoint,whereareenforcedconcreteringconstrictedthediameterofthetunnel.Asheclosedinonthefirstone,Joewasprettyconfidentthetruckwouldfit.Asitturnedout,hewaswrong.Atfiftymilesanhour,themetaltopofthetrailerclippedtheroof,blastingchunksofconcreteloose.It

soundedlikeabombhadgoneoff.

Thesecondchokepointwasevennarrower,butJoedidn’tslowdown.Moreconcretewasblastedfree.Thistimealargesectionofthetrailer’ssidewastornoff,clankingtothefloorandtumblingloudlyacrossit.

Inthemirror,Joesawtheremnantsofthetwistedbedstickingouttwofeettotheside.Itgavehimanidea.

Withoutslowingdown,heeasedovertothewalluntilthebentsectionofthetruckbedwasgrindingagainstit,gougingalineinthewall,sheddingsparks,andaddingtothedin.Eventually,themetaltorefurtheruntilthewholesidewasrippedoffanddraggingbehindthetruck.

JoeglancedatKurt.“Youmustreallybeoutcoldifthisisn’twakingyouup.”

Joepulledonthehorn

leveronceagainandheldit,lettingitblareuntilhisearswerehurting.Eventhenhekeptsoundingit.Hewantedtheworld,andparticularlytheSouthKoreanmilitary,toknowhewascoming.ThewayJoesawit,thatwastheironlyhope.

Sevenmilesaway,inalisteningpostmannedbytheSouthKoreanmilitary,a

youngprivatenamedJeongstudiedhermonitors.TheSouthKoreanshadplacedsounddetectionequipmentallalongtheDMZtolistenforanypossibleundergroundincursionbytheNorth.

Fromtimetotimetheydetectedoddsignals.Smallearthquakeshadbeenaproblem,andtheNorthKoreanatomicbombandotherundergrounddisturbanceshadsometimes

triggeredfalsereadings,butnothinglikewhatshewasgettingnow.Shecalledhersupervisorover.

“Listentothis.”Hemovedslowly,

appearingunconcerned.“Somethingmustbewrongwiththesystem.”

PrivateJeongshookherhead.“Ichecked,sir.Plus,we’redetectingthesoundatseveralstations.Thatisnotasignofmalfunction.”

“Letmehearit.”Hepluggedaheadsetinto

herconsoleandlistenedassheturnedupthesound.“Trucks,”hesaid.“Heavytrucks.”Therewasalsoagrindingnoisethatsoundedlikemetaltanktrucks.

Thecomputeragreed,assessingthevibrationasmultipleheavyvehiclesmovingathighspeed.

Suddenlyalarmed,thesupervisorpickedupthe

phoneandcheckedwithamajorinthepost’soperationsbunker.Hetoldthemajorwhathewashearingandthenreceivedmoredisturbingnews.“Wearewitnessingsudden,franticactivityamongNorthKoreanunitsjustontheothersideoftheDMZ.”

“Where?”Thecoordinatesrelayed

tohimwerealarming.NorthKoreanunitswereonthe

move,neartheveryspotwherethesubterraneannoisehadoriginated.

“Calculateitsdirectionandspeed,”thesupervisorordered.

“Alreadydone,”PrivateJeongsaid.

“Showme.”Shetappedabuttonand

thesignal’spathappearedonthecomputerscreen.ItledstraightfromasuspectedbaseintheNorthtoacommercial

siteonthesouthernsideoftheDMZ.

“Whatisthatplace?”thesupervisorasked.

PrivateJeongwaschecking.“Landfill,”shereplied.“DaeShanLandfillNumberFour.”

Thesupervisorputtwoandtwotogether.Hecouldnotbelievewhathewasseeing.Hecalledthemajorbackandgavehisassessment.“Confirmedlarge-scale

subterraneanincursionunderway.EntrypointmustbeinoraroundtheDaeShanlandfill.Recommenddefenseconditionone.Immediatealert!”

RacingbeneaththeDMZ,Joehadnoideawhatforceshe’dsetinmotion,buthehopeditwouldmeanawarmwelcomeinsteadofafirefightthroughagroupofarmedthugsloyal

toThanRang.Asheenteredthelast

thirdofthepassageway,thegraderampedupjustabitandthetruckbegantoslow.Insteadofthelightattheendofthetunnel,hesawthedarknessofThanRang’sundergroundtransportationcenter.Therewasnosignofanyresistanceawaitinghim,norwerethereSouthKoreansoldiers,whichforthemomentwasprobablyagood

thing.Itwasadifferentstory

behindhim.Vehicleswereheadingtheirway,catchingupquickly.Basedonthesilence,heguessedtheywererunningonthemaglevsystem.

Asoneofthetramsracedupbesidehim,Joespunthewheeltotherightandknockedthetramoffthecenterlineofitsmagnetictrack.Deprivedofitssupport,

thetramcrashedtothegroundamidashowerofsparks.

Gunshotsrangoutfromthesecondvehiclethatwasalsoclosinginfromdirectlybehind.Onceagainthebulkofthebigtruckprotectedthem.

ThistimeJoesimplystompedonthebrakes.Thebigrigskiddedtoastopamidashreikofsquealingtiresandacloudofbluesmoke.

Unabletoadjustitsspeedasquickly,thesecondtramrear-endedthetruckwithjarringimpact.

Theirpursuersnowsuccessfullydealtwith,Joeputthetruckbackingearandbegantoaccelerate,workingthroughthegearsandheadingintothehomestretch.Thetrucklaboredontheslightupwardgradeandchuggedintotheloadingbayattheendofthetunnel,bumping

theorecarfilledwiththetitaniumpellets,whichdumpedoutandspreadallacrossthefloor.

Asthesoundofathousandmarblesrollinginalldirectionsceased,Joepeekedoutofthetruck.Therewasnoonetheretogreetthem.Noangrybruteswithdrawnweapons.NosignofCalistaandthehackers.Andstillnosoldiers.

Joelookedbackdownthe

tunnel.TheNorthKoreanshadgivenupthechase.Hecouldseethemrunningtheotherway.Heguessedtheywerenotinterestedingettingcaughtonthewrongsideoftheborder.

JoelookedoveratKurt.“Wemadeit,”hesaid.“Andjustlikethelasttime,youmissedthewholething.”

JoeconsideredlookingforastairwellbutwasnotinterestedinluggingKurtup

twentyflights.Instead,hedroveoverandparkednexttotheoctagonalplatformthey’doriginallydescendedon.

Heparkedthetruck,pulledKurtfromthepassenger’sside,andfoundthecontrols.Withtheflickofaswitch,heengagedthepowersystemandmovedthecontrolleverupwardfromtheneutralposition.Theinclinegearingcametolifeandbegantoturn,andthe

platformbegantoriseslowly.Astheywentup,Joe

pulledouthisphone,hopinghewouldgetasignalbeforetheyreachedthetop.Nosuchluck.Infact,thephonewasactingweirdasifitwasbeingjammed.Whentheslowlyrisingplatformfinallyreachedthesurface,Joefoundoutwhy.

ThirtyKoreansoldierswerewaitingforhimwithweaponsdrawn.Humvees

with.50calibermachinegunswerearrangedinasemicirclearoundthem.Aspotlightsnappedon,blindingJoe.ShoutsthatneedednotranslationtoldJoetoputuphishands,whichhehadalreadydone.

Apairofsoldiersrushedoverandforcedhimtohisknees.

“I’manAmerican,”Joesaid.

ToJoe’sright,another

soldierhadarifleaimedatKurt.

“He’sinjured!”Joeshouted.“Heneedsadoctor.”

Moreshoutscamehisway.

“We’reAmerican,”Joereplied.“We’reonyourside.We’reoperatingundercover.ForColonelLeeoftheNationalIntelligenceService.”

Noresponse.“CIA,”Joeshouted,

hopingtheyknewtheacronym.

Withthespotlightonhisface,theycouldclearlyseethathewasnotKorean.Aquickdiscussionwasheld,andJoeandKurtwerecuffed,throwninthebackofoneoftheHumvees,anddrivenoff.

Astheypulledoutofthewarehouse,Joegotafirsthandlookattheeffectivenessofhisplan.SouthKoreanhelicopters,

armedwithmissilesandspotlights,werecirclingthelandfill.SeveralotherswerepatrollingdownthelineoftheDMZ,lookingforinvadingtroopsorinfiltrationunitsoftheNorthKoreanArmy.

Inadditiontothehelicopters,soldierswereeverywhere.Andastheytooktheroadout,JoesawAbramstanksmovingintoposition,whileaflightofF-16sflashed

overheadinfullafterburner.Joelookedforthelights

ofSeoul,butthecityhadgonedarkinresponsetotheexpectedinvasion.

“Hmm,”Joewhisperedtohimself.“Maybethatplanofmineworkedalittletoowell.”

Theyweretakentoamilitarybaseandquicklyseparated,Kurtwhiskedofftotheinfirmary,Joetoaninterrogationroom.Fortwo

hours,JoewassubjecttocontinuousinterrogationbyofficersoftheSouthKoreanmilitary.Hetoldthemallthesamething,andheaskedrepeatedlyaboutKurt.HegotnowhereuntilCol.LeeandTimHalearrived.

Theywerelivid.“Youtwomustbe

insane,”Halesaid,“followingthemintoNorthKorea.”

“Wewerefollowingthelead,”Joesaid.“Whatdid

youwantustodo?Justletthemgo?”

“Maybeyoushouldhave,”Halesaid.

“Youknowthiswillcalmdown,”Joesaid.“It’saminorincursion.Andlet’snotforgetwhobuiltthedamnedtunnel.”

“Iwasn’ttalkingaboutthepoliticalsituation,”Halesaid,“IwasreferringtoKurt.”

“Why?What’s

happened?”Joesaid,concerned.

“He’sinacoma,”Haleexplained.“Thedoctorscan’tsaywhen—orif—he’sgoingtocomeoutofit.”

Indian Ocean, 1230hours local time

SeventhousandmilesandsixtimezonesfromKorea,asmallflotillaofshipswasintheprocessoflinkingthemselvestogetherwith

heavysteelcables.Overthecourseofaday,

twooceangoingtugshadarrivedfromSouthAfrica.TheDrakensberghadreachedtheCondorandtowedittowheretheWaratahlaydriftinginthecurrent,whileasecondtug,knownastheSedgewick,hadarrivedsixhourslaterandwaspreparingtorunlinestothefoliage-encrustedhulkoftheoldship.

Butbeforeshecouldbeputundertow,aninspectionhadtobemade.AtPaul’sdirection,asalvagecrewhadgoneaboard,splittingintothreegroups.Themaincontingentbeganclearingtheaccumulatedgrowthandsedimentfromtheship’shull,hopingtomakeherlighterinthewaterandlesstop-heavy.Astheyexcavatedupabove,theCondor’schiefengineerwentdownintothelower

recessesoftheshiptochecktheintegrityofthehullandinternalbulkheads.Astheyworkedontheinside,Dukeandanotherdiverwerefinishingupasurveyofthehull’sexteriorbelowthewaterline.

TheradiocackledatPaul’sside.“Paul,thisisthechief.”Paulputtheradiotohismouth.“What’stheword?”“Theengineeringspacesareprettygunkedup.

Atleasttwofeetofsludgedownhere.Andinsome

placesseveralfeetofwater.”Thatdidn’tsound

promising.“Canyoufindtheleak?”“Noleaks,”thechiefreportedhappily.“It’sfreshwater.Rainwater,ifyouwantmetoguess,mustbeleakinginsomewhere.Butifyouaskme,thehullitselfissound.”“That’sgoodnews,”Paulsaid.“Whatabout

corrosion?”“Ithinkwe’refine,”the

chiefsaid.“Tobehonest,theoldgalisingreatconditionforashipthat’spassedthecenturymark.”

“Anyideawhy?”Paulasked.“Sheshouldhaverustedtopiecesyearsago.”

“Ithinkit’sthesediment,”thechiefsaid.“It’sverydense,morelikeclay.Itsealssotightlyitblocksoutmostoftheoxygen.

Lessoxygenmeanslessrust,lessrustmeansastronghull.”

“Soundsgood,”Paulsaid.Hewonderedhowtheexteriorlooked.“Duke,areyoufinishedwithyoursurvey?”

Duke’svoicecamebackafteraslightdelay.“Affirmative,”hesaid.

“How’sshelookingbelowthewaterline?”

“Theplatingisingreat

shape,”Dukereplied.“Ifthechiefisright,thenI’dguesstheexteriorwassealedupwithmudalmostfromthemomentshewentaground.”

Paulwasgladtohearthat.“Goodnewsallaround.”“OkayifweheadbacktoCondorforsomelunchanddryclothes?”Dukehadbeeninthewaterforthreehoursalready.“You’veearnedit,”Paulsaid.

“Rogerthat.Dukeout.”

Paulturnedhisattentionbacktotheinterior.“Whatdoyouthink,Chief?Arewegoingtomakeitin?”

NUMAhadplanstobringtheWaratahintoDurbantwodayshence.Shewouldn’tmakeCapeTown—herofficialdestinationwhenshe’dvanished—butifshereachedDurban,itwouldbeatriumphanthomecoming.

“Wehaveagoodchance,”thechiefreplied.

“Theonlyrealdangeristhatshewasobviouslysittingagroundsomewhereforalongtime.Ashipisn’tsupposedtobeoutofthewaterandrestingallitsweightonthebottomlikethat.Wecanalreadyseesomedeformityintheplatingunderneath.”“Isthatgoingtobeaproblem?”

“Iwouldn’twanttorideoutastormonher,”thechief

said.“Butiftheweatherstaysnice,Ithinkwe’llbeokay.”

“Goodwork,”Paulsaid.“Checkinwithmewhenyougettopside.”

“Wilco,”thechiefsaid.“Goingtorecheckthesternandmakesurewe’renottakingonwaterthroughthepropellershafttube.”

Paulclippedtheradiobackonhisbelt,grabbedashovel,andjoinedthecrewinclearingthedeck.

Meanwhile,GamayandElenaexploredtheinterioroftheship,hopingtoshedsomelightonthemystery.Adedicatedsearchofthebridge,captain’squarters,andotherofficialspacesgavelittleaway.Thelogbooksweregone,alongwiththevastmajorityofpersonalpossessions.

“Let’scheckthepassengercabins,”Gamaysuggested.

ElenanoddedandfollowedGamaydeeperintotheship.Theydescendedthemainstairway,encrustedwithblackmoldandlayersofgunk,arrivedatthemainpassengerlevelandenteredahallasdarkasanymineshaft.Withonlytheirflashlightsforillumination,thetwowomenmovedslowly.

Downhere,themustyodorwasalmostoverpowering,asthefloor,

ceiling,andwallswerecoveredinthesamegunkasthestairwell.Thesoundofwaterdrippingaddedtothecavelikeatmosphere.

“Kindofcreepydownhere,”Elenasaid.

“Onthatweagree,”Gamaysaid.

Fromabovetheyheardoccasionalclangingandthedisembodiedechoofthedeckcrew’svoicesastheyshoutedtooneanother,buttheywere

mutedanddistantlikevoicesfromthepast.

“Doyoubelieveinghosts?”Elenaasked.

“No,”Gamaysaid.“Andneitherdoyou.”

Elenachuckled.“Well,ifIdid,thisiswhereI’dexpecttofindone.Allthosepeoplelostandneverfound.I’veheardthatangryspiritsclingtothelastplacetheywerealive.Hauntingit.Waitingforsomeonetofindthemand

setthemfree.”WithElenagoingon

aboutghosts,Gamayfelttheprickleofgoosebumpsonherskin.“I’lltakeaghostoveranothercrocodileanyday,”shesaid.

Ittookawhilebutthey’dsooncheckedthrougheveryoneofthefirst-classcabins.

“Noticesomething?”Gamayasked.

“Noclothing.Noluggage,”Elenasaid.

“Andnojewelry,”Gamaysaid.They’dbeenworkingonthetheorythattheshipranagroundsomewhereandthepassengersandcrewdiedwaitingforrescue.Butthefactthatthey’dfoundonlyoneoftheship’slifeboatssuggestedsomethingelse.

“Iftheyabandonedship,”Gamaysaid,“they’dhavehadtoleavetheirsteamertrunksbehind.Butstrandsofpearlsanddiamond-studded

braceletsareeasiertocarry.”“I’dbringmine,”Elena

agreed.“Butwhyleaveashipthatwasobviouslynotsinking?”

“Noidea,”Gamayadmittedastheymadetheirwaybacktothemainstairwell.

“Shouldwegodownonemorelevel?”Elenaasked.

Gamaynodded.“Attheriskofsoundinglikemyhusband,let’skeepgoing

untilwegettothebottomofthis.”

Downtheywent,checkingthesmallercabinsthatlayonthenextdeck.

“Crewstations,”Elenanoted,studyingthecrampedcabinarrangements.

“Orsteerage,”Gamaysaid.“TheWaratahwasdesignedtocarryalotofimmigrantpassengers.Fortunately,shewasn’tloadedtothegillswhenshe

leftDurban.”Theysearched

persistently.Butbeyondtheeverydayitemsfromanothercenturythatwouldgenerategreathistoricalinterest,therewaslittletoexplainwhatmighthavehappened.

ThatbegantochangewhenGamayforcedopenthenextdoor.

Thespacewaslargerbutnolesscramped.Gamayofferedaguess,basedonthe

lookofthebedsandstoragecabinets.“Ship’sinfirmary.”

Shesteppedintothecompartmentandwentright.Elenafannedouttotheleft.They’dgoneseveralpaceswhenElenaletoutagasp.

GamayspunaroundandfoundElenaaimingherlightataskullwithdesiccatedskinstretchedacrossit,atangleofwispygrayhairontopandthebristlesofwhathadoncebeenathickhandlebar

mustacheontheupperlip.Anotherbodyrestedbesideit.

Gamaycrouchedbesidethemforacloserlook.Themanworeauniform.“He’sacrewman,”shesaid.“Oratleasthewas.”

Asmallbadgeseemedtoindicatehemighthavebeenaforemanintheengineroom,perhapsinchargeofkeepingtheboilersstoked.Aholeinhisshirtledtoaholeinthetornanddriedskin.Gamay

begantogetasickfeeling.Thesamefeelingshe’dhadupondiscoveringthebodyontheEthernet.

Shecheckedtheotherbody.Itwasshirtlessandtheskinwasmoredecayed.Shecouldn’ttellwhathadhappenedtothisman,butasshesteppedawayherfoothitastainlesssteeltinrestingbesidehim.Somethingclinked.

Gamaypickedupthetin,

priedoffthetop,anddumpedtheobjectsoutontothepalmofherhand.Thefirstwasflattenedandmushroomedoutatoneend.Thesecondwasinrelativelygoodshape.

“Bullets,”Elenasaid.Gamaynodded.“Taken

fromthesemen,I’dbet,eithertotryandsavethemoraftertheydied.”

Withoutspeakinganotherword,theyfinishedtheirsurveyoftheinfirmary,

discoveringthreeadditionalbodiesintherearsection,oneofwhichwasstrappedtoabed.Aclipboardwithancientyellowedpaperstillattachedtoithadfallenfromthepegonthefootboard.Gamaypickeditup.Shecouldn’tmakeoutanythingonthetopsheet.Thesecondpagewasinbettershape.Andasthelighthitthepaperatjusttherightangle,onesmallnotationbecamereadable.

“‘Timeofdeath,’”shesaid.Thehourwasobscured,butthedatenexttoitwaslegible.“‘August1,1909.’”

ThesignificancedawnedonElenaquickly.“FivedaysaftertheWaratahwentmissing.”

Gamaynodded.They’dfoundtheirfirstrealclue.“WeneedtogotellPaul.”

PaulwasbusywiththedeckcrewwhenGamayandElenacameuptohim.

“We’vefoundsomething,”Gamaytoldhimbreathlessly.

Paulputhisshovelasideasshebegantoexplain,handingthemushroomedleadslugstoPaulasshefinished.

“Nopassengers,nolifeboats,nologbooks,”Paulwhispered,goingoverthefacts,“butseveralcrewmendeadinthesickbayandatleastonerecoveringfrombulletwoundsseveraldays

aftertheshipvanished.”“Couldtherehave

possiblybeenamutiny?”Elenaasked.

“Thisisn’ttheHMSBounty,”Gamaysaid.“Itwasacruiseship.Nooneherehadbeenpress-gangedintowork.Thesailorswereprofessionals.Workingonherwasafairlycovetedjob.”

Thatleftonlyoneanswer.“Thenithadtobepiracy,”Paulsaid.

“Whichwouldexplainagreatdeal,”Gamayreplied,“includingourpresentlocation.”

Paulnodded.TheywereoverthreehundredmilesnortheastoftheWaratah’slastreportedposition.GiventhatthecurrentinMozambiqueChannelflowednorthtosouthandthenaroundtheCape,shecouldn’thavedriftedtotheircurrentlocationunlessherresting

placehadbeenevenfartherupthecoast,evenfartherfromwheresheshouldhavebeen.

“Tobehonest,”Paulsaid,“I’vebeenthinkingitmighthavebeenpiracyforawhile.Ican’tcomeupwithanyotherreasonforhertowindupthisfarfromwheresheshouldhavebeen.”

Gamaynodded.“Butifyouwereapirateandyou’djusttakenalargeshipfora

prize,thefirstthingyou’ddoissailitintheoppositedirection,outoftheshippinglanes,awayfromwhereanyonewouldlook.”

“ExplainswhythesearchandrescuevesselsfromtheRoyalNavyandtheBlueAnchorLineneverfoundhereither,”Paulsaid.“Theywerelookinginthewrongplace.”

Elenachimedinwithasummation.“Soagroupofpiratesboardtheship,take

controlofher,andturnhernorth,knowingitwillbedaysbeforeasearchevenbegins.Bythattimetheculpritscanbehundredsofmilesfromthedangerzone.”

“Musthavebeeneasytodisappearbackthen,”Gamaynoted.“Radiosweren’tinuseonshipsyet.Andtheairplanehadonlybeeninventedsixyearsprior,whichmeanttheywerefewandfarbetweenandofrelativelyshortrange.

Certainlynotsuitedforlongmissionsouttosealookingformissingships.”

“Itwasadifferenttime,”Paulsaid,“evencomparedtotenyearslater.”

Paulfoundhimselfintriguedbythemystery,whichseemedtogrowdeeperandmorecomplexbythemoment.“Sowheredidsheendup?”hewonderedaloud.

“Consideringthecurrentinthissectionoftheworld,it

couldbeanywherefromheretoSomalia,”Elenasaid.

“That’strue,”Gamaysaid.“ButI’vecomeupwithanideahowwemightnarrowitdown.Strangelyenough,itbeginswithtakingacloserlookatthosespiders.”

Paulraisedaneyebrow.“Youreallyarecured.”

“Onlytemporarily,”shesaid.“Youstillhavetokillthemformeathome.”

“Isetthemfreeoutthe

backdoor,”Paulsaid.Gamayshookherhead.

“Ofcourseyoudo.”“Sowhat’stheplan?”he

asked.“Beforewetossallthe

foliage,insects,anddebrisovertheside,weshouldtakesamplesofeverything.Theseeds,thebugs,thespiders.Weshouldevenhavesomeoneexaminewhat’sleftofourcrocodilianfriendbeforeElenaturnshimintoa

handbag.“Ifwecandetermine

whatkindofplantsandbugswe’redealingwith,wemightbeabletousethatinformationtonarrowdownwheretheshiphasbeenalltheseyears.”

ItsoundedlikeagreatideatoPaul.“You’retheexpertandthegardenerofthefamily,”hesaid.

“I’llhelp,”Elenasaid.“EspeciallyifitmeansIdon’t

havetogodownbelowagain.”

Paullaughed.“I’lltellthecrewtostopexcavatinguntilyoutwohavecollectedyoursamples.I’msurethey’llenjoythebreak.”

Paulwalkedovertothedeckcrewandgavethemthegoodnews.HewasgettingreadytoradiotheirfindingstotheCondorwhenthesoundofahelicopterapproachingbecameaudible.

Paullookedwest,expectingtoseetheCondor’sJayhawkfinallyreturningfromDurban,butinsteadthesoundcamefromthenorth,wheretwoblackdotsweredescendingfromahigheraltitudeandcomingdirectlytowardthem.Theywerestaggered,withthefirstoneperhapsamileinfrontofitspartner.

Suspicious,Paultookoutapairofcompactbinoculars

andfocusedonthenearestofthetwocraft.Itwasdarkgreenincolor,clearlymilitary,andcarryingordnanceinpodsoneitherside.

FlashescaughtPaul’seye,likesunlightreflectingoffthecanopy,butitwasn’tthesun.Ribbonsofwaterflewuponatracktowardthebowoftheship.Theheavythunkingsoundof.50calibershellstearingthroughmetal

followed.“Hitthedeck,”Paul

shouted,steppingawayfromtherailanddivingbehindthepilesofdirtasiftheyweresandbags.

Theothercrewmendovetothegroundaroundhim,andPaulcaughtsightofGamayandElenaracinghisway.

“What’shappening?”Gamayshouted.

Thefirsthelicopter

thunderedoverhead,headingtothesouthandbankingintoaright-handturn.

“Notsure,”Paulsaid.“ButI’mbeginningtothinksomeonedoesn’tlikeusverymuch.”

Helookedupandtrainedthebinocularsonthesecondhelicopter,cominginlowandslow.Itwasoveramileawayandlessthanahundredfeetabovethewaterwhenitreleaseditspayload.

PaulhadbeenonheightenedalertsincetheincidentsduringthediveontheEthernet,butevenheneededamomenttoprocesswhathewasseeing.Thepayloadswerelongandthin.Theyhitthewaterwithtinysplashesandthenvanished,leavingonlythintrailsofbubblesstretchingoutbehindthemtomarktheircourse.Itwascleartoseethattheyweretrackingstraightforthe

Waratah.“Torpedoes,”hesaid.“Torpedoes?”Gamay

soundedasshockedashewas.

“Comingrightatus,”headdedandthenturnedtothecrew.“Everyoneoff!Abandonship!”

Paul’surgentwarningreverberatedacrossthedeck.Thecrewmen,whohadrecentlyscrambledforcover,gotbackontheirfeetandchargedtowardtheropeladdersthatledtothelaunchesbelow.

“Go,”Paulsaid,helping

peopleovertheedge.“Quickly.”

Astheyscampereddowntheladders,Paulglancedaround.Thehelicopterswereswingingaround,strafingthetugsfirstandthentheCondor.Atthesametime,thetorpedoesthey’ddroppedweretrackingslowlyinbound.

ThetorpedoeswererunningtowardtheWaratahatjustoverthirtyknots,and

withamilebetweenthem,itgavethecrewnearlytwofullminutestoabandonshipandmoveoutofharm’sway.Itwasjustslowenoughthatsomethingextraordinarybegantohappen.

Inthedistance,theredhulloftheFRCflashedintothepicture,racingatfullspeedanddroppinginbehindthechargingtorpedoes.

Paulgrabbedtheradio.“Duke,whatonearthareyou

doing?”“Interceptingthe

torpedoes,”Dukereplied.“Seemslikeanawfulshametoletthatoldrustbucketgodownnow.Especiallywhenshe’sjustrecentlyreturnedfrombeyondlikethis.”

PaulwatchedasElenawentoverthesideanddowntheladder.Gamaywasnext.Butthechiefwasstilldownbelow.

“You’redamnrightitis,”

Paulsaidintotheradio.“Dowhatyoucan.”

DukehadbeenhalfwaybacktotheCondorwhenthehelicoptersappearedandlaunchedtheirattack.Hesawthestrafingrunandwatchedthetorpedoesdrop,realizingquicklythattheWaratah,forwhateverreason,wasthetarget.

Insteadofcontinuingon

towardtheCondor,DukehadslammedthethrottlesforwardandspuntheFRC’swheeluntilitwastrackingbacktowardtheoldderelict.Hisfirstthoughtwasthathemightbeneededtohelpgetthecrewofftheship,eitherbeforeorafteritwasstruck.Butasthespeedylittleboatracedtowardthehulkoftheoldliner,itquicklycameacrossthetrailofbubblesfromoneofthetorpedoes

and,inthatmoment,Dukecameupwithadifferentplan.

“Pullthegunsoutoftheweaponslocker,”heshoutedtotheotherdivers.

AheadofthemthebroadflankoftheWaratahloomed,growinglargerinhissightwitheachpassingsecond,buttheyweregainingrapidlyonthesecondtorpedo.

“Don’thitthewarhead,”Dukeshoutedtohisgunners.“We’llbeblowntopieces.

Hittheproporthemotororthefins.Wejustneedtogetitoffcourse.”

Themennoddedandswitchedoffthesafetiesontheirweapons.Theyhadonlyhandgunstoworkwith.ButifDukegottheminclose,itwouldbeenough.

Skippingacrossthesurfaceatfullspeed,theycameupalongsidethetorpedo.Itwasalightgraycolorbeneaththewater,

runningatadepthoffivefeet.

“Takeitout,”Dukeshouted,matchingthetorpedo’sspeed.

Thediversbeganfiring,drillingholesinthewaterwiththeRugerpistols.Dukewouldhavegivenayear’spayforarifle,buttwooftherifleswereontheWaratahwithPaulandtherestwerebackontheCondor.

Despitebothweapons

beingemptiedatthetarget,thetorpedocontinuedonundeterred.Itwasnomorethanthirtysecondsfromimpact.

“It’stoodeep,”oneofthegunnerssaid.

“Reload,”Dukeshouted.“I’mgoingtotrysomething.”

Hegunnedthethrottleandcrossedinfrontofthetorpedoandthenbackoveritagain.Bythethirdpasshecouldseethetorpedobucking

upanddownlikeaJetSkicrossingthebowwaveofapassingcabincruiser.Itnoseddownandthencameup,breachingthesurfacemomentarily.Atthatmomentthediversopenedfire,plunkingtherearcasingwithseveraldirectshots.Whateverthey’dhit,thetorpedodoveoutofcontrol,twistingtotherightandspiralingdown.

Dukecutthewheeltotheleftandhadcovereda

hundredyardswhentherewasaflashbeneaththewater.Aconcussionwavehitnextandaballofwhitewatererupted,blastingupintotheairandrainingdowninawidecircle.

“Onedown,onetogo,”Dukeshouted,turningbacktotheright,lookingfortheothertorpedotrail.

“It’stoofarahead,”oneofthediversshouted.

“I’mnotgivingup,”Duke

insisted.ButevenashegottheFRCbackontrack,hecouldseeitwastoolate.TheywereracingheadlongtowardtheWaratah’sstern.Thespacebetweenthemwouldbeusedupfasterthantheycouldhopetocatchthefleeingtorpedo.

“Duke,peeloff!”cameashoutovertheradio.“That’sanorder.”

Dukefollowedthecommandandcuttotheleft

astwostreamsofgunfirecamefromthedeckoftheoldship.

PaulandGamaywerestandingattherail,firingdownattheincomingtorpedowiththetwoAR-15rifles.Atarangeofahundredfeet,oneofthemhitthewarheadjustright.Anewshockwaveeruptedandacolumnofwaterexplodedupwardfromthesurfaceofthesealikeageyser.Heatandflame

chasedthewater,burningsomeofittosteaminmidair.

UponWaratah’sdeck,PaulandGamaywerethrownbackwardbytheshockwave.Theylandedtogetheramidapileofweedsthatthedeckcrewhadyettoclear.

Paulopenedhiseyesasmistfromthetorpedo’sexplosiondrifteddownonthem.Hisearswereringing.HeglancedoveratGamay,sawthatshewasallright,and

sighedwithrelief.“Prettygoodshooting,ifIdosaysomyself.”

Gamayproppedherselfupononeelbowandstaredathim.“Howdoyouknowitwasn’tmyshotthatdidthetrick?”

“Youwerewideleft,”hesaid.“Icouldtellfromthestart.Windcorrection.”

“Thosewereyourbulletsgoingleft,”sheinsisted.

Paullaughedandgotto

hisfeet.Helookedaroundfortheattackinghelicopters,hopingtheywouldn’tmakeanotherrun.Thankfully,theywereheadingbacktothenorth.

Theyleftbehindtwopatchesofchurningwater,asmokingtug,andabewilderedgroupofpeoplewhowonderedwhatcouldbesoimportantaboutaderelictshipthatsomeonewouldwanttosinkit.

Paulfoundtheradiothathadbeenknockedfromhisbelt.Hepickeditupandmadesureitwasworking.“Thanksforthehelp,Duke.Youmustbehalfcrazy,butit’smuchappreciated.”

“You’rewelcome,Paul,sorryIcouldn’tgetthemboth.Niceshooting,bytheway.”

“Thanks,”PaulandGamaysaidinunisonandthenglancedateachother.

DukesignaledthathewasheadingbacktotheCondorandPaulacknowledgedthemessagebeforereachingouttotheCondor.

“Condor,thisisPaul,”hesaid.“Ineedadamageandcasualtyreport.”

“Mostlycosmetic,”thevoicereplied.“Twocrewwereinjuredbyshrapnel.Anotherseemstohaveanastybumpfromdivingintoabulkhead.Butnomajor

injuriesorfatalities.”“Soundslikewegotoff

lucky,”Paulreplied.“Contactthetugsandgetmeareport.IseealotofsmokecomingfromtheDrakensberg.”

“Rogerthat,”thecrewmansaid.

“AndgetintouchwithHQ,”Pauladded.“Weneedsomeprotectionouthere.Ihaven’tthefoggiestideawhysomeonewouldtrytosinkanoldderelictlikethis,but

there’snodenyingthat’swhattheywantedtodo.Untilwefigureoutwhotheyareandwhattheywant,wecan’tputitpastthemtotryagain.”

AstheCondorsignedoff,thechiefcalledinfromdownbelow.“Whattheheckisgoingonupthere?”

“Believeornot,wealmostgottorpedoed,”Paulexplained.“Torpedoed?”

“Irealizeitmakesnosense,”Paulsaid.“Justtrust

me.Itwasclosebutweseemtohavesurvivedintact.”

Therewasalongpausebeforethechiefradioedback.“Maybenot,”hesaidgrimly.“Theshockwavemusthavebuckledtheoldplating.We’vegotwatercomingindownhere.”

Thechief’smessagewasgrimnewstoPaul.

“Wemayhavewonthebattlebutlostthewar,”Gamaysaid,givingwordstoPaul’sthoughts.

“I’mgoingdownbelow,”Paulsaid,handingtheradiotoGamay.“Getintouchwith

Condorandthetugs.Weneedpumps.Weneeddiverswithsalvagegear.Ifthere’sabuckledplate,theycanweldapatchoverit.”

“Areyoucrazy?”shesaid.“It’samiraclethisshipisstillafloatasitis.”

“Ican’texplain,”Paulsaid,“butI’vegrownattachedtothisshipandI’mnotgivingupontheoldgalyet.Notafterallshe’sbeenthrough.”

“Whoareyou?”Gamayasked.“AndwhathaveyoudonewithmysensibleNewEnglandhusband?”

Paulgaveheraquickkiss,tookherflashlight,andranforthestairs.HeheardhercallingovertotheCondorasheraceddownintothedark.

Fourflightsdown,hecouldalreadyhearthesoundofwatercomingin.Itwasapowerfulrushingnoiseasifa

firehydranthadbeenbustedwideopen.

Ashereachedthebottomlanding,Paul’sfeetplungedcalfdeepintowater.

“Chief,whereareyou?”heshouted.

“Aftbulkhead!”avoiceshoutedfromdownthehall.“Hurry!”Paulchargedtowardthestern,pasttheboilersandcoalbunkers,totheoldengineroom.Hesawlightcomingfromaladderwell

thatdescendedintotheaftbilge,whichwasthelowestsectionoftheshipwhereallthebilgewatercollected.Beneathitlayonlythecoldsea.

AsPaulplayedhislightaround,hespottedwaterblastinginthrougharupturedseaminthehullplating.Itcoursedthroughthecompartmentinanangry,foamingstream,beforeswirlingdowntheladderlike

itwasagiganticdrain.Thewaterlevelwasrisingwithalarmingspeed.

“Wecan’tstopthis,”Paulsaid,suddenlyshockedbacktoreality.“Wehavetogetoutofhere.”

“Ican’t,”thechiefsaid.“I’mtrapped.”

Paulsawnothingholdingthechiefinplace.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Mylegsarestuckinthesediment,”thechiefshouted.

“Theshockwavefromtheexplosionliquefiedthemuck.WhenIdroppeddownheretotakealook,Isunkknee-deepintoit.Itmightaswellbequicksand.”

Paulsteppedontotheladder,grabbedthechief’shand,andpulledwithallhismight.Thechiefremainedstuckrightwherehewas.Paulaimedtheflashlightdownintothewater.Thechiefwasindeedsunkupto

hisknees.Paulsteppeddown

anotherrungasthewaterswirledaroundhimandpoundedhisshoulders.Hangingontight,hegotintoapositionwherehecouldusemoreleverage,grabbedunderthechief’sarm,andpulledagain.Itwasnouse.

“Wiggleyourfeet.”“Ican’t,”thechiefsaid.

“It’slikethey’restuckinconcrete.”Bynowthewater

wasuptothechief’swaistandrisingfast.

Paulsteppedback.Heneededsomethingtodigthechiefoutwith.Shiningthelightaround,hecaughtsightofametalpipewithabarbedend.Itmighthavebeenapickerbarusedbythefiremenontheoldshiptorakethecoalswith.Itwouldhavetodo.

Hegrabbedthepickerbar,camebacktothewell,

handedthechiefhisflashlight,andjabbedthebarintothesedimentnearthechief’slegs.Shovelingatfirstandthenstirring,hebegantodislodgethemuck.

“It’sworking,”thechiefsaid.“Keepgoing.”

Paulcouldhardlysee.Heworkedvigorouslyasthewaterreachedthechief’schestandthenhisneck.Thechieftiltedhisheadtokeephisnoseandmouthabovethe

water.Paulkeptdiggingandthe

chiefbegantocomefree,pullingontherungsoftheladderanddrawinghimselfup.

Onelegcamefreeandthentheother,minusaboot.ThechiefwentuptheladderandPaulfollowed.Thelastsixinchesofthebilgefilledrapidly,andsoonthemainengineroombeganflooding.

Exhaustedfromthe

struggle,thetwomenstumbledforthebulkhead.Bythetimetheyreachedit,waterwaspouringoverthesilllikeaminiatureversionofNiagaraFalls.

“Thinkit’llhold?”Paulasked,lookingatthehundred-yearoldversionofawatertightdoor.

“Onlyonewaytofindout.”

Paulgrabbedthedoorandtriedtoforceitshut,buta

centuryofcorrosionpreventeditfrommovingmuch.Puttinghisshoulderintoit,Paulmanagedtomoveithalfwaytoaclosedpositionbeforeitseizedonceagain.

Steppingback,hetooktheironpickerbarandbangedonthehinges,tryingtoknockthecorrosionoff.Afewflakeswereallhemanagedtoclear.Puttingthebardownagain,heandthechiefgotbehindthedoorand

leanedinto.Itclosedthreequartersandthenalmostflush,buttheweightofthewaterpouringthroughwastoomuchanditpushedthemback.“It’snouse,”thechiefsaid.

“Onemoretry,”Paulsaid.Fromthecornerofhiseyehesawafigurecomerunningdownthestairsbehindthem.Someassistanceatlast.“Helpus!”

Withthewatersurging

throughwaist-highatthispoint,Paulleanedintothedooronemoretime.Hefeltthechiefpushingwithallhismightandthenfeltapowerfulshovefrombehindasthecrewmanwho’dcometohelpreachedthem.

Betweenthethreeofthemtheyovercametheforceoftherushingwater.Thedoorclangedshut,andPaulwrenchedthewheelovertolockittight.

Thesealwaslessthanperfect,afteralltheseyears,andwatersprayedthrougharoundtheedgesinseveralplaces,butitcouldbemeasuredingallonsperminute.Pumpscouldhandlethat,atleastaslongasthedoorheld.

Paulcollapsedontothefloorandlookedatthechief,whowassmilingfromeartoear.“Justanotherdayattheoffice,”

thechiefsaid.“ThinkI’mreadyfora

dayoff,”Paulreplied.Heturnedtothankthecrewmanforcomingtotheiraidbuttherewasnoonethere.Helookedaroundinalldirections,butevenaftergrabbingtheflashlightfromthechiefhesawnothingbutthedarkhall.Theywerealone.

“Didyoubringanyoneelsedownhere?”Paulasked.

Thechiefshookhishead.“Everyoneelsewenttopsidebeforetheattack.Why?”

Paulgazeddownthehalltothestairwell.Henowrealizedthatinthedarkitwouldhavebeenimpossibleforhimtoseesomeonestandingthere.Buthedistinctlyrememberedabroadshoulderedmanwithamustache.

Hedecidedhismindwasplayingtricksonhim.“No

reason,”hesaidfinally.“Justmakingsure.Let’sgetuptopincasethisdoorgivesway.”

Paulgrabbedthepickerbar,climbedtohisfeet,andhelpedthechiefupoffthedeck.Wearily,theysloggedtheirwaytowardthestairwellandclimbedupintothedaylight.Inthehourthatfollowed,pumpsfromtheCondorandoneofthetugswerebroughtin.Thewatertightdoorswerebraced

andreinforcedinsidetheship,whilethesalvagediversquicklyfoundtherupturedseamandweldedapatchjoboverit.Theshipwasstillleaking,anditwasanyone’sguessifthehullwouldholdout,butasthetowgotunderwayandtheshipsbegantomovetheydidsounderthewatchfuleyeoftheSouthAfricanAirForce,whichsentfighteraircraftandarmedhelicoptersoverheadina

seriesofrevolvingsweeps.Aseveningcameon,the

smallflotillametthefirstshipinwhatwouldprovetobeasubstantialhonorguard.Withinthehour,twoadditionalwarshipsjoinedit,followedbyadedicatedrepairvesselreadytolendahand.

ItseemedthathavingenduredtheWaratah’slossoncealready,theSouthAfricangovernmentwas

determinednottoletanythinghappentoheragain.

Withaprotectiveforcearoundthem,Paulbegantofeelmoreatease.HefoundGamayondeck,placingsamplesofmanydifferentthingsintoplasticbaggies,labelingthem,andzippingthemshut.

Shehadherhairtiedback,apencilbehindoneear,andhermoststudiouslookfirmlyinplace.

Paulsatdownbesideher.“Almostdone?”

“Withthecollectionpart,”shesaid,placingthesamplesintoaplasticcooler.“I’mflyingbacktoDurbantomeetwithabiologistregardingthesesamples.Wanttocome?”

“I’dloveto,”Paulsaid,“butIwanttomakesurethisshipreachesport.”

“I’dsayyou’vedoneenough,”Gamayreplied,“but

I’veseenthatlookbefore.”“Thejobisnotdoneuntil

it’sdone,”hesaid.“I’llbetheretoseeyou

arrive,”shesaid,placingthelidonthecontainerandlockingitdown.

Hesmiled,thinkingbacktoallthetimesoneofthemhadwaitedonshorefortheothertocomehome.Itwasalwaysanenjoyablereunion.

Shestoodandpickedupthecooler.Paulgrabbeda

secondcoolerandtheybeganwalkingtothestern,wherealaunchwaitedtowhiskherovertotheCondorandthemilitaryhelicopterwaitingtoflyhertoDurban.

“Doyoubelieveinghosts?”heasked.

Shelaughedatthequestion.“Notreally.Why?”

“Noreason,”hesaid.“Justchecking.”

They’dreachedtheladder,whereacrewman

helpedlowerdownthecontainers.

“I’llbereadyforthatcandlelightdinnerbythetimeImakeport,”Paulsaid.

“I’llmakeusareservation,”shesaid.

Paulhuggedandkissedherandthenstoodbackassheclimbeddowntheropeladdertoawaitingboat.

AsthelaunchpeeledoffandmadefortheCondor,Pauldecidedhewasaman

withalottolookforwardtooverthenextfewdays—dinnerwithGamay,bringingtheWaratahintoportafterahundredandfiveyears,and,ifGamaywasright,somenewinsightintowheretheshiphadbeenhidingalltheseyears.AttheBrèvardlair,thefamilymournedthepassingofEganwithasomberceremony,counterbalancedbythefactthatAcostathetraitorhadbeenkilledandthe

hackersreturnedtotheirrightfulowners.

Withoutdelay,Sebastianputthemtowork.UsingtheirownskillsandtheoffensivecapabilitiesofPhalanx,theyweresoonhackingintotheAmericanDepartmentofDefense,theEuropeanairtrafficcontrolsystem,andvariousotherentities,withtheintentionofwreakinghavoc.

“Isallthisreally

necessary?”Calistaasked.“Weneedasmokescreen

forourtrueplans,”hesaid.“Alittlecarnagewilldonicely.”

Calistanoddedandwalkedtothefrontofthecontrolroom,wherethefloor-to-ceilingwindowslookedoutovertheOlympic-sizedswimmingpool.Apoolwhereshe’dlearnedtodive.Wheresheandtheothershadtrainedforthemissionto

attacktheEthernet.Thinkingaboutthat

moment,hermindwanderedtoKurtAustin.Sinceencounteringhimthere,she’dhackedintothemedicalfilesNUMAwaskeepingonhimandlearnedofhisrelationshipwithSienna.

Shewonderedwhatwouldpossessamantorisklifeandlimbforawomanhecouldneverhave.Awomanwhoserescuewouldonly

resultinhimlosingheragain,ashedeliveredherbacktoanotherman’sarms.

EitherSiennawasthetypeofwomanwhoinspiredsuchloveorshewasfortunateenoughtohaveencounteredamanwhosesenseofdutywasmoreimportantthanhisownselfpreservation.Ineithercase,Calistafoundherselfjealous.Shehadneverknownsuchamanandprobably

neverwould.“GetLaurentuphere,”Sebastiansaid,breakinghertrainofthought.“Weneedtomakesureallhismenarebroughtbacktothecompoundandreadytofight.Eventheoneswe’vesimplyhiredforlocaljobs.”

“Expectingcompany?”“Notrightaway,”

Sebastiansaid,“butsoonenough.Whentheydocome,wemustbecertainthattheybleed.Theymustfinditas

difficultaspossibletoovercomeourdefensesortheywon’ttrulybelievethey’vewon.”

Sheunderstood.Itwasallpartofthegame.

Durban, South Africa

GamayarrivedinDurbanandfoundherselfsomethingofalocalattraction.ThediscoveryoftheWaratahwasbeingkeptsecretuntiltheshipwasbroughtsafelyinto

SouthAfricanwaters.Buttherumorhadbeguntospread.AndhearingthatamemberoftheNUMAteamhadbeenflowninwithsamplesofsomethingthatsheneededexamined,shewasmetwithanexcitedresponse.

SeveralexpertsflewinontheirowndimeandconvenedwithherattheUniversityofDurban-Westvillecampus.Theyquicklysetupshop,examiningthesamplesofthe

insects,deadrodents,andvariousseedsandplantsdiscoveredontheWaratah.

Whiletheyworked,Gamaytooktheopportunitytovisitthelibraryandfoundamicrofilmmachine,whereshecouldperusetheoldnewspapersprintedatthetimeoftheWaratah’sdisappearance.

“Areyousureyoudon’twanttouseacomputer?”oneofthelibrariansasked.“All

ofthisisonline.”“Thankyoubutno,”

Gamaysaid.“I’vehadquiteenoughofcomputersforawhile.”

Leftalone,shereadarticleafterarticle.Itwasaneducationintoadifferenttime.She’dgrownsousedtotoday’sworld,whereplanecrashesandmishapsofanykindwerecoveredliveandtheinformationdistributedandverifiedalmostinstantly,

thatitwasoddreadingaboutthedisappearance.Initially,theshipwasjustthoughttobeoverdue,acommonoccurrence.Evendaysandweekslater,therewerearticlessuggestingthattheWaratahmightyetarriveorthatthesearchvesselswouldencounterherandtowherin.Estimatesofhowlongherfoodsupplieswouldholdoutwereofferedasreasonnottopanic.

Butthenhopefadedandtherealitysetin.Speculationandrumorbegantorunrampant.ThestormofJuly27thwasconsideredthelikelyculprit.ThestatementsofamannamedClaudeSawyerbecameafocalpoint.HewasthesolepassengerboundforCapeTownwhodecidedtodisembarktheshipinDurban.Hesentatelegramtohiswifethatread,inpart,“ThoughtWaratahtop-heavy.

LandedDurban.”Mr.Sawyeralsoclaimed

tohavehadadreamshortlybeforetheshipreachedDurbaninwhichaknightcryingtheship’snamecamechargingthroughthewaveswithaswordraisedhigh.AftergettingoffinDurban,heclaimedtohavehadanotherdreaminwhichtheWaratahwasswampedbyamassivewave,capsized,andvanishedfromsight.

AdifferenttheorywasespousedbyCaptainFirthofthesteamerMarere.HebelievedtheWaratahtoobigandstrongtobetakenbyaroguewaveandthoughtitmorelikelythatshe’dlostapropellerorrudderandwasadriftinthecurrent,beingslowlyhauledpasttheCapeofGoodHopeandoutintotheAtlanticOcean.

FirthwascertaintheWaratahwouldbefound,

muchlikeasimilarvessel,theSSWaikato,whichbrokeapropellershaftonthewaytoAucklandanddriftedforsixfullweeksbeforeeventuallybeingdiscovered.SomespeculatedshewoulddriftallthewaytoSouthAmerica.

AsGamayreadthenewspapersover,shefoundherattentionturningtootherstoriesoftheday:newsofthestorm,politicalarguments,

andadsforproducts,includingonethattoutedsmokingasacureforthecommoncold.

Moststriking,shereadalongdispatchabouttheDurbanpolicebattlingagroupofcriminalsknownastheKlaarRiverGang.Afteranexplosionandaconflagrationthatburnedupafortuneinpapercurrency,itwasfinallydeterminedthatthenoteswereactuallynear-

perfectforgeries.WhilemostoftheKlaarRiverGanghadindeedperished,RobertSwan,chiefinspectoroftheDurbanpolice,fearedtheleadershadescapedandwouldresurface.

“Mayyouliveininterestingtimes,”Gamaywhisperedtoherself.

“Excuseme,”avoicesaidfrombehindher.“AreyouGamayTrout?”

Sheturnedtoseeaman

wearinganavybluesuitandanopen-necked,button-downwhiteshirt.Heofferedhishand.“MynameisJacobFredricks.I’veheardarumorthatyoumighthavediscoveredtheSSWaratah.Isthattrue?”

Gamayhesitated.“IworkedwithNUMA

onanexpeditionlookingfortheshipyearsago,”themanexplained.“Unfortunately,wecameupempty.”

Sherecalledthename.Andthoughshewasn’tsureifthismanwaswhohesaidhewas,shedoubtedtherewasmuchdangertoherortheshipanymore.Asthetruthwasobviouslyleakingoutfromseveralsources,shedecidedtotellhimwhatsheknew.

Theyspentthenexttwohoursdiscussingtheship’svanishingandthetimeFredricksthoughthe’dfound

it,onlytolearnhe’ddiscoveredaWorldWarTwocargoshiptorpedoedbytheGermans.

“I’malmostrelievedtoknowtheshiphasbeenbeachedsomewhereallthistime,”hetoldher.“Makesnotfindingheronthebottomalittleeasiertotake.”

Gamaysmiledandtoldhimabouttheincidentsthathadoccurredsincethediscovery.Fredricksseemed

surprisedbywhatheheardbutmentionedthatoddtheoriesandoccurrenceshadalwayssurroundedtheship.

“Apsychiconceheldthatthey’dmadelandandstartedanewcivilization,”heexplained.

“Closertothetruththanwemighthaveguessed,”Gamaysaid,thoughitwasprettyclearthatthepassengersnevermadeland.

“Oneofthestrangest

storiestookplacein1987,”hesaid.

“Whenyouthoughtyou’dfoundthewreck?”sheasked.

“No,thatwasyearslater,”hesaid.“Backin’87anold,double-endlifeboatwasfoundadriftoffthecoastofMaputoBay,Mozambique.Bysomefisherman,ifIrecall.Therewerethreepeopleinit.Awomanandtwoboys.Thewomanhadaslightbulletwound,butit

wasnotfatal.Unfortunately,dehydrationwas...forallthreeofthem.Theywereidentifiedaspartofafamilythathadbeenabductedyearsbefore.Authoritiesthoughtthey’descapedfromsomewhereupthecoast.Somaliawastheprimesuspect.Itwasaprettylawlessplaceevenbackthen.”

“Soundsterrible,”shesaid.“Butwhatdoesthat

havetodowiththeWaratah?”

“Theoldlifeboattheywereinwasrottedhalftothecore.Ithadbeenhastilypatchedandsealedwithhouseholditemsandwouldn’thavelastedmuchlonger,haditnotbeenfound.Severalexpertsinsisteditwasadesignusedandbuiltfrom1904to1939.Yearslater,someonedidacomputeranalysisofthephotostaken

thenandclaimedtodiscovertheremnantsofletteringstillvisibleonthehighestplank,basicallybecausethelayersofpainthadlimitedtheerosion.Itrulycan’trememberhowtheydidit,butinthephotothewritingcouldhavebeeninterpretedtospellWaratah.”

Gamaysatback,stunned.“You’rejoking.”

Heshookhishead.“Atthetime,everyoneassumedit

wasahoax.Likethatalienautopsyvideo.Butnow,afterwhatyou’vefound,thereisapossibilityitmightbetrue.

“AndthentherewastheKlaarRiverGang,”hesaid,movingontoanewsubject.

“Iwasjustreadingaboutthem,”shesaid.

“Somethinktheybribedtheirwayaboardtheship,”hetoldher.

“Really?”“Yes.Andthendrowned

whenitwentdown.”“Exceptthatitdidn’tgo

down,”Gamaynoted.“Couldthisganghavehijackedtheship?”

“FromwhatI’veread,theywereruthless,”hetoldher.“Iftheshipwastakenover,theywouldhavebeenjustthekindofpeopletodoit.”

Gamayfoundhermindswirling.Shewantedtoinvestigateeverythingthis

manhadtoldher.Butbeforeshecoulddoanything,herphonebuzzed.Atextmessagerequestedthatshereturntothelaboratory,wherethesampleswerebeinganalyzed.

“Ihavetogo,”shesaid.“IwouldlovetotalkmorewhenIhavesometime.”

“AnythingforNUMA,”hesaid,handingherabusinesscardandshakingherhand.

Gamayleftthelibraryandreturnedquicklytothelab.Thebiologistwho’dledtheteamsummarizedtheresults.

“Haveyoubeenabletogiveussomeideaofwheretheshipmighthavebeen?”sheasked.

“You’reinluck,Ms.Trout,”thebiologisttoldher.“You’vefoundseveralspeciesthatexistinonlyoneplaceonEarth.”

Heshowedherthe

skeletonofasmallanimalthatoneofPaul’sdeckhandshaddugupduringtheexcavation.Shethoughtitlookeduniquewhenshewasputtingtheremainsintheplasticcase.

“Whatisit?”sheasked.“Afossa,”hesaid,

showingherapictureoftheanimal.

“Itlookslikeacrossbetweenacatandakangaroo,”shesaid,looking

atthepicture.“It’sactuallyatypeof

mongoose,”hereplied.Nextheshowedheralargemoth—ithadbeenjustemergingfromacocoonwhenElenahadspottedit.Neitherofthemcouldbelievehowlargeitwas.

“Thisisamoonmoth,”thebiologistsaid,beforemovingovertothespidersthey’dfoundonthefirstnight.“Goldenorb-weaver

spider,”heexplained.“Whiletherearemanyspecieslikethisaroundtheworld,whatwefoundinitswebisunique.”Hepointedtoaninsect,onethathadbeenwrappedupinspidersilk.“Giraffeweevil,”heexplained,handingheramagnifyingglass.

Shefocusedhervision.Thelittlebuglookedfairlynormalexceptforalong,skinnyneckandheadthat

stuckoutfromitsbodylikeanextensionattachmentonavacuumcleaner.

Shecouldn’tbelievethey’dgottensolucky.Shefiguredthebadnewswascomingnext.“Letmeguess.Somalia?”

“No,”hesaid.“Muchcloser.ThewestcoastofMadagascar.”

“Madagascar?”sherepeated.

Henodded.“Yousee,the

islandofMadagascarbrokeofffromAfricaahundredsixtymillionyearsago,”heexplained.“Indiawasstillattachedtoitatthetime.But,eightymillionyearsago,Indiaitselfwastornloosebyplatetectonics.

“Asthethreelandmasseswerepulledfartherandfartherapart,animalsandplantsleftonMadagascarevolveddifferentlyfromthoseintherestoftheworld.

AswithAustralia,therearehundredsofspeciesthatcallonlyMadagascarhome.You’vediscoveredthreeofthemonyourfloatingwreck.Whichtellsusitwasparkedthereforquiteawhilebeforeitfloatedbackouttosea.”

“Andthecrocodile?”sheasked.

“PlentyoftheminMadagascar,”hesaid.

Gamaynodded.Theevidencewasclear.The

WaratahhadspenthertimeagroundonthewesternshoresofMadagascar.Theonlyquestionsnowwerewhere,andwhysomeonewasinterestedinsinkingher.

KurtAustinfelthimselffalling,droppingweightless,intothedarkness,hisnervestinglingatthesensation.Heplungedintothewaterandthecoldstingopenedhiseyes.Suddenlyhecouldsee.Murkybluesurroundedhim,buttherewaslightupabove

andthestrangesightofwavestopplingfrombeneathastheyrolledoverhim.

Hekickedforthesurfaceandcameoutintoastorm.Winddrivenrainlashedthesea,andswellsthesizeofrailroadcarsbuoyedhimupandthendroppedhimdownonceagain.Theyacht,theEthernet,wasaheadofhim.Siennaandherfamilywereonit.

Hekickedtowarditand

pulledhimselfaboardasawavebroughthimuponthedeckthatwasnearlyawashinthestorm.Strugglingtowardthebridge,shoutingforSienna,hefoundhimselfpushingthroughthemainhatchonlytobeclubbedinthebackoftheheadandslammedtothefloor.

Theimpactatthebackofhisskullnearlyknockedhimunconscious;hewaswoozyanddazed.Thenextthinghe

knew,someonewasslamminghimagainstthebulkheadandtryingtochokehim.

“Wherethehelldidhecomefrom?”avoiceshoutedfromtheothersideofthebridge.

“There’sarescuecopteroutside,”themanholdinghimcalledback.

Kurtknockedtheman’shandfromhisthroat,butthemanflunghimdownandput

himinaheadlock.Notonetolosemany

fights,Kurtwasawareofweaknessinhislimbsthatmusthavecomefromtheinitialblowtothebackofhishead.Havingbeenconcussedseveraltimesinhislife,Kurtrecognizedthesymptoms.Theringingintheears,tunnelvision,dizziness.Theblowshouldhaveputhimout,mighthaveevenkilledhim.But,thenagain,Kurthas

alwaysbeenahardhead.Helookedup,tryingto

assessthesituation.Themanatthefarendhadawomanbythearm.

“Sienna?”Kurtsaidweakly.

Shelookedoverathim.“Kurt?”shesaid.

Shetriedtopullfreeandreachforhim,butthemanyankedherbackandhandedherofftoasubordinate.“Gethertotheescapepod.Her

husbandandthechildrenarealreadythere.”

Siennastruggledagainstthembutcouldnotbreakfree.Asshewasdraggedintotheship,Kurtcouldhearhershoutinghisname.Hetriedtostand,buthisassailantwastooheavyforKurttoovercomeinhiscurrentstate.

“Whatabouttherestofus?”

“We’llbejoiningherassoonaswegetridofthis

one.”ThemandroppeddownbesideKurt,flippedopenaknife,andwentforthecablethatattachedKurttotheharness.

Kurtheardthehelicopterthroughthestormandsawthespotlightprobingaround.Itspurredthedimrealizationthathewouldn’tsurviveifthesemencutthecableconnectinghimtoit.

Hesnappedfree,kickedthemanwiththeknife,and

lungedforthedooronlytobetackledagain.

“Killhim.”Themancockedthe

hammeronthepistol,butKurtspunandkickedtheman’sknee.Theweapondischarged,hittingtheclearceramicwall.Thewalldidn’tshatter,butcracksspreadacrossitlikeveins.BeforeKurtcouldmakeasecondmoveabootcaughthiminthechin,andthemanholding

himpressedhimdownintothewater,tryingtodrownhim.

Despiteeveryeffort,Kurtcouldnotpushhardenoughtoriseup.

“Wait!”Theordercamefroma

femalevoice.ThemanpulledKurtfromthewaterandheldhimthere.

“Wecanusehim,”thewomansaid.

Ashewasallowedto

breathe,Kurtstaredatthewoman.Herecognizedher.Theshortdarkhair,wetandmattedtoherhead.Thehighcheekbones.Heknewhersomehow.Hernamewas...Calista.

“He’lltelltheworldaboutus,”themansaid,objecting.

“Someonehasto,”shesaidcryptically.“Youidiotshavekilledthecaptainandthecrew.Weplannedonusingthemforthatpurpose.”

“Wedidn’texpectthemtofight.”

ShedroppeddownbesideKurtandopenedasmallcase.Kurtcouldfeeltheyachtrollingintheswells.Itwasindangerofgoingover.Almostunconscious,Kurtfoughttostayawake.Hisstrengthwasgone.Hismindcloudingover.

Thewomanproducedasyringeandjabbeditinhisneck.Kurt’sminddrifted

further.Shemovedclosetohis

faceandhelditinbothhands.“Youcameaboardtheyacht,”shesaid,hervoiceadistantecho.“YousawSiennabeyondthiswall.”

Sheturnedhisheadtowardit.Thecrackscaughthiseye.“Shewasfloatingfacedown.Herhairwaswet,wavinglikeseagrass.”

Kurtstaredattheglasswall.Theglareofaflashlight

reflectedoffit,blindinghim.Whenitwasgone,hecouldseethroughtheglass.Theroomwashalffilledwithwater.Thecushionsandpapersfloatedinmuck.

Siennawasthere,hesawher.Helungedtowardheronlytobangintotheglass.

“Shedrowned,”thevoicetoldhim.“Alongwithherdaughter.Suchaprettychild.Suchashame.”

Kurtcouldseeit

happening.Thelittlegirlinherdress,atowheadedblonde.Hersmallfingerswerestillcurledaroundhermother’shand.HerememberedhearingthathernamewasElise.

“Hereyesareopen,”thewomansaid.

Kurtwincedattheimage.Hetriedagaintogettothembutwasthrownbacktothedeck.

“Theyachtissinking,”

thevoicetoldhim.“Fillingwithwater.Breaktheglass!It’syouronlyhope.”

Kurtslammedhisfistintotheglasswallbutitwasnouse.Hecouldn’tbreakthrough.

“Youtriedtosmashitwiththechairbuttheglasswouldnotfall.Instead,youdid.”

Hewaspushedontohisback.

“Theyachtisrollingover.

You’verunoutoftime.”“No!”“They’repullingyou

out!”“No,”Kurtshouted.He

felthimselfbeingdrawnbackward.Hismaskwasrippedoff.Andthenthebackofhisheadslammedagainstsomethingonceagain.

Butinsteadoffindinghimselfoutinthesea,herealized,throughthehazeinhismind,thathewasstillon

thebridge.Hesawthewomanand

theotherswalkingaway.Heheardherspeakingtosomeonebyradio.“Opentheseacocks.Sinkthisship.Andlet’sgetoutofhere.”

“Whathappenswhenhestartstoremember?”anotherofthemsaid.

“Hewon’t,”sheinsisted.“Notuntilwelethim.”

Kurtlosttrackofthemandtriedtomove.Hehadto

getoutofthere,hehadtoescape.Hetriedtostand,buthisarmsfeltasiftheyweremadeoflead.Hislegswereuseless.

Thewaterbeganrushingawayfromhim.Theshipwasrolling.Suddenlytheharnesspulledtautaroundhim,dragginghimtowardthedoor.Itpulledhimfreeandthensnappedwithaloudtwang.

Hedroppedbackintothe

sea.Dazedandbarely

conscious,hetriedtokickforthesurfacebutknewhewasgoingdeeper,pulleddownbysuctionfromthesinkingyacht.Theflashlightonhisarmpointeddownward,andKurtsawtheblurryoutlineoftheyachtdisappearingintothedarknessbelow.

Heturnedhisgazeupward,caughtaglimpseofthesilverylight,andthen

watchedthedarknessclosearoundit.Everythingwentblack.Untilahandgrabbedhimandpulledhimabovethewaves.

Kurtwokeupquietly.Unlikealltheothernightshe’dwokenfromthememory/nightmare,thistimehereturnedtoconsciousnessinastateofpeace.Hecouldhearasoftbeepingandthesoundofaventilatingduct.Heopenedhiseyesslowly

andfoundhimselfbathedinblazinglight.

Hewasnotathomebutinahospital,withawhiteceiling,walls,andfloor.Hispupils,dilatedbysomemedication,werelettinginvastamountsoflightthatturnedthedimlylitroomintoablazingsolarium.

Heraisedahandtoblocktheglare,buttheIVlinetapedtothecrookofhisarmmadeitawkward.Helethis

armfallandnoticedapulsemeterattachedtohisfinger,whichwasinturnconnectedtothemonitoremittingthesoftbeepingsound.

Heguessedthatmeanthewasalive.

Lookingthroughtheglare,hesawafigureacrosstheway.ItwasJoe,sittinginachair,onthefarsideofthesmallroom.

Joelookedlikehe’dbeenupforever.Threedaysof

stubblecoveredhisface,darkcirclesrestedbeneathhiseyes.Hehadacupofcoffeeinonehandandacomicbookacrosshisknee.

“Didn’tknowyouwereaMangaguy,”Kurtsaid.

Joelookedup,awarmsmilecuttingthroughthehaggardlook.“Ijustlookatthepictures,”hesaid.“Especiallywhenthewordsareinaforeignlanguage.AsfarasIcantell,thisone’s

aboutanorphanrobotwhobefriendsaboyandgirlwithmutantpowerswhohaveapenchantforsamuraiswordsandcupcakes...ThoughIcouldbewrongaboutthat.”

AsJoeheldthecomicup,KurtcouldseethesurrealdrawingsandtheKoreanletteringinbrightred.“Sometimespicturesdon’ttellthewholestory,”hesaid,thinkingabouthisownexperience.“WhatamIdoing

inahospital?”“Don’tyouremember?

Yourgirlfriendtrickedyouintozappingyourself.”

“‘Zappingmyself’?”“Inthetunnelunderthe

DMZ.”IttookKurtaminuteto

recalltheextracurricularactivitiesbeneaththeDMZ,butthankfullyhedid.Heevenrememberedfallingafterpressingthebuttononthescreenofthewoman’s

remote.“Consideringthequalityofcare,”hesaid,“I’mgoingtoassumewe’reintheSouth.How’dwegetbackhere?”

“Wemadearunfortheborder,Zavalastyle,”Joesaid.“Basically,Isavedyou...onceagain.Andyoumissedthewholething...onceagain.”

“I’lltakeyourwordforit,”Kurtsaid.Hiseyesightwasreturningtonormal.

“HowlonghaveIbeenout?”“Threedays,”Joesaid.“Threedays?”Joenodded.“Theydid

someminorbrainsurgeryonyou,”heexplained.“Ipointedouttothemthatanybrainsurgeryonyouwouldhavetobeminor,buttheydidn’tgetthejoke.Lostintranslation,Iguess.”

Kurtchuckled.“You’vebeenwaitingformetowakeupjustsoyoucouldsaythat,

haven’tyou?”“Prettymuch,”Joesaid.

HeputdownthecomicbookandslidhischairovertoKurt,presentinghimwithaclearplasticvial.InsidewasatinymetalfragmenthalfthesizeofaTicTac.Amicrochip.

“Whatisit?”“Simpledevice,”Joesaid.

“Itemitsanelectronicsignalthatshortcircuitsyourbraineverytimetheyexposeittoa

certainfrequency.Thedoctorssaythey’vetriedsimilarsystemsonpatientswithParkinson’stocontroltremors.Oronpeoplewho’veexperiencedemotionaltrauma,inanefforttorewiretherecollectionandreducetheemotionalpain.”

Kurtlookedatthechip.HewonderedifitsremovalhadallowedhismemorytoclearorifthejoltCalistahadgivenhimwassopowerful

thatithadsomehowoverriddenthefalsememory.

“Accordingtothedocs,thelittlethinghastobetriggeredbyatransmitter,”Joeadded.“Hearingthat,Dirksentateamtosweepyourhouse.Theyfoundatransmitterhiddeninyourgarage.”

Kurtconsideredallthetroublethetinychiphadcausedhim.“That’swhythenightmaresstoppedonceI

leftD.C.And,I’massuming,whyIcanrememberbeingontheyachtnow.Ievenrememberyoupullingmeoutofthewater.”

“Thatalonehastobeworthallthetrouble,”Joesaid.

KurtnoddedandtoldJoethememorieshe’dfinallyrecalled.“Someofit’sstillfuzzy,”headded,“butCalistawasdefinitelythere.TheyhadSienna.Theyhadher

husbandandherchildren,whichmakesmewonderwhathe’sdoingbackintheStates.”

“Youmean...”“Imeanifthey’reforcing

hertodosomethingbyholdingthechildrenhostage,whataretheyforcinghimtodo?”

“Youdidn’thearitfromme,”Joesaid,“butI’mtoldtheCIAisalreadywonderingthesamething.Supposedly

Westgate’sabouttogetthechancetoexplainhimselfinperson.”

Kurtconsideredthatprogress.Hesatupandpulledthepulsemeteroffofhisfinger,causingthemonitortoflatline.Analarmsounded,bringinganurse.Sheshutoffthechirping,checkedKurt’svitals,andcalledareportintothenursingstation.

Assheleft,newvisitors

arrived:HalefromtheCIAwithhisever-presentpartner,Col.Lee.

“You’reluckytobeinahospital,”Halesaid,“andnotinaNorthKoreanprisoncamp.”

“Oroneofours,forthatmatter,”Col.Leeadded.“YoutwoalmostcausedasecondKoreanWar.”

“Technically,”Joesaid,“thefirstoneneveractuallyended.Therewasnopeace

treaty,onlyacease-fire.Soitwouldreallybeacontinuationofthefirstwar.”

“Youthinkthisisfunny?”Col.Leeasked.

“No,”Joesaid.“ButIthinkthefactthatKurtandIdiscoveredathreattoSouthKoreansecurityintheformofasecrettunnelfromtheNorthhastocountforsomething.”

HalegaveCol.LeealookthatsaidHehasapoint.

“You’rebothverylucky,”Col.Leesaid.“Luckyyoudidn’tendupdeadorinaNorthKoreangulag.LuckythatKimJongunisdenyinganysuchtunnelexistsandclaimingtheseareallimperialistliesratherthanadmittingtwodozenofhismenwerekilledintheskirmish.Luckythatcalmerheadsprevailed.It’stakenthreedaysforthesidestocalmdown.Buttensionsare

almostbacktonormal.”Kurtwasgladtohear

that.“Maybewewenttoofar,”hesaid.“We’lldefinitelybemorecarefulnexttime.”

“Sorry,Kurt,butthere’snotgoingtobeanexttime,”Halesaid.Thewordsweredeliveredwithatingeofregret,evensadness.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Kurtsaid.“We’veprovedSiennaisalive.We

knowthesepeoplehaveherandtheotherhackersonthatlist.Wehavetogoafterthembeforetheydosomethingterrible.”

“Thetrail’sgonecold,”Haleexplained.“Therearenoleadslefttofollow.ThanRangislockedupinamaximumsecurityprison,surroundedbyguardsandlawyers,andhe’snottalkingtoanyone.Yourmysterywomanandthehackershave

vanishedwithoutatrace.”“WhataboutAcosta?”

Kurtsaid.“Hetookourtrackingdevice.Youshouldbeabletoactivateitandfindhim.”

“Wetriedthat,”Halesaid.“Noluck.”

“Thiscountryisapeninsula,”Kurtpointedout.“Consideringtheroadblocktothenorth,itmightaswellbeanisland.Theycan’tjustdriveoffintothesunset,

especiallywhenthey’resupposedtobeundersurveillance.”

“We’rewatchingtheairportsandallthemajorharbors,”Halesaid,“butwe’veseennothingsofar.”

Acostawouldn’tbefoolenoughtobookacommercialflight.Thereweretoomanyotherwaystogetout.HundredsofmerchantvesselssteaminginandoutofKoreanportseveryday.

Beyondthat,therewerethousandsofsmallwatercraftorprivatelyownedjets.

“Andevenifsomethingdoesturnup,”Haleadded,“itwon’tbeyourjobtofollowup.”

Kurtnarrowedhisgaze,allbutburningholesinHalewithhiseyes.

“I’vebeenonthephonewithyourbossbackinD.C.,”Halesaid.“HeagreeswithmethatNUMA’s

involvementinthissituationhasrunitscourseandisnowatanend.Ifanyotherleadsdosurface,they’llbefolloweduponbyCentralIntelligenceorSpecialForcespersonnelunderthedirectionoftheNSA.”

Kurtknewthesoundofadismissalwhenheheardit.Itsuckedtheairrightoutofhim.HeglancedoveratJoe.

“IspokewithDirktoo,”Joesaid.“Hewantedyouto

know,‘It’stimetoletthisgo.’”

Kurtleanedbackagainstthebed.IftherewasanemptierfeelingonEarth,Kurthadn’tfeltit.They’dbeensoclose.He’dfinallyfoundSienna.He’dactuallyhadherinhisarms.Nowshewasgone...again.

“Thedoctorsinsistyou’rereadytobedischarged,”Halesaid.“We’regoingtomoveyouimmediately,sincewe

havereasontobelievethatThanRangorevenAcostamayhaveagentshangingaroundwho’dliketokillyouboth.You’llbeflownoutofhereatduskonamilitaryC-17headedforGuam.Fromthere,it’sontoHawaiiandsomeR&R.Enjoyit,ifyoucan.”

Kurtdidn’trespond,andHalestraightenedupandmadehiswaytowardthedoor.Hestoppedtoofferone

morecommentbeforeheleft.“I’llgiveyouthis,Kurt.Youputononehellofashow.”

Asduskfell,KurtandJoeweredriventoanAmericanairbaseandabattleship-grayC-17thatsatonthetarmac,illuminatedbyaseriesoffloodlights.

Theyenteredfromthetailramp,clearedbyaloadingofficer,whowasbusy

strappingdownaHumveeandsomeothertarpcoveredequipment,andwereofferedseatsnearthefront.

Kurtdroppedintohisseat,dejectedandexhausted.Joeofferedafewjokestocheerhimup,butKurtdidn’thaveitinhim.Hesatinsilenceandstaredstraightaheadasthehugefour-enginetransporttaxiedandthentookoffintothedarksky.

Astheyclimbedto

altitude,Joefellasleep,butKurtfoundhecouldn’tclosehiseyes.Herackedhisbrainforonemoreavenuetoexplore,onetinythingtheymighthavemissedthatcouldleadthemtoSienna,theotherhackers,andwhoeverwasbehindaplotthatKurtwascertainhadn’ttrulybeguntounfoldyet.

Tryashemight,hecameupempty.Andasthedroneoftheenginesandthechillof

thecabinnumbedhim,hestoodandwalkedtowardthefront,stoppingtostarethroughthesmallwindowintheaircraftdoor.

Theskywasdarkupahead,butwithalineoflightonthehorizon.Silverlining,Kurtthought,howironic.Asdrainedashewas,ittookKurtaminutetorealizethatthereshouldnotbeasilverliningupahead.IftheywereheadedtoGuam,theywould

beflyingintotheteethofthenight.They’donlybeenairborneafewhoursand,despitethetimezonechange,itcouldn’tbeanywhereneardawnyet.

Helookedbackward.Theskybehindthemwaspitch-black.“We’regoingthewrongway,”hesaidtohimself.

Beforehecouldhazardaguessastowhy,thecockpitdooropenedandafamiliar

figuresteppedout.“Hiram?”Kurtsaid.SeeingHiramYaeger

outsideoftheNUMAbuildingwaslikerunningintothehighschoolprincipaloutonthetownsomewhere.Itwasoff-keysomehow.AddingtothateffectwasHiram’sclothing:insteadofhistrademarkT-shirtandjeans,Yaegerwaszippedupinanolivedrabmilitaryflightsuit,withhisponytailtucked

upintoanAirForceballcappulleddowntightoverthetopofhishead.

“Areyouundercover?”Kurtasked,halfjoking.

“Inaway,Iam,”Yaegerreplied.“Dirkwantedmetobriefyouinperson.”

“Briefmeaboutwhat?”“Themission.”Kurtpaused.“Ithought

therewasnomission,”hesaid.“Infact,TimHalegavemethedistinctimpression

thatifIpusheditanyfurther,Imightendupinastockadesomewhere.”

Hiramlaughed.“Haleisactuallyratherfondofyou,fromwhatIhear.Hewasveryimpressedwitheverythingyoutwoaccomplishedinsuchashorttime.”

“Sowhythecoldshoulder?”

“ItwasforColonelLee’sbenefit,”Yaegersaid.“And

anyoneelsewhomighthavebeenlistening,forthatmatter.WethinktheKoreanSecuritydatabasehasbeenhacked.Andwe’renottoosureaboutourownortheDOD’s.Sowefiguredwe’dlayoutastoryforColonelLeetoenterintohissystemwhileIcameherewithhandwrittennotestogetyouuptodate.”

“Handwritten?Thatmusthavebeenhardforyou,”Kurtjoked.

“Youhavenoidea,”Yaegerreplied.“Mightaswellbeusingaslideruleoranabacus.”

Kurtlaughed,happytoseeafriendlyfaceinanunexpectedplaceforthesecondtimeinasmanyweeks.“Sowhattidingsdoyoubring,Omessengeroftherealm?”

Yaegerwavedatapairofseatsthatfacedeachother.KurttookoneseatasHiram

satacrossfromhimandzippedtheflightsuitdownfarenoughtopulloutamanilafolderhehadtuckedinside.“AnawfullothashappenedwhileyouwerenappinginthatKoreanhospital.”

“Goodorbad?”“Alittleofboth,”Hiram

said.“AssoonasJoepositivelyidentifiedSiennaWestgateamongthegroupofpeoplethathadbeensmuggledoutofNorthKorea,

theadministrationwentintooverdrive.BrianWestgatewascalledintoexplainhimself.InthemiddleofatiradeabouthowPhalanxwasunbreakable—evenifsomeonehadSiennaintheirclutches—hesufferedamentalbreakdownofsomekindandwhatwethoughtwasastroke.Turnsouthe’dbeengiventhesametreatmentasyou.Theypulledachipfromhisoccipitallobe.

AteamfromtheFBIfoundprescriptiondrugsinhishousethathadbeentamperedwithandlacedwithmemory-inhibitingcompounds.He’srecoveringandunderguardforhisownprotection.”

“Doesherememberanything?”Kurtasked.

“Notmuch.Seemstheyworkedhismindoverworsethanyours.”

Kurtsatback.He’dharboredanaturaldislikeof

theInternetbillionaireeversincehe’dlearnedofSienna’sengagementtohim.Andfromthebeginningofthismystery,he’dbeencertainWestgatehadsomepartinit.FindingoutthatWestgatehadbeengiventhesameroughtreatmentandhadbeenusedasapawninsomebiggerschemeputKurtintheoddplaceoffeelinghe’dmisjudgedtheman.Hecouldonlyimaginewhatwasgoing

throughWestgate’smindatthispoint.

“Theypulledhimfromtheyacht,”Kurtsaid,rememberingwhathe’dheard.“Aftertheyescapedinthatpodandthestormhadpassed,theyputhiminthatraftandwaitedforsomeonetofindhim.”

Yaegernodded.“Seemslikely,”hesaid.“Thethingis,withbothBrianWestgateandSiennacompromised,it’s

becomeobvioustoeveryonethatPhalanxcannotbereliedupontoprotectthecomputersystemsandnetworksit’sbeentaskedwithguarding.”

“What’sbeingdoneaboutit?”

Yaegersighed.“Everythingthatcanbe,”hesaid.“AcrasheffortisunderwaytopullPhalanxandreplaceitwithalternatesystems.Inaddition,othersecuritymeasuresarebeing

strengthenedandreviewed.Somesystemsarebeingdisconnectedfromthegridentirely.”

“Astepintherightdirection,”Kurtsaid.“ButwhenthepeoplebehindthismessrealizethatSiennaisnolongerusefultothem,neithershenorherchildrenaregoingtolastverylong.”

“No,”Yaegeragreed.“Themostlikelyoutcomehasthembeingkilled.Thegroup

behindallthiswillsimplystartover.Whatevertheirultimategoalis,they’vespentconsiderabletimeandenergytryingtobringittolife.Nothingwe’veseensuggeststheywouldgiveup.”

“Anyideawhatthey’reupto?”

“We’vedetectedamassiveincreaseinhackingattemptsbutnoclearpattern,”Yaegersaid.“Wethinkthey’retryingtodisguise

theirtrueobjective.”“Whichmeanswehaveto

findthem,”Kurturged.“Theonlywaythisendsisifwestopitatthesource.”

Yaegernodded.“Andthatbringsmetowhyyou’rehereandflyingwestwiththenightinsteadofeasttoGuam.Wehaveanewlead.And,strangelyenough,you’retheonewhogaveittous.”

Ashespoke,Yaegerpulledanotherphotograph

fromthefilefolder.Kurthadseenitbefore.Itwasthepicturehe’dtakenofCalistaonthedeckofAcosta’syacht.

“Maxhasfinishedthefacialrecognitionanalysisonyourmysterywoman.”

“Anyhits?”“Notatfirst,”Yaeger

replied.“Wecheckedthroughthecivilizedworld’sDMVbureaus,passport-issuingorganizations,andcourt

archives.EvenInterpol.Nomatchingphotographicrecordofthiswomanexists.SoIaskedMaxtoscanallpubliclyavailableimagesandseeifwecouldfindacounterpart.”

“Theremustbebillionsofphotosoutthere,”Kurtsaid.

“Trillions,”Hiramsaid.“Manytrillionswhenyouincludevideoimages.EvenforMaxitwasabigtask.Tookthreefulldays.And

whenshefinallycameupwithananswer,Ialmostaskedherifshewasjoking.”

“Ididn’tknowcomputerscouldjoke,”Kurtsaid.

“Maxhasbeenknowntopullaprankortwo.Butthistimeshewasserious.”

Hiramproducedanotherphoto,thisonecopiedfromanoldthree-by-fiveglossy.Itshowedahandsomecoupleintheirthirties.Gatheredaroundthemwerethreechildren,two

boysandagirl,wholookedtobetheyoungestchild.Judgingbytheclothes,thephotohadprobablybeentakeninthemid-eighties.

“Nice-lookingfamily,”Kurtsaid.“Whoarethey?”

“Thewoman’snameisAbigailBanister,”Hiramsaid.“Shewasatelecommunicationsexpert.”

Kurtstudiedher.Asidefromtheclothes,thewomancouldhavebeenCalista’s

twin.“Themanisher

husband,”Hiramcontinued,“StewartBanister.Hewasasatelliteguidancespecialist.They’reEnglish.TheydisappearedwhileonsafariinZimbabwetwenty-eightyearsago.Atthetime,therewassomesuspicionthatthey’ddefectedtotheEasternbloc.ItseemsBritishIntelligencehadalow-levelalertonthembecauseofcertainpolitical

beliefsandsomeoldfriendsthey’dmadebackintheircollegeyears.Though,forreasonsthatwillbecomecleartoyoushortly,theworldsoonlearnedthatsuchwasnotthecase.”

Kurthadanideawherethiswasgoing.“ThewomanlooksjustlikeCalista.Andthelittlegirl...”

“AccordingtoMax,herfacialstructureshowsaneightyninepercentcorrelation

withthoseofthewomanyouknowasCalista.Oncewedidacomputerizedageprogression,usingherownfeaturesandthoseofhersiblingsandparents,weendupwithaninety-sixpercentcorrelation.Forallintentsandpurposes,itmightaswellbeafingerprintmatch.”

“You’resayingthelittlegirlisCalista?”

Yaegernodded.Kurthadgreatrespectfor

whatHiramandMaxcoulddo—certainlythey’dpulledoffnearmiraclesbefore—butthisseemedlikeashotinthedark.“Isthereanywaywecanprovewhatyou’resuggesting?”

“Wealreadyhave,”Yaegersaid.

“How?”“DNAanalysis.”Kurtraisedaneyebrow.

“Where’dwegetherDNAfrom?”

“Fromyou,”Yaegersaid.“YouhadCalista’sbloodalloveryou,nottomentionafewstrandsofblackhaircaughtinthebuttonsofyourcoat.JoepointeditouttooneoftheCIAtechswhenhegottothehospital.Theyweresmartenoughtosavethesamples.We’vesincematchedCalista’sDNAwithsurvivingrelativesoftheBanisterfamily.”

“Sothegirlinthispicture

isCalista,”Kurtsaid.“HerrealnameisOlivia,”

Yaegersaid.Theylookedsonormal.

“AreyoutellingmethesemiddleclasssuburbanitesleftEngland,fakedtheirdisappearance,andstartedsomekindofinternationalcrimefamily?”

“No,”Hiramsaid.“Therealstoryismuchsadderthanthat.AsItoldyou,theydisappearedwhileon

vacation.ThefatherresurfacedsixmonthslaterwhenhewasshottodeathinBangkok.Hishandswerebound,hisfacewasbruised,andhewasclearlytryingtoescapefromsomeonewhenhewasgunneddown.Theresponsiblepartywasneverfound.Ayearafterthat,thebodiesofthemotherandthetwoboyswerediscovered.”

“Where?”“Inadilapidatedlifeboat

driftingoffthecoastofMozambique.”

Hirampassedanotherphotoover,thisoneofthelifeboatasitwasdiscovered.Thethreebodieswerecovered,buttherewereseveralcontainersattheirsides.Hereandthere,Kurtsawpatchestotherottingwoodenboatandapairofmakeshiftoars.Inonecornerwasabrokensplintofwoodandatatteredboltofcloth

thatmighthavebeenusedasamastandsail.

“Theydiedofdehydration,”Hiramexplained.

“Nowaterinthosecontainers?”Kurtasked.

“Perhapsatfirst,”Yaegersaid.“Butifthat’swhattheyheld,itwasn’tenough.Basedontheconditionofthebodies,thecoronerguessedthey’dbeenintheboatforatleasttwoweeks,maybethree.

Notenoughwaterforthreepeopleforthatmuchtime.Notevenifthosecontainerswerefilledtothebrim.”

Kurtlookedbackatthephotoofthesmilingfamilyandguessedatthesequence.“Somehow,Calistagotleftbehind.Maybetheyknewtherewasn’tenoughwaterforfourandwerehopingthreecouldmakeit.”

“Whoknows,”Hiramsaid.“Theonlythingwe’re

sureofisthatthesmilinglittlegirlinthatpicturehasbeenwithwhoevertookherforalmostthreedecades.”

“Shedoesn’tknow,doesshe?”

“Shemayremembersomeofit,”Hiramcautioned.“Shewouldhavebeenfourwhentheywereabducted,fivegoingonsixwhenhermotherandbrothersmadewhatwecanonlyassumewasadesperateattempttoescape.

Butconsideringwhatwe’velearnedaboutpeopleincaptivity,it’shighlyprobablethatwhatevermemoriesshehadofthesituationhavebeensuppressed.BetweenStockholmsyndromeandthehumandesiretosurvive,themindcanbebentintoacceptingeventhestrangestofthings.Inhercase,asayoungchild,itwouldprobablyhavebeenassimpleasjustmakingherpartofa

newfamily.”Kurtconsideredtheirony.

“She’sgonefromabducteetoabductor.”

“Shewouldn’tbethefirst.”

Kurtnodded.Lookingatthephoto,hefeltsorryforthelittlegirlwho’dbecomeCalista.Buthismainconcernwasthemadnesssheandherpartnerswerenowspreadingovertheworld.

“Sothisisabreakforus,”

hesaid.“Ifwefindthepeoplewhotookher,wefindthemastermindbehindallthis.”

“Exactlyourthinking,”Hiramsaid.“Whichleadsustoaleapoffaith.Takealookattheoldlifeboatinthepicture.Canyoumakeoutthenamestenciledontheupperplank?”

Kurtsquinted.Hecouldseeadiscoloration,butthatwasit.Heshookhishead.

“Here’sanenhanced

photo.”Kurttookthenew

printout.Computeraugmentationhadmadethenamemorelegible.Kurtreadittwicetobesure,andthenathirdtime.“Iknowyouwouldn’tbejokingatatimelikethis,butareyoucertain?”

Hiramnodded.“TheWaratah?”Kurt

said.“TheBlueAnchorLine’sWaratahthatvanishedin1909?”

“Oneandthesame,”Hiramsaid.“BetweenSt.JulianPerlmutter’svastnumberofrecordsonthesubjectandaSouthAfricanwhospentyearslookingfortheWaratah,we’veconfirmedthatshehadtwodouble-endersofexactlythistypeamonghercomplementofauxiliarycraftandlifeboats.”

Kurtstaredatthenameonthephoto.Itcertainlylooked

correct.Butitseemedimpossible.“It’sgottobeamistake,”

hesaid.“Logicwouldtellyou

that,”Hiramagreed,“exceptthatIknowsomethingyoudon’t.TheWaratahneverwentdown.”Withthat,Hirampulledoutanotherphotograph.OnitKurtsawaderelictvesselcoveredinsediment,corrosion,andwhatKurtguessedtobe

vegetation.Shedidn’thavemuchshapetoher.

“IpresenttheSSWaratah,”Hiramsaid.“DiscoveredbyPaulandGamayTrout,threedaysago,adriftinthesouthernreachesoftheIndianOcean.”

Kurtlookedatthephoto.HerealizedthatHiramwouldn’tbejokingaboutsuchathing,notatthispoint,butitboggledhismindandhehadtomakesure.“You’re

serious?”Yaegernodded.“Howisitpossible?”Hiramexplainedtheir

theoryabouthowthesedimentshewasburiedinstuntedthecorrosiononherhull,andwhatGamayandElenafoundinhersickbay.

“We’reoperatingonatheorythataviolentgrouptookovertheship,”hecontinued,“andsailedhernorth.”

“Anyideawhereshe

endedup?”Hiramnodded.“Thewest

coastofMadagascar,”hesaid,thenfollowedupbyexplaininghowGamayhadledthemtothatanswer,passingyetanotherphotofromthefiletoKurt.

Twosatelliteimageswereprintedonthephotosidebyside.Theyshowedamuddyriversnakingandturning.

“Beforeandafter,”Yaegerexplained.“The

pictureontheleftistwomonthsold.Thepictureontherightwastakenlastweek.”

Kurt’seyeswentrighttoahighlightedsectionwherethechannelbentninetydegreesandthenranouttothesea.Intheolderphotographtherewasalargeobstruction,likeahillorsandbar,thatseemedtoforcethebend.Inthenewerphotothehillwasgone,theriver

hadcarvedoutanewcourse,andthechannelhadwidenedandstraightenedsubstantially.

“Torrentialrainslastmonthscouredanewroutetothesea,”Hiramsaid.“Theytookeverythingintheirpathalongwiththem,includingthehulloftheSSWaratah.Thehillinquestionmatchesherdimensionsalmostperfectly.”

Kurtrubbedthestubble

onhischin.“SotheWaratahwashijackedandstashedinthisriver,notlostatsealikeeveryonethought.Eightyyearspass,andtheBanisters,beingheldcaptive,discoveredher,patcheduponeofherlifeboats,andtriedtosailtosafety,leavingfive-year-oldOliviabehind.Theydon’tmakeit.Thehijackerskeeptheyounggirlandslowlyindoctrinateher.Alltheseyearslater,wehave

Calistatodealwith.”Hiramnodded.“You’d

havemadeagooddetective,”hesaid.And,withthat,hepresentedonelastpieceofthepuzzle.Thistimetheimagedepictedalargeplantation-styleestate,completewithhedgesshapedintoacomplexmaze,terracedgardens,alargepool,andvariousotherstructures.Arowofsatellitedishessproutedalongonesideofthemainbuilding,

whileahelipadwithamoderate-sizedhangarlayontheother.Kurtcouldseethetailsoftwomilitary-lookinghelicoptersstickingoutofthehangar.

Thepropertywassprawling,andthegroundsbeyondthewallslookedlikepastureland.Kurtcouldseelivestockroamingfree.Attheverytopofthepropertywasajaggedbluffofweatheredgraystone.Itrantheentire

widthofthephoto.“Thiscompoundisfive

milesupriverfromthespotwheretheWaratahwashidden.It’sownedbyamysteriousbutpowerfulmannamedSebastianBrèvard.ForfourgenerationstheBrèvardnamehasbeenconnectedwithvarioustypesofcriminalactivity.Moneylaundering,bankfraud,traffickinginweaponsandstolengoods.Butstrangely,

thereisnorecordoftheirexistencebefore1910,whentheypurchasedthislargetractofland.”

“I’mguessingdocumentswerefairlyscarcebackthen,”Kurtsaid.“EspeciallyinMadagascar.”

“You’dbesurprised,”Hiramsaid.“Thefactis,from1897to1960,theislandwaspartoftheFrenchempire.Inthelandpurchaserecordsfiledwiththecolonial

governor’soffice,theBrèvardfamilyclaimemigrationfromFrance.Andadistantlevelofnobility.However,thecoatofarmstheylayclaimtoismadeup.IthasnotrueheraldicprovenanceintheannalsofFrenchsociety.NoristhereanyrecordofawealthyFrenchfamilybearingtheBrèvardnameleavingFranceforwarmerpasturesduringthattime.”

KurtsawwhatHiramwasgettingat.“SothisfalsebandofnoblesappearoutofnowheresixmonthsaftertheWaratahgoesmissingandtheybuythelandonwhichtheshipishidden,presumablytokeepitthatway.”

“Notjustthelandwheretheshipwashidden,”Hiramcorrected,“butamile-wideswathallthewayfromthewater’sedgeuptothis

impassableoutcroppingofgranite.”

“IthinkIcanguesswherethemoneycamefrom,”Kurtsaid.“Jewels,gold,andcashstolenfromthepassengersandcrewoftheWaratah.”

“Ourthoughtsexactly,”Hiramsaid.“Supplemented,wenowthink,byastackofcounterfeitnotesthatwereconsideredamongthebesteverproducedduringthatera.”

Kurtsatbackandconsideredtheimplications.ItseemedlikelythatSienna’skidnapperswerethesamegroupofthugswho’dabductedanddestroyedtheBanisterfamilythirtyyearsbefore.Beyondthat,theevidencesuggestedtheyweredescendedfromagroupthatpiratedtheWaratahbackin1909.

Insteadofanger,Kurtfeltonlyacolddeterminationto

putanendtotheirdestruction.“Iguesstheapplereallydoesn’tfallfarfromthetree,”hesaid.“Anyideawhotheyreallyare?Wheretheycamefrom?”

“It’sallspeculation,”Yaegersaid,“butabandofcriminalsknownastheKlaarRiverGanghadbeenterrorizingDurbanthroughthewinterof1908andintothesummerof1909.Recordsshowthatthegangfractured

inapowerstruggleandturnedonitselfjustasDurbanpolicewereabouttoroundthemup.Mostofthememberswerekilled,butseveralhigh-rankingassociateswereneveraccountedfor.Despiteinitiallythinkingtheganghadbeenwipedout,thechiefinspectoroftheDurbanpolicesooncametotheconclusionthattheleadersoftheganghadescapedandhad

killedtheotherstocovertheirtracks.Hestatedpubliclythatheexpectedthemtosurfaceagain,buttheyneverdid.Laterinhislifehebecameenamoredwiththeideathatthey’dmadetheirwayaboardtheWaratahandperishedwhenitwentdown.”

“Whatmadehimthinkthat?”

“Timing,forone,”Yaegersaid.“They’dvanishedtwodaysbeforetheWaratah

sailed.Buttherewasanotherreasonaswell.Counterfeitten-poundnoteseventuallysurfacedintheBlueAnchorLine’spayroll,veryhardtodistinguishfromtherealthing.Itwasassumedthatsometicketshadbeenpurchasedwiththenotesandthat’showtheygotintotheoffice’scashbox.Similarnotes,andburnedfragments,werefoundatthegang’shideout.”

Kurtthoughthesawthelineofreasoningclearlyatlast.“SotheleadersfaketheirdeathsandslipaboardtheWaratah,payingforpassagewithforgednotes,onlytovanishwiththeship.Eventhosewhoguesswheretheymighthavegonethinkthat’stheendofit,karmacatchingupwiththegangorsomegrandcosmicrebalancingofthescalesofjustice.Noonerealizesthey’vehijackedthe

ship,takenittoMadagascar,andhiddenitonthisriver.Theyusethewealthstolenfromthepassengersandtheirownforgedbanknotestobuyanewlife.Butinsteadofgoingstraight,theyslowlyturnbacktowhattheyknow:crime.Andeverygenerationsincehasfollowedthepattern.”

“That’saboutthesizeofit,”Hiramsaid.

“Ifwe’reevenhalfright,I

thinkit’stimeweputanendtoit,”Kurtsaid.“AnychancewehavetheDeltaForceorateamofNavySEALsstandingby?”

“Afraidnot,”Hiramsaid.“Astrikeforceisbeingreadied.Believeme,noonebackhomeishappywithwhat’sgoingonorwiththepossibilitythatsuchaprominentAmericanisbeingusedandheldbyagroupasunsavoryasthisbunch.But

therearelogisticalproblems.”“Suchas?”“Forone,wehaveno

proof,”Hiramsaid.“Beyondthat,evenifourtheoryiscorrect,wecan’tbesurethatthecyberattacksareemanatingfromthiscompoundorthatSiennaandtheothersarethere.IfwetipourhandandaskforhelpfromthegovernmentofMadagascar,we’lllosetheonlyadvantagewehave

going:theelementofsurprise.”

“Youneedbootsonthegroundtogetyouproof,”Kurtsaid.

Hiramnoddedsolemnly.“That’swhereyouandJoecomein.It’sstrictlyvolunteeratthispoint,butwe’llbecrossingoverMadagascarinafewhours.ThatputsyouandJoefourhourscloserthanthenext-bestoption.”

“YouknowI’mgame,”

Kurtsaid.“AndI’msureSleepingBeautybacktherewon’twanttomissoutonallthefun.Butwhathappensoncewegetproof?Assumingwecanfindit.”

“Callitinandsittight,”Hiramsaid.“SpecialForceswilldotherest.”

Kurtlikedthatidea.Buttherewasoneconcern.“WhatiftheBrèvardsknowthatSpecialForcesisbeingreadied?They’vebeenone

stepaheadofusallalong.”“Notthistime,”Hiram

said.“Likemytripoutheretoseeyou,allordersandlogisticsconnectedtothisoperationarebeingdrafteduponold-fashionedtypewritersandhand-carriedtothecommandersinquestion.TheBrèvardscantapallthecomputerstheywant,buttheywon’tfindwhatisn’tthere.Andiftheydolook,whatthey’lldiscoveris

misinformation.“Rightnow,theNUMA

database,theAirForcedatabase,andeventheinternationalairtrafficcontrolsystem,showthisplanewingingitswaytoGuam.Ordersputtingyoubackonmedicalleavehavealreadybeensetinmotion,whileJoe’sbeingreassignedtoawhale-watchingmissionoffthecoastofVenezuela.Inthemeantime,aCIAthreat

assessmenthaslabeledAcostaastheprimesuspect,puttinghiminleaguewiththeIraniancyberforceandNorthKorea’sUnit121.”

Kurtgrinned.“That’snotbad.IfthisBrèvardguyistakingapeekintooursystems,he’sprobablyfeelingawfullygoodabouthimselfrightnow.Wemightevencatchhimflat-footed.”

“Wemightatthat,”Hiramsaid.

Kurtstoodup,stretched,andglancedbacktowardJoe.“I’llgowakeJoe.Ithinkwe’llneedsomecoffee.”

SebastianBrèvard,hisbrotherLaurent,andhis“sister”Calistastoodinthecontrolroomsurroundedbycomputers,discussingthesituation.

“I’vebroughtallthemenin,”Laurentsaid.“Wehaveatotaloffiftyatthispoint.But

they’resittingaroundwithnothingtodo.Whendoyouexpectthisattacktooccur?”

“Soonerorlater,”Sebastianexplained.“I’mmonitoringtheirmostimportantchannels.Wehavenothingtoworryaboutatthemoment.”

“Inthemeantime,we’respendingafortuneonthesehiredguns,”Laurentsaid.“I’msureourregularswouldhavedonejustfine.”

Sebastiandismissedhisbrother’swhining.“Itdoesn’tmatter,”hesaid.“Apittance,comparedtowhatwe’llcontrol.”

“Idon’tseewhywehavetodrawthemin,”Calistasaid.

Sebastianglancedtowardherashesatathisownworkstation.“HowmanytimeshaveItoldyou,dearsister,aconisneveraboutconvincingyourmarktodo

anyparticularthing.Theymustconvincethemselvestotakeaction,firmintheirbeliefthatitwastheirideaallalong.”

“That,Iunderstand,”shesaid.“Butwhybringthemhere?”

“Tomakethisworktheymustattackwithvengeanceandretributionintheireyes.Thecarnageandannihilationitbringswillmaketheworldthinkwe’redead.Itwillmake

themthinkthissordidchapterintheirpitifullivesisoverandthethreateffectivelyneutralized.Onlythenwillwebetrulyhiddenandabletoactwithimpunity.ItoldyouIwouldgiveusanewlife,onewherenooneislookingforus,andIshall.”

Forthefirsttimeshecouldremember,hemovedclosertoher.Insteadofthesternolderbrother,therewassomethingmoreinhiseyes.It

madeheruncomfortableinawayshewasusedtomakingothersuncomfortable.

“Whataboutthehostages?”sheasked,pullingback.

Helookedatherwithdisappointment.“Forthesecondtimeinasmanyweeksyouseemconcernedwithsomethingotherthanourfamily.Areyoufeelingallright?”

“Ijustneedtoknow,”she

snapped.“Theycanidentifyus,”

Sebastianexplained.“Topreventthat,theywillbedestroyedintheconflagration.Theirquartersarelinedwithnapalm,muchliketheexplosivesthatlineourhome.Whentheattackcomesandthefirefightbegins,Iwilldetonatethechargesandthewholeplacewillgoupinflames.Makesureyou’reonthehelicopter

withmewhenitdoes.”Shesmiled,theslightly

sadisticsmilehewasmoreusedto.“Ofcourse,dearbrother.WhereelsewouldIbe?”

“Good,”hesaid.“Now,bringSiennaWestgatetome.Ihaveatleastonelastjobforher.”

Calistanoddedandleft.Withthedoorshuttight,LaurentreengagedSebastian.

“She’sgettingsoft,”he

said.“Well,”Sebastiansaid,

“it’stobeexpected.She’snotreallyoneofus,isshe?”

Laurentsmiled.BothheandSebastianhadenjoyedtauntingherwhenshewasachild;ithadbeenagame.Theybothknewwhoandwhatshewas.Theyweresurprisedbywhatshebecame,howstronglysheboughtintothefamily.Inmanywaysshe’dalways

seemedintentonprovingherselfasifsheknewdeepdowninsidethatshedidn’tbelong.

“YouknowherpurposeaswellasIdo,”Sebastiancontinued.“Theywillfindherbodyandthatoftwoothersinthedownedhelicopter.Burnedperhaps,butconsideringthejewelsandtreasuresthey’lldiscoveronboard,therewillbenochoicebuttoassumeitisthe

threeofus.YouandIwillescapeinthetunnelanddestroyitbehindus.Ihaveriggedtheexplosivestogooffinanacceptableprogression.Theouterbuildingsfirst,thenthewingsofthemansion.Andfinallythecontrolroomandthetunnel.Itwillgiveusextratimetoescape.”

SiennaWestgatesatwithher

childreninaone-storywindowlesslodgethatwasthecommunalprisonofthehostagesandtheirfamilymembers.

Inanefforttoshieldherchildrenfromanymorepain,Sienna’striptoIranandthenKoreahadbeencalledavacation.She’dpromisedthemshewouldcomebackquickly,thoughsheobviouslyhadnocontroloverwhenorifshewouldreturn.Andthe

feelingofherchildren’stearshadremainedwithherallduringherabsence.

Herarrivalbackatthecompoundwasmetwithsmilesandkisses,andshewrappedherarmsaroundthemsotightlythatshealmostsqueezedtheairoutofthem.Butafterabriefmomentofeuphoria,Siennabegantofallintoapitofdespair.Shecouldseethatconstantfearandstresshad

alreadytakenitstollonthem.Elisehadbecome

withdrawnandquiet,theoppositeofheroutgoingnature.Herfacelookedpaleandgauntasifsheweren’tbeingfedorwasunwillingtoeat.Tannerwasworse.Hehadafeverandinsectbitesalloverhislegs.Hequicklybecamedemandingandangry.Hewantedhisfather.Hewantedtogohome.Hehateditthere.

Siennahatedittoo,buttherewasnothingshecoulddoaboutit.She’dgivenintohercaptorsanddoneeverythingthey’dasked—everythinganyofthemhadasked—alltokeepthechildrensafeandbuythemsometime.Butnowherspiritwasbeginningtoweaken.

Videoshe’dseenofherhusbandtalkingtothepressasifsheandthekidshaddrownedwasconfusingand

dishearteningtoher.Heknewshe’dbeenabducted.Hewasthere.He’dseenitwithhisowneyes.Sheonlyhopeditwasaruseandthatrescuewouldeventuallycome,butshenowdoubtedit.EspeciallyafterwhatsheallowedtohappentoKurtandhisfriendinKorea.

Seeingthemappearoutofnowherehadbeenlikeadream.ButwhenCalistahadgainedtheupperhand,Sienna

hadnochoicebuttoobeyher.Heronlysolacewasthat,

givenanotherchance,shewouldmakethesamechoice.Shecouldn’tfacelifeknowingshe’dchosenfreedomandleftherchildrenbehind.Iftheyweregoingtodie,shewasn’tgoingtoletthemfaceitalone.

Thedoortotheroomopened.Everyonelookedup.TwoofBrèvard’smenstoodthere.Calistawaswiththem.

“Sienna,”shesaid.Siennastood,buther

childrenrefusedtoletgo,clingingtoherhands,grippingherfingers.

“Don’tgo,”Elisecried.“It’sokay,”shesaid,“I’ll

berightback.”“Mommy!”Tannerwas

screaming.Siennadroppeddownto

theirlevelandsqueezedthemtogether.Tannerbrokeoutintears;Eliselookedalmost

numbatthispoint.“I’llberightback,”shetoldthem.“Takecareofeachother.”

AsSiennastood,anotherwoman,whowasmarriedtothehackernamedMontresor,cametoherassistance.“Iwatchthemforyou,”shesaid.

Iftherewasonepositivetothiscommunalprison,itwasthattheyweren’talone.“Thankyou.”

Siennaleftwiththe

guardsandfollowedastheyledheralongthepathwayfromwhathadoncebeentheservants’quartersanduptothemainhouse.

SiennaglaredatCalista.“Youmusthaveaheartofstone.”

“IfIhaveaheartatall,”Calistarepliedproudly.

Siennadutifullyclimbedthestepsthatledtothemaincompoundandfromtherewasledthroughthesecurity

doorstothecontrolroom.Shebegantofeelsickassheapproached,knowingthatSebastianBrèvardwouldbewaitingontheotherside,readytoorderhertouseherskillsandtheoffensivecapabilitiesofPhalanxagainstanewtarget,ashe’ddoneeachnightsinceherreturn.

Adaywouldcomewhenheaskedhertodosomethingtrulyevilandshewouldhave

todecidebetweenherchildren’slivesandthelivesofcountlessothers.Shealmostprayedhewouldshootherbeforethen.

“Tonight’stargetsarethepowerplantsinCalifornia,”Sebastiansaid.“We’llstartwiththeregularones.Ijustwantalargerollingblackout.Thinkofallthecoalandnaturalgasthatwillbesaved.”

Siennasatattheconsole

asorderedandbegantowork.She’dlongcontemplatedhidingamessageinthecodeshewassupposedtosend.Someonesmartenoughontheothersidemightfindit,evenifitslippedunderthenosesofSebastianandCalista.Buttheonlymessageofanyvaluewouldbetotelltheworldwhereshewasandthatwassomethingshedidn’tknow.

Consideringtheclimate,

thestrangebirdcallssheheardatnight,andsomeoddtreesshe’dseeninthedistance,shefiguredtheyweresomewhereinAfrica.Butthatdidn’texactlynarrowitdown.

Shesettledinanddidasshewastold.Fornow,thatwasallshecoulddo.

Atthatverymoment,fivehundredmilesnorthof

Madagascar,theUSSBataan,anamphibiousassaultshipsometimesreferredtoasahelicoptercarrier,wassteamingatflankspeedtothesouth.Shewasriggedforbattle,blackedoutandoperatingunderstrictradiosilence.Butwhileshecouldnottransmit,shewascapableofreceivingmessages.

Lateonthesecondwatch,amemberofthecommunicationscrew

overheardseveralpuzzlingmessagesandreportedthemtotheofficerincharge.

Theofficerlookedatthemessagesandthenattheradioman.“What’stheproblem,Charlie?”

“It’stheseintercepts,sir.Someoneisusingourcallsign.They’retransmittingandreceivinguncodedmessagesandgivingoutouroldlocation.”

Thecommunications

supervisorstudiedthetransmissionsheet.“Yep,”hesaid.“Looksthatway.”

Withoutanotherword,hehandedthesheetbacktotheradiomanandturnedhisattentiontoothermatters.Theradiomanstaredathimdumbfounded.

“Youhaveaposttoman,sailor.”

“Yes,sir,”theradiomansaid,turningandheadingbacktohisconsole.

Somethingwasobviouslygoingon,buthavingseenthelookonhissuperior’sface,Charlieknewbetterthantoask.

Meanwhile,downonthehangardeckoftheship,aswarmofmechanicsandtechniciansworkedonagroupofUH-60BlackHawkhelicopters,makingsureallfivewereinperfectshapeforthemission.

Inanearbyreadyroom,

forty-sixMarines,comprisingtwoForceReconplatoons,weregettingbriefedontheislandcompoundtheywereabouttoattack.

“Wegoinundercoverofdarkness,”LieutenantBrookstoldthemen.“Securetheperimeterandthensearchthegroundsandbuildingswiththefollowingobjectives.First,torescueMs.Westgateandherchildren.Second,torescueanyothercivilians

foundonthesite.Third,tocapturetheindividualsresponsible.Fourth,togatheranyintelligenceregardingtheiractivitiesorassociates.”

“Arewegoinginasfriendlies?”someoneasked.

“Negative,”Brooksreplied.“Wehavenotbeeninvitedandwewillnotbeoverstayingourwelcome.Fromwheelsdowntodeparture,wehavenomorethanfortyminutes.Sodon’t

getlostinthehedges.”Awaveoflaughterwent

aroundtheroom.“Howmanydefendersare

welikelytoencounter?”“Basedonthetwo

bunkhousesandthesizeofthemainstructure,itcouldbeanywherefromthirtytofifty.Butnotallofthosewillbearmedcombatants.Honestly,itshouldbeawalkinthepark.Justbereadyincaseitisn’t.”

Thirtyminuteslater,theForceReconMarineswereupontheflightdeckandboardingtheBlackHawks.Along,gruelingstretchawaitedthem,fourhoursofflighttimethatincludedrefuelingthehelicoptersfromatankeraircraftapproximatelyonehundredmilesfromthetarget.

Assumingtheywentinandgotoutinfortyminutes,thetotaltripwouldbeeight

hours.Atleastthejourneyhomewouldbeshorterastheshipwouldbenearlytwohundredmilescloserbythetimetheyreachedit.

WiththepilotsgoingthroughtheirpreflightchecksandtheMarinesboardingthehelicoptersandstowingtheirweapons,thecompanycommandermadehiswayover.HespokebrieflywithLt.Brooks.

“Wehavethegreenlight

tolaunch,butyouwon’tgetattackauthorizationuntilwehaveconfirmationthatMs.Westgateandherchildrenareon-site.”

“Understood,”Brookssaid.“Anyideahoworwhenwe’regoingtogetthat?”

Thecommandercheckedhiswatch.“Atwo-manteamwillbemakingaLAPESinsertionseveralmilesfromthecompound.Theyshouldbeonthegroundanytime

now.They’llhaveawaystogobeforethey’reon-site,butIwouldexpectagoorno-godecisionshortlyafteryourefuel.”

Brooksnodded.“LAPESinsertion?Who’dtheysuckerintopullingthatduty?”

“AcoupleofguysfromNUMA.”

Brooksstaredatthecommanderblanklyforamoment.“NUMA?Aren’ttheyabunchofmarine

biologistsorsomething?”“They’resomething,all

right,”thecommandersaidwithastrangelookonhisface.“Anyway,I’mtoldtheseguysaregood.”

“Right,sir,”Brookssaidwithdisdaininhisvoice.“I’llexpectourcovertobeblownandtobelookingformorehostagesordeadbodieswhenweland.”

Thecommanderdidn’trespond,buthesharedthe

assessment.“Crackopentheoperationsfileonceyougetairborne.TherearephotosoftheNUMApersonnelinside.Makesureyou’refamiliar.Don’twanttoshootthemiftheyhappentosurvive.Goodluck.”

Brooksofferedasalute,receivedonebackfromthecommander,andthenclimbedaboardtheleadBlackHawk.

Astherotorsabovehim

begantoturn,hewonderedwhatkindofoceanographerormarinebiologistwouldbeupforsuchastuntorhowsuchapersonwouldevenhavetheskillstoperformwhattheywerebeingaskedtodo.Withashrugofhisshoulders,Brooksdecidedtheyhadtobehalfcrazy,whoevertheywere.Atleasttheyhadguts,he’dgivethemthat.

HadtheyoverheardLt.Brooks’scandidassessmentoftheirmentalhealth,KurtandJoemighthaveagreedwithhim.Consideringtheoddsalone,theywereatleast“halfcrazy.”

Fortunately,themilitaryhadbroughtalongafew

itemsthatwouldeventheoddsabit.

KurtandJoewerechangingintocombatgearthatwasfarmoreexoticthananythingKurthadeverheardof.Theclothinglookedmorelikeatwo-piecewetsuitthanstandardfatigues.Itfitsnuglyandhadsomecompressiontoit,bulgingonlywherearmoredKevlarpadscoveredthechest,thighs,andforearms.

“FeellikeI’msuitingupforsomefuturisticsport,”Joesaidashepulledthegarmenttight.

Kurtlaughedashepulledhisownsuitonandranhishandsovertheouterlayer.“Oddtexture,”hesaid.“Itfeelslikesandpaper.”

AnAirForcestaffsergeantnamedConnorsexplainedtheclothing.“Thesearewhatwecallinfiltrationsuits,”hesaid.

“TheguyscallthemChameleonCamo,becauseofthewaytheywork.Therearetwenty-ninethousandmicrosensorssewnintotheexterior.Theydetectambientlightinalldirectionsandchangethecolorofthesuittomatchwhatisbehindandaroundyou.Trythemout.”

Kurtfoundasmallswitchandclickedittotheonposition.Thenwentoverandstoodbythewallofthe

aircraft.Thesuitchangedalmostinstantlyfromadarknavybluetobattleshipgray.Wherehisrightlegcrossedinfrontofablackseat,thesuitturnedblack.Andwhereayellowcablecrossedbehindhim,amatchingyellowstripcrossedfromhisshoulder.

Hewasn’texactlyinvisible,butitlookedlikehe’dbeenpaintedovertomatchthewall.Onlyhisfaceandhandswereobviousand

theywouldbecoveredbyglovesandahoodoncehewason-site.

“That’sincredible,”Joemuttered.

“Ifyouthinktheyworkwellinsideabrightlylitaircraft,”thesergeantsaid,“waittillyougetontheground.Ifyoutwoaren’tcareful,you’lllosetrackofeachotherfromtenfeetaway.”

“Whataboutinfrared?”

Kurtsaid.“Thesuithasacooling

unit,”Connorssaid.“Itwillcounteractyourbodyheatforaboutthirtyminutesonceyouswitchiton.Afterthat,theexteriorofthesuitwillstarttowarmupandyou’lllosebothyourthermalprotectionandyourchameleonlikepowers.Fromthatpointonyou’rejustwearingexpensivebodyarmor.AndImeanrealexpensive.Eachofthesesuits

costsmorethanyouguysmakeinayear.”

Kurtswitchedhissuitoffandwatcheditreturntoadarkbluecolorinthetimeittakesalightbulbtodim.Fromtherethesergeantledthemovertoanequipmenttablethathadbeenfoldeddownfromthewallofthecavernousaircraft.

“You’llbreathethroughthese,”hesaid,pickinguptwodevicesthatlookedmuch

likedivers’regulators.“What’swrongwiththe

airontheground?”Joeasked.

“Wecan’thaveyourbreathgivingyouaway.”

Kurtchuckled.“Itoldyougoeasyontheonions.”

“WhatcanIsay?”Joereplied.“Ilikealittleflavor.”

“It’snottheodor,”Connorsexplained,“it’stheheat.Breathingoutventsalotofhotairintotheworld,easy

tospotonathermalscope.Nosensecoveringtherestofyouinacoolsuitifyou’regoingtowalkaroundwithaplumeofninety-eightpoint-six-degreevaporcomingfromyournoseormouth.”

Hepointedtoaleveronthefrontoftheregulators.“Twistthiswhenyou’rereadytogodark.Fromthenontheregulatorwillmixcoldairwitheveryoutgoingbreath,effectivelycoolingit

totheambientairtemperatureandneutralizingthedanger.”

“Howlongwillitlast?”“Aslongasyour

compressedairholdsout.Dependsonyourlevelofexertion.Thetankissmallsoyou’relookingatfifteen,maybetwentyminutestops.Makesureyou’rethroughtheouterlayerofsecuritybythen.”

BothKurtandJoenodded.

Nextcametheweaponsandguidanceequipment.Firstoff,thesergeantstrappedagauntlettoKurt’sarm.Ithadacurved,low-lightscreenonit.“StandardGPS,movingmapdisplay,”hesaid.“Itwillilluminatewithlessthanonecandlepower.You’llbeabletoreaditwithyournightvisiongoggleson,butnooneelsewill.Remember,thisismilitaryGPS,soit’sgoodto

withinthreefeet.”Fromtheretheymovedto

ariflerack.Connorshandedthem

matchingweapons.OnceagaintheywerelikenothingKurthadeverfired.Consideringhowmuchheknewaboutguns,thatwassurprising.

“Arethesephasers?”Joeasked.“I’vealwayswantedone.”

Connorschuckled.

“Electromagneticrailguns,”hesaid.“Completelysilent.Accurateuptoathousandyards.Theyfireferrousprojectiles—inotherwords,thebulletsaremadeofiron,notlead,sothey’remorelethalintermsofpenetratinganythingtheyencounter.Also,sincetheydon’trequiregunpowder,yourstandard-sizedmagazinecarriesfiftyprojectiles.Youhaveasecondmagazineinyour

packs.”Kurtheldtheweaponup,

testingtheweightandfeel.Ithadalongbarrelandwasdefinitelynose-heavy.

“Howdoesitwork?”Joeasked.

“Superconductingmagnetsalongthebarrelandahigh-potencybatterypack.Pullthetriggerandtheyacceleratetheprojectilestoathousandfeetpersecondintheblinkofaneye.”

Joenoddedapprovingly.“Whyaretheretwo

triggers?”Kurtasked.“Sincetheyarealready

equippedwithasubstantialpowersource,someonegotthegreatideatoaddalong-rangeTasertothebottomrail.Thelowertriggerfiresit.Youcanhitsomeoneaccuratelyuptofiftyfeetorsimplyholdthetipofthebarrelagainstthemandgiveahalfpulltozapthem

manually.”“Sowedon’thavetokill

everythingwesee,”Joementioned.

Thesergeantnodded.Aredlightwentonatthe

farendoftheaircraftandtheycouldfeeltheplanebeginarathersteepdescent.

“We’reapproachingthedropzone,”thesergeantsaid.“Anyquestions?”

Joeraisedahand.“Yousaid‘dropzone,’butwedon’t

seemtohaveparachutes.”“Youwon’tneedthem,”

Connorssaid.“You’llbegoingoutintheHummer.”

“Doesitfly?”“Nope.Butitcanbeput

onapalletandtossedoutthebackfromanaltitudeofnomorethantwentyfeet.”

JoeturnedtoKurt.“Yousaidwe’dbeusingparachutes.”

“LAPES,”Kurtsaid.“Lowaltitudeparachute

extractionsystem.It’sallrightthereintheacronym.”

Joeshrugged,securedhisweapon,andmadehiswaytowardtheHumvee.“Whynot?I’mopentonewthings,differentexperiences,novelwaysofriskingmyneckinthenameofscience,whynottrydrivinganSUVoffanairplanemovingatahundredfiftyknots?Somebody’sgottodoit.”

BothKurtandthe

sergeantlaughed.“Goodluck,”Connors

said.Kurtnodded.“Youwant

ustobringyouanythingback?T-shirt?Postcard?Pukashellnecklace?”

Thesergeantgrinned.“Ipreferashotglassthatsays‘Wecame,wesaw,weconquered.’”

Kurtreturnedthesmile.“I’llseewhatIcando.”

Thirtyminuteslater,KurtandJoesatbeltedintoaHumveethatwassecuredtoasturdywoodenpalletandaharnessthatwoulddeploytwolargedroguechutes.Joewasharnessedinatthewheel,thoughhewouldn’tactuallydoanydrivingduringtheinsertion,asthedangerofthewheelsturningsidewaysandgettingrippedoffwasfartoogreat.Instead,theHumveewouldusethepalletbeneath

itasasledwhiletheparachutestrailingoutbehindthemwouldbothslowthevehicledownandkeepthemfromnosingover.

Kurtmadeonelastcheckofhisequipment.Outofanabundanceofcautionandacertainsenseofnostalgia,hehadaddedanadditionalweapontohisarsenal.HiddeninhispackwastheColtrevolverthatMohammedElDinhadgivenhim.He

doubtedhe’dneedit.Butiftherecentpasthadtaughtthemanything,itwasthatmoderntechnologywasvulnerabletotamperingorfailingatpreciselythewrongmoment.Thatbeingthecase,havingabackupweaponfromabygoneeradidn’tsoundallthatbad.Hekeptitzippedupinafrontpocketthatrandiagonallyacrossthevest.

Forlesslogicalreasons

he’dbroughtthepicturesofCalista’sfamilyandthelifeboattheyattemptedtoescapein.Aftersearchingforthetruthsopainfullyhimself,somepartofhimthoughtshedeservedtoknowhers.

ThelightonthewallturnedyellowandSergeantConnorspressedaswitchthatopenedtherampatthetailendoftheC-17.

Theyweredescendingthroughtwothousandfeet

intoutterdarkness.Theseawasbelowthemforamomentandthensandastheyflewoverthebeach.

Astheyflewlowerandslower,thehowloftheairstreamwhippingpasttheopendoortookonadifferenttone.Withfullflapsanditsgeardown,theC-17couldmoveincrediblyslowlyforsuchahugemachine.Butthewaketurbulencecausedbyflyingatahighangleof

attackinsucha“dirty”conditioncreatedabuffetingandwhiningsoundthatseemedtotrailbehindtheplaneasifbansheeswerechasingit.

Onthemap,thedropzonewaslabeledAntsalovaAirport.Joeseemedconcernedaboutthat.“Youthinkthepeopleatthisairportaregoingtobesurprisedwhenwedropoutoftheskyanddriveoffwithout

stoppingatcustoms?”“It’snotmuchofan

airport,”Kurtsaid,“moreofadirtstripwithagrasshutatthefarend.We’reonlycomingherebecauseweneedaflatsurfacetoslideon.Buttherearenoplanes.Norental-cardesks.Nowhitecourtesytelephone.”

“NoAdmiralsClub?”Joesaid,lookingperturbed.Kurtshookhishead.“Sorry,buddy.”

Joesighed.“Ireallyhavetotalktomytravelagent.Thistripisgettingworseallthetime.”

AsKurtandJoewaitedforthelighttogogreen,thepilotsupfrontwereeasingthehugeaircraftdownoverthetrees.Acrosswindcomingdownofftheslopeoftheislandwasmakingitdifficultandtheywereactuallyflyingsideways,atacticpilotscallcrabbing.

Theproblemwasthattheycouldn’tdroptheHumveeinthatalignmentoritwouldlandsidewaysandflip,killingtheoccupantsinstantly.

Thecopilotwasontheinstrumentswhilethepilotflewwithnightvisiongoggleson.

“NinetyfeetAGL,”thecopilotsaid.

“Can’tgetanyloweruntilthetreesclear,”thepilotreplied.

“Weshouldbeoverthesiteinten...nine...eight...”

Thetreesfinallydroppedawayfromunderthemandthepilotsawthedirtstripstretchingoutbeforehiminalongthinline.HecorrectedtotheleftandbroughttheC-17almosttothesurface,stompingontheruddertostraightenthehugebirdout.

TheC-17wasnowthirtyfeetoffthedirtstrip,

screamingatfullpowerandheadedforthetreesfivethousandfeetahead.

Inachairbehindthemtheloadmasterhitaswitch,changingthejumplightintherearoftheaircraftfromyellowtogreen.“Releasethepayload,”hesaidintotheintercom.

Forwhatseemedlikeaninterminablelengthoftimebutwas,infact,onlyafewseconds,nothinghappened

exceptthetreesaheadloominglarger.Thenthepilotfelttheplaneriseasthefive-thousand-poundpayloadwaspulledouttheback.

Atalmostthesameinstant,Sgt.Connors’svoicecameovertheintercom.“They’reaway.Payloadclear.Irepeat,payloadclear.”

Inasynchronizedmove,thepilotjammedthethrottlestofullasthecopilotretractedthegeartoreducetheplane’s

dragcoefficient.“Positiverate,”the

copilotcalledout,seeingthealtimeterbegintomove.

Thepilotheardbutdidnotreply.Thedirtstripwasonlyamilelong.Thetreesatthefarendwerenomorethanafewhundredyardsaway.Itwasaverytightwindow.

“Climb,baby,climb,”hewhisperedtotheplane.

Withitsenginesscreaminganditsnose

pointedskyward,thegargantuanaircraftclawedforaltitude.Itcrossedtheendofthedirtstripandpulledjustclearofthetrees,closeenoughthatthemechanicswhoinspectedherlaterwouldfindstreaksofgreenchlorophyllallacrosstheundersideofthefuselage.

Clearofthedanger,thepilotleveledoff,pickedupairspeed,andthenturnedtothesouthwest.Inshortorder,

theywereoutovertheMozambiqueChannel.Onlynowdidthepilotconsiderthefateofthementhey’djustdropped,wonderingiftheywouldliveoutthenight.

Fortheirpart,KurtandJoehadwonderediftheywouldsurvivethedropitself.Itfeltasiftheplanewasmaneuveringdesperatelythelastthirtysecondsorso.As

thelightwentgreen,Connorshadpressedareddeploybuttonandshouted“Go,”orsomethingalongthoselines.

NeitherKurtnorJoetrulyheardhimasthesoundofthedroguechutesdeployingandthesuddenwhiplashofbeingpulledbackwardoutoftheaircraftsnappedtheirheadsforwardandcommandedalltheirattention.

TheHumveewasyankedoutoftheaircraftandinfree

fallforalloftwoseconds.Kurtdistinctlyrememberedthesightoftheaircraftpullingupandbankingtotherightasthevehicleskiddedacrossthedirtonthepalletlikeatobogganoutofcontrolonanicyslope.Thefirstsensationwaslikeskippinglikeastoneonalake.Andthentheydeceleratedasthepalletmaintainedcontactwiththepackeddirtoftherunway.Thelastfortyorfiftyfeet

seemedsmoother.Andthensuddenlytheylurchedtoastop.

UpaheadtheC-17justbarelyclearedthetrees,andKurtwascertainhesawbrieffiresinthetreetopswheretheheatoftheenginessingedthem.

Atthatmomentjustbeingalivewasathrill.KurtlookedoveratJoeandsawhimgrinningfromeartoear.“Okay,I’ddothatagain,”he

saidgiddily.“I’devenpayforanotherride.”

Kurthadtoagree,butdutycalled.Heopenedthedoorandreleasedthelockthatconnectedthemtotheparachuteandanotherlockthatheldthemtothepallet.Joeperformedthesametaskonthedriver’ssideandthenclimbedbackinside,turnedthekey,andbroughttheHumvee’s6.2-literfuel-injecteddieseltolife.

Inamomenttheywerespeedingacrossthelasthundredyardsoftherunwayandontoadirtroadthatledthemsouth.

“Hopeyou’vegotthemapready,”Joesaid,“’causeI’mnotfromaroundhere.”

“Juststayonthisroad,”Kurtsaid.“We’vegotsevenmilestogo.”

Withtheirinfiltrationsuitsswitchedoffandwell-wornrobescoveringthem,KurtandJoeracedalongthedirtroadintheHumvee.Thelandscapeflyingpastinthedarkwashardtosee,butthissectionofMadagascarwasmadeupofwidegrassy

fields,occasionalcopsesofsmalltrees,andplentyofsky.

Sofar,theyhadn’tpassedasinglehutoranothervehicle.Joeletoffthegastonegotiateabendinthedirtroadandtheybegantodriftsidewaysastheruttedgroundgavewaybeneaththem.Butwithaslightpunchofthethrottle,theknobbytiresbitalittledeeperintothesoilandthefour-wheeldriveHumveesnappedbackintoastraight

lineandcontinuedforward.Kurtwasinthe

passenger’sseat,holdingontotherollbarwithonehandandcheckingtheGPSwithhisother.“Youalwaysdrivelikethis?”

“Youshouldseemeatrushhour.”

“SomethingtellsmeI’drathernot.”

“FirsttimeI’veeverbeenlateforameetingandnotendedupintraffic,”Joesaid.

“ThissectionofMadagascarisprettysparselypopulated,”Kurtsaid.“Accordingtothemap,thebiggesttowninafiftymileradiusisaplacecalledMasoarivoandit’sonlyeightthousandpeople.”

“Luckyforus,”Joesaid.“Doubtwe’llseeanothercarouthere.”

Kurtagreed,butlivestockwasanotherstory.Insectionswheretherainwaterhad

pooled,they’dpassedgrazingcattleandsheep.“Watchoutforcows,”hesaid.“AsIrecall,youhitoneintheAzoresandhadtofightforthetown’shonoraspartofyourcommunityservice.”

“Iwasexonerated,”Joeinsisted.“Acourtinquiryruledthecowtobeatfaultandfinedherforgrazingwithoutalicense.”

“Wedon’thavetimetogotocourt,”Kurtreplied,

laughingatthememory,“nordowehaveareplacementfrontendhandy.Sojustbecareful.”

Joepromisedhewoulddojustthatastheyracedontoastraightawayandhestompedthegaspedaltotheflooronceagain.

AmileandahalffromtheBrèvardpropertytheyslowed.Inplaceofblazingheadlights,JoeandKurtpulledontheirnightvision

goggles.TheHumveebecameagrowlingbeastofthenight,hiddeninthedarkness.

“Icanseethefenceupahead,”Kurtsaid.“Pullofftheroadhere.Wecanhidethevehiclebehindthosetrees.”

JoeallowedtheHummertoslowonitsown,hemanhandledthewheelandtookthemoffthedirtroadandontothesoftgroundwith

itswaist-highgrasses.Theycametoastop

behindsomelow-lyingbrushandthewidetrunkofastrange-lookingtreethatgrewstraightuplikeaconcretepillar.Theonlybranchesonthetreesproutedseventyfeetaboveattheverytop.Itlookedmorelikeagiantstalkofbroccolithanatree.Severalmoreoftheoddtreesgrewcloseby.

“IfeellikeI’minaDr.

Seussbook,”Joesaid.“Baobabtrees,”Kurtsaid.“Treeslikethiswon’t

giveusalotofcover.”“Weshouldn’tneedit

withthesuits,”Kurtrepliedashepulledofftheoversizecottontunicandrolleditintoaball.

AsJoedidthesame,Kurtremovedthenightvisiongogglesandclippedthebreathingregulatorontoanotchattheshoulder.The

smalltankofcompressedairthatwouldbeusedtocoolhisbreathwasstrappedtohisside.

Hescannedthefence.Itwasrustedoldbarbwire,alreadybrokeninplaces.Therewasnosignofanythingmoremodernprotectingthelandatthispoint,butKurtdidn’twanttochanceit.

“AccordingtotheGPS,it’sabouthalfamilefrom

heretothecompound,overthislowdirgeandthenupalongslope,”Kurtsaid.“Weneedtocoverthatgroundinnomorethantenminutes.That’llgiveusfifteenminutesofthermalinvisibilityoncewereachthecompoundwalls.”

Joenoddedandslippedthesatphoneintoazipperedpocketoftheinfiltrationsuit.Intoanotherpocketheslidtheextraclipfortherailgun.

“Ifigurewetravelaslightaspossibleandleavetherestofthisstuffbehind.”

“Couldn’tagreemore,”Kurtsaid.“Let’sgo.”

Theyswitchedontheirsuits,pulledthehoodsovertheirheads,andreadjustedthenightvisiongoggles.Kurttookpointcrossingtheroad,headingintothetallgrassontheothersideandmovingquicklytoabreakinthefence.

Joefollowed,stayingclose.“I’llgivethemthis,thesesuitsworkasadvertised,”hesaid.“I’mtenfeetbehindyouandreallyhavetoworkjusttoseeyou.Eventhroughthesegogglesyou’remoreofashadowthananythingelse.”

“I’mgoingtoheadstraightforthepointonthisridge,”Kurtsaid.“Stickclose.Ifyougetlost,givemeabirdcallorsomething.”

“TheonlybirdcallsIknowareWoodyWoodpeckerandDaffyDuck.”

“That’sdespicable,”Kurtsaid,lispingthewordsinhisbestimitationofthecartoonduck.“Let’sgo.”

Withthat,Kurtwasoff.Joefollowed,findinghecouldtrackKurtmoreeasilybythesoundofhisfeetscuffingthroughthebrushandgrassandoverthedusty

soilofthehigherridge.Theycamedowntheothersideoftheridgeandontoaslopingfieldthatranallthewayuptothegraniteformationsbehindthecompound.Atthebaseofthoserocksthelightsoftheplantationhousewereclearlyvisible.

Kurtcheckedhiswatch.“Wehavethirtyminutestoconfirmthatthehostagesarethereandradioin.AnylaterandtheMarineswillbe

turningaround.”JoenoddedandKurt

begantomoveagain.Theycouldn’trunfullout,butabriskjogwoulddothetrick.Halfwayuptheyencounteredasmallheardofzebu,thehornedcattleseemingskittishattheapproachofsomethingtheycouldsmellbutnotsee.

Theyprickeduptheirears,gruntingandmakingstrangegurglingnoisesdeepintheirthroats.Afewof

themshuffledoff,unnervedbytheintrusion,butKurtandJoewerelongpastthembythatpoint,justshadowsmovingthroughthedark.

Ashecontinueduptheslope,Kurtfelttheacheinhisshoulderfromthebulletwoundandtheweightoftheheavyrailgun.Heignoreditandcontinuedon.

Three-quartersofthewayuptheslopetheycamewithinsightofthecompoundwalls.

AquietwhistlegotJoe’sattention.Theyhuddledtogether.

“Whatdoyouthink?”Kurtasked.

“Thewalllooksrough,unfinished.”

“Probablyhardtogetstonemasonsouthere.”

“Frontgatehascameras,”Joesaid,studyingthelayout.“Can’tseeanyothers.”

Kurtglancedalongthedirtroadthatleduptothe

gate.“Ifapizzadeliveryguycamebyrightaboutnow,thatwouldbeideal.Butconsideringthatisn’tlikelytohappen,Isayweclimbthewall.”

“Icanseeaspotovertherewhereatreeisgrowingupbesidethewall,”Joesaid.

“Tooinviting,”Kurtreplied.“Let’sjustuseourhandsandfeet.”

JoenoddedagainandKurtbegantomove,heading

fartherupslope.Joefollowed,andthetwometupagainatthebaseofthestonewall.Inamomenttheywereoverthetopandinside,andthefirstthingtheycametowasthemazeofmanicuredhedges.

Unlikethegentleslopeofthehilloutsidethewalls,thegroundsinsidehadbeenexcavatedandflattened.Theentirecompoundwasbuiltonaseriesofterraces,withthelowestbythefrontgate,then

twointermediatelevelscontainingthehedgemazeandtheothersmallbuildings,andfinallythemainhouseinallitsgrandeursittinguponthehighestofthefourterraces.

Unliketherestofthegrounds,thehousewaswelllit.Kurtstudiedwhathecouldfromwherehewas.Apairofguardsmilledaroundthemainentrance.Atleastoneothermanstoodnearthe

farside.“Notexactlygirdedfor

battle,”Kurtsaid.“Yousaythatlikeit’sa

badthing.”“Justnotusedtosomuch

goingourway.”Kurtduckeddownbehind

thehedgeandopenedtheflapthatcoveredtheGPStrackingunitstrappedtohisrightarm.Indullgrayandblacktones,itdisplayedthegroundsaroundthem.Therewere

threebuildingsonthelowestterracethatwereconsideredpossibilities.AccordingtoHiramYaeger,menwhoappearedtobearmedhadbeenseengoinginandoutofallthree.

“Wehavetogettotheothersideofthismaze,”Kurtsaid.

“Doweriskgoingthroughit?”Joeasked.“Thehedgesareatleastsixfeethigh.They’llhelpkeepus

hidden.”Kurtwasabouttosayyes,

consideringthathehadanoverheaddiagramofthemazedisplayedonhisarm,butashenavigatedthelabyrinthinhismindhediscoveredonesalientfeature:therewasonlyonewayinandonewayout.

“Bettergoaround,”Kurtsaid.“Themazehasnootherwayout.It’sabigcirclethatdoublesbackaroundandonly

takesyoubacktowhereyoustarted.Consideringhowthisundertakinghasfeltfromdayone,I’dsayI’vehadaboutenoughofthat.”

Joelaughed.“Westillhaveeightminutesofchameleontime.”

Kurtmotionedtotheright.“Aroundthatside.Stayclosetothehedge.Weshouldcomeacrossabuildingthatlookskindoflikeashed.”

ThistimeJoeledtheway

anditwasKurt’sturntomarvelathowrapidlyhevanished,likeaghostinthefog.Kurtmovedquicklytokeepup,andonthefarsideofthehedgehecameuponJoe.

Theshedlikebuildingwasrightinfrontofthem.Kurtwasjustabouttostepforwardwhenadooropenedandspilledsomelightontothegrounds.Kurtfrozeastwomencameout,allowingthe

doortobangshutbehindthem.

Leaningagainstthebuilding,oneofthemlitacigarette.Thetipbrightenedtoanorange-redhueasheinhaled.Afterreleasingapuffofsmoke,heturnedtotheotherman.“I’mtellingyou,Laurentisontherampage.Don’tgethimangryrightnoworquestionhim.IaskedhimaboutAcostaandhetoldmetobackoff.”

“Acostaisagutlesstraitor,”theothermansaid.“HesoldusoutononeofSebastian’sdeals.Markmyword,we’regoingtobeatwarwithhimsoon.Nexttimeyoumakeadelivery,youwatchyourback.”

“It’smorethanthat,”thesmokingmansaidbetweendragsonthecigarette.“Sebastianisedgy.Ithinkhe’slosingit.BeenspendingtoomuchtimewithCalista.”

Bothofthemlaughedatthat.“Whocares?”theothermansaid.“Wejustgotpaid.Now,finishthatsmokeandgetbackinthegamesoIcantakeyourmoney.”

Themanwiththecigarettelaughed.“Sure,”hesaid.“Setmeupadrink,I’llbethereinaminute.”

Thefirstguywentbackinsidewhilethesecondmansmokedforamomentlongerbeforetossingthecigaretteto

thegroundandcrushingitoutwithhisboot.Ashefinishedgrindingitintothedirthelookedup,staringalmostdirectlyatKurt.Helingeredinthatposeforamomentthewayahuntingdogmightfreezeasitpointedtowardasounditsmastercouldn’thear.

Kurtheldperfectlystill.Hiddenintheshadowsatadistanceoffortyfeet,hedoubtedthemancouldsee

him.Allthesame,hefirmedhisgripontherailgunandslidhisglovedfingerontothetrigger.

Thesmokerheldhisplaceforanothersecondandthenheturned,grabbedthedoorhandle,andsteppedbackinside.

“Coverme,”Kurtwhispered.Hemovedquicklytowardthedoorandplacedhisearbesideit.Heheardthesoundofaradioandvoices.

Toomanyvoices.Theywereloudandboisterousand,asnearashecouldtell,allmale.Itsoundedlikealockerroominside.

Convincedtheprisonerswerenotpresent,hemovedbacktowhereJoewaited.

“Dowehavetherightaddress?”Joeasked.

“Notunlessyou’relookingforafratparty.Ithinkthisisabunkhouseofsomekind.Brèvard’smenare

blowingoffsomesteam.”Joelookedaround.“So

wheretonext?”Kurtglanceddownatthe

screenonhisarm.Thenextbuildingwasahundredyardsoff.Closertothewallofthethirdterrace.“Justuptheroad,”Kurtsaid.“Followme,ifyoucan.”

“Betterbequick,”Joesaid.“Weturnbackintopumpkinsinlessthanfiveminutes.”

MovingpastthebuildingthathousedBrèvard’smen,KurtandJoesnuckontoanotherpath.Thenextbuildingwasmuchlikethefirst,low-lyingandratherplain,withoutanywindows,butitwasguarded.Twomenatthedoor,onesittinginachairwithhisfeetproppeduponabucket,theotherstandingwitharifleoverhisshoulder.

Themainproblemwasa

pairofexposedbulbsonablackwireabovetheentrance.Thesuitswouldnotkeepthemhiddeninthatkindofglare.

“Thishasgottobeit,”Kurtsaid.“I’mgoingtoworkmywayaroundbackandfindthepowerline.Getinposition.WhenIcutit,taketheclosestguyoutwithyourTaser.Bythetimethesecondguyfiguresoutwhat’shappened,I’llbeonhim.”

“Soundslikeaplan.”AsJoemovedtoanew

position,Kurtdoubledbackandwentaroundthefarsideofthebuilding.Movingquicklyandquietly,hearrivedonthefarsideofthestructureandbeganlookingforthepowercable.Hefoundaspotwhereaburiedlinecameoutofthegroundandranupthewall,heldinplacebyrustedclamps.Pullingouthisrubber-handledknife,

Kurtsawedthroughtheinsulationandthenwithaquickcutseveredthecable.

Asthelightspillingfromthefrontofthebuildingflickeredanddied,Kurtracedforthecorner.HecamearounditjustasJoehitthestandingguardwithhisTaser.Themanwentstiffasaboardbutmadenosound,andallKurtheardwastherapidclickingandsnappingsoundthattheTasermadeasit

electrifiedtheman’sbodyandtriggeredhismusclesintoarigidstate.

Realizingthatsomethingwaswrong,theguardinthechairgrabbedforhisrifle,butKurtwasonhimbeforehecouldbringittobear.Heclampedonehandovertheman’smouthandyankedhimbackward,bringingtheblackcarbonsteelbladeoftheknifeupagainsttheman’sthroat.

“Youmakeasound,it’ll

beyourlast,”hewarnedtheman.

Theguardwentstillandthennodded,hissenseofshockgrowingasJoeappearedundertheoverhanglikeaspectermaterializingfromanotherdimension.AsJoedroppeddownonthegroundtotrussuptheotherguard,hismovementswereablurasthearmorcontinuouslychangedbothitscolorandtexture.Kurt

noticedthemanhe’dcapturedscrunchinghiseyesshutandthenlookingawayasifhewerehallucinating.

“Youpeopleareholdingsomefriendsofours,”hewhisperedtohiscaptive.“Aretheyhere?Inthisbuilding?”

Theguardnodded.KurtglancedatJoe.

“Checkthedoor.”Joewasalreadyinthe

process.“Lockedtight.”

“Keys,”Kurtdemanded.Theguardreacheda

shakinghandintohisbreastpocketandpulledoutaringwithtwokeysonit.

Joetooktheringandwenttowork,findingtwobolts,oneforeachkey.Havingunlockedthedoor,hecrackeditopen.“It’sdark,Idon’tseeanyone.”

“Imusthavecutthepowertotheentirebuilding,”Kurtsaid,pullingtheguardto

hisfeet.AsJoepulledthedoor

open,Kurtpushedtheguardthroughfirstincasesomeoneattacked.Fortunately,thatdidn’thappen.

Lookingaround,Kurtsawadozenpeoplehuddledinthefarcornerofthedarkenedroom.Theywerehidingbehindapileofmattresses,asmalltable,andseveralchairs.Hecountedthreemen,threewomen,andseven

childrenofvariousages.TheyseemedasfrightenedofhimandJoeastheguardshadbeen.Afterwhatthey’dbeenthrough,Kurtdidn’tblamethem.

“It’sallright,”hesaid,“we’reheretohelpyou.We’regettingyououtofhere.”

Theyseemedtooafraidtorespond,soKurtflippeduphisgogglesandpulledoutaflashlight,shiningitonthem.

Hedidn’trecognizemostofthegroup,buttwoofthegrimy-facedchildrenlookedlikeSienna’ssonanddaughter.

“You’reTanner,right?”Theboynodded.“Andyou’reElise?”Thegirlwastooafraidto

sayanything.Shejuststoodthere,grippingthehemofhershirt.

“It’sokay,”Kurtsaid,brushingherhairback.

“We’retakingyouhome.Where’syourmom?”

Elisejuststaredathim,butTannerpointedattheguards.“Theytookher.”

Kurtlookedattheguardonhisknees.

“Where’sSiennaWestgate?”

“Idon’tknow,”theguysaid.“Theytookheruptothemainhouse,butIdon’tknowwhere.”

Oneoftheotheradults

cameforward.Helookedfamiliar.“IsawyouinthetunnelinKorea,”Kurtsaid.

HisEnglishwasvaguelyEuropean.KurtguessedthatSpanish,Portuguese,orevenItalianwashisfirstlanguage.

“You’reMontresor,”Kurtsaid,usinghishackername.

Themannoddedagain.“MyrealnameisDiego.Iknowwheretheytookher.Themanwhorunsthings,Sebastian,hehasacontrol

roomonthetopfloor.Hewatcheseverythingfromthere,Ithink.Directlybelowhimisanetworkedseriesofhigh-endprocessorsandcomputers.Whentheytookmeuptothehousetowork,thatiswheretheykeptme.”

“Whatdidtheyhaveyoudo?”Kurtasked.

“Ihackintoasystemandeditprograms.Icreatehiddendoorwaysandwhatwecallhidesorblinds.”

“Thosearehuntingterms,”Kurtsaid.“Whatdotheymeanintheprogrammingworld?”

Themanpausedasifthinkingofawaytoexplainit.“They’relikeblackholesintowhichwecanhideavirus.Eventhemostadvancedantivirussoftwarewillnotfindit.Andthenatalaterdate,weactivatethecode.”

“Andwhatdoesthecode

do?”Kurtasked.“Ijustcreatetheblind,”

Montresorsaid.“Othersbuildthevirus.”

“Andwhatdoesthevirususuallydo?”

“Takescontrolofthesystem,”hesaid.“Forcesittodosomethingitisnotsupposedtodo.”

Montresor,Kurtthoughttohimself.Howperfectahandleforsomeonewhohidesthingsinalabyrinth

wheretheywillneverbefound.

“Whatkindofsystemsdidyouhack?Pentagon?CIA?”

Montresorshookhishead.“Bankingsystemsmostly.Accountingprograms.Transferprotocols.”

Kurt’smindraced.Banksandagangdescendedfrombankrobbersandcounterfeiters.Hewondered

iftherecouldbeaconnectionandthendecidedthiswasnotthetimetofindout.AllthatmatteredwasstoppingtheBrèvardfamily,whatevertheyweredoing.

HeturnedtoJoe.“Callitin,”hesaid.“I’mgoingtofindSienna.”

“Ishouldgowithyou,”Joesaid.

“No,”Kurtsaid,“staywiththem.They’regoingtoneedyoutoleadthemout

whentheMarinescomeoverthewall.”

AboardtheleadBlackHawk,code-namedDragonOne,Lt.Brooksstudiedhismenasthestriketeamcontinuedinbound.Someofthementalkedandjoked,somecheckedtheirweaponsandgearrepeatedlyinsomekindofritual,andothershadfaces

ofstone.Differentpersonalitiesgotreadyforbattleindifferentways,butonelooktoldBrookstheywereready.

Sofar,they’dcomethreehundredmilessouth,metupwiththetankeraircraft,andcompletedthetrickynighttimerefuelingoperationwithoutincident.Fromthatpointthey’dturnedsoutheastandwerenowtrackingforthecoast,travelinginformation,

atahundredthirtyknotsamerefiftyfeetabovethesurfaceoftheMozambiqueChannel.

“We’llbecrossingintoMadagascarairspaceinsevenminutes,”thepilotinformedhim.

“AnywordfromtheBataan?”

“Nothingyet,”thepilotsaid.“Ifwedon’tgetfinalauthorizationbythetimewehitthatlimit,I’llhaveno

choicebuttoabort.”Brooksunderstood.He

wasinchargeofthemission,butthosewerethestandingorders.“Throttlebackabit,”hesuggested.“Andtakeusparalleltothelineforawhile.”“Sir?”

“It’llsaveussomefuel,”Brookssaid,“andit’llgivethosemarinebiologistsalittlemoretimetomakecontact.”“Youreallythinkthey’regoingtopullthisoff?”the

pilotaskedskeptically.“I’mnotsure,”Brooks

said,“butI’dhatetobeheadedhomeiftheycallforhelp.”

Thepilotnoddedhisagreement,madeaquickradiocalltotheotherhelicopters,andthenbankedtotherightandbeganreducingspeed.TheotherBlackHawksmatchedhim,andtheheadlongracetowardthecoastbecameamore

leisurelyflightparalleltoit.Therewaslittledangerofthembeingpickeduponradar—Madagascarhadonlyaprimitivenetwork.Fuelandtimewerebiggerconcerns.

“Okay,Lieutenant,”thepilotsaid,“we’vedialeditdowntotheeconomysetting.Butwecan’tdothisfortoolong.”Asitturnedout,theydidn’thaveto.Fifteenminuteslater,asignalcameoverthesatellitedownlink.

“Dragonleader,thisisCourthouse.Doyoucopy?”

CourthousewastheBataan’scodename.Brookspressedthetransmitswitch.“Courthouse,thisisDragonleader,goahead.”

“Youareclearedtotheobjective.Currenttargetstatusisgreen.Friendlieshavebeenidentified.Totaloffifteen,possiblysixteen.Theirlocationwillbemarkedbyagreenflareandsmoke.Other

buildingsarebelievedtoholduptotwentyhostiles.Lightweaponsareindicated.”

AsurgeofadrenalinepumpedthroughBrooksandheglancedatthepilotandtowardthecoastlikearefereesignalingfirstdown.Thepilottookthehint,turnedinboundonceagain,andbroughttheBlackHawkbackuptofullspeed.

“Rogerthat,Courthouse.Wearetwominutesfrom

continentaldivideandinboundtothetarget.Willcontactyouonourwayhome.”

AsthemissiondirectorfromtheBataansignedoff,Brooksconsideredthestateofthings.Inaworldthathadgrownusedtowatchingtheirmilitaryoperationsplayoutinrealtime,thisonewasbeingblackedout.TherewasnofeedbeingbroadcasttotheSituationRoomintheWhite

House,nogroupofgeneralsandpoliticianswatchingtheplay-by-playasifitwereamovieorabiggame.Withthewholegovernmentunsurewhichsystemswerestillsecureandwhichhadbeenhacked,noonewastakingachance.Thepowersthatbewouldwaitinsilence.Eventually,they’dreceiveasimplephonecallfromtheBataan’scommandertellingthemifthemissionhad

succeededorfailed.

AstheMarinestrikeforceturnedinbound,KurtmadehiswayaroundthesideoftheBrèvardpalace.Lightsaimedupatthestructuremeantthelasttenfeetorsowouldexposehimnomatterhowtheinfiltrationsuitattemptedtocompensate.Insteadofcrossingthroughthem,heswungwide,passedan

Olympic-sizedswimmingpool,andmadehiswayaroundtheback.Therehefoundanoverhangingveranda.

Usingachairtoboosthimselfup,heclamberedontothedeckandsprintedforward.Hemanagedtoforcethedoorandslipinside.

Thankfulthathe’dsetoffnoalarmsystemintheprocess,hemovedintothehallandfoundhimself

surroundedbyframedworksofart,intricatetapestries,andstatuesthatlookedasiftheymightbelonginamuseum.

Heneededtofindastairwellthatledupwardandbegantomovedownthehall,stoppingatthesoundoffootfallscominghiswayfromanadjacentcorridor.

HebacktrackedandtookcoverbehindastatueofsomeGreekherowithalaurelleafonhisheadandpressed

himselfasfarintotheshadowsaspossibleuntilthefigurepassedby.

ItwasCalista.Shewasspeakingintoaradio,givingordersaboutsomething.SheneversawKurtorevenlookedinhisdirection.Asshereachedthefarendofthehall,shedisappearedintoaroom.

Inahouseofmanyrooms,Kurtknewhe’dbehard-pressedtofindtheright

oneintime.ButseeingCalistapassbybroughtanewideatomind.Checkingthehallinbothdirectionsandseeingnooneelsecoming,hemovedfrombehindthestatueandbacktracked,headingtowardtheroomCalistahadjustentered.

Calistawasreadytoleave.Overtheyearsshe’dbeguntofeelclaustrophobicinthefamilyhome,asensationthathadonlygottenworseoverthepastfewmonths.Grabbingasmallbackpackfromashelfinhercloset,shebegantopack.

Everthepragmatist,shedidn’tcarefortheclothesorthejewels.Heritemsofimportancewerethosethatwouldbeuseful:passportsinseveralnames,bundlesofcashinafewdifferentcurrencies,aknife,apistol,andthreesparemagazines.Theoneitemofsentimentalvalueshehadwasanecklacewithadiamondringhangingfromitthathadbelongedtotheirmother.Sebastianhad

givenittoher.Sheeyedthenecklacefor

amomentandthenplaceditintoasidepocketandzippedthepocketshut.Nothingelseintheopulentmansionmatteredtoher.Itwasallfake.Theartwork,tapestries,andtheantiquefurniturewerenothingbutgoodforgeries.That’swhattheirfamilydid.Theygavelifetolies.

Abouttheonlythingshewouldmisswerethehorses.

Asshethoughtaboutherfavorite,ahorsenamedTana,whichmeant“sunshine”inMalagasy,itdawnedonherthatSebastianmighthaveriggedthestablestoexplodelikeeverythingelseinthecompound.

Thisstruckherascruel.Humankindwasfairlyworthlessinhereyes,butanimals,intheirinnocence,weresomethingelse.Theyhadnoschemesordesires

otherthantopleasetheirmastersandreceivetheirrewardsintheformoffoodandshelterandattention.

Shezippedthebagshutanddecidedtohikedowntothestableandturntheanimalsout.Therewasnoreasonforthemtoburntodeath.

Throwingthepackoveroneshoulder,sheleftthebedroom,enteredhersittingroom,andtrackedstraightfor

thedoor.Assheapproachedthedoor,shenoticeditwasclosedbutnotshut.Thatwasmorethanodd,sheneverleftthedoorunlatched.

Sheputherhandinthebag,grabbingforherpistol.

“Sorry,Calista,”avoicesaidfrombehindher.“I’mafraidit’sgameover.”

Shefrozeinhertracks.Thetimbreofthevoicewaseasilyrecognizable,aswasthecalmandcertaindelivery

ofthewords.ShehadnodoubtthatKurtAustinwasstandingbehindher.

“Tossthebagonthefloorandturnaroundslowly,”hesaid.

Shelethershoulderssagandflippedthebackpackintoacorner.Pivotingslowly,shefoundKurtsittinginahigh-backedVictorianchair,aimingalethal-lookingrifleinherdirection.

“Ibelievewe’vedonethis

before,”shesaid.“Wehave,”Kurtreplied,

standingup.“Andwe’regoingtokeepdoingituntilwegetitright.”

Shestudiedhimforamoment.Helookedoutofplacewithallthearmor.Lesshandsome,lessunique.Asifhe’dreadhermind,hepulledoffthehood.

“Howonearthdidyougetinhere?”sheasked.“Wehavecameras,guards,motion

sensors.”“Nothing’sfoolproof,”

Kurtsaid.Thatmuchwascertain.

“Youcan’texpecttogetoutalive,”shesaid.“We’rereadyforyou.We’vebeenwaitingforyoutomakeamove.”

Hiseyebrowswentup.“Really?”hesaid.“Becauseitdoesn’tlookthatwaytome.Yourmenatthefrontgatearehalfasleep.Theganginthebunkhousearecelebrating

likeit’sBastilleDay.Andwe’vealreadyfoundthehostageswhiletakingouttwoofyourguards.Allwithouttheslightestpeepfromtherestofyou.”

“Thereareatleastfiftymenhereloyaltomybrothersandme.You’reoverwhelminglyoutnumbered.”

“Fornow,”hesaidsmugly.

Shepursedherlips.So

therewerereinforcementscoming.Andcomingsoon.Herbrotherwassittingaroundfoolishlythinkingtheywerenotindangeryet.Herfeelingsweretorn.Silentlyshecursedhimforhisarroganceevenasshewishedshecouldwarnhim.

“Ifyou’vealreadywon,thenwhatdoyouwantfromme?”sheasked.“Answersperhaps?Areyoustilltryingtofigureoutwhathappened

toyouontheEthernet?”Hesmiledather.Itwasa

grinbothendearingandproud.“Toolateforthat,”hesaid.“Iknowwhathappened.Enoughofitanyway.ItallcamebackoncetheydebuggedmeinKorea.”

Sheshiftedherweight.“Thenyouknowifitwasn’tforme,you’dhavebeenkilledandburiedatseainthehullofthatyachtjustlikealltheothersweencountered.”

“Consideringthatyoucausedthedangerinthefirstplace,thatdoesn’treallycarryalotofweightwithme.Ontheotherhand,”headded,“Idohaveanewfoundappreciationfortheimportanceofrememberingthepastaccurately,thankstoyou.Thatbeingthecase,IthoughtI’dreturnthefavor.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”sheasked,growingtiredoftheconversation.

Hestudiedherwiththoseice-blueeyes,takingherin,measuringher.Finally,heunzippedadiagonalpocketontherightsightofhisvestandpulledfromitafoldedsheetofpaper.Heplaceditdownonthesmallstandbetweenthechairs,smootheditflat,andthenpulledaway.

“Takealook”wasallhesaid.

Shehesitatedandthensteppedcautiouslyforward,

reachingforthepaperlikesomeonemightreachforadangerousanimal,keepingasmuchdistancebetweenherbodyandtheprintedsheetaspossible.

Shetiltedthepagetocatchthelightandgavetheimageaquickonce-over.“Whatisthissupposedtobe?”

“It’safamily,”hesaid.“Believeornot,it’syourfamily.Yourrealfamily.”

Shelookedupathimsuspiciously.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

Shenoticedhewaswatchingherwithasortofdetached,almostprofessoriallook.

“TheBrèvardsaren’tyourfamily,Calista,thepeopleinthephotographare.Thewoman’snameisAbigail.Shewasyourmother.HerfriendscalledherAbby.Theman’snameisStewart,he

wasyourfather.ThetwoboysareNathanandZack—orIshouldsay,theywerenamedNathanandZack.”

Forreasonsshecouldn’tpinpoint,shebegantofeelsick.“Youexpectmetobelievethis?”

“Lookatthewoman.Lookatherface.Youtwocouldbetwins.”

Shewasn’tblind,shesawthelikeness.Itwasnonsense.“Youthinkyoucantrick

me?”Hedidn’tblink.“It’snot

atrick.Yourmotherwasatelecommunicationsexpert,yourfatherworkedonsatelliteguidance.Theywerebothveryintelligentpeople,brilliantintheirunderstandingsofmathandscience.Justlikeyou,I’mguessing.TheyhadagoodlifeinsuburbanEngland.Unfortunately,theBrèvardfamilycamealong,tookthem

fromtheworld,andmadethemdisappear,thesamewayyoukidnappedSiennaandherchildren.TheywerebarteredforandusedforwhattheyknewthesameexactwayyouandSebastianandtherestofthissickfamilyhaveusedthepeopleyou’reholdinghostage.”

Shewasshakingherhead,filledwithrage,akindofrageshewashavingahardtimecontrolling.Itwasunlike

her—shewascold,emotionless.Whyshouldthismakehersoangry?shewondered.Ofcoursehewouldlie.Ofcoursehewouldtrysomethingtoconfuseher.Butwhy,ifheandhisfriendswereallbutassuredofvictoryintheirownminds,wouldhebother?

Shefeltanurgetochargehim,toputherhandsaroundhisthroatandchokethelifeoutofhimifshecould.Even

ifheshotherinresponse,atleastshewouldn’thavetolistentoanymoreofthis.

Shelungedforhim.“You’realiar,”shescreamed.

Sheslammedonefistintohischest,whereituselesslystruckthebodyarmor,andreachedforhisfacewithherotherhand,intentonclawingouthiseyes.Buthewastooquickandtoostrong.Hecaughtherarmandstopped

it.Hespunheraroundandfoldedherarmsacrossherchest,holdingherfrombehind.

“I’mnotlying,”hesaid.“I’mnottryingtohurtyou.Butyoushouldknowthetruth.”

“Idon’twanttoknow!”“Believeme,youdo,”he

said.“BecausethesepeoplearebetterthantheBrèvards.Thesepeoplelovedlife,theydidn’tabuseanddestroyit,

andyou’reoneofthem.”Shecontinuedtothrash

andtriedtoslamandelbowhim,butitwasnouse.

“Iknowwhatkindofhellitistowonderwhat’srealandwhatisn’t,”hesaidquietly.“Iknowwhatyou’regoingthroughrightnow.Iliveditformonths,butyou’vehaditworse,you’veliveditallyourlife.Icanonlyimaginewhatit’sdonetoyou.”

“It’sdonenothing,”sheinsisted,tryingdesperatelytokickhimandpullfree.

Heturnedheraroundandlookedintohereyes.“Yourfatherwaskilledtryingtoescapehiscaptors,”hesaid.“Hewasgunneddowninbroaddaylightbyamanwhowasneverfound.He’dbeengaggedandbeaten.He’dbeentortured.”

“Stopit!”“Yourmotherand

brothersfaredworse.They’dfoundalifeboatonashiphalfburiedinthesand,buttheydidn’thaveenoughwater.Theydiedfromdehydration,driftingontheoceanahundredmilesfromhere.”

Shefroze.“Whatdidyousay?”

“Theydiedatsea,”herepeated,“onalifeboathalfguttedwithrot.We’reprettycertaintheyfounditonanoldshipthatwasburiedinthe

riverseveralmilesfromhere.”

Animageflashedinhermind,itstrucklikeaboltoflightning.Abriefglimpseoftherivetsonthedarkmetalplating,therushingriver,thesedimentbeingscouredaway.“Aship,”shewhispered.“Anoldironship?”

Asecondboltoflightningstruck.Itwasnight.Therewasonlyasliverofmoonlighttoseewith.A

womanhadherbythewrist,leadinghertowardthehill.Twoboysweredraggingasmallwoodenboatfromacavethey’dexcavatedinthesand.

“It’salie,”sheprotested.“It’sthetruth,”hesaid.

“Yourtruth.”She’dceasedstruggling

now,hermindadrift.Hecontinuedtoholdhertight,perhapsbecausehecouldn’ttrusther.Butasherlegs

begantoshake,shefelthewasholdingherup,keepingherfrombucklingrightthenandthere.

Thememoriescontinuedtocome.Menchasingthem.Agunshotrippedthroughoneofthecontainers.Thewaterwasspillingout.Disaster.

“There’snotenoughwater,”Calistaspokealoud.

Moregunshots.Thewomanfell.

“Theyshother,”Calista

saidtonoone.“Shewaswounded,”Kurt

repliedsoftly.“Butitwassuperficial.”

“Shefelldownthehill.”Inhermind,Calistaheard

thewomanshout.“Olivia!”Calistafeltonlyfear—

terrible,swirlingfear.“Mum!”oneoftheboys

hadyelled.“Olivia,hurry!”Moregunshotssounded

andthewomanturnedandran.Calistajuststoodthereonthehill,whiledownbelow,hermotherandbrotherspushedthesmallboatoutintothewater.Shesawthemclimbonboardandpaddleintothedarkness,movingswiftlywiththecurrent.Shefeltthemenrushbyher,watchedastheyscrambleddownthebank,andlistenedastheyfiredagainandagainintothedark.

Butsheneverflinched.Shejuststoodthereandstareduntileventuallytheshootingceasedandoneofthemencameuptoherandtookherhand.

“Iletthemgowithoutme,”shesaidtoKurt.

Shewassobbing,droppingtotheground.Kurteasedherdowngently.

“Therewasn’tenoughwater,”hetoldher.“Notenoughforthree.Certainly

notenoughforfour.”Shewassobbingand

shakingandthensuddenlyangryagain.“Youhavenoright!Norightto...”

Theinsanityofwhatshewassayingcutheroffbeforeshe’dfinished.

“TheBrèvardfamilystoleyourlife,”hesaid.“Maybetheyrealizedhowsharpyoualreadywere.Maybetheyknewtheycouldmoldyouintooneofthem.Maybethey

plannedtokillyouandjustnevergotaroundtoit.But,whatevertheirreasons,theystoleyourlife.Theystolethelivesofyourfamilyandwethinkmanyothers.Andifyouletthem,they’llstealthelivesofSiennaandherchildrenandeveryoneelsethey’reholdinginthatoversizeQuonsethuthalfwaydownthehill.”

Shenoticedhekeptsaying“Sebastian”orthe

“Brèvardfamily,”butsheknewherpartinit.Forasecondshewantedtoscreamout,toyellathim,“ThisiswhoIam,”toclaimitandownitandtellhimtogotohell,butthedesirefaded.Andtearsreturneduncontrollably.

Whyshouldn’thernameandmemoriesbefalse?Everythingelsearoundherwasalie.

Asshecried,Kurtmovedtoaspotinfrontofherand

gentlywipedthetearsfromherface.

“HelpmegettoSiennabeforetheMarinesarrive,”hesaid.“Sebastianisgoingtolosetonight.ButIdon’twanthimusingherasashieldorkillingherinafitofspitewhenherealizesit’soverforhim.”

Shelookedupathim.Therewaskindnessanddeterminationinthatface.Thewhiteknight,she

thought.Hereallywas.“It’snotoverforhim,”

shesaid.“Itwillbesoon.”“No,youdon’t

understand,”shereplied.“Youmaybeearly,butheknewaresponsewouldbecoming.He’sgotsomenastysurpriseswaitingforyourfriends.Andhe’sgotaplanofescapelockedandloaded.”

“Hecouldn’tknowwewouldbecoming.”

“Notyou,butheknewsomeonewouldbe,”shesaid.“He’swaitingforit.Whileourmenarefightingwithyourforces,he’llblowthisplacetokingdomcome.Thehackingyou’reseeingnowwillendandhe’lldisappear—we’lldisappear—andthewholeworldwillassumewe’redead.”

“Sohistorydoesrepeatitself,”Kurtsaid.“Wehavetostophim.Andwehaveto

stopwhateverhehasplanned.Willyouhelpmeornot?”

Shelookedathimthroughthetears.

“I’lltrustyou,”hesaid.“Whywouldyou?”“Callitinstinct,”hesaid,

offeringherahand.Shehesitated.Hertrue

desirewastoremainthereonthefloor,toliethereuntilthefirescameandconsumedher.Afateshe’dneverbeenmorecertainshedeserved.

“Awisemanoncetoldme,‘Wearewhowedecidetobe,’”hesaid.“Youhaveachoice.YoucanbeCalistaBrèvardoryoucanreclaimyourhumanityasOliviaBanister.”

Thenamesseemedtofiresomethinginher,butitwasn’twhathemighthaveexpected.Oliviawasafrightenedchild,Calistawasunafraid.Calistawasasurvivor,aninstrumentof

power.Andnow,shethought,aninstrumentofretribution.ShetookKurt’shandandstood.

“No,”shesaid,“thisiswhoIam.I’llhelpyoufindSienna.Butdon’tgetbetweenmeandSebastian.BecauseI’mgoingtokillhimforwhatheandhisfamilyhavedone.Ifyoutrytostopme,I’llkillyoutoo.”

“Yourchoice,”Kurtsaid.“Eitherway,let’smove.We

don’thavemuchtime.”

WithCalistaleadingtheway,thetwoofthemstrodethehalls.ThoughKurthadprofessedtrustinher,hewasn’tabouttogiveheraweapon.Hejustneededhertogethimpastthegoonswhowouldbeguardingthecontrolroom.Oratleastclose

enoughsohecouldeliminatethem.

“Thisway,”shesaid,turningdownthehallwayontheright.Atthatmomentanalarmbegantoscream.

Kurtheldstill,wonderingifshe’dtriggeredsomething.“Itwasn’tme,”shesaid,apparentlyguessinghisthoughts.Thesoundofautomaticgunfireoutsidethebuildingreverberatedthroughthehallfollowedbythe

unmistakablesoundofhelicopterspassingoverhead.TheMarineshadarrivedandnotunnoticed.Thesoundofarocketscreamingthroughtheairwasfollowedbyanexplosionandaflashoflightthroughthewindowsatthefarendofthehall.“Weneedtohurry,”Kurtsaid.HeandCalistabegantorun.

TheywerealmosttotheendwhenoneofSebastian’s

mencamerunningtheoppositeway.“Calista,”heshouted.“We’rebeingattacked.Nooneisansweringatthepenand...”

JustthenhesawKurtandquicklyguessedthathewaspartoftheassault.Heswungasubmachinegunaroundandfired.

Kurtsawitcoming,pushedCalistaoutoftheway,anddovetothepolishedfloor.Asshellsrippedinto

theplasterbehindhim,heaimedtherifleandsqueezedthetriggeralmostsimultaneously.Therailgunspataswarmoflethalironprojectilesthatrippedintotheman,takinghimoffhisfeetandknockinghimover.Helandedonhisback,butthemusclesinhishandmusthavecontractedinaspasmbecausethesubmachineguncontinuedtofire,sprayingalineofbulletsalongthewall

andupintotheceiling,shatteringtwoofthemirrorsandblastingapartasuitofarmor.

“Somuchfortheelementofsurprise,”Kurtsaid.Hegotup,helpedCalistatoherfeetonceagain,andtookoffdownthehall.

Atthatverymoment,Lt.BrooksandthemembersoftheForceReconplatoonwere

thinkingtheexactsamething.They’dcomeinfromthecoast,flyingalongthedeck,blackedoutandwatchingforanysignthey’dbeendetectedorpaintedbythesweepofaradarbeam.

Allsignspointedtoacleanentry.Andthenthey’dcrossedthewallofthesprawlingcompoundandslowedtoahoversothestriketeamscouldbeginafastrappeltotheground.But

evenastheropeswentout,they’dbeguntotakedirectfire,notfromanyhumantargetsonthegroundbutfromremotelyoperatedweapons.

Fromatleastthreespotsinthegarden,twin.50calibermachinegunshadrisenfromsmallmaintenancesheds.Theyweretrackingandturningandfiringonthehelicopters.OneoftheBlackHawkswasalreadysmoking

andpullingawaywhenBrooksgavetheordertotherestofthem.“Pullback,”heshouted.“Takeevasiveaction.”

Thepilotturnedthecraftawayfromthefireandbegantomoveout,butthehorriblerattlingsoundofshellsrippingthroughthefuselagetoldBrooksitwastoolate.Shrapnelandbitsofthecabinwereblastedaboutlikeconfetti.Bloodsplatteredon

thewallofthefuselageasatleastonemantookahit.

Atthesametime,thehelicopterlurchedtotheside,andBrookssawthatthepilothadalsobeenwounded.Theywerespinningandgoingdown.

Thecopilottookcontrolandtriedtorightthecraft,buttheyhitthegroundwithacrunch.TheBlackHawkrolledoveronitsside,forcingtheenormousrotorblades

intothegroundandshatteringthemintoathousandpieces.

“Go!Go!Go!”Brooksshouted,pushingonemanoutthroughthedoorandthengrabbingthewoundedpilotandscramblingtosafety.

TheBlackHawk’screwandthetwelveMarineswereclearofthehelicopterwhenitexploded.Threemenwereinjured,aswellasthepilot,andamissionthatwassupposedtobeawalkinthe

parkhadsuddenlyturnedintoadesperatefight.

Thementookcoverneararockwallandsetupadefensiveperimeter.BrookssawtheotherBlackHawksfleeingtosafety.Itlookedasiftheywouldallclearthedangerzonewhenamissilelaunchedfromanotherdilapidatedshed.

Thefierytailoftherocketwaseasytotrack—itracedsouthafterthehelicopterand

illuminateditinaballofflame.

“Damn!”Brookscursed.“We’vebeensetup.”

Bynowmenwerestreamingfromthebarracks,andsmallarmsfirewaswhistlingpastoverhead.

Brooksgrabbedtheradioandcalledout,“DragonleadertoDragonteam.Stayclearofthefirezone.Irepeat,stayclearofthefirezone.Compoundismoreheavily

defendedthananticipated.Missilesandheavy-caliberweapons.”

“DragonThreeclear,”acallcameback.

“DragonFouralsoclear.”

ThatmeantBlackHawkTwohadtakenthemissile.Brookshadnowayofdeterminingifanyonehadsurvivedtheexplosion.

Brookspressedthetalkswitch.“DragonFive,what’s

yourposition?”DragonFivewasthe

sparehelicopterbroughtinprimarilytohaulthehostagesout,butitalsocarriedtwoNavymedics.

“We’restillatpointalpha.Doyouneedus?”

“Negative,”Brookssaid.“RemainthereuntilIcontactyou.”

“We’renotgoingtoleaveyoudownthere,Lieutenant.”

“YouwillifIorderyou

to,”Brooksreplied.“StayclearuntilItellyouotherwise.”

Puttingtheradiodown,Brookslookedaroundathismen.Threeofthemwereinjured.Thatleftnine,plusthecopilot,whohadtodomorethanflyatthispoint.

“Jones,”Brookscalledtooneofthemen.“Getyoursquadtothesouth.Makesurenooneflanksus.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Dalton,Garcia,you’rewithme.We’vegottofindthosegunsandthatmissilebatteryandtake’emout.”

“Yes,sir,”themenrepliedinunison.

Underacoveringfire,thethreemenmovedout,racingfiftyyardstothenorthandthenscamperingupthewallontothenextterrace.

Astheunexpectedbattle

ragedallaroundthecompound,Joeremainedwiththehostages.Hecouldtellbythedinoftheexplosionsandthevolumeofgunfirethatsomethinghadgonewrong.

“Everyonegetonthefloor,”hesaid.“Flipthosetablesoverandpileupthosemattresses.”

Almostoncue,gunfirerippedthroughthetopofthebuilding.Joehitthedeckalongwitheveryoneelse.

Prayerscouldbeheardinthreedifferentlanguages.Thesoundofchildrenwhimperingneedednotranslation.

“Ithoughtwewereleaving?”someoneasked.

“SodidI,”Joemuttered.Wonderingwhathadgone

wrong,Joecrawledtothedoorandpusheditopenacrack.Flameslituptheskyatthebottomofthehill.

Heheardthesoundsofthehelicoptersmaneuvering

inthedistanceandthereportoftheheavymachineguns.Overtheheadset,heheardBrookscallingoutthatthey’dbeenshotdownandwarningtheothersaway.Acrosstheterracehesawtwoseparategroupsofmenrushingdownthehillandfiringwildly.Betweenthesemenandthemenfromthebarracks,theMarinesfromthedownedhelicopterwouldsoonbebadlyoutnumbered.

Joeknewhishelpwasneeded,butifheleftthehutthehostageswouldbeutterlyaloneanddefenseless.

Hestudiedtheactionamomentlonger.Itwasallgoingondownthehillfromwheretheywere,withthesoundsofanotherbattleragingatthemainhouse.Buttohisright,outtothesouth,allwasquiet.

“Timetogo,”hesaid.“Don’twanttomissthebus.”

Hebeganwavingthemuptothedoor,pointingtotheright,whereitwasdarkandquiet.“There’sawallaboutseventyyardsaway.Gettoit,climboverit,andkeepgoing.Don’tstopuntilyou’reatleastathousandyardsfromhereandyou’vefoundsomekindofshelter.Aditch,somebushes,astandofthoseweirdtrees,anythingthatcanhideyou.”

HehandedMontresorthegreenflare.“Ifyouseeany

helicoptersoverhead,lightthisandholditup.They’llknowyou’rethehostagesandnotenemycombatants.”

AsMontresorandtheothersgatheredaroundthedoor,Joetookanotherlookoutside.

“Whataboutmymom?”TannerWestgateasked.“Kurtwillfindher,”Joesaid.“Youcancountonthat.”ThelittlefacesstreakedwithtearsclutchedatJoe’sheart.

Wheneachoftheyoungchildrenwasholdinghandswithanadult,Joesnuckforward,madesurethepathwasclear,andthenwavedthemout.

Heledthemabouthalfway,andwhenhewascertaintheywereclearofthefirefighthepointedtowardthewall.“Go,”hesaid,urgingthemforward,“getoverthatwallanddon’tlookback.”

Astheprisonersscrambledintothedarkness,Joeturnedbacktowardthesoundsofengagement.Gazingdownthehill,hecouldseethefirefightinallitsnighttimeiridescentglory.FromthetracerfireitwasclearthatLt.BrooksandhismenweregettingshottopiecesfromthreesidesasthirtyorfortyofBrèvard’smenslowlyclosedinaroundthem.

Joebegantomoveforward.“Unbelievable,”hewhispered.“AllthistimeI’vebeenwaitingtocallinthecavalryanditturnsoutIamthecavalry.”

Withthatthoughtinmind,hepressedforward,unsureofwhat,ifanything,hemightachieve.

Asthechaosoutsidegrew,KurtandCalistafoundthemselvesinarunningbattlewiththerestofBrèvard’smen.They’dmadeitdownonehall,withKurtlayingdownasuppressingfiretokeepthosebehindthematbay,onlytorunsmackintoa

secondgroupcomingtheotherway.

Now,halfwaytothecontrolroom,theywerecaughtincrossfire,withshotscomingatthemfrombothendsofthehall.

“Getbehindme,”KurtsaidtoCalistaashereturnedfire.“Youshouldhavegivenmeagun,”shesaid.

“Ihadmyreasons,”Kurtsaid.

“Howdothosereasons

soundnow?”“Notasgoodastheydid

backthen,”headmitted.Withlittlecoverbeyondanoldwoodencredenza,Kurthadtokeepupasteadyrateoffiretokeeptheirenemiesback.Abluedigitalcounteronthetopoftheguntoldhimthestatusofhisammo.Ithitzeroratherquicklyandhechangedclips.

Realizingtheyhadtogetoutofthisbattlebeforeheusedupthesecondclip,he

beganshootingoutthelightsonebyoneuntilthecentralsectionofthehallwasbathedinshadows.Inresponse,theirattackershitthemainswitchanddousedtherestofthehallindarkness,whichonlyhelpedhisplan.

Kurtretreatedalongthewall,foundadoor,andkickeditopen.

“Getinside,”hesaid.Calistadidasorderedas

morebulletsskippedoffthe

marblefloor.Hopingtotrickthetwogroupsintoshootingeachother,Kurtfiredahalfdozenshotsalongonelengthofthehallandthenloosedafewmorebacktheotherway.

Assoonashe’dfinished,hesteppedbackwardandshutthedoor.Asitclosed,heheardvolleysbeingfiredfrombothsides.Foralittlewhileatleasttheywouldhavetroubledistinguishingbetweentheirownshotsand

Kurt’s,butheknewallhe’ddonewasbuyhimandCalistasometime.

AsKurtplottedtheirnextmove,Calistawasbusyshovingalargecouchupagainstthedoorandwedgingthearmunderthehandle.

“Notabadidea,”hesaid.“Howlongdoyouthink

wehave?”sheasked,pullingadresseragainstthecouch.

“They’llfigureoutprettyquicklythatI’mnolonger

firingatthem,”hesaid.“Butit’lltakeaminuteortwobeforetheygetupthecouragetorushdownthehall.”

“Andthenwhat?”BeforeKurtcould

answer,thescreamofarocketsoundedoutsidethebuilding.AsKurtturned,hesawthewhiteflareofanothermissilerippingitswayintothenight.

“Sebastian,”Calistasaid.

“Alwaysanothertrickuphissleeve.ThoseareAcosta’s.Hewasthearmsdealer.”

Kurtmadeaquickbutgrimassessment.“Wehavetostopthis.Ornoneofuswillleaveherealive.”

“Wehavetogettothecontrolroom,”shesaid.“It’salloperatedfromthere.”

Theywouldnevermakeitbychargingdownthehall,notevenwiththerailgunblazingandtheKevlararmor

toprotectthemostvitalpartsofKurt’sbody.Therehadtobeanotherway.

“Whatelseisonthisfloor?”heasked.

“Nothing,”shesaid,“justmoreroomslikethis.Asifweweregoingtoholdcourtsomeday.”

Anideacametohim.“Itjustmightwork,”hesaidtohimself.

Hemoveduptothewall,feltalongit,andthenbegan

topunchholesintheplasterboardwithhisfist.Itwasfairlystandard,awood-and-drywallconstruction.Hefoundthestudsandthensteppedbackandwithmeasuredprecisionpointedtherailgunatasectionofwall,blastingaverticallineofeightshotsfromtoptobottom.

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked.

“Iprefertostayin

adjoiningrooms,”hesaid.Witharunofseveralsteps,hecrashedintotheperforatedsectionofthewall,smashingthroughitwithhisshoulderandplowingintothespacenextdoor.

Calistafollowed.And,inquicksuccession,theyhaddonethesametothenextthreerooms.

Hadhebeenusingastandardrifle,Kurtmighthaveexpectedtheteamsof

menoutsidetohearhim,buttherailgunmadenosound.Theonlynoisewastheprojectilesflyingthroughtheplaster,asoundthatremindedKurtofanoverzealouslibrarianenergeticallyusingathree-holepunch.

“Thisisthelastroom,”Calistasaid.

Kurtcheckedtherailgun.Thecounteronthetoptoldhimhehadtenshellsleft.Tenshells.Justincase,he

unzippedthediagonalpocketacrosshischestthatheldtheoldColtrevolver.

Hopingtherewouldbenomoreresistance,hemovedtothedoor,pulleditopenacrack,andlookedbackdownthehall.TheirenemieshadconvergedonthedoortotheroomheandCalistahadenteredandweretryingtobreakitdown.

“Getready,”hesaid.Asthemendownthehall

blastedtheirwaythroughthebarricadeshe’dbuiltandforcedtheirwayintotheroom,Kurtpulledhisowndoorwideanddashedquietlyacrossthehallandontothestairwell.Calistawasrightbehindhim.

“Twolevelsup,”shesaid.Kurtraceduptheflight,

movingsoquicklythathewasskippingstairs.

Ashenearedthefinalturn,atrioofmencame

rushingdownintheotherdirection.Kurthadnochoice.Hepulledthetrigger.Theironshellswentrightthroughthefirstmanandintothesecond,cuttingthembothdown.Theyfellbackward,knockingthethirdmantothefloor,whoopenedfirewithhisUzisubmachinegun.

SeveralshellshitKurt’schestplate,knockinghimbackward.Hewasfairlycertainthatatleastoneshell

hitCalistabecauseshescreamedandtumbleddownthestairs.

Lyingonhisback,KurthitthelowertriggerandsenttheprongsoftheTaserblastingintotheman’sneck.Hesnappedintoapronepositionastheelectricitysurgedthroughhisbodyandhebegantoshake.

Kurtheldthetriggerandkepttheelectricityflowingashegottohisfeet,ran

forward,andkickedthemaninthefacelikehewastryingtopuntafootballoutofthestadium.Theman’sheadsnappedbackandhelaystill.

Withthesituationinhand,KurtgrabbedtheUzianddroppedbacktowhereCalistahadfallen.

“You’vebeenhit.”“Myleg,”shesaid.Kurtpulledheruponto

thelanding.She’dtakenabullettothethigh.Itwas

bleeding,butnotenoughtosuggestithadhitanartery.Hetookoffherbeltandwrappeditaroundherlegasatourniquet.

“Ithinkit’sbroken,”shesaid.Shetriedtostand,butevenwithhishelpshecouldn’tputanyweightonit.

“Justgo,”shesaid.“They’llbecomingupheresoonenough.You’llneedmetowatchyourback.”

Kurthesitatedandthen

handedhertheUzi.Hefiguredshe’dearneditatthispoint.

“Don’tlethimlive,”shesaid.“Hehasnoright.”

Withoutanswering,Kurtproppedherupagainstthewall,whereshe’dhavesomecoverandagoodangletofireatanyonewhocameherway.

“Don’tgoanywhere,”hesaid.“I’llbebackforyou.”

“That’swhattheyallsay,”shereplied.

Heturnedandracedupthestairs,finallyarrivingattheupperlanding.Asolid-steeldoorblockedhim.Itwasboltedshut.

Kurtcheckedhisammo.Sevenshellsleft.Hehopeditwouldbeenough.

Steppingback,heopenedfireonthelock.Theironprojectilestoreitapartlikearmor-piercingrounds.ThedoorburstopenundertheonslaughtandKurtrushedin.

Hesawtwoguards,tookoneofthemout,andthendoveforcoverastheotheronestartedfiring.

Scramblingacrossthefloorasthemanunleashedahailofshells,Kurtrolledandfiredback.ThelethalshotblastedthroughoneofSebastian’scomputersandkilledthelastofSebastian’sbodyguardsinstantly.

KurtstoodandlookedforSienna.Hespottedheratthe

backoftheroom.Sebastianhadherupagainsthisbodyandwasholdinganickel-platedautomatictohertemple.

Fromwherehestood,Joehadtheadvantageofelevationandcouldbothseeandhearthebattleragingonthecompound’sbottomtwoterraces.OvertheheadsetheheardLt.Brooksdirectinghismen,probingforaweaknessandbeingpushedback.

Acrossthedarklawnshecouldseetheburninghelicopterandredstreamsoftracerfireconvergingontheareaarounditfromthreedirections.

Hepressedthetalkswitchonhisheadset.“Dragonleader,thisisZavala,”hesaid.“You’rebeingsurrounded.Suggestyouabandonpositionandmovedownthehill.”

Pressedupagainsttherockwallforcover,Lt.Brooksheardthecallandsatdumbfoundedforasecond.NoneofhismenwerenamedZavala.Thenitdawnedonhim.Oneoftheoceanographerswentbythatname.

“Zavala,wecannotpullback,wehavefivemenwounded,twocritical.There’snocoverlowerdown.Ifwedon’tholdthiswall,

we’redead.”Aburstofstaticgaveway

tothesmooth-soundingvoiceoftheoceanographer.“I’llswingaroundandtrytorelievethepressureonyourrightflank.”

Thatwouldcertainlyhelp.ButthereweretoomanyofBrèvard’smenthereforonemantotakeonevenifhetookthembysurprise.

“Negative,”Brookssaid.“You’dbefacingtwenty

hostiles.Ifyoureallywanttohelp,takeoutthosefifty-calibergunsandthatmissilesite.Ouronlychanceistogettherestofthemenontheground,buttheycan’tgetwithinamileofusaslongasthosethingsareactive.”

AdelaythatseemedlikeforevermadeBrooksfearZavalahadbeentakenout,butthenhisvoicecamethroughloudandclear.“I’llseewhatIcando.”

Brooksfiredoverthetopofthewallandduckedassomeincomingshellsblastedchunksoutofthetopofit.

LanceCorporalWilliamDaltonscrambledoverandreinforcedtheposition.“What’stheword,Lieutenant?”

“Helpmightbeontheway,”Brooksreplied,“thoughwe’renevergoingtoliveitdownifwegetsavedbyamarinebiologist.”

“Atleastthewordmarineisinthetitle,”Daltonreplied.

“Goodpoint,”Brookssaid,snappingoffashotandduckingonceagain.“Goodpoint.”

Movinginacrouch,Joemadehiswaytowardwhatheassumedwasthemissilesite.Buthecameacrossthetwin.50calibermachinegunsfirst.

Hesawthemtracklefttoright,asiflookingforthehelicoptersinthedistance.Puttingtherailguntohisshoulder,heblastedapartthepivotingtripodmechanismtheyweremountedon.Hydraulicfluidspewedeverywhereandthegunsfrozeinplace.“Onefifty-caliberweapondown,”hesaid.

“Good,”Lt.Brooksreplied.“Seeifyoucanget

thatmissilelauncher.”“Ican’tseeit,”Joesaid.“Higherup,”Brooks

said.“Myguesswouldbethecenterofthathedgemaze.”

Joelookedaround.Hecouldseethewallofhedges,buthehadnowaytoreachtheentrance.Andconsideringthecomplexityofthemaze,hedoubtedhecouldmakeitquicklytothecenter.

Therattlingsoundofthesecond.50caliberweapon

gotJoe’sattentionandhehadanotheridea.

Zeroinginonthesound,hecutthroughanornamentalgardenfilledwithstrangefloweringbushes.Onthefarsidehesawthesecondmachine-gunemplacement.Heracedtowardit,butinsteadoftrackingoneofthehelicoptersinthedistantsky,thegunswhirledaroundtowardhimandthebarrelsbegantodepress.

Joefiguredhe’drunoutofcoolantandwasnowgivingoffaheatsignature,buthewascommittedandcontinuedhischarge,divingatthebaseofthetripodandslidingintoitasthegunsbeganhammeringaway,tearingupthegroundbehindhim.

WithJoeclingingtothebaseofthetripod,theclamoringstoppedbutthegunscontinuedswinging

fromsidetoside,hopelesslytryingtofindapositionfromwhichtofireathim.Itwasnouse,Joewasintoocloseandsafelybeneaththeirmaximumangleofdepression.

Withanodtowhoeverdesignedthesystem,Joeconsideredhisoptions.Insteadofdestroyingthemechanismthataimedandfiredtheguns,hebegantakingitapart.

Bothmachinegunsbeganhammeringaway,tearingupthegroundbehindJoe,buthewasbeneaththeirmaximumangleofdepression.Hecrawledforwardandmadeittothetripod.Insteadofdestroyingthemechanismthatspunandaimedtheweapons,heeasedupnexttoitandbeganrippingoutwires.

Eventually,theweaponsstoppedrotating.

Puttingtherailgundown,Joepulledouthisknifeandbeganstrippingthewires.Soonenough,hehadahalfdozenwiresstrippedtothecopper.

“Zavala?”theradiocackled.

“I’mworkingonit,”Joesaid.

“Whateveryou’regoingtodo,you’dbettermakeitquick.”

Tryingoutdifferent

combinationsofwiresbypressingthemtogether,Joegottheplatformtoturninaherky-jerkymotionuntilitwaspointedbackupatthecenterofthehedgemaze.

Nexthemanagedtoelevatetheguns.Nowhejustneededthemtofire.Helookedtowardthetriggerassembly.TheweaponsthemselveswerestandardM2.50calibermachineguns.Nothingexotic,butthe

triggerswerecoveredbyametalhousing.

Usingthebackoftherailgunasaclub,Joebrokethehousingfreeandgotaccesstothetriggers.Asimplehydraulicclamphadbeensetuptopullthetriggersremotely.Joedidn’thavetimetofiddlewiththat,soheputhishandsaroundthetriggermechanismandsqueezed.

Bothweaponsbeganto

spitlead.EveryfourthshellwasatracerandfromthoseJoecouldseehisaimwasalittlehigh.Heforcedthebarrelsdownafractionandbegantofireagain.Thistimetheshellsfoundthemark,tearingintothemissilebatteryandshreddingit.Onemissileexploded,anotherlaunchedandflewoutwardbeforequicklynosingoverandthuddingintothepasturelandbeyondthewalls.

JoewasstillfiringwhenheheardBrookscallingtheotherhelicopters.“ThisisDragonleader,theLZisclear.Repeat,theLZisclear.”

“DragonThreeinbound,”camethefirstcall.

“DragonFourinbound.”Withhelpontheway,Joe

droppedbacktotheground,pickeduptherailgun,andwaitedfortheMarinestoarrive.

Inthecontrolroomonthetopfloorofthemainhouseastandoffensued.KurthadraisedthedeadlyrailgunandzeroedinonSebastianBrèvard’shead,butSebastianhadpulledhimselfbehindSiennaandcockedthehammerontheshiny

automaticthatwaspressedagainsthertemple.

Consideringtheaccuracyofhisweapon,KurtwascertainhecouldkillSebastianwithasingleshot,butthenervesofthebodyhavestrangewaysofreactingtothedeathofthemind.IfKurtshothim,Sebastianmightgolimpinstantaneously,orhishandmightjustaseasilytwitch,pullingthehairtriggerofthepistolandkilling

Sienna.ThefactthatKurthad

onlyoneshellleftintherailgunwasalsoaconcern.

“Kurt,”Siennacried,“I’msosorry.Thisisallmyfault.”

HelookedSiennaintheeye,willinghertobecalm.“It’sgoingtobeallright,”hepromised.“He’sgoingtoletyougo.”

“AmI?”Sebastiansaid.“Sothatyoucankillme?Idon’tthinkso.”

“I’mnotinterestedinkillingyou,”Kurtinsisted.“Thereareplentyofotherslinedupforthattask.IfAcostadoesn’tgetyou,theNorthKoreanswill—orevenThanRang,ifheevergetsoutofprison.Deadoralive,you’reirrelevanttomeatthispoint.Yourplansareruined.Whateverschemeyou’vebeenhatchinghereisgoingupinflamesaswespeak.”

“Isthatso?”Sebastian

replied,hiseyebrowsarchedinanexaggeratedlookofsurprise.“Because—asidefromyourearlyarrival—thingsaregoingexactlyasI’veintended.”

Kurtstared,notinterestedinabanalconversationwiththeman,buthewaswillingtohaveoneifitledSebastiantomakeamistake.

“Youexpectmetobelievethisisallpartofsomemasterplan?”

“Come,now,”Sebastiancontinued.“Surelyyou’verealizedthatwecouldhavekilledyouonWestgate’syacht.Thediscoveryofthebodiesonthewreckshouldhavetoldyouthat.Haveyouevenaskedyourselfwhyyouwerespared?”

Kurthadbeenconsideringthatquestionforawhile.“Youweretryingtokeepthekidnappingasecret,”hesaid.“Youwantedmetotellthe

worldthatSiennadrowned.Thatway,therewouldbenoinvestigation.”

“ThenwhydidwesendyoupicturesofSiennainIran?”Sebastianasked.“Whyleadyoutotherealizationthatshewasaliveafterall?”

Kurtcouldn’tguess.Infact,hedidn’tbelieveawordofit.Buthewasrunningoutoftime.Thebattleoutsideappearedtobegoingbadly,andthesoundofgunfireon

thelandingtoldhimCalistawastryingtoholdtheline.

“Catgotyourtongue?”Sebastianasked.“ThenI’lltellyou.Weneededyoutogettheballrolling.Tobegintheprocessofreevaluationamongyoursmugleaders.Toplantaseedofdoubt.”

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatyouhadinmind,”Kurtsaid,“it’sover.Youmayhavebeenaheadofusatthestart,butwe’vebeenontoyou

sinceKorea.Ourpeopleareshuttingdownthevulnerablenetworksatthisverymoment.Whentheworldopensupforbusinessinthemorning,Phalanxwillbegone.It’sbeingrippedoutofeverysystemitwaseverinstalledon.”

AbroadsmilecreptoverSebastian’sface.Therewasnofalsitytoit.Nordidheappeartobesmilinginthefaceofdefeat.Indeed,it

lookedtoKurtasifhe’djustdeliveredSebastiansomegloriousnews.

“Ofcoursetheyare,”Sebastiansaid.“WhichisexactlywhatI’vebeenwaitingfor.”

“You’relying,”Kurtsaid.“AmI?”Sebastian

replied.“AskyourlovelyfriendhereifPhalanxhasbeencompromised.”

Kurtrefusedtoplayalong,soSebastianturnedhis

attentiontoSienna.“Tellhim!”“He’stellingthetruth,”

shesaid.“It’sstillsecure.Becauseofthewayitsartificialintelligenceprotocolswork,Phalanxcan’tbehacked.Notevenbyme.”

Kurtnarrowedhisgaze.TearswerestreamingdownSienna’sface.“Thenwhygothroughallthis?”

Sebastiananswered.“BecauseI’vespentthree

yearsperfectingthegreatestcriminalactofalltime,”heboasted,“andthesuddenappearanceofPhalanxnearlyruineditforme.Now,thankstoyou,theWestgates,andanabundanceofcaution,yourleadersareremovingitforme.”

Kurtsawitnow.“Andreplacingitwiththeoldsystems,”hesaid.“Systemsyoualreadyknowhowtohack.”

Sebastianlookedlikeamanwhothoughthimselfageniusorevenagod.Hismachinesandhismenwerewinningthebattleoutside,andthebestmindsinthesecuritybusinesshaddeliveredtohimtheonethinghecouldn’tgetforhimself.They’dtakendowntheimpenetrablewallofPhalanxandreplaceditwithwhatmusthavebeenaveritabletunnelthatledrightto

whateverhewasafter.“You’regoingtorobthe

world’sbanks,”Kurtsaid,rememberingwhatMontresorhadworkedon.

“Nothingsocrassastheft,”Sebastianreplied.“I’manartist.Mycrimewillhavemuchmorestyle.”

“Whatcrime?”Kurtdemanded.“Whatareyouafter?”

“It’stheFed,”Siennacriedout.“He’splanted

virusesintheFederalReservebanks.”

“Shutup,”Sebastianshoutedashetriedtokeepherfromtalkingbycompressingherwindpipewithhisforearm.

TheactcausedKurttomoveandalmostfire,butSebastianmovedaswell,effectivelykeepingherbetweenthem.

“TheFed?”Kurtrepeated.“Youcan’trobthe

Fed.That’sevenmorefoolishthanrobbingaregularbank.”

“IfIwasgoingtoburglarizeit,”Sebastianreplied,hiswordslacedwithprideandvenom.

Kurtdecidedtoprodhim.Maybe,justmaybe,Sebastian’segowaslikethoseofmanycriminals,secretlyeagerfortheworldtoknowhowbrillianttheywere.Certainly,hewouldn’tbethefirsttoboastaboutandclaim

hiscrime.“Ifyou’renotgoingto

robtheFed,thenwhatareyouafter?Iassumeyou’renotgoingtomakeadeposit.”

“Actually,”Sebastiansaid,“inawayIam.”

Kurtheldsilent.“Doyouhaveanyidea

howtheFedcreatesmoney?”Sebastianasked.

“Printingpress,”Kurtsaid,thinkingoftheBrèvard’sfamilyhistory.

“Toaminorextent,”Sebastianacknowledged.“Buttheyhavemoreefficientways,themostusefulofwhichistheredemptionofbonds.Whentheydecidethatinvestorsorbondholdersdeservetoberepaid,theysimplygotoacomputer,typeinsomenumbers,anddollarsmagicallyappearinthebondholders’accountsastheirnotesarecanceled.”

Sebastiangrinned.“I’m

notgoingtorobtheFed,”heinsisted.“I’mgoingtousetheirownprogramstocreateaseriesofbondsoutofthinairandsimultaneouslycreatedollarstosatisfytheredemptionofthosebonds.Therewillbenomoneymissing.Nolossestoexplainortrace.ThebalancesheetoftheFedwillstandexactlyasitdoesnow.Onesideequalingtheother.Liabilitiesequalingreserves.We’renot

stealingmoney.We’recreatingit.”

“DoyouhaveanyideahowtheFedcreatesmoney?”Sebastianasked.“Whentheydecidethatinvestorsandbondholdersdeservetoberepaid,theydon’tgotoFortKnox,boxupsomegold,andshipitoutinthemailliketheymighthavedonebackinthedaysofthegoldstandard.Theysimplygotoacomputer,typeinsome

numbers,anddollarsappearintheaccountsofthosebondholdersastheirnotesarecanceled.I’mnotgoingtorobtheFed,”headded.“I’mgoingtousetheirprogramstocreateaseriesofbondsoutofthinairandsimultaneouslycreatedollarstosatisfytheredemptionofthosebonds.”

AsSebastianspoke,hiseyeswerewild.“Therewillbenomoneymissing,”hecontinued,“nolossesto

explainortrace.ThebalancesheetoftheFederalReservewillstandexactlyasitdoesnow.Onesideequalingtheother.Liabilitiesequalingreserves.We’renotstealingmoney.We’recreatingit.”

“Ofcourse,”Kurtsaid.Itmadesense.“You’reacounterfeiter.Likeyourancestors.Justslightlymoremodern.”

“Soyouknowaboutthem?”

“TheKlaarRiverGang,”Kurtsaid.

Sebastianreactedtothenamebutnotwithshame.Heseemedalmostproudtoadmitit.“Mygreat-grandfatherwasabrilliantman,”hesaid.“Thenoteshecreatedwereperfect.Theycouldn’tbedifferentiatedfromtherealthing.Notuntiltimeaffectedthedyes.Sohehadtodisappear.Andhedid.Evenwiththeworldlookingfor

him,hedisappearedwithoutatrace.”

“BymurderingovertwohundredpeopleontheWaratah?”Kurtreplied.“You’renotartists.You’rethugsandkillers.”

“Iseeyou’veputthepuzzletogether,”SebastianacknowledgedasifhewerecomplimentingKurt.“Allthemorereasonformetoleave.”

“Youcan’thonestlythinkyou’regoingtopullthisoff,”

Kurtsaid.“Therearechecksandbalancesinthesystem,auditorsandwatchdogs.”

SebastiandraggedSiennaupastep.“Areyouthatnaïve?Thereareliterallybillionsoftransactionseveryday.Trillionsofdollarschangehandsinamonth’stime.Doyouthinkit’salltalliedupbyhordesofaccountantswithgreenvisorsabovetheireyes,toilingawayinthegovernment’sback

officesomewhere?Computerprogramsdothosechecksandauditsyouspokeof.Andguesswhocontrolsthoseprogramsnow?Ido.Thedatatheyspitoutwillsatisfythefewhumansthatevenbothertolookpastthetopandbottomlines,Icanassureyouofthat.”

SebastiandraggedSiennaupanotherstep.

“Youcan’tknowthatforcertain,”Kurtsaid.

“I’mfairlyconfidentatthispoint,”Sebastiansaid.“Andshouldyourgovernmenteventuallycatchon,theywillfindthathundredsofbillionsofdollarshavebeencreatedanddisbursedtothousandsofcompaniesandstrawmenofmycreation.They’lldiscoverhalfthetrailevaporatesandtheotherhalfleadstopoliticalelectionfundsinAmericaandotherspots

aroundtheworld.They’llfindbillionshavebeenroutedthroughChina,Iran,NorthKorea.Andthey’llbefacedwithaterribledilemma:admitthetruthandshaketheworld’sconfidenceinthemightydollar,inalllikelihoodcrashingtheinternationalfinancialsystem,orletitgo,fixtheholeinthewallquietly,andchalkituptoexperience.”

Kurthadtoadmitthat

Sebastianwasprobablyright.“Theymightnotannounceittotheworld,buttheywillhuntyoudown.”

“TheywillthinkI’mdead,”Sebastiansaid,draggingSiennaupthefinalstepandpullinghertowardanalcoveinthefarreachesoftheroom.

Kurtcouldseeanothersteelsecuritydoorhingedtothealcovewall.HecouldnotallowSebastiantodrag

Siennathroughit.Hisposturestiffened.“TakeanotherstepandI’llkillyou,”

hesaid,“regardlessofwhatelsehappens.”

SebastianstudiedKurtfrombehindSienna.Bynowhe’dtuckedinsoclosethatonlyhisrighteyecouldseepasthertoKurtandhismenacingglare.Andyetevenwiththatlimitedview,hehadnodoubtthatAustinwouldfire.He’dlostthiswomantoo

manytimesalready.Heseemedunwillingtoloseheragain.

ItleftSebastianonlyonechoice.WithSiennaheldtightagainsthim,hereachedacrossherbodyandpulledatinyremoteunitfromhispocket.

ToKurtitlookedalotliketheoneCalistahadusedinthetunnelbeneaththeDMZ.“Ifyou’replanningonzappingme,you’realittle

late,I’vebeendeloused.”“It’snotforyou,”

Sebastiansaid.“It’sforher.”Withthat,Sebastian

whisperedtoSienna,“I’llmakeyouadeal.ThesamedealI’vebeenmakingyouallalong.Yourlifeorthelivesofyourchildren.Whichwillitbe?”

Hepressedakeyontheglasslikescreenoftheremoteandafireballeruptedinthecenterofthecourtyard.Itwas

soimmenseitshatteredthewindowsbehindKurtandblastedsplintersofglassacrosstheroom.

Kurtstoodhisgroundastheshardspeltedhim.

“Thatwasthearmory,”SebastiangloatedtoSienna.“Ifyouresistanyfurther,orifhetriestostopme,Iwillobliteratetheprisonersintheirquartersandyourchildrenwillburn.”Ablindplayifevertherewasone,

Kurtthought.Neitheroneofthemknewiftheprisonerswereinthehut.Itwasentirelypossiblethattheywerestayingputandtakingcoverthere,asthebattleragedoutside.ItwasalsopossiblethatJoehadledthemaway.

“Letmego,”SiennacriedtoKurt,hereyesfilledwithtears.

“He’llkillyou,”Kurtreplied.“He’llkillthem

eitherway.”“Please!”shebegged.Atthatmomentafigure

crawledthroughthemaindoor,apitifulfigure,slitheringontheground.“Brother,”itcriedout.“Dearbrother.”

Calista’sappearancewasjustenoughofasurprisetodistractSebastian.Hebegantoglanceherwaybeforecatchinghimself.Thepistolinhishandcameawayfrom

Sienna’sheadforaninstantand,inthatblinkofaneye,Kurtsqueezedthetriggerandfired.

Theironprojectilefromtherailgunhitthenickel-platedhandgunataspeedoftwothousandfeetpersecond,impactingitjustaheadofthebreach.

Theblowshatteredthepistolasitshammerfellandstruckthebulletinthechamber.Thegunpowderin

the9mmcartridgeignitedandtheleadshellbeganitsjourneyforward.ButtheframeofthepistolhadbeenmangledbyKurt’sshotandinsteadofbeingexhaustedoutthroughthemouthofthebarrel,thebulletblewtheweaponapart.

AtthemomentoftheexplosionitwasalreadyoutofSebastian’shand,havingbeentornfreeandhurledhalfwaytotherearofthe

alcove.TheimpactbrokeSebastian’swrist,andshrapnelfromtheexplodinggunflewinalldirections,cuttinghisfaceandnecklikeclawsofsomeenragedanimal.

Inablindfury,SebastianflungSiennatowardKurt,grabbedthedoor,andtriedtoswingitshut.

Kurtwasalreadytossingtherailgunasideandreachingintotheopenpocketofhis

armoredvestfortheColt.HepushedSiennaoutofthewayanddrewtherevolverlikeagunfighterintheOldWest,extendingittowardSebastian,cockingthehammer,andpullingthetriggerinoneswiftmotion.

Theboomingreportoftheold.45calibershellechoedacrosstheroomasfireeruptedfromthebarrelandacloudofsmokeburstfromeithersideofthecylinder.

TheheavyshellgrazedtheslammingsteeldoorandcaughtSebastianjusttotherightofhiscenterofmass.Hewasthrownbackwardasifhe’dbeenkickedbyahorse.Heslammedagainstthebackofthealcoveandfellonhissideasthedoorbangedshut,cuttinghimofffromKurt’sview.

Kurtrushedforwardandtriedthehandle.Thedoorhadlatchedbutwasn’tlocked.He

swungitopen,readytofireagain,butrealizedinstantlythathedidn’tneedto.Sebastianlaydeadagainstthewall.

TheremotedroppedfromSebastian’sgraspandKurtrelaxedforaninstantonlytoseeonthesmallscreenwhatlookedlikeasecondhandsweepinginaredarctowardthetwelveo’clockposition.

“Run,”Kurtshouted,dashingtoSienna’ssideand

pullingheruptoherfeet.Theexplosionsbeganin

thedistance.First,theprisoners’quarters,thenthebarracks,andthenthetwohelicoptersinthehangar.

KurthadhelpedSiennaupandnowdidthesameforCalista.

Heturnedforthedoor,butitwastoolate.Aseriesofexplosionsshookthemainhouse,blastingonesectionafteranotherandheading

towardthemlikearumblingfreighttrain.

Realizingtherewasnootherwayout,KurtshovedSiennatowardtheshatteredwindowsandtheverandabeyond.

“Jump!”heshouted.Siennaleaptwithout

questionandKurtpropelledhimselfandCalistaovertheledgehalfasecondlater.Ashefellthroughtheair,hefelttheexplosionsclosingin.

Sectionsofthemansiontotheirrightandleftwereblownapartsimultaneously.Thecontrolroomfollowedaninstantlater,eruptinginafierydetonationjustasKurt,Sienna,andCalistacrashedintothedeependofSebastian’sOlympic-sizedswimmingpool.

Kurtfelthislegscrunchintothebottomofthetwelve-footdeeppoolandlookedup.Seenthroughthe

kaleidoscopiclensoftheswirlingwater,thedistortedtonguesofflamewerealmostbeautiful.

Ahailstormofdebrisfollowed,includingsplatteringsofnapalmthatburnedonthesurfaceofthewater,andchunksofthestonefromthehousethatcrasheddownaroundthemlikemeteors.

KurtgrabbedSiennatopreventherfromsurfacingas

asecondwaveoffirestreakedabovethemandretreated.

Hecouldhaveremaineddownthereforanotherminuteorso,butCalistawasstrugglingtopullfree.Hedoubtedshe’dbeenreadyforthedive.Hegrippedhertightandpushedoffthebottom,anglingawayfromthehouseandbreakingthesurfaceasthelastsmatteringoffragmentsdroppedfromthe

heavens.Treadingwaterand

helpingCalistakeepherheadabovethesurface,Kurtturnedinaslowcircleandsawthathalftheworldwasonfire.Thetopfloorsofthemansionhadbeenblownoff,whilethelowerfloorswereconsumedinflames.Wavesofheatassaultedhim,temperedonlybythecoolnessofthewater.

“Thatway,”Kurtsaid,

pointingtowardthefarendofthepool.

Siennabegantoswim,andKurtrolledoverontohisback,draggingCalistainarescueswimmer’sstroke.Whenitbecameshallowenoughtoputhisfeetdown,hedid,andfromtheretheywadedtothewall.

Astheyclimbedout,Kurtheardthesoundofpeopleapproaching.Hecockedtheoldpistolandreadiedhimself

foronemorefight,butafriendlyshoutstoppedhimfromfiring.

“Easythere,cowboy,”JoeZavalasaidasheemergedfromthedark.

AsKurtloweredthepistol,severalMarinescameintoview,movinginbehindJoe.

“Kurt,thisisLieutenantBrooks,”Joesaid.“LieutenantBrooks,IpresentKurtAustin.”

BrooksflashedagrinatKurtandthenseemedtorecognizeCalista.Heraisedhisweapon.

“It’sokay,”Kurtsaid,holdingoutahand.

“Butshe’soneofthem,”Brooksinsisted.

“No,”Kurtsaid.“Asitturnsout,she’snotoneofthemafterall.”

Brooksmadeaquickdecision.Heloweredhisweaponandclickedhisradio.

“GettheSARCuphere,”hesaid,referringtotheNavymedic,twoofwhomhadlandedinDragonFive.“We’vegotanotherwoundedplayer.”

Evenbeforethemedicarrived,BrooksdroppeddownbesideCalistaandbeganworkingonherwounds.

“Whataboutmychildren?”Siennaasked.“Andtheothers?”

“Safeandsound,”Joesaid.“Isentthemforicecreamassoonasthebattlegotunderway.”

Brookschimedin.“TheymadeitoverthewallandmetupwithacoupleoftheguysfromDragonThree.”

“Wherearetheynow?”“DragonFourswoopedin

andpickedthemup,”Brookssaid.“They’realreadyontheirwaybacktotheBataan.”

Hearingthat,Sienna’swholeposturesoftenedinawaveofrelief.Herchestheaved,andshebegantocryagain.Butthistimetheyweretearsofjoy.

Kurtsmiled.“SoI’mguessingwewon?”

“Wedid,”Joesaid.“Whileyouweretakingamidnightdipwithtwobeautifulwomen,therestofuswereworkinghardtoturnthetideofbattle.”

“Gladtohearit,”Kurtsaid.“Andhowarethe‘restofus’goingtogetoutofhere?Weseemtobealittleshortonhelicopters.”

“DragonThreewillmaxoutandtakethewounded,”Brookssaid.“Therestofuswillheadforthecoast.Madagascarhasaprettylimitedmilitary—andweseemtobemilesfromanywhereimportant—butIdon’twanttorunintoany

well-meaningmembersoftheneighborhoodwatch.”

Kurtnodded.“Arewewalking?”

“No,”Brookssaid.“Mymenhaverescuedabunchofhorsesfromthestablesonthelowerterrace.We’llberiding.”

Atthat,Calistalookedup.“I’llride,”shesaid.

Brooksshookhishead.“You’reinnoshapetoride,ma’am.You’llgoonthe

helicopter.”Shestiffenedherback

andpulledfreefromhisgrasp.“IsaidI’llride.Besides,you’llneedsomeonetoshowyoutheway.”“Ithinkwecanfindtheoceanonourown,”Brooksinsisted.

“Trustme,”Kurtsaid,“there’snopointarguingwithher.”

Brooksshrugged.“Suityourself.”

Afewminuteslater,the

grouparrivedatthestables.ThelastoftheBlackHawkssatinthepasturecloseby.

SiennahuggedKurttightly.“Ioweyoueverything,”shewhisperedinhisear.“Mylife,myfamily.HowcanIeverrepayyou?”

“Justgolive,”Kurtsaid.“AndtellyourhusbandI’msorryforslugginghiminthejaw.”

Shegazedathimwithalookofconfusion.

“Longstory,”hesaid.“Knowingwhathe’sbeenthrough,I’mhopinghewon’tevenrememberit.”

Shenodded,begantocryagain,andsmiledthroughthetears.Shehuggedhimtightlyoncemoreandthenwentaboardthehelicopter.

Asthehelicopterpoweredupandliftedoff,Kurtfoundhiswayintothestables.Calistawasalreadyonherhorse,andtheotherswere

mountingup.Kurtclimbedonasturdy-

lookinganimalandtookthereins.

“Lookatme,”Joesaid,“Ireallyamthecavalry.NowI’mevenridingahorse.”

OnlyKurtlaughed.Nooneelsegotthejoke.

Theyrodefromthestablessinglefile,traveleddownthemainpathandoutontotheopenplainwiththeBrèvardpalaceand

Sebastian’smaddreamsburningtoashesonthehillbehindthem.

KurtnoticedthatCalistaneverlookedback.Instead,sheledthemtoapathshe’dwornintothesoilovertheyears.

Onlynowdidsherealizewhyshe’dalwaysreturnedtothatstrangehillwheretheshiphadbeenburied.Onlynowdidsherememberherrealbrotherstalkingabouta

lifeboat.AndthenSebastianasayoungmanwithEganandLaurent,workingdowntheretocoverwhathermotherandbrothershadexcavated.

Twohourslater,theycameoutontotheshore,whereawidebeachmetslow-rollingsurf.There,Lt.Brooksorderedthegrouptoahalt,madearadiocall,andlitalow-lightbeacon.

Afterashortwait,apair

ofhigh-speedcollapsibleboatscameracinginfromthedark,mannedbycrewsoftwoincamouflageandfacepaint.Theyenteredtheshallowsandcoastedtoastopjusttheothersideofthelowbreakers.

“Someonecallforawatertaxi?”oneofthecamouflagedmenasked.

WiththeMarineswatchingtheshoreinbothdirections,Kurthelped

Calistadownfromherhorse.Shewaspaleandcold.Sherubbedtheblazeonthehorse’snoseandwhisperedsomethingaboutrunningfree.Thehorsetookoff,gallopingdowntheshore,andCalistaallbutcollapsed.Kurtpickedherup,cradlingherinhisarmsandcarryingherintothesurfasshewrappedherhandsaroundhisneckandheldon.

“Ishouldhaveleftfromheretwenty-sevenyearsago,”

shewhispered.“Betterlatethannever,”

Kurtsaid.Hecarriedhertothe

nearestboatandloweredhergentlyintoit.Heclimbedinafterher,andJoefollowedsuit,astheMarinestookspotsinthesecondboat.Momentslater,theywerecuttingthroughthesurfandracingouttosea.

OnlyCalistawassurprisedwhenagreatblack

shaperoseupthroughthewaterandallowedtheboatstoslideupontoitsback.

Agroupofsailorshelpedthemoutoftheboatsanddirectedthemtoadeckhatch.Calistawastakentotheinfirmarywhiletheship’scommandershookhandswithKurtandJoe.

“WelcomeaboardtheUSSOhio,”hesaid.“IhearyouguysworkforDirkPittatJimSandecker’soldoutfit,

NUMA.”Theynoddedinunison.“Bothmenaskedmeto

giveyoutheirregards,”thecommandersaid.“Planonbriefingthemtomorrowmorning.Whichisinanhourandfortyminutes,bytheway.”

“Justourluck,”Kurtsaid.“Atleastyouspentthree

dayssnoozinginKorea,”Joesaid.“ImaginehowIfeel.”

Kurtlaughed.“I’lldothe

briefing,”hesaid,“butIneedtogetasecuremessagethroughbeforewesubmerge.Wouldthatbepossible?”

“Sure,”thecommanderreplied.“Whatdoyouwantittosay?”

“It’scomplicated,”Kurtbegan.“Basically,Ineedsomeonetodeclareabankholidaytomorrow.Andmaybefortherestoftheweek.Justincase.”

InthelasthoursofthatnighttheSSWaratahfinallyreturnedhome.Somehadwantedtodelayherarrivaluntilmorning,butPaulwouldhavenoneofit.Hethoughtthevenerableoldshiphadbeenawaylongenough.

Nudgedforwardbythe

Sedgewick,shecameintotheharborvirtuallyalone.Butassheapproachedthedock,Paulnoticedasighthewouldrememberfortherestofhislife.ItseemedasifhalfofDurbanhadcomeout,andthousandsstoodquietlyinthedarkwithcandlesintheirhands.Theylinedbothsidesoftheinletandthedock.

Hesawnocameraflashes,andtherewerenodignitarieswaitingtogive

speeches.Allthatwouldcomelater.Fortonight,thepeopleofSouthAfricawerewelcomingthisshiphome.

TheWaratahbumpedthedockandwastiedup.AhighrankingofficeroftheSouthAfricanNavycameaboardandPaulrelinquishedcommandoftheship.Fromthatmomenton,hethoughtonlyoffindingGamayandwrappinghisarmsaroundher.

Truetoherword,shewaswaitingforhimatthebottomofthegangway.Theyembracedandbeganwalkingthedock.Paulhadneverinhislifeseensomanycards,flowers,andwreaths.

Hestoppedbesideapicturethatlookedfamiliartohim.Intheblack-and-whiteportraithesawaburlymanwithahandlebarmustache.Hisnamewaswrittenbelow,aswashisposition,fireman,

onboardtheWaratah,assignedtotheaftboiler.

Paulstilldidn’tbelieveinghosts,buthewonderediftheymightexistafterall.

Handinhand,heandGamaywalkedtherestofthedockwithoutsayingasingleword.

ThedetailsofKurt’smessageexplainedwhatheknewaboutBrèvard’sscheme.AndwhenthePresidentandthechairmanoftheFedwereinformed,athree-daymoratoriumonallFedactivitywasdeclared.

Meanwhile,Montresor,

SiennaWestgate,andtheotherhackerswillinglyexplainedwhatthey’ddone,andbeenforcedtodo,revealingtheviruses,blinds,andtrapdoorsthey’dplantedonebyoneuntilallthevariousdangerswereuncoveredandneutralized.

AftertwelvehoursonboardtheOhio,Kurt,Joe,andCalistaweretransferredtoashipboundforDurban.Atthesametime,Lt.Brooks

andtheotherMarineswerepickedupandflownbacktotheBataanafterpromisingnevertomakefunofoceanographersagain.

UpontheirapproachintotheDurbanharbor,KurtandJoemarveledatthesightoftheWaratah,backhomeafteralltheseyears.Untoldthousandsofbouquetslinedthedockinfrontofher,andapropercleaningandrestorationwasalreadyunder

way.Planswerebeingmadetoturnpartoftheshipintoamuseumandtherestintoafloatingmemorialtothetwohundredelevenpassengersandcrewwhovanishedoveracenturyago.

Ajournaldiscoveredinthesickbaygavesomeclosuretothemystery.Though,sadly,thedescendantshadtolivewiththeknowledgethatthosewhoweren’tkilledintheoriginal

hijackingwereabandonedinlifeboatstoperishatseainthesubsequentstorm.Amemorialservicewithfullhonorswasbeingplanned.

Astheybumpedthedock,Kurtlookedaroundforfriendlyfaces.“IthoughtPaulandGamayweregoingtobehere,”hementionedtoJoe.

“Igotamessagefromthem,”Joesaid.“They’reonadoubledatewithDukeandElena.Somethingabout

goingtoashootinggallerytoprove,onceandforall,whosavedtheWaratah.”

Kurtshrugged.Themessagemadenosensetohim.ThoughPaulandGamayweren’ttheretogreetthem,someoneelsewas.Anattractivewomaninawhitedressthatcontrastednicelywithhercinnamon-coloredtan.Shestoodonthepierbelow,wavingandshoutinguptoJoe.

“Didn’tknowyouhadfriendsintheseparts,”Kurtsaid,thoughJoeseemedtohaveafriendineveryport.

“She’sthereporterwhodidthestoryonhowIrescuedyoufromthemawoftheangrysea,”Joeexplained.“Wehititoffwhileyouwererecuperating.”

“Well,ifanyone’searnedsomeR&Raroundhere,it’syou.SeeyoubackinD.C.”

Joenodded,sauntered

downthegangway,andleftwiththeyoungwoman.

Asothersmadetheirwayofftheship,KurtturnedtoCalista.She’dbeguntorecoverfromherinjuriesbutlookedmoredrawnthanever.

“What’sgoingtohappentome?”sheasked.“AmIgoingtoprison?”

Kurttookadeepbreath.“Alotofpeoplehavequestionsforyou,”headmitted.“TheFBI,Interpol,

ScotlandYard.Buttherearesignificantextenuatingcircumstancesinyourcase.Beyondthat,youhelpeduswhenitcounted,andyou’vealreadyprovidedusefulinformationabouttheotherconspirators.”

Sheperkedupalittlebitandlookeddownatherlegs.Acastcoveredthelowerhalfofherleftlegwhileatrackingbraceletonherrightankleremindedherthatshe

wasn’tfree.TheSouthAfricanpoliceandtheBritishconsulateintendedtokeeptrackofheruntiltheydecidedherfate.She’dbeentoldsomeonewouldbewithheratalltimesand,indeed,amemberoftheDurbanpoliceforcewaswaitingatthebottomofthegangway.

Itcertainlydidn’tlooklikeshewasgoingtohavealotoffreedomanytimesoon.SheturnedbacktoKurt.

“Willyoucomevisitmeintheklink?I’msureI’llbeinsolitarymostofthetime.”

Helaughed.“Absolutely,”hepromised.“I’llbringyouacakewithafileinit.”

Sheraisedaneyebrow.“It’stheleastIcoulddo,”

headded.“AsfarasI’mconcerned,you’repartofthepacknow.”

Shelookedathimstrangely.“‘Partofthe

pack’?”Hedidn’tbothertryingto

explain.“Whenyougetsomedowntime,readKipling’sTheJungleBook.It’llmakemoresenseafterthat.”

Shenoddedandturnedbacktothepier,watchingasagroupofpeoplefiledoutthroughthedoorsofthepassengerembarkationbuildingandstoodtogether,waiting.Thegroupseemedtobethreegenerations.A

couplewithgrayhair,threepeopleintheirthirtiesorforties,andseveralchildren.

“Idon’tknowifIcandothis,”shesaid.

“Thesepeopleareyourfamily,”Kurtsaid,“yourrealfamily.They’veflownallthewayfromEnglandtomeetyou.”

“Whataretheygoingtothinkofme?”sheasked.“WhatamIgoingtotellthem?I’vedoneterrible

things.”“They’regoingtoseeyou

astheprodigaldaughter,”Kurtsaid.“They’regoingtofindinyoutherewardforthehopetheykeptalivealltheseyears.They’regoingtotellyoustoriesaboutyourmotherandfather.Tobehonest,ifit’sanythinglikemyfamilyreunions,you’llbeluckytogetawordinedgewise.”

Sheappreciatedwhathewassaying,butthefearwas

overwhelming.“Ican’t,”shesaid,shakingherhead.

“Calistacan’t,”Kurtreplied,“butOliviacan.Rememberhowyousetyourhorsefree?SetCalistafreetoo.It’stimetolethergo.”

Shetookadeepbreath,obviouslytryingtosteelherselfagainstthewavesofemotion.Sheturnedtowardhimandchangedthesubject.“Youreallyshouldhavekissedme,”shesaid.“Back

onAcosta’syacht.Itwouldhavesavedusawholelotoftrouble.”

Kurtlaugheddeeplyandasmilecametohisface,givinghimdimplesandwrinklingthesun-kissedskinaroundhiseyes.“Ihighlydoubtakissfrommeisgoingtochangeanyone’slife.”

“Wouldhavebeennicetofindout,”shesaid.

Hecontinuedtosmileandthenslowlyleanedtoward

her.Slidinghishandacrosshercheekandcuppingherface,hepulledhergentlytowardhimandtheirlipsmetsoftlyinalingeringkiss.

Whentheyparted,shewassmilingbroadly.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“Thatwasprettygood.”

Kurtlaughedagain.“Goseeyourfamily,”hesaid.“They’vebeenwaitingforthirtyyears.”

Shenodded,lookedat

himonelasttime,andthenwashelpeddownthegangwaybyaship’sofficer.TheconstablefromtheDurbanpoliceforcemetthemandledhertowardthefamilyshe’dneverknown.

Twenty-sixhourslater,KurtwaspassingthroughcustomsinthemainterminalatWashington’sDullesInternationalAirport.He’d

lostalltrackoftime,butitwasdarkoutside.Andconsideringhowdesertedtheterminalwas,ithadtobelateatnightorveryearlyinthemorning.Infact,theonlypeoplehesawweremembersofthecleaningcrew.

Kurtmovedslowlytowardbaggageclaim,pausingwhenhesawagatheringofairportpolicenearoneofthesecuritydoors.Outsideonthetarmac,

severalvehicleswithflashingredandbluelightswereparkedinacirclearoundaprivatejetthatsatwithitsdooropenanditsstairsdown.

CuriositygavewaytosurprisewhenherecognizedDavidForresterbeingescortedintotheterminalbytwoagentsinwindbreakerswithFBIwrittenonthebacks.

“Well,I’llbedamned,”Kurtsaid.

AtthesoundofKurt’svoicetheagentsandtheprisonerlookedup.

“Excuseme,sir,you’llhavetostepback,”saidoneoftheagents.

“It’sallright,”anothervoiceinterjected.

Kurtdidn’trecognizethespeaker,butthemanobviouslyknewhim.Heintroducedhimself.“TrentMacDonaldoutofLangley.”

Kurtrecognizedthe

name,recallingthatMacDonaldwasthefirstpersonattheCIAtoshareanyinformationregardingSienna’spossiblesurvival.

Theyshookhands.“Thanksforyourhelp,”Kurtsaid.“Caughtyourselfquiteafish,bythelookofthings.”

“Notasbigastheoneyoubagged,”MacDonaldadmitted,“butwe’rehappy.Wepassedtheinformationyourfriendgaveustothe

FBI.Fortunately,theywereabletograbForresterbeforehetookoffforacountrywithnoextraditiontreaty.”

OnemorepointinCalista’sfavor,Kurtthought.“Sowhatpartdidheplayinallofthis?”

“ForresterwasBrèvard’sinsideman,”MacDonaldexplained.“Allthefinancialmaneuveringranthroughhim.Heusedhiscontactstoplantthecomputervirusesat

theFederalReserve,compromisingthemainsystemandtheaccountingprotocols.Healsosetupanetworkofshellcorporationsthatwouldhavemadeitvirtuallyimpossibletotrackthemoneyonceitwasmoved.”

Kurtwasn’tsurprised.“Andifthat’snotenough,

he’sbeencontrollingWestgate,”MacDonaldadded,“withanimplantin

Westgate’sbrain,makingsurehedidn’tremembertoomuchtoosoon.”

ThatputanewlightontheconfrontationattheSmithsonian.“IknewthisguywasasnakefromthemomentImethim,”Kurtsaid.

“Firstimpressions,”MacDonaldsaid.

KurtnoddedandlookedpastForresteroutthewindow,wherehecouldsee

FBIagentsclearingtheplane,lookingforevidence.Astheyworked,thefirstsignofdaylightappeared,andthehighcloudswerebrushedwiththeslightesthintofpink.Apparently,itwasmorningafterall.

KurtlookedbackatForrester,whoglaredbackathimwithoutatraceofremorse.“Mightwanttoenjoythesunrise,”Kurtsaidcoldly.“You’renotgoingto

seemanymorewhereyou’regoing.”

AtwitchranacrossForrester’scheek,butthatwashisonlyresponse.Itwasenough.

KurtturnedbacktoTrentMacDonald,shookhandsonceagain,andthencontinuedonhisway.

Helefttheterminalandstoodatthecurb,wonderingjusthowlonghe’dhavetowaitfortheshuttletolong-

termparking.Beforehecouldhazardaguess,hespottedafamiliar-lookingblackJeepcominghisway.HisJeep.Itpulledupandstoppedrightinfrontofhim.

Asthedriver’sdooropened,AnnaEricsson’sprettyface,flaxenblondhair,andbeamingsmilepoppedupovertheroof.

“DidyoutakeupautotheftwhileIwasgone?”Kurtasked.

Shelaughed.“Withallyourmemoryproblems,Ithoughtyoumighthaveahardtimefindingyourcarintheparkinglotwhenyougotback.”

Kurtpretendedtobehurt,buthehonestlycouldn’trememberdrivingtotheairporttwoweeksearlier.“Youmightbeontosomething,”hesaid,andthenadded,“SorryforhowIbehaved.Iwasn’texactly

myself.”“Irealizethat,”shesaid.

“Icrossedalinetoo.Anyinterestinstartingover?”

“Nothingwouldmakemehappier,”hesaid.

Shejumpeddown,camearoundtheJeep,andofferedherhand.“Hi,”shesaidasifmeetinghimforthefirsttime.“I’mAnnaEricsson.I’mapsychiatrist.AndI’mnotallowedtodatemypatients.”

Heshookherhand.“Kurt

Austin.Fortunately,Inolongerneedashrink.”Heopenedthepassengerdoorforherandasked,“MindifIdrive?”

Shesettledintothepassenger’sseatasKurtmadehiswaytothedriver’ssideandgotbehindthewheel.

“Whereto?”heasked.“Somewherewecanlook

outattheriver,”shesaidcoyly.

Heshutthedoor,putthe

Jeepingear,andpulledawayfromthecurb,smiling.“Iknowjusttheplace,”hesaid.“Andthebestpartis,we’llbetheonlyguests.”

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