9781529160567

JAMES PATTERSON

James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. Among his creations are some of the world’s most popular series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett and the Private novels. He has written many other number one bestsellers including collaborations with President Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, stand-alone thrillers and non-fiction. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed adult author in UK libraries for the past fourteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.

Brendan DuBois is the award-winning author of twenty-four novels and more than one hundred and eighty short stories, garnering him three Shamus awards from the Private Eye Writers of America. He is also a Jeopardy! game-show champion.

A list of titles by James Patterson appears at the back of this book

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First published in the UK by Century in 2023

Published in Penguin Books 2024 001

Copyright © James Patterson, 2023

Excerpt from Holmes, Margaret and Poe copyright © James Patterson, 2024

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CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

ICHECKmywatchandifallgoeswell,thekillingwillbeginin lessthantwominutes.

ICHECKmywatchandifallgoeswell,thekillingwillbeginin lessthantwominutes.

I’mhidingwithtwoothermembersofmysniperteaminthe barrenmountainsofnortheasternLebanon,justafewklicksaway fromtheSyrianborder.JordanLangloisistheshooterandSantiagoSanchezishisspotter.Jordanisfromthemountainsof KentuckyandSantiagoisfromEastLA.Fromthewaytheyjoke andworktogether,you’dthinktheywereraisedinthesameorphanage.

I’mhidingwithtwoothermembersofmysniperteaminthe barrenmountainsofnortheasternLebanon,justafewklicksaway fromtheSyrianborder.JordanLangloisistheshooterandSantiagoSanchezishisspotter.Jordanisfromthemountainsof KentuckyandSantiagoisfromEastLA.Fromthewaytheyjoke andworktogether,you’dthinktheywereraisedinthesameorphanage.

No,notreally.JusttheMarineCorpsandeventuallytheCIA.

No,notreally.JusttheMarineCorpsandeventuallytheCIA.

I’moriginallyfromMaine,thenwentintotheArmy,andnow I’mtheleadofficerforthissquadoftheCIA’shighlyclassifiedSpecialActivitiesDivision—averyblandnameforaverydangerous job.Wegoinwaybehindenemylines,killbadguys,thengetthe hellout.Alongtheway,weworkvery,veryhardtoensurethatour namesandactivitiesneverappearinthenewspapers.

I’moriginallyfromMaine,thenwentintotheArmy,andnow I’mtheleadofficerforthissquadoftheCIA’shighlyclassifiedSpecialActivitiesDivision—averyblandnameforaverydangerous job.Wegoinwaybehindenemylines,killbadguys,thengetthe hellout.Alongtheway,weworkvery,veryhardtoensurethatour namesandactivitiesneverappearinthenewspapers.

ConsideringI’mmarriedtoajournalist,thatcansometimesbea challenge.

ConsideringI’mmarriedtoajournalist,thatcansometimesbea challenge.

Todaywe’rewaitingforaconvoytoappearbelowusonanarrow,ruggeddirtroad,carryinganumberofal-Qaedafightersand leaderstravelingintoSyriaforasummitmeeting.Hypothetically 3

Todaywe’rewaitingforaconvoytoappearbelowusonanarrow,ruggeddirtroad,carryinganumberofal-Qaedafightersand leaderstravelingintoSyriaforasummitmeeting.Hypothetically 3

mynewplaceofemploymentcouldraindownthunderandfire fromanyoneofhalfadozendroneplatformstowipeouttheentire convoyandanylizardsorbuzzardsinthevicinity,buttherulesof engagementhaverecentlychanged.

mynewplaceofemploymentcouldraindownthunderandfire fromanyoneofhalfadozendroneplatformstowipeouttheentire convoyandanylizardsorbuzzardsinthevicinity,buttherulesof engagementhaverecentlychanged.

There’sbeentoomuchembarrassmentandtoomanyscathing newsstories(andaccompanyingeditorials)overkillingwedding partiesandotherinnocentstravelinginconvoysinremotepartsof theMiddleEastandAsiaduringthepastfewyears.Nowit’supto asmallkillingunitlikeus,sentintothefieldundersecrecy,doing ourjobdirectlyandquickly,sothatmistakesarekepttoaminimumandnotinstantlybroadcastaroundtheworld.

There’sbeentoomuchembarrassmentandtoomanyscathing newsstories(andaccompanyingeditorials)overkillingwedding partiesandotherinnocentstravelinginconvoysinremotepartsof theMiddleEastandAsiaduringthepastfewyears.Nowit’supto asmallkillingunitlikeus,sentintothefieldundersecrecy,doing ourjobdirectlyandquickly,sothatmistakesarekepttoaminimumandnotinstantlybroadcastaroundtheworld.

Plusit’scheapertokillaterroristwitha99-centroundthrough hisforeheadthanwitha$115,000Hellfiremissilefromastealth drone—especiallyifthehostcountryallowingusairstripaccess doesn’twanttobeID’dashelpingouttheinfidelswhoareincineratingjihadists.

Plusit’scheapertokillaterroristwitha99-centroundthrough hisforeheadthanwitha$115,000Hellfiremissilefromastealth drone—especiallyifthehostcountryallowingusairstripaccess doesn’twanttobeID’dashelpingouttheinfidelswhoareincineratingjihadists.

It’sanewruleI’mcomfortablewith,becauseIknowfromsad experiencethebone-deadfeelingyougetwhenyourealizethata squeezeofyourfingeronatriggerinanair-conditionedroomin Kentuckykilledhalfadozeninnocentssecondslater.

It’sanewruleI’mcomfortablewith,becauseIknowfromsad experiencethebone-deadfeelingyougetwhenyourealizethata squeezeofyourfingeronatriggerinanair-conditionedroomin Kentuckykilledhalfadozeninnocentssecondslater.

Myspotter,Santiago,thankfullybreaksupthatdarkmemory: “Gotdustonthewestboundapproachoftheroad,Amy.”

Myspotter,Santiago,thankfullybreaksupthatdarkmemory: “Gotdustonthewestboundapproachoftheroad,Amy.”

“Rogerthat,”Ireply.

“Rogerthat,”Ireply.

Santiagohasaverypowerfulandhighlyclassifiedopticssystem, setonabipod,thatallowshimto“see”throughthesupposedlyimpenetrableblack-tintedwindowsofSUVsinthispartoftheworld, alongwithalaserfacial-identificationsystemthatwillensureour targetinsidetheSUVisindeedourtarget.

Santiagohasaverypowerfulandhighlyclassifiedopticssystem, setonabipod,thatallowshimto“see”throughthesupposedlyimpenetrableblack-tintedwindowsofSUVsinthispartoftheworld, alongwithalaserfacial-identificationsystemthatwillensureour targetinsidetheSUVisindeedourtarget.

Nexttohim,Jordanisscanningtheroadwithhisweapons system,ahigh-poweredmilitary-issue-onlyRemington.308boltactionriflewhoseaimingsystemissimilartoSantiago’s.Whereas Jordanisfocusedontheapproachingtarget,Santiago—asthe

Nexttohim,Jordanisscanningtheroadwithhisweapons system,ahigh-poweredmilitary-issue-onlyRemington.308boltactionriflewhoseaimingsystemissimilartoSantiago’s.Whereas Jordanisfocusedontheapproachingtarget,Santiago—asthe

JAMES

spotter—keepsawiderviewofthetargetandanyemergingthreats oursnipercan’tsee.

spotter—keepsawiderviewofthetargetandanyemergingthreats oursnipercan’tsee.

Me,thesuperiorofficerinthisgroup,I’mmuddlingalongwith anoff-the-shelfGerman-madepairofZeiss10x50binoculars.Rank sometimesdoesn’thaveitsprivileges.

Me,thesuperiorofficerinthisgroup,I’mmuddlingalongwith anoff-the-shelfGerman-madepairofZeiss10x50binoculars.Rank sometimesdoesn’thaveitsprivileges.

I’mspottingthedustcloudnow,movingrightalonginourdirection.

I’mspottingthedustcloudnow,movingrightalonginourdirection.

Accordingtoourlatestbriefing,thereshouldbefourSUVsinthe convoy,andwehavetwotargets:hardmenfromtheAbuSayyaf terroristgroupinthePhilippines.Onceuponatimegreatmenand womenthoughtthatwiththefalloftheBerlinWallandtheriseof Facebook,we’dallliveinoneharmoniousworld.

Accordingtoourlatestbriefing,thereshouldbefourSUVsinthe convoy,andwehavetwotargets:hardmenfromtheAbuSayyaf terroristgroupinthePhilippines.Onceuponatimegreatmenand womenthoughtthatwiththefalloftheBerlinWallandtheriseof Facebook,we’dallliveinoneharmoniousworld.

Thatdidn’tquiteworkout,nowdidit?

Thatdidn’tquiteworkout,nowdidit?

ABritishmalevoicecomesthroughtheearpiecesecuredtomy leftear.

ABritishmalevoicecomesthroughtheearpiecesecuredtomy leftear.

“ZuluLead,ZuluOnehere,”hesays.“We’veacquiredourtarget. You?”

“ZuluLead,ZuluOnehere,”hesays.“We’veacquiredourtarget. You?”

Acrossthisnarrowcanyonisanothersniperteam,onloanfrom Britain’sfamedMI6intelligenceservice.TheshooterisJeremy WindsorandhisspotterisOliverDavies,bothformerSAStroopers.It’sJeremy’sculturedBritishvoiceIhearinmyleftear.

Acrossthisnarrowcanyonisanothersniperteam,onloanfrom Britain’sfamedMI6intelligenceservice.TheshooterisJeremy WindsorandhisspotterisOliverDavies,bothformerSAStroopers.It’sJeremy’sculturedBritishvoiceIhearinmyleftear.

We’veworkedwiththemtwicebefore,anddespitetheusual complaintsandcompetitionabouttheempireversusthecolonials, theteamhasclicked,successfullycompletingClassified,andlater HighlyClassified,missions.

We’veworkedwiththemtwicebefore,anddespitetheusual complaintsandcompetitionabouttheempireversusthecolonials, theteamhasclicked,successfullycompletingClassified,andlater HighlyClassified,missions.

Or successfullykillinganumberofmenwhodeservedtobekilled. Takeyourpick.

Or successfullykillinganumberofmenwhodeservedtobekilled. Takeyourpick.

“Jordan,”Iask,turningmyhead.“Howlong?”

“Jordan,”Iask,turningmyhead.“Howlong?”

“Aboutanotherfifteenseconds,Amy.”

“Aboutanotherfifteenseconds,Amy.”

Itogglethemicrophoneswitchatmylapel;it’sconnectedtothe classifiedMotorolaSaber-Xradiostrappedtomyside.“Aboutfifteenseconds,ZuluOne.”

Itogglethemicrophoneswitchatmylapel;it’sconnectedtothe classifiedMotorolaSaber-Xradiostrappedtomyside.“Aboutfifteenseconds,ZuluOne.”

5

JAMES PATTERSON

Iheara click-click asJeremytoggleshismicrophoneinreply.

Iheara click-click asJeremytoggleshismicrophoneinreply.

Ikeepmychattertoaminimum.I’mdressedlikeSantiagoand Jordan,inacombinationofnorthernLebanesetribalpantsand overcoats,alongwithsniperveilsandghilliesuitsthatallowusto blendintotherockybackground.Abouttheonlydifferencebetweenthetwoguysandmeistheelasticbandagewrappedtight aroundmytorso,tokeepmyboobsundercontrol.

Ikeepmychattertoaminimum.I’mdressedlikeSantiagoand Jordan,inacombinationofnorthernLebanesetribalpantsand overcoats,alongwithsniperveilsandghilliesuitsthatallowusto blendintotherockybackground.Abouttheonlydifferencebetweenthetwoguysandmeistheelasticbandagewrappedtight aroundmytorso,tokeepmyboobsundercontrol.

Nearlyayearago,intrainingattheCIA’sCampPeary—a.k.a. TheFarm—someclownsuggestedIshouldstuffacucumberin mycrotchtocompletemydisguise.Thatmadealotoffolkslaugh, includingme—rightupuntilthatnightinthemesshall,whenI securedacucumberfromthekitchenandshovedithalfwaydown histhroat.

Nearlyayearago,intrainingattheCIA’sCampPeary—a.k.a. TheFarm—someclownsuggestedIshouldstuffacucumberin mycrotchtocompletemydisguise.Thatmadealotoffolkslaugh, includingme—rightupuntilthatnightinthemesshall,whenI securedacucumberfromthekitchenandshovedithalfwaydown histhroat.

Also,there’sthematteroffirearms.Jordanhashissniperrifle, andSantiagoandIhave9mmHeckler&KochMP5submachine gunswitha40-roundmagazine,witheachofuscarryingextra magazines.Allthreeofusarealsopacking9mmSIGSauerP226 pistols,alongwithavarietyofotherkillingtools.Ourrucksacks containrations,water,extraammo—nearlyeverynecessitytosurviveinthishostilepartoftheworld.

Also,there’sthematteroffirearms.Jordanhashissniperrifle, andSantiagoandIhave9mmHeckler&KochMP5submachine gunswitha40-roundmagazine,witheachofuscarryingextra magazines.Allthreeofusarealsopacking9mmSIGSauerP226 pistols,alongwithavarietyofotherkillingtools.Ourrucksacks containrations,water,extraammo—nearlyeverynecessitytosurviveinthishostilepartoftheworld.

Thepaleblueskyoverheadisclearofourdrones,soit’sjustus kids.TheCIArecentlylearnedthatoursupposedallieshavebeen locatingourdronesandpassingalongtheinformationtotheterrorists,sothefactthattheconvoyisonthemovethisearlyinthe morningmeansthey’reconfidentallissafe.

Thepaleblueskyoverheadisclearofourdrones,soit’sjustus kids.TheCIArecentlylearnedthatoursupposedallieshavebeen locatingourdronesandpassingalongtheinformationtotheterrorists,sothefactthattheconvoyisonthemovethisearlyinthe morningmeansthey’reconfidentallissafe.

Cueadeadlylessonprovingotherwise.

Cueadeadlylessonprovingotherwise.

Inmybinoculars,thefourSUVsemergefromthedustabout thirtymetersbelowus,clearlyheadinginourdirection.OneAbu SayyafleaderisridinginthesecondSUV,theotherintherearSUV. ThevehiclesallseemtobeblackGMCSuburbanswithtintedwindows.

Inmybinoculars,thefourSUVsemergefromthedustabout thirtymetersbelowus,clearlyheadinginourdirection.OneAbu SayyafleaderisridinginthesecondSUV,theotherintherearSUV. ThevehiclesallseemtobeblackGMCSuburbanswithtintedwindows.

“Targetacquired,”Jordansays.

“Targetacquired,”Jordansays.

6

Itoggleaswitchonmycoatcollar.“ZuluOne,we’reacquired.” “Samehere,ZuluLead,”Jeremyreplies.

Itoggleaswitchonmycoatcollar.“ZuluOne,we’reacquired.”

“Samehere,ZuluLead,”Jeremyreplies.

“Go,”Isay,loudenoughforbothJordanandJeremytohear. There’samuffledthumpnexttomeasJordanfireshis suppressor-equippedrifle.“Clearhit,”saysSantiago.“Driveriscoveredinblood,bone,andbrains.”

“Go,”Isay,loudenoughforbothJordanandJeremytohear.

There’samuffledthumpnexttomeasJordanfireshis suppressor-equippedrifle.“Clearhit,”saysSantiago.“Driveriscoveredinblood,bone,andbrains.”

Jeremyradiostome,“Clearshot,clearresults.”

Jeremyradiostome,“Clearshot,clearresults.”

Ilookdownatamultiplecollision.ThesecondSUVslamsintoa grayboulder,thenanotherSUVramsitintherear.Doorspopopen andarmedmenbailout,beesflyingoutofatipped-overhive,and Santiagowhispers,“Oh,Amy,Iwouldlovetostayuphereforafew moreminutes.Lookatallthoselovelytargets.”

Ilookdownatamultiplecollision.ThesecondSUVslamsintoa grayboulder,thenanotherSUVramsitintherear.Doorspopopen andarmedmenbailout,beesflyingoutofatipped-overhive,and Santiagowhispers,“Oh,Amy,Iwouldlovetostayuphereforafew moreminutes.Lookatallthoselovelytargets.”

Jordansays,“Don’ttemptme,Bro.”

Jordansays,“Don’ttemptme,Bro.”

“Notemptation,nonothing,”Isay,stowingmybinocularsinmy nearbyrucksack.“Timetofly.”

“Notemptation,nonothing,”Isay,stowingmybinocularsinmy nearbyrucksack.“Timetofly.”

Itogglemymicrophoneonemoretime.“ZuluOne,timeto break.Seeyouattherendezvous.”

Itogglemymicrophoneonemoretime.“ZuluOne,timeto break.Seeyouattherendezvous.”

“Absolutely,ZuluLead,”hesays.“ZuluTwoandIareonthe move.”

“Absolutely,ZuluLead,”hesays.“ZuluTwoandIareonthe move.”

Getthejobdone,andgetthehellout.

Getthejobdone,andgetthehellout.

Icheckmywatch.

Icheckmywatch.

Weshouldbepickedupandsafelyoutofhereinthirty-fiveminutes.

Weshouldbepickedupandsafelyoutofhereinthirty-fiveminutes.

Butittakesonlysevenmoreminutesfordisastertostrike.

Butittakesonlysevenmoreminutesfordisastertostrike.

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

WEQUICKLYbreakdownourgearandgodownatrailwe hadn’tusedbefore,becauseanyrepetitionwillgetyounoticed. Santiagoisinthelead,Jordanisinthemiddle,andI’mTailEnd Charlie.

WEQUICKLYbreakdownourgearandgodownatrailwe hadn’tusedbefore,becauseanyrepetitionwillgetyounoticed. Santiagoisinthelead,Jordanisinthemiddle,andI’mTailEnd Charlie.

Ilookatmywatchoncemore.Analogue,old-fashioned,reliable. Itwillneverneedabatteryatthewrongtime,doesn’tbeeptogive awayyourposition,andhasnoelectronicstofryincasesomebody tossesanukeintotheairsomeday.Itdoesn’ttellmethedate,which isfine,becauseIknowit’sMay22.

Ilookatmywatchoncemore.Analogue,old-fashioned,reliable. Itwillneverneedabatteryatthewrongtime,doesn’tbeeptogive awayyourposition,andhasnoelectronicstofryincasesomebody tossesanukeintotheairsomeday.Itdoesn’ttellmethedate,which isfine,becauseIknowit’sMay22.

Thepathweareonisnarrow—brokenrockandgravel—and seemstooruggedevenforgoats.Yetwemovewithconfidenceand speedtowardthesafetyattheotherendofthetrail.Likeme,SantiagoiscarryinghisMP5inhisarms,headalwaysmoving:left,right; left,right.Jordanhashispistoloutandisdoingthesame.Asthe onebringinguptherear,Ihavetomoveandlookovermyshoulderatthesametime.

Thepathweareonisnarrow—brokenrockandgravel—and seemstooruggedevenforgoats.Yetwemovewithconfidenceand speedtowardthesafetyattheotherendofthetrail.Likeme,SantiagoiscarryinghisMP5inhisarms,headalwaysmoving:left,right; left,right.Jordanhashispistoloutandisdoingthesame.Asthe onebringinguptherear,Ihavetomoveandlookovermyshoulderatthesametime.

Jordansays,“Thissunisstartingtofryme.Whereareallthe cedartrees?IthoughtLebanonwasfullof’em.”

Jordansays,“Thissunisstartingtofryme.Whereareallthe cedartrees?IthoughtLebanonwasfullof’em.”

AheadSantiagosays,“Bro,KingSolomonhadthemcutdown, yearsandyearsago.”

AheadSantiagosays,“Bro,KingSolomonhadthemcutdown, yearsandyearsago.”

ThenIbraketoahaltandloudlywhisper,“Hold!”

ThenIbraketoahaltandloudlywhisper,“Hold!”

SantiagoandJordanturntolookatme.Iputmylefthandtomy earpiece.

SantiagoandJordanturntolookatme.Iputmylefthandtomy earpiece.

Ipressmyfingerstogetheronthetransmissionbuttonclipped tomycollar.“ZuluOne,go.”

Ipressmyfingerstogetheronthetransmissionbuttonclipped tomycollar.“ZuluOne,go.”

Somestatic,then“...haveabitofaproblem,ZuluLead.”

Somestatic,then“...haveabitofaproblem,ZuluLead.”

“Whatisit?”

“Whatisit?”

IturnmyheadandclosemyeyessoIcanfocusonwhatI’m hearing.

IturnmyheadandclosemyeyessoIcanfocusonwhatI’m hearing.

ThestrainedbutpolitevoiceofJeremyquicklycomesback.

ThestrainedbutpolitevoiceofJeremyquicklycomesback.

“Itseemswehaveabouttwodozenhostileschasingus.”

“Itseemswehaveabouttwodozenhostileschasingus.”

“ZuluOne—”

“ZuluOne—”

Iheartherattleofgunfire.

Iheartherattleofgunfire.

“Chatwithyoulater,”hesays.“Quitebusynow.”

“Chatwithyoulater,”hesays.“Quitebusynow.”

IturnandSantiagoandJordanstareatme.

IturnandSantiagoandJordanstareatme.

“TheBritsareintrouble,”Isay.“They’vemadecontactwith abouttwodozenbadguys.”

“TheBritsareintrouble,”Isay.“They’vemadecontactwith abouttwodozenbadguys.”

“Shit,”Jordansays.

“Shit,”Jordansays.

Santiagosays,“Ithoughtthisplacewasrelativelysafe.Boss?”

Santiagosays,“Ithoughtthisplacewasrelativelysafe.Boss?”

Imotionwithmylefthand,thoughsomethingdarkandheavy hasstartedgrowinginmychest.“Wekeepmoving.”

Imotionwithmylefthand,thoughsomethingdarkandheavy hasstartedgrowinginmychest.“Wekeepmoving.”

Abouttenminuteslater,Jeremycomesbackon.Inaloudervoice hesays,“I’mafraidthebuggershaveuspinneddownatthemoment.”

Abouttenminuteslater,Jeremycomesbackon.Inaloudervoice hesays,“I’mafraidthebuggershaveuspinneddownatthemoment.”

Icanheargunfireinthebackground.

Icanheargunfireinthebackground.

Iswear,tryingtorememberourlocationinthemountainsand wheretheBritsmightbeafterleavingtheirshootingspot.“Hold tight,”Isay.“We’reonourway.”

Iswear,tryingtorememberourlocationinthemountainsand wheretheBritsmightbeafterleavingtheirshootingspot.“Hold tight,”Isay.“We’reonourway.”

“No,don’tdoit,”saysJeremy.“Trustme...youwon’tgetherein time.Ollie!Thatbastardoverthere!”

“No,don’tdoit,”saysJeremy.“Trustme...youwon’tgetherein time.Ollie!Thatbastardoverthere!”

Iheartheloudsoundofathree-roundburst.

Iheartheloudsoundofathree-roundburst.

“Goodshot,”Jeremyyells.Thenhisradiocutsoutagain.

“Goodshot,”Jeremyyells.Thenhisradiocutsoutagain.

9

JAMES PATTERSON

Movealong, Ithink, movealong. MymouthisdryandI’mterribly thirsty,butIknowthatnoamountofwaterwillhelp.I’mthinking oftheMI6crewandhowthey’remyresponsibility,myjobtolead, andnowthey’reinthemiddleofanambush.

Movealong, Ithink, movealong. MymouthisdryandI’mterribly thirsty,butIknowthatnoamountofwaterwillhelp.I’mthinking oftheMI6crewandhowthey’remyresponsibility,myjobtolead, andnowthey’reinthemiddleofanambush.

Therockytrailgetswider,andinmymind’seyeIknowwhat’s abouttoappear.TheCIAdoesalotofthingswrongbutanumber ofthingsright,includingadetailedbriefingofthemissionand whatevermightbeofinterestintheareaofouroperation.Thetrail isgoingtocurvetotheright;then,inawideportionofanarrow wadi,therewillbeastealthhelicopterfromtheArmy’s160thSpecialOperationsAirRegiment,readytopickusallup.

Therockytrailgetswider,andinmymind’seyeIknowwhat’s abouttoappear.TheCIAdoesalotofthingswrongbutanumber ofthingsright,includingadetailedbriefingofthemissionand whatevermightbeofinterestintheareaofouroperation.Thetrail isgoingtocurvetotheright;then,inawideportionofanarrow wadi,therewillbeastealthhelicopterfromtheArmy’s160thSpecialOperationsAirRegiment,readytopickusallup.

IhavefullfaithinthecrewoffamedNightStalkerstogetusout safely.

IhavefullfaithinthecrewoffamedNightStalkerstogetusout safely.

Butthere’sonegiganticrubinallthis.

Butthere’sonegiganticrubinallthis.

Ourrendezvoustimeis9:00a.m.—0900,ifyouprefer—andif we’renotaboardthatbeautiful,Sikorsky-madeescapevehicleby 9:05,it’sgoingtoliftoffwithoutus.

Ourrendezvoustimeis9:00a.m.—0900,ifyouprefer—andif we’renotaboardthatbeautiful,Sikorsky-madeescapevehicleby 9:05,it’sgoingtoliftoffwithoutus.

Icheckmywatchagain.

Icheckmywatchagain.

It’s8:53a.m.

It’s8:53a.m.

We’vegotplentyoftime.

We’vegotplentyoftime.

Thesethreehere,Ithink.AsfortheBrits...

Thesethreehere,Ithink.AsfortheBrits...

“ZuluLead!”comestheloudvoiceinmyleftear.

“ZuluLead!”comestheloudvoiceinmyleftear.

Iskidtoahalt,nearlyfallingoveramongthesharprocksand gravel.

Iskidtoahalt,nearlyfallingoveramongthesharprocksand gravel.

“ZuluOne,go,”Isay.

“ZuluOne,go,”Isay.

Ihearhisharshbreathing,hearthegunshotsgrowinglouder.

Oh,God.

Ihearhisharshbreathing,hearthegunshotsgrowinglouder. Oh,God.

“It’s...ah,thebastardshaveussurrounded.”

“It’s...ah,thebastardshaveussurrounded.”

“Whereareyou?”Iask,tuggingatasidepouch,tryingtoretrieve ourtopomap.

“Whereareyou?”Iask,tuggingatasidepouch,tryingtoretrieve ourtopomap.

10

JAMES

“Doesn’tmatter,”hesays.“Idon’tthinkwe’regoingtobehere verylong.”

“Doesn’tmatter,”hesays.“Idon’tthinkwe’regoingtobehere verylong.”

“ZuluOne,Ineedyourlocation.Now.”

“ZuluOne,Ineedyourlocation.Now.”

There’saharshstutterofgunfire,soloudIhavetotakemyearpieceout.JordanandSantiagostandclosertome,andeventhey canhearthedesperatebattlegoingonsomewhereupthereinthese harshmountains.

There’saharshstutterofgunfire,soloudIhavetotakemyearpieceout.JordanandSantiagostandclosertome,andeventhey canhearthedesperatebattlegoingonsomewhereupthereinthese harshmountains.

“ZuluOne.”

“ZuluOne.”

Ahissofstatic,moregunfire.

Ahissofstatic,moregunfire.

“ZuluOne!”

“ZuluOne!”

Averyloudgunshot,agrunt,andawhisperedobscenity.

Averyloudgunshot,agrunt,andawhisperedobscenity.

“Jeremy!” Isay,raisingmyvoiceandbreakingradioprotocol,as ifdoingsocouldmagicallymakehimhear.

“Jeremy!” Isay,raisingmyvoiceandbreakingradioprotocol,as ifdoingsocouldmagicallymakehimhear.

Aharshcough.

Aharshcough.

Hisvoicecomesback,speakingrapidly.

Hisvoicecomesback,speakingrapidly.

“ZuluOneandTwoaresigningoff,destroyingourequipment.A pleasureworkingwithyouall.”

“ZuluOneandTwoaresigningoff,destroyingourequipment.A pleasureworkingwithyouall.”

BeforeIcansayanythingelse,there’sdeadsilence.

BeforeIcansayanythingelse,there’sdeadsilence.

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

JORDANANDSantiagostareatme—sobulkyandconfidentin theirbackground,theirexperience,andthedeadliestandmostupto-dateweaponryintheworld—andIknowthey’refeelingexactly whatI’mfeeling:utterfailure.

JORDANANDSantiagostareatme—sobulkyandconfidentin theirbackground,theirexperience,andthedeadliestandmostupto-dateweaponryintheworld—andIknowthey’refeelingexactly whatI’mfeeling:utterfailure.

We’velostourcomrades.

We’velostourcomrades.

Istickintheearpieceandnod.Liketheprostheyare,Jordan andSantiagokeepmoving.Aheadofus,weallhearalowhumthat soundslikealeafbloweratwork.

Istickintheearpieceandnod.Liketheprostheyare,Jordan andSantiagokeepmoving.Aheadofus,weallhearalowhumthat soundslikealeafbloweratwork.

Therearenoleaveshere.

Therearenoleaveshere.

Andpositivelynoleafblower.

Andpositivelynoleafblower.

Butthatsoftnoiseisourwayoutofhere.

Butthatsoftnoiseisourwayoutofhere.

Asthewadicomesintoview,it’s8:59a.m.—aminuteaheadof schedule.ButIcanalreadysensethecatastrophethat’sgoingto echoloudlybetweenLangleyandLondoninthenextfewdays.JeremyandOliverwillshortlybecaptured,tortured,andprobably paradedaroundormadethetopicofapropagandatapebywhateverarmedgrouphasfoundthem.

Asthewadicomesintoview,it’s8:59a.m.—aminuteaheadof schedule.ButIcanalreadysensethecatastrophethat’sgoingto echoloudlybetweenLangleyandLondoninthenextfewdays.JeremyandOliverwillshortlybecaptured,tortured,andprobably paradedaroundormadethetopicofapropagandatapebywhateverarmedgrouphasfoundthem.

We’veallbeen“sheep-dipped,”meaningthatwhateverpaperworkwecarryidentifiesusascontractworkersforGlobalSecurity Solutions.Thatmeansintheeventofourcaptureordeath,our

We’veallbeen“sheep-dipped,”meaningthatwhateverpaperworkwecarryidentifiesusascontractworkersforGlobalSecurity Solutions.Thatmeansintheeventofourcaptureordeath,our

respectivegovernmentswillhaveplausibledeniabilityforusmercenariesinthefield.

respectivegovernmentswillhaveplausibledeniabilityforusmercenariesinthefield.

Anicecoverstory,whichwouldnodoubtlastaboutaslongasit wouldtakeanal-Qaedatypetocomeafteroneofourfeetorhands withachainsaw.

Anicecoverstory,whichwouldnodoubtlastaboutaslongasit wouldtakeanal-Qaedatypetocomeafteroneofourfeetorhands withachainsaw.

We’reoffthetrailandattheoutskirtsofthewadi.SantiagomuttersaprayerinSpanish,thensays,“Theresheis.Haveyouever seenanythingsobeautiful?”

We’reoffthetrailandattheoutskirtsofthewadi.SantiagomuttersaprayerinSpanish,thensays,“Theresheis.Haveyouever seenanythingsobeautiful?”

Truthis,thislatestclassifiedandstealthhelicopterisoneugly bird.Ithasdroopyrotorbladesandretractablelandingskids,and itscurrentcolormatchestherockyslabsnearby.Thefuselage,all sharpangles,hasahigh-techliquid-crystalexterior,meaningthat whenthehelicopterfinallygetsofftheground,itsexteriorwill matchthesurroundingsky.

Truthis,thislatestclassifiedandstealthhelicopterisoneugly bird.Ithasdroopyrotorbladesandretractablelandingskids,and itscurrentcolormatchestherockyslabsnearby.Thefuselage,all sharpangles,hasahigh-techliquid-crystalexterior,meaningthat whenthehelicopterfinallygetsofftheground,itsexteriorwill matchthesurroundingsky.

Radarcan’tseeit,andbareeyeswilldetectonlyflickeringshadows,likeadistantflockofbirds.

Radarcan’tseeit,andbareeyeswilldetectonlyflickeringshadows,likeadistantflockofbirds.

Oh,yeah,it’sugly,expensive,andabitchtofly—andIwanttobe onitsobadIcantasteit.Itsengineishummingalongnicely,andwe moveforwardandtherotorsstarttorotate.Ilookbehindme,tail-end Charlie,watchingoursix,hopingagainsthopethatourBritishcomradeshavebrokenfreeandarenowrunningdownthetrail.

Oh,yeah,it’sugly,expensive,andabitchtofly—andIwanttobe onitsobadIcantasteit.Itsengineishummingalongnicely,andwe moveforwardandtherotorsstarttorotate.Ilookbehindme,tail-end Charlie,watchingoursix,hopingagainsthopethatourBritishcomradeshavebrokenfreeandarenowrunningdownthetrail.

Nosuchluck.

Nosuchluck.

Theengineisatfullpowernow,thesoundaloudhum,the bladesspinningintoablur,andIseetheframeofthehelicopter risejustabit.

Theengineisatfullpowernow,thesoundaloudhum,the bladesspinningintoablur,andIseetheframeofthehelicopter risejustabit.

Soclose.

Soclose.

Icheckmywatch.

Icheckmywatch.

It’s9:02.

It’s9:02.

Oneafteranother,IclapJordanandSantiagoontheshoulders. “Hold!”Iyell.

Oneafteranother,IclapJordanandSantiagoontheshoulders. “Hold!”Iyell.

Ihunkerdownandtheydothesame,allthreeofuslooking backuptheemptytrail.

Ihunkerdownandtheydothesame,allthreeofuslooking backuptheemptytrail.

13

JAMES PATTERSON

Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Thesecondswhizzingby.

Thesecondswhizzingby.

Jordanleansintome.“Amy!They’renotcoming.”

Icheckmywatch.

Jordanleansintome.“Amy!They’renotcoming.” Icheckmywatch.

It’s9:03.

It’s9:03.

Iyellback,“Wewait!”

Iyellback,“Wewait!”

Santiagoswears,butheandJordanstickwithme.Dustisstarting tokickup,bitingoureyes.Iblinkhardandlookupatthetrailhead.

Santiagoswears,butheandJordanstickwithme.Dustisstarting tokickup,bitingoureyes.Iblinkhardandlookupatthetrailhead.

“C’mon,c’mon,”Iwhisper,knowingtheoddsoftheirshowing uparenearzero.Butyouhavetobelievesometimes.Believethey canmakeit.Believeinmiracles.

“C’mon,c’mon,”Iwhisper,knowingtheoddsoftheirshowing uparenearzero.Butyouhavetobelievesometimes.Believethey canmakeit.Believeinmiracles.

Santiagotugsatmyshoulder,pointstohiswatch.

Santiagotugsatmyshoulder,pointstohiswatch.

It’s9:05.

It’s9:05.

“Westay!”Iyellback.

“Westay!”Iyellback.

SantiagolooksatJordan,Jordanlookstohim,andthetwoof themthenlookatthechopper,readytoscoopusupandtakeus outtoaNavyvesselinthispartoftheMediterranean,onaroutine trainingmission.

SantiagolooksatJordan,Jordanlookstohim,andthetwoof themthenlookatthechopper,readytoscoopusupandtakeus outtoaNavyvesselinthispartoftheMediterranean,onaroutine trainingmission.

Routine.

Routine.

That’showthedeathsofJeremyandOliveraregoingtobereported,iftheygetkilledoutright,withoutthehorrorofcaptivity andtorture: Diedwhileonaroutinetrainingmission.

That’showthedeathsofJeremyandOliveraregoingtobereported,iftheygetkilledoutright,withoutthehorrorofcaptivity andtorture: Diedwhileonaroutinetrainingmission.

Andme?

Andme?

Losthalfmycrewinafoul-up.

Losthalfmycrewinafoul-up.

Almostasone,JordanandSantiagoscreammyname,andIlook atmywatch.

Almostasone,JordanandSantiagoscreammyname,andIlook atmywatch.

9:06.

9:06.

ThenicecrewovertherefromtheNightStalkershasgivenusan extrasixtyseconds,andmaybeI’lllivelongenoughtothankthem. Butthenthehelicopterliftsstraightup,itslandingstrutsretreating intoitsbelly.

ThenicecrewovertherefromtheNightStalkershasgivenusan extrasixtyseconds,andmaybeI’lllivelongenoughtothankthem. Butthenthehelicopterliftsstraightup,itslandingstrutsretreating intoitsbelly.

14

Thechopperrisesupoutofthewadi,soarsoveraruggedsetof rocks,andthenit—

Thechopperrisesupoutofthewadi,soarsoveraruggedsetof rocks,andthenit—

Disappears.

Disappears.

Justlikethat.

Justlikethat.

Nowevenitsenginesoundhasgoneaway.

Nowevenitsenginesoundhasgoneaway.

AllIcanhearistheheavybreathingofmycrew,JordanLanglois andSantiagoSanchez,whostareatmewithmurderintheireyes. Istandupfrommycrouchingposition.

AllIcanhearistheheavybreathingofmycrew,JordanLanglois andSantiagoSanchez,whostareatmewithmurderintheireyes. Istandupfrommycrouchingposition.

“Saddleup,fellas,”Isay.“We’regoingbacktogetourguys.”

“Saddleup,fellas,”Isay.“We’regoingbacktogetourguys.”

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

JEREMYWINDSOR,oncewiththe22ndRegimentoftheSpecial AirServiceandnowamemberofMI6’sExpeditionaryResearch Branch(codenameESquadron),issquattinginacornerofa dirt-flooredfarmhouse,wristshandcuffedbehindhim,ropetied aroundbothankles,waiting.

JEREMYWINDSOR,oncewiththe22ndRegimentoftheSpecial AirServiceandnowamemberofMI6’sExpeditionaryResearch Branch(codenameESquadron),issquattinginacornerofa dirt-flooredfarmhouse,wristshandcuffedbehindhim,ropetied aroundbothankles,waiting.

Hehateswaiting.

Hehateswaiting.

Hishead,back,andarmsthrobfromthebeatingsheandOliver Daviesreceivedaftertheirquicklydug-outfoxholedidlittleto delaytheircapture.NowheandOllieareinthisstinkingroom, alone.

Hishead,back,andarmsthrobfromthebeatingsheandOliver Daviesreceivedaftertheirquicklydug-outfoxholedidlittleto delaytheircapture.NowheandOllieareinthisstinkingroom, alone.

Jeremygiveshisspotterareassuringsmile.Likehim,Olliehas lethishairandbeardgrow,butOllie’sblueeyesaredartingaround theinteriorofthesmallroom.Theirclothesaredusty,torn,and soiled.Likehim,OlliecametoMI6viathe22ndRegiment.

Jeremygiveshisspotterareassuringsmile.Likehim,Olliehas lethishairandbeardgrow,butOllie’sblueeyesaredartingaround theinteriorofthesmallroom.Theirclothesaredusty,torn,and soiled.Likehim,OlliecametoMI6viathe22ndRegiment.

“Guessourintelligenceboysfouledup,”Olliesays.“Inever thoughtwe’dgetcaptured.”

“Guessourintelligenceboysfouledup,”Olliesays.“Inever thoughtwe’dgetcaptured.”

“Occupationalhazard,”Jeremysays,wishinghecouldsaymore tocomforthismate.“We’llbeallright,justyouwaitandsee.”

“Occupationalhazard,”Jeremysays,wishinghecouldsaymore tocomforthismate.“We’llbeallright,justyouwaitandsee.”

“Toobloodyconfident,aren’tyou?”

“Toobloodyconfident,aren’tyou?”

“Somebodyhastobe...”

“Somebodyhastobe...”

Fromitssmellandshape,thisroomhasbeenastorageareafor

Fromitssmellandshape,thisroomhasbeenastorageareafor 16

seedorgrains.Acoupleofroughmuslinbagssitinacorner.Two high,smallwindows—opentotheairbutbarredandcoveredwith chickenwire—allowlightin.

seedorgrains.Acoupleofroughmuslinbagssitinacorner.Two high,smallwindows—opentotheairbutbarredandcoveredwith chickenwire—allowlightin.

WhenheandOlliehadbeensenttoworkwiththeCIAparamilitarygroup,Jeremyinitiallysaidno.Abirdleadingtwosniper squadsintothefield?ButhehadseenAmyCornwall’srecords,saw thatshehadbeenoneofthefewwomentopasstheU.S.Army’s gruelingtwo-month-plusRangercourse—andthought, Well,she mightjustworkout.

WhenheandOlliehadbeensenttoworkwiththeCIAparamilitarygroup,Jeremyinitiallysaidno.Abirdleadingtwosniper squadsintothefield?ButhehadseenAmyCornwall’srecords,saw thatshehadbeenoneofthefewwomentopasstheU.S.Army’s gruelingtwo-month-plusRangercourse—andthought, Well,she mightjustworkout.

Andshehaddoneexactlythatontheirtwopreviousmissions.

Andshehaddoneexactlythatontheirtwopreviousmissions.

Jeremywasapro.Soheshuthismouthandwentalong.

Jeremywasapro.Soheshuthismouthandwentalong.

Butevenprofessionalshaveabadday.

Butevenprofessionalshaveabadday.

“Cheerup,Ollie,”hesays,onceagainwishinghecouldsaymore tohisfellowshooterandfriend.“It’llallgetsortedsoon.”

“Cheerup,Ollie,”hesays,onceagainwishinghecouldsaymore tohisfellowshooterandfriend.“It’llallgetsortedsoon.”

Olliesmiles,butthere’saflickerofuncertaintyinhisface.“Rememberthebaggingdrill?”saysJeremy.“Thiswillbenothingin comparison,Ipromise.”

Olliesmiles,butthere’saflickerofuncertaintyinhisface.“Rememberthebaggingdrill?”saysJeremy.“Thiswillbenothingin comparison,Ipromise.”

Hisspotter’ssmilewidens,andJeremyrecallsalltoowell thesecretandhighlyillegalbaggingdrill:beingsuddenlyand quicklystuffedintoalargesackbyyourSAStrainers,then dumpedinthebarrenhillssurroundingtheirbaseinHereford, leavingyoutofindyourwaybackwithoutbeingnoticedorrequiringanyone’shelp.

Hisspotter’ssmilewidens,andJeremyrecallsalltoowell thesecretandhighlyillegalbaggingdrill:beingsuddenlyand quicklystuffedintoalargesackbyyourSAStrainers,then dumpedinthebarrenhillssurroundingtheirbaseinHereford, leavingyoutofindyourwaybackwithoutbeingnoticedorrequiringanyone’shelp.

“Ifyou’reright,”Olliesays,“IoweyouapintatBerber’s.”

“Ifyou’reright,”Olliesays,“IoweyouapintatBerber’s.”

Jeremyisabouttosay,“Makeittwo”whenthedoorisunlocked andflungopen.

Jeremyisabouttosay,“Makeittwo”whenthedoorisunlocked andflungopen.

Fivemenenter,andJeremytakesamomenttoeyeeachone.Allof themsaveonearecarryinganAK-47,andhehasamemoryflashof aparticularlyruggedexerciseonerainydayintheShetlands—and God,theraincouldgetcoldupthere—whentheirtrainer,Burke, ascar-tissuedandruggedoldScotwhohadservedbehindenemy

Fivemenenter,andJeremytakesamomenttoeyeeachone.Allof themsaveonearecarryinganAK-47,andhehasamemoryflashof aparticularlyruggedexerciseonerainydayintheShetlands—and God,theraincouldgetcoldupthere—whentheirtrainer,Burke, ascar-tissuedandruggedoldScotwhohadservedbehindenemy

17

JAMES PATTERSON

linesfromtheCongotoEastGermany,hadmadeapronouncement.

linesfromtheCongotoEastGermany,hadmadeapronouncement.

Someofyouweeoneshavefantasies’boutgoingbackintimeand killin’Hitler, hehadsaid. IfI’dmyway,I’dgobackan’killthatRusskie bastardMikhailKalashnikov.Everywould-berevolutionaryandrebel pieceo’shitelovestokillinnocentswiththatbugger’sinvention.

Someofyouweeoneshavefantasies’boutgoingbackintimeand killin’Hitler, hehadsaid. IfI’dmyway,I’dgobackan’killthatRusskie bastardMikhailKalashnikov.Everywould-berevolutionaryandrebel pieceo’shitelovestokillinnocentswiththatbugger’sinvention.

Themaninfrontseemstobetheirleader.Hehasondarkboots, graywooltrousers,andakhakijacket.InhisfilthyhandshecarriesanAK-47,andaroundhisthickwaistisaweaponsbeltstuffed withammomagazines,aRussianTokarevpistol,andalongknife. Hehasathickmustacheandstubblycheeks,withacheckedkaffiyeharoundhisheadandneck.

Themaninfrontseemstobetheirleader.Hehasondarkboots, graywooltrousers,andakhakijacket.InhisfilthyhandshecarriesanAK-47,andaroundhisthickwaistisaweaponsbeltstuffed withammomagazines,aRussianTokarevpistol,andalongknife. Hehasathickmustacheandstubblycheeks,withacheckedkaffiyeharoundhisheadandneck.

Threeothermeninthegrouplookliketheycouldbehisbrothersorcousins,fortheyaresimilarlydressedandarmed.Thefifth manisunarmed,older,andfilthy,wearingablackrobe,cotton trousersthatmayhavebeenwhiteatonetime,andablackscarf aroundmostofhisface.Hehacksupmucusandspitsitonthe floor,thengoestothewallnexttothedoor,squatsdown,and startsfingeringastringofdarkbrown misbaha, orworrybeads.

Threeothermeninthegrouplookliketheycouldbehisbrothersorcousins,fortheyaresimilarlydressedandarmed.Thefifth manisunarmed,older,andfilthy,wearingablackrobe,cotton trousersthatmayhavebeenwhiteatonetime,andablackscarf aroundmostofhisface.Hehacksupmucusandspitsitonthe floor,thengoestothewallnexttothedoor,squatsdown,and startsfingeringastringofdarkbrown misbaha, orworrybeads.

Thisbunchhadbeenpartofamuchlargergroupthatambushed andpursuedthem;thefivehadthensplitofftotakeOllieandhim tothisstinkinglittlefarmhouse.

Thisbunchhadbeenpartofamuchlargergroupthatambushed andpursuedthem;thefivehadthensplitofftotakeOllieandhim tothisstinkinglittlefarmhouse.

Theleadmanturnsandwhisperstotheolderman,whojust shrugsandspitsagainonthefloor.

Theleadmanturnsandwhisperstotheolderman,whojust shrugsandspitsagainonthefloor.

Nowhe’slookingatJeremy.

Nowhe’slookingatJeremy.

InArabic,Jeremysays, “As-salāmu‘alaykum.Iapologizeformy friendandItrespassingonyourlands.”

InArabic,Jeremysays, “As-salāmu‘alaykum.Iapologizeformy friendandItrespassingonyourlands.”

Theleadmansmileswidely.Histeetharebrown.Inreturnhe says,“Wa‘alaykumuas-salām.” Thenthestrongvoiceswitchesto English.

Theleadmansmileswidely.Histeetharebrown.Inreturnhe says,“Wa‘alaykumuas-salām.” Thenthestrongvoiceswitchesto English.

“YouareBritish,correct?”

“YouareBritish,correct?”

18

Olliekeepsquiet,andJeremysays,“Yes,weareBritish.”

Olliekeepsquiet,andJeremysays,“Yes,weareBritish.”

HespeaksquicklyinArabic— “Getthembothup,now!” —and twoofthemenslingtheirAK-47sovertheirshoulders,comeforward,andgentlyhelpOllieandJeremytotheirfeet.

HespeaksquicklyinArabic— “Getthembothup,now!” —and twoofthemenslingtheirAK-47sovertheirshoulders,comeforward,andgentlyhelpOllieandJeremytotheirfeet.

Jeremyallowsamomentofrelaxation.

Jeremyallowsamomentofrelaxation.

Itseemstobegoingwell.

Itseemstobegoingwell.

Theleadersmilesagain,asdotheothermen,andhetooslings hisrifleoverhisshoulder.

Theleadersmilesagain,asdotheothermen,andhetooslings hisrifleoverhisshoulder.

Nowitseemstobegoingverywellindeed.

Nowitseemstobegoingverywellindeed.

Themantapshischest.“IamFarez.”

Themantapshischest.“IamFarez.”

“Pleasedtomakeyouracquaintance,”Jeremysays,breathing easier.Ollieseemstosensehisrelaxation.Jeremysays,“Again,my apologiesfortrespassing.MyuncleGeorgepromiseshecansortit allout.”

“Pleasedtomakeyouracquaintance,”Jeremysays,breathing easier.Ollieseemstosensehisrelaxation.Jeremysays,“Again,my apologiesfortrespassing.MyuncleGeorgepromiseshecansortit allout.”

“Ah,”Farezsays,“yourwealthyandinfluentialuncleGeorge.”

Helaughsandtherestofthemen—exceptfortheoldmansittingagainstthewall—laughaswell,thenFarezcomesforwardand punchesJeremysquarelyintheface.Jeremygaspsmoreinsurprise thanpain— thecodewordandacknowledgmenthadbeenused! —and staggersbackasFarezquicklyremoveshisAK-47anddrivesitinto Jeremy’sabdomen.

“Ah,”Farezsays,“yourwealthyandinfluentialuncleGeorge.” Helaughsandtherestofthemen—exceptfortheoldmansittingagainstthewall—laughaswell,thenFarezcomesforwardand punchesJeremysquarelyintheface.Jeremygaspsmoreinsurprise thanpain— thecodewordandacknowledgmenthadbeenused! —and staggersbackasFarezquicklyremoveshisAK-47anddrivesitinto Jeremy’sabdomen.

Heletsoutacoughandhe’sontheground,andsoisOllie,and thekicksandtheblowsfromtheautomaticriflesraindown,and hesquirmsandtriestocurlintoaballtoprotecthimselfasmuch aspossible,butthehandcuffsandropesmakethatimpossible,and he’sdriftingintounconsciousness,knowingit’sallgonehorribly wrong.

Heletsoutacoughandhe’sontheground,andsoisOllie,and thekicksandtheblowsfromtheautomaticriflesraindown,and hesquirmsandtriestocurlintoaballtoprotecthimselfasmuch aspossible,butthehandcuffsandropesmakethatimpossible,and he’sdriftingintounconsciousness,knowingit’sallgonehorribly wrong.

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

ONCEUPONatimeIhadbeenacaptainintheU.S.Army,serving asanintelligenceofficer,butaseriesofunfortunateandbloody eventshadledmetotheprecipiceofadishonorabledischargeand alifesentencetotheArmyprisoninLeavenworth,untilaheavily tannedmanworkingfortheCentralIntelligenceAgencyhadofferedmeawayout.

ONCEUPONatimeIhadbeenacaptainintheU.S.Army,serving asanintelligenceofficer,butaseriesofunfortunateandbloody eventshadledmetotheprecipiceofadishonorabledischargeand alifesentencetotheArmyprisoninLeavenworth,untilaheavily tannedmanworkingfortheCentralIntelligenceAgencyhadofferedmeawayout.

HisexitpathmeantjoiningtheCIA,undergoingtheirtraining sessions,thenacceptingoverseasassignmentsatamoment’snotice—missingmyhusband,Tom,anddaughter,Denise,terribly— todoseriousworkonbehalfofanunknowingandmostlyuncaring nation.

HisexitpathmeantjoiningtheCIA,undergoingtheirtraining sessions,thenacceptingoverseasassignmentsatamoment’snotice—missingmyhusband,Tom,anddaughter,Denise,terribly— todoseriousworkonbehalfofanunknowingandmostlyuncaring nation.

Itwaseitherthatorgotoprison.

Itwaseitherthatorgotoprison.

SomedaysIalmostthinkitwasworthit.

SomedaysIalmostthinkitwasworthit.

Butnottoday.

Butnottoday.

I’mwithmytwoveryskilledandangrykillers,abouttocrawl uptotheedgeofaridge,andit’snearingnoononthiswarmday inthewildmountainareasbetweenSyriaandLebanon.Thenight beforeinourlittleencampment,weandourBritishfriendscould seetheglowofnightraidsgoingoninSyria,notsureiftheRussians,Turks,orAmericansweredoingthebombing—butallofus agreeingitprobablydidn’tmakemuchdifference.

I’mwithmytwoveryskilledandangrykillers,abouttocrawl uptotheedgeofaridge,andit’snearingnoononthiswarmday inthewildmountainareasbetweenSyriaandLebanon.Thenight beforeinourlittleencampment,weandourBritishfriendscould seetheglowofnightraidsgoingoninSyria,notsureiftheRussians,Turks,orAmericansweredoingthebombing—butallofus agreeingitprobablydidn’tmakemuchdifference. 20

Itwasadamnlonelyfeeling,butnowIfeelevenlonelier.Jordan andSantiagoareprofessionals,goodatfollowingorders—evenif it’sfromsomeonewhousessanitaryproductsonceamonth—but Icanfeelthesmolderingangercomingoffthemafterabandoning theexfiltrationpointbackatthatwadi.

Itwasadamnlonelyfeeling,butnowIfeelevenlonelier.Jordan andSantiagoareprofessionals,goodatfollowingorders—evenif it’sfromsomeonewhousessanitaryproductsonceamonth—but Icanfeelthesmolderingangercomingoffthemafterabandoning theexfiltrationpointbackatthatwadi.

Now,insteadofshoweringandeatinggoodol’greasyandfatteningAmericanfoodaboardthe USSEssex neartheLebanese coastline,we’redeepinhostileterritory,withfewgoodoptionsfacingus.

Now,insteadofshoweringandeatinggoodol’greasyandfatteningAmericanfoodaboardthe USSEssex neartheLebanese coastline,we’redeepinhostileterritory,withfewgoodoptionsfacingus.

Butthere’sahardcoreofmethatknowsI’mright.

Butthere’sahardcoreofmethatknowsI’mright.

Tohellwithourorders.

Tohellwithourorders.

Classifiedmissionornot,I’mnotleavinganyonebehind.

Classifiedmissionornot,I’mnotleavinganyonebehind.

Wethreearestrungoutinalineandnowwe’repeekingoverthe ridgetop,usingthejaggedrocksandbouldersforcover.Bynow Jordanhasreassembledhis.308Remington—puttingastandard tacticalscopeontheframeinsteadofthespookyStarWarsaiming system—andSantiagoisusingstandardbinocularsaswell.

Wethreearestrungoutinalineandnowwe’repeekingoverthe ridgetop,usingthejaggedrocksandbouldersforcover.Bynow Jordanhasreassembledhis.308Remington—puttingastandard tacticalscopeontheframeinsteadofthespookyStarWarsaiming system—andSantiagoisusingstandardbinocularsaswell.

Isay,“Thereitis.”

Isay,“Thereitis.”

It beingasad-lookingone-storyfarmhouseandattachedsmall barn,bothmadeofwoodandstone,withanorchardofscraggly trees,afenced-inareawheregoatsaredoingwhatevergoatsdo, andasmallcourtyardofftotheleft,surroundedbyaknee-high stonewall.

It beingasad-lookingone-storyfarmhouseandattachedsmall barn,bothmadeofwoodandstone,withanorchardofscraggly trees,afenced-inareawheregoatsaredoingwhatevergoatsdo, andasmallcourtyardofftotheleft,surroundedbyaknee-high stonewall.

Lookingthroughhisrifle’sscope,Jordansays,“Doesn’tlooklike much.”

Lookingthroughhisrifle’sscope,Jordansays,“Doesn’tlooklike much.”

“Langleytoldusthisfarmhouseisusedasatransitpointfor smugglersandjihadists.It’stheclosestbuildingtoourambushsite. IfourBritsweretakensomeplace,thisisit.”

“Langleytoldusthisfarmhouseisusedasatransitpointfor smugglersandjihadists.It’stheclosestbuildingtoourambushsite. IfourBritsweretakensomeplace,thisisit.”

Santiago,hisbinocularsinhishands,says,“Crappylooking place.”

Santiago,hisbinocularsinhishands,says,“Crappylooking place.”

“Yes,”Isay.“Butcheckouttheparkinglot.”

“Yes,”Isay.“Butcheckouttheparkinglot.”

Adirtlaneleadstothefarmhouse,andthreedarkanddented

Adirtlaneleadstothefarmhouse,andthreedarkanddented

21

JAMES PATTERSON

Toyotapickuptrucks,aswellasablackSUV,areparkedinasemicircleoutside.

Toyotapickuptrucks,aswellasablackSUV,areparkedinasemicircleoutside.

“Idon’tthinkthisisthefaroutpostofHonestAhmed,used-car salesman,”Isay.Igesturetotheleft.“Spreadout.Santiago,that littlelumpofrock...andJordan,thatchunkthatlookslikeadoghouse.Soundoffifyouseeanything.”

“Idon’tthinkthisisthefaroutpostofHonestAhmed,used-car salesman,”Isay.Igesturetotheleft.“Spreadout.Santiago,that littlelumpofrock...andJordan,thatchunkthatlookslikeadoghouse.Soundoffifyouseeanything.”

Theysilentlypickuptheirgearandmoveasordered. Ilookdownatthefarmhouse.

Theysilentlypickuptheirgearandmoveasordered.

Ilookdownatthefarmhouse.

Theonlysignoflifeisthegoats.

Theonlysignoflifeisthegoats.

Ihategoats.

Ihategoats.

InthefewminutesittakesforJordanandSantiagototakeuptheir newpositions,onlyahandfulofwordsareexchanged.

InthefewminutesittakesforJordanandSantiagototakeuptheir newpositions,onlyahandfulofwordsareexchanged.

QuietlyJordansays,“Shebrokeorders.”

QuietlyJordansays,“Shebrokeorders.”

Santiagosays,“Yeah.”

Santiagosays,“Yeah.”

Jordanpauses,takesoffhisrucksack.“Ifmyassevergetscaptured,hopesomeonedoesthesameforme.”

Jordanpauses,takesoffhisrucksack.“Ifmyassevergetscaptured,hopesomeonedoesthesameforme.”

“Noargumenthere,”Santiagosays.

“Noargumenthere,”Santiagosays.

“Seeyoulater.”

“Seeyoulater.”

Santiagomovesforward.“Youbet,Bro.”

Santiagomovesforward.“Youbet,Bro.”

Icheckmyradiogear.

Icheckmyradiogear.

Stillnosignal.

Stillnosignal.

Beinginthemountainswilldothattoyou.

Beinginthemountainswilldothattoyou.

Whatnow?

Whatnow?

IlookdownthroughthefineGermanopticsattheLebanese farmhouse,whereIhopemytwoBritishcomradesarebeingheld. It’sadamnUNmeeting,itis.

IlookdownthroughthefineGermanopticsattheLebanese farmhouse,whereIhopemytwoBritishcomradesarebeingheld. It’sadamnUNmeeting,itis.

Whatnow?

Whatnow?

Wecansithereforawhile,trytoseewhat’sgoingon.Those parkedvehiclesmeansomethingofimportancemustbe happening.

Wecansithereforawhile,trytoseewhat’sgoingon.Those parkedvehiclesmeansomethingofimportancemustbe happening.

22

Butmaybeit’snotJeremyandOliver—thosepolite,charming, humorous,andutterlystone-coldkillersintheserviceofMI6and theQueen.

Butmaybeit’snotJeremyandOliver—thosepolite,charming, humorous,andutterlystone-coldkillersintheserviceofMI6and theQueen.

Maybeit’ssomethingelse.

Maybeit’ssomethingelse.

IcouldleaveSantiagoandJordanherewhileIfindalocation thatwillallowmetoreestablishradiocommunications—and,after gettingreamedout,trytopinpointresourcesthatIcoulduseto findJeremyandOliver.

IcouldleaveSantiagoandJordanherewhileIfindalocation thatwillallowmetoreestablishradiocommunications—and,after gettingreamedout,trytopinpointresourcesthatIcoulduseto findJeremyandOliver.

Butmyguttellsmethey’reinthatbuilding.

Butmyguttellsmethey’reinthatbuilding.

Howtogetthemout?

Howtogetthemout?

I’mhungry,thirsty,andmyfeethurt,andthebandageswrapped aroundmytorsomakemefeellikeI’mgoingtoloseacupsize whenthisparticularopiswrappedup.

I’mhungry,thirsty,andmyfeethurt,andthebandageswrapped aroundmytorsomakemefeellikeI’mgoingtoloseacupsize whenthisparticularopiswrappedup.

Whatnow?

Whatnow?

AsIstartgoingthroughtheoptionsoncemore,IthinkIseea hintofmovementofftotheleft.ThenJordanmakesupmymind forme.

AsIstartgoingthroughtheoptionsoncemore,IthinkIseea hintofmovementofftotheleft.ThenJordanmakesupmymind forme.

“Amy!”heyells,holdinghisrifle,facetothescope.“Wegota situation!”

“Amy!”heyells,holdinghisrifle,facetothescope.“Wegota situation!”

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

INAluxuriousyetpoorlyheatedandmaintainedcountryestate aboutthirtymilesnorthwestofLondon,HoraceEvansofMI6is sittingathisdesk,slowlysippinghissecondcupofcoffee—he gaveupteayearsagoafterworkingforayearattheBritishEmbassyinAnkara—lookingoverhisday’spaperwork,neatlysetin onepileinthecenterofhisantiquedesk.

INAluxuriousyetpoorlyheatedandmaintainedcountryestate aboutthirtymilesnorthwestofLondon,HoraceEvansofMI6is sittingathisdesk,slowlysippinghissecondcupofcoffee—he gaveupteayearsagoafterworkingforayearattheBritishEmbassyinAnkara—lookingoverhisday’spaperwork,neatlysetin onepileinthecenterofhisantiquedesk.

Theofficeissmallandsuitshim.HehasbeenwithMI6forthree decades,spanningtwocenturies,andhasenoughpowerandinfluencetosetuphisofficehere,insteadofinthatzigguratmonstrosity atVauxhallCrossinLondon,thebuttofmanyawell-deservedjoke andanobscenelyexplicittargettoeverysortofenemyoverture imaginable,fromrocket-propelledgrenadestooverheadsurveillance.

Theofficeissmallandsuitshim.HehasbeenwithMI6forthree decades,spanningtwocenturies,andhasenoughpowerandinfluencetosetuphisofficehere,insteadofinthatzigguratmonstrosity atVauxhallCrossinLondon,thebuttofmanyawell-deservedjoke andanobscenelyexplicittargettoeverysortofenemyoverture imaginable,fromrocket-propelledgrenadestooverheadsurveillance.

HisofficehereinLindsayHalliscold,theradiatorrattles,and partsoftheroofleak.Theentirefour-storybuildingwithitsvariousroomsandsalonsisunderthecontroloftheNationalTrust, saveonepartofthebuildingthat’sbeingrenovatedandisforbiddentotouristsorothervisitors.

HisofficehereinLindsayHalliscold,theradiatorrattles,and partsoftheroofleak.Theentirefour-storybuildingwithitsvariousroomsandsalonsisunderthecontroloftheNationalTrust, saveonepartofthebuildingthat’sbeingrenovatedandisforbiddentotouristsorothervisitors.

EversinceHoracehasbeenhere,therenovationshavebeenongoing.Godwilling,theywillneverstop.

EversinceHoracehasbeenhere,therenovationshavebeenongoing.Godwilling,theywillneverstop.

DuringWorldWarII,LindsayHallwasusedasatrainingfacility

DuringWorldWarII,LindsayHallwasusedasatrainingfacility 24

fortheSpecialOperationsExecutive.HereexiledPoles,Norwegians,Frenchmen,andmanyothersweretrainedinkillingand sabotage,andwerelaterparachutedintooccupiedEurope.

fortheSpecialOperationsExecutive.HereexiledPoles,Norwegians,Frenchmen,andmanyothersweretrainedinkillingand sabotage,andwerelaterparachutedintooccupiedEurope.

Onthewood-paneledwallsinhisofficeHoracehasaportraitof theQueenrightafterhercoronationin1953;aphotoofWinnie standingamongLondonbombdamagein1940;andaframed photoofhisyoungerself,standingonabalconyatsomelongforgottenreceptioninNairobiinthelate1960s.Arepresentation ofwhatwasimportantinhislife,andwhatwasimportanttorememberinhislineofwork.

Onthewood-paneledwallsinhisofficeHoracehasaportraitof theQueenrightafterhercoronationin1953;aphotoofWinnie standingamongLondonbombdamagein1940;andaframed photoofhisyoungerself,standingonabalconyatsomelongforgottenreceptioninNairobiinthelate1960s.Arepresentation ofwhatwasimportantinhislife,andwhatwasimportanttorememberinhislineofwork.

Thereisasoftknockonthedoor.Horacecallsout,“Enter!”and hisassistant,DeclanAinsworth,comesin,wearingafrownonhis plainyetschoolboyishface,eventhoughtheladisapproaching forty.

Thereisasoftknockonthedoor.Horacecallsout,“Enter!”and hisassistant,DeclanAinsworth,comesin,wearingafrownonhis plainyetschoolboyishface,eventhoughtheladisapproaching forty.

“Sorrytobotheryou,sir,”hesaysinasoftvoice,“butitappears there’sbeenabitofamuck-upwithourDetachmentFour.”

“Sorrytobotheryou,sir,”hesaysinasoftvoice,“butitappears there’sbeenabitofamuck-upwithourDetachmentFour.”

DeclanisdressedinadullgrayGieves&Hawkessuitwitha whitecuffedshirtandastripedMagdalenCollegenecktie.Hishair isbrown,trimmedshort,andhewearsgold-rimmedspectacles.At anofficepartylastyear,oneofhissection’ssecretariessaidHorace andDeclanlookedsosimilarthattheycouldbefatherandson, whichhadshockedhim,trueasitwas.

DeclanisdressedinadullgrayGieves&Hawkessuitwitha whitecuffedshirtandastripedMagdalenCollegenecktie.Hishair isbrown,trimmedshort,andhewearsgold-rimmedspectacles.At anofficepartylastyear,oneofhissection’ssecretariessaidHorace andDeclanlookedsosimilarthattheycouldbefatherandson, whichhadshockedhim,trueasitwas.

“Oh,damn,”hesayssoftly.“Andhowdidthiswonderfulnews reachus?”

“Oh,damn,”hesayssoftly.“Andhowdidthiswonderfulnews reachus?”

“ThroughalisteningstationGeneralCommunicationshason Cyprus.”

“ThroughalisteningstationGeneralCommunicationshason Cyprus.”

“Isee.”

“Isee.”

WithDeclanstandingthereexpectantly,Horacethinksthrough avarietyofquestionsanddecidestostartbasic.

WithDeclanstandingthereexpectantly,Horacethinksthrough avarietyofquestionsanddecidestostartbasic.

“Whatwastheirmissionagain?”heasks.

“Whatwastheirmissionagain?”heasks.

“JeremyWindsorandanotherdetachmentmemberwerepaired withaCIAsnipersquad.Theoneledbyawoman.”

“JeremyWindsorandanotherdetachmentmemberwerepaired withaCIAsnipersquad.Theoneledbyawoman.”

25

“Ah,yes,thatwoman.Goon.”

“Ah,yes,thatwoman.Goon.”

“TheyweresentintotheAnti-LebanonMountains,northeast, neartheSyrianborder,”Declansays.“TheirmissionwastoterminatetwoAbuSayyafleaderstravelingintoSyriaforameeting.” “Wasthemissionasuccess?”

“TheyweresentintotheAnti-LebanonMountains,northeast, neartheSyrianborder,”Declansays.“TheirmissionwastoterminatetwoAbuSayyafleaderstravelingintoSyriaforameeting.”

“Wasthemissionasuccess?”

Declannods.“Quite.Bothmenwereremovedfromthe board.Theproblemcamelater:astheteamsweredeployingto beretrieved,Jeremyandtheotherchap”—Declanlooksata sheetofpaper—“OliverDavies,werecapturedbylocalmilitiamen.Wedon’tknowthestatusofourchapsorwhothe militiamenwere.”

Declannods.“Quite.Bothmenwereremovedfromthe board.Theproblemcamelater:astheteamsweredeployingto beretrieved,Jeremyandtheotherchap”—Declanlooksata sheetofpaper—“OliverDavies,werecapturedbylocalmilitiamen.Wedon’tknowthestatusofourchapsorwhothe militiamenwere.”

Horacethinks, Welldone,Jeremy.Welldone. “Isee.TheAmericans?”

Horacethinks, Welldone,Jeremy.Welldone. “Isee.TheAmericans?”

“Well,sir,thisiswhereitgetsodd.Theirtransportoutwasfrom theirArmy’saviationunit,the160thAirRegiment.Buttheydidn’t boardthehelicopter.Theystayedbehind.”

“Well,sir,thisiswhereitgetsodd.Theirtransportoutwasfrom theirArmy’saviationunit,the160thAirRegiment.Buttheydidn’t boardthehelicopter.Theystayedbehind.”

Damn, hethinks. Thatwasn’tpartoftheplan.

Damn, hethinks. Thatwasn’tpartoftheplan.

HoracestaresatDeclanforamoment,puzzlingthingsout.His officeisold-fashionedinmanyways,withtheonlyconcessionto moderntimesbeingthecomputerterminalandthekeyboardbelowit.Herarelyusescomputers—doesn’ttrustthematall.

HoracestaresatDeclanforamoment,puzzlingthingsout.His officeisold-fashionedinmanyways,withtheonlyconcessionto moderntimesbeingthecomputerterminalandthekeyboardbelowit.Herarelyusescomputers—doesn’ttrustthematall.

Hestillreliesonpaper,andonhumancontactsuchasthislittle sessionwithDeclan.Amongthereasonshedistrustscomputers isthattheyneverdeleteanythingpermanently.Butpapercanbe burned,shredded,altered,andconversationslikethisonecanbe forgotten,ormisinterpreted,orevendenied.

Hestillreliesonpaper,andonhumancontactsuchasthislittle sessionwithDeclan.Amongthereasonshedistrustscomputers isthattheyneverdeleteanythingpermanently.Butpapercanbe burned,shredded,altered,andconversationslikethisonecanbe forgotten,ormisinterpreted,orevendenied.

Hesays,“Well,that is anoddlittledevelopment,isn’tit?The Americanschosenottoleave?”

Hesays,“Well,that is anoddlittledevelopment,isn’tit?The Americanschosenottoleave?”

Horacegoesthroughhisfiles,findstheonehewants.“ThisAmy Cornwall,aformerArmycaptain.Inmilitaryintelligence.Before shestartedworkingforourcousins,shewasinvolvedinacrosscountryquestofsorts,tryingtosaveherhusbandanddaughter.

Horacegoesthroughhisfiles,findstheonehewants.“ThisAmy Cornwall,aformerArmycaptain.Inmilitaryintelligence.Before shestartedworkingforourcousins,shewasinvolvedinacrosscountryquestofsorts,tryingtosaveherhusbandanddaughter.

JAMES

Alongthewaysheshotandkilledatleastfour,possiblymore,gunmenfromaMexicandrugcartel.”

Alongthewaysheshotandkilledatleastfour,possiblymore,gunmenfromaMexicandrugcartel.”

Heclosesthefolder,looksupatDeclanoverhisreadingglasses. “IbelievewhathappenedistheAmericancowboymentalitycame upattherightmoment.Cavalryridingintorescuethethreatened OldWestsettlers,thatsortofthing.”

Heclosesthefolder,looksupatDeclanoverhisreadingglasses. “IbelievewhathappenedistheAmericancowboymentalitycame upattherightmoment.Cavalryridingintorescuethethreatened OldWestsettlers,thatsortofthing.”

Andhethinks, Thatbloodywoman—whydidn’tshegointothathelicopterlikeshewasordered?

Andhethinks, Thatbloodywoman—whydidn’tshegointothathelicopterlikeshewasordered?

Declansaysnothing,andHoracesighs.“Pleasekeepmeadvised onJeremyandOliver—andontheAmericans.Remember,atthe endoftheday,twobadmenfromthePhilippineshavebeenremoved.ThatmeanhundredsofinnocentFilipinocivilianswilllive toseeanotherday.”

Declansaysnothing,andHoracesighs.“Pleasekeepmeadvised onJeremyandOliver—andontheAmericans.Remember,atthe endoftheday,twobadmenfromthePhilippineshavebeenremoved.ThatmeanhundredsofinnocentFilipinocivilianswilllive toseeanotherday.”

DeclannodsandHoraceadds,“Youmayseeyourselfout,Declan.Ihaveameetingwith‘C’inanhour,whichmeansIshortly needtobeontheA10.”

DeclannodsandHoraceadds,“Youmayseeyourselfout,Declan.Ihaveameetingwith‘C’inanhour,whichmeansIshortly needtobeontheA10.”

Declanbackstothedoorandsays,“Onemorething,sir?”

Declanbackstothedoorandsays,“Onemorething,sir?”

“Yes,whatisit?”

“Yes,whatisit?”

“Langley,”hesays.“I’msurethatoncethesunrisesontheirEast Coast,you’llbegettingacallfromyourcounterpart.”

“Langley,”hesays.“I’msurethatoncethesunrisesontheirEast Coast,you’llbegettingacallfromyourcounterpart.”

“IimagineIwill,”Horacesays.“Whenthathappens,dotellthe nicemanfromLangleythatI’munavailable.”

“IimagineIwill,”Horacesays.“Whenthathappens,dotellthe nicemanfromLangleythatI’munavailable.”

Declanlooksabitshocked.

Declanlooksabitshocked.

“Youdon’twanttotalktotheCIA?”

“Youdon’twanttotalktotheCIA?”

Horacereturnstohispaperwork.“Dearme,no.”

Horacereturnstohispaperwork.“Dearme,no.”

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

FROMHISgoodeye—theonenotswollenshutandoozing blood—Jeremyseesit’saroundnoonwhenheandOllieare draggedouttoasmallcourtyardnexttothebuildingwherethey arebeingheld.Thetwoofthemarekicked,pushed,andslapped, andhismusclememoryrememberstheprevioustimehewascapturedbylocals,outsideMogadishu.

FROMHISgoodeye—theonenotswollenshutandoozing blood—Jeremyseesit’saroundnoonwhenheandOllieare draggedouttoasmallcourtyardnexttothebuildingwherethey arebeingheld.Thetwoofthemarekicked,pushed,andslapped, andhismusclememoryrememberstheprevioustimehewascapturedbylocals,outsideMogadishu.

He’shopingthiscapturehasasimilaroutcome,foreventuallyhe wasreleased,thoughithadgottenquitediceyattimes.

He’shopingthiscapturehasasimilaroutcome,foreventuallyhe wasreleased,thoughithadgottenquitediceyattimes.

Theoverheadsunishotandthecourtyardisdusty,andJeremy triestotakeeverythingin,lookingatOllie(bloodybutstillconscious),thegunmen(stillchattingandlaughing),andthebuilding wallupahead.

Theoverheadsunishotandthecourtyardisdusty,andJeremy triestotakeeverythingin,lookingatOllie(bloodybutstillconscious),thegunmen(stillchattingandlaughing),andthebuilding wallupahead.

Alightgreenpieceoftarphasbeenhammeredintothestone andwood.

Alightgreenpieceoftarphasbeenhammeredintothestone andwood.

Notgood.

Notgood.

He’sproddedalongwithAK-47stocks.Oneofthegunmen opensalong,zipperedpouch,takesoutatripodandavideocamera,andexpertlysetsthemup.HeandOliverarepushedtotheir knees,sidebyside.

He’sproddedalongwithAK-47stocks.Oneofthegunmen opensalong,zipperedpouch,takesoutatripodandavideocamera,andexpertlysetsthemup.HeandOliverarepushedtotheir knees,sidebyside.

Olliewhispers,“What’sup,Jer?”

Olliewhispers,“What’sup,Jer?” 28

“Lookslikewe’reabouttostarinourownflick,”hewhispers back.“Luckyus.”

“Lookslikewe’reabouttostarinourownflick,”hewhispers back.“Luckyus.”

ButJeremyknowsbetter.Inthestandardhostagetaping,there’s alwaysaflagorabannerinthebackground,proclaimingthe group,militia,ormovementthat’sresponsibleforthecapture.

ButJeremyknowsbetter.Inthestandardhostagetaping,there’s alwaysaflagorabannerinthebackground,proclaimingthe group,militia,ormovementthat’sresponsibleforthecapture.

Yetthere’snoflagorbanner.Justaplaintarp.

Yetthere’snoflagorbanner.Justaplaintarp.

Whathappensnextwillbethemessage,notthewordsonany flagorbanner.

Whathappensnextwillbethemessage,notthewordsonany flagorbanner.

“Hey!”heyellsouttoFarez,thebeardedmilitialeader.“Mygovernmentwillpayahandsomeransomforus!Nodickering!No negotiating!Justnameyourprice.”

“Hey!”heyellsouttoFarez,thebeardedmilitialeader.“Mygovernmentwillpayahandsomeransomforus!Nodickering!No negotiating!Justnameyourprice.”

Theleadercomesover,stilllaughing,andkicksJeremyinthe side.Hegroansandgritshisteeth,butmanagestostayupright.A smallvictory—perhapshislast.

Theleadercomesover,stilllaughing,andkicksJeremyinthe side.Hegroansandgritshisteeth,butmanagestostayupright.A smallvictory—perhapshislast.

Farezdrawsback,spitsontheground.“Asifwe’dtakeyourBritishfilthymoney.”

Farezdrawsback,spitsontheground.“Asifwe’dtakeyourBritishfilthymoney.”

Heturnsandbarksoutanorder,andtheolder,heavierman wearingtheblackrobeandblackkaffiyehamblesforward,carrying asmall,rolled-upcarpet.Hebendsdown,getsonhisknees,and unwrapsthecarpet.

Heturnsandbarksoutanorder,andtheolder,heavierman wearingtheblackrobeandblackkaffiyehamblesforward,carrying asmall,rolled-upcarpet.Hebendsdown,getsonhisknees,and unwrapsthecarpet.

There’smorelaughterandapplauseastheobjectintherugisrevealed.

There’smorelaughterandapplauseastheobjectintherugisrevealed.

Acurvedsword.

Acurvedsword.

Themancoughsandtriestogetup,andtwoofthemilitiamen rushtohelphimupbyhisarms.Heholdsthesworduptothesun, itssharpedgebrightindeed,andtheyellsandchantsgrowlouder. ThisiswhyBritainandAmericaareinthefightoftheirlives, Jeremy thinks. Howcanonedefeatorreasonwithamovementconsumedwith suchbloodlust?IfonlythoseinWestminsterandFleetStreetcouldunderstandthis.

Themancoughsandtriestogetup,andtwoofthemilitiamen rushtohelphimupbyhisarms.Heholdsthesworduptothesun, itssharpedgebrightindeed,andtheyellsandchantsgrowlouder. ThisiswhyBritainandAmericaareinthefightoftheirlives, Jeremy thinks. Howcanonedefeatorreasonwithamovementconsumedwith suchbloodlust?IfonlythoseinWestminsterandFleetStreetcouldunderstandthis.

“Jer...”

“Jer...”

“Holdon,Ollie,holdon.”

“Holdon,Ollie,holdon.”

29

Heyellsagain,inArabic, “Youproudfighters,youpoormenofGod, releasemeandmyfriend,andyouwillberewarded—”

Heyellsagain,inArabic, “Youproudfighters,youpoormenofGod, releasemeandmyfriend,andyouwillberewarded—”

Theswordsmancomesforward,amilitiamanpushesOlliefarthertothedirt,andinoneheavysliceit’sover.Aheavy thump as Oliver’sheadstrikestheground,sprayingtherightsideofJeremy’s facewithhisfriend’sarterialblood.

Theswordsmancomesforward,amilitiamanpushesOlliefarthertothedirt,andinoneheavysliceit’sover.Aheavy thump as Oliver’sheadstrikestheground,sprayingtherightsideofJeremy’s facewithhisfriend’sarterialblood.

Nowit’shardtoseewhat’sgoingon.

Nowit’shardtoseewhat’sgoingon.

Stronghandsareonhisback.

Stronghandsareonhisback.

Heknowsit’shisturnnow.

Heknowsit’shisturnnow.

Itwasboundtocome,hereorinanyotherplaceQueenand Countrysenthim.ButifJeremyfeelsoneregret,it’sthatthere’sso muchlefttolive,somuchlefttodo,somanywhodeservetobe killedbyhishands.

Itwasboundtocome,hereorinanyotherplaceQueenand Countrysenthim.ButifJeremyfeelsoneregret,it’sthatthere’sso muchlefttolive,somuchlefttodo,somanywhodeservetobe killedbyhishands.

Theswordsmanbendsdown,wipesthebladecleanontheback ofOllie’sjacket,andJeremy’sangerandfuryarecoldandsteady.

Theswordsmanbendsdown,wipesthebladecleanontheback ofOllie’sjacket,andJeremy’sangerandfuryarecoldandsteady.

Foraslongasitwilllast.

Foraslongasitwilllast.

Theswordsmancomesback,lookingdownatJeremy,familiar browneyeslitbrightwithpleasureanddetermination.

Theswordsmancomesback,lookingdownatJeremy,familiar browneyeslitbrightwithpleasureanddetermination.

Then,asurprisethatalmostmakesJeremygaspaloud.

Then,asurprisethatalmostmakesJeremygaspaloud.

Inclear,Oxford-accentedEnglish,theswordsmansaysina strongvoice:

Inclear,Oxford-accentedEnglish,theswordsmansaysina strongvoice:

“Youshouldhavestayedhome,Jeremy.”

“Youshouldhavestayedhome,Jeremy.”

Theswordgoesup,up,andup,butJeremyrefusestolowerhis eyes.Andsoheisabletoseeandhearwhathappensnext.

Theswordgoesup,up,andup,butJeremyrefusestolowerhis eyes.Andsoheisabletoseeandhearwhathappensnext.

Thesharp ting ofmetalstrikingmetal,andtheswordflyingout oftheman’shands.

Thesharp ting ofmetalstrikingmetal,andtheswordflyingout oftheman’shands.

JAMES PATTERSON

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

I’MRACINGashardasIcan,whatgearIneedbouncingaround mywaistandback,andSantiagoisrightnexttomeasweapproach thelowcourtyard.FrombehindIhearthesharp,flat snap ofJordan takinghisfirstshot.Hetypicallyshootswithasoundsuppressor, butnotnow.

I’MRACINGashardasIcan,whatgearIneedbouncingaround mywaistandback,andSantiagoisrightnexttomeasweapproach thelowcourtyard.FrombehindIhearthesharp,flat snap ofJordan takinghisfirstshot.Hetypicallyshootswithasoundsuppressor, butnotnow.

Iwanttheknotofgunmenbeforeustofrightenandscatter, andtheydo.SantiagoandIkneelinfrontofthelow,stonewall, andit’soverinamannerofseconds,thegunmenholdingup theirweaponsandsprayingroundafterroundinourdirection, therecoilkickingbackandmakingthebulletswhistleoverour heads.

Iwanttheknotofgunmenbeforeustofrightenandscatter, andtheydo.SantiagoandIkneelinfrontofthelow,stonewall, andit’soverinamannerofseconds,thegunmenholdingup theirweaponsandsprayingroundafterroundinourdirection, therecoilkickingbackandmakingthebulletswhistleoverour heads.

ButSantiagoandIkeeplow,keepourcool,andincareful,threeroundbursts,wekillthemall.

ButSantiagoandIkeeplow,keepourcool,andincareful,threeroundbursts,wekillthemall.

“Cover,”IsaytoSantiago.Igothroughtheopenwoodengateand runovertoJeremy,who’sstrugglingtogetup.Hisclothesaretorn, dusty,bloody.Hisfaceisalsobloodyandoneeyeisnearlyswollen shut.Ikneeldown,withdrawmyKa-Barknife,andcuttheropes aroundhisankles.Hekicksfreeandstandsup,stickshiswrists outfromtherear.

“Cover,”IsaytoSantiago.Igothroughtheopenwoodengateand runovertoJeremy,who’sstrugglingtogetup.Hisclothesaretorn, dusty,bloody.Hisfaceisalsobloodyandoneeyeisnearlyswollen shut.Ikneeldown,withdrawmyKa-Barknife,andcuttheropes aroundhisankles.Hekicksfreeandstandsup,stickshiswrists outfromtherear.

“I’mcuffed,”hesays.“Thatbigchapovertheremissingtheback

“I’mcuffed,”hesays.“Thatbigchapovertheremissingtheback 31

JAMES PATTERSON

ofhishead,hewastheleader.Thehandcuffkeysmightbewith him.”

ofhishead,hewastheleader.Thehandcuffkeysmightbewith him.”

Igoovertothedeadman,workmywaythroughhispockets, findasmallkeywithalongpieceofcoloredropeattached.Ireturn toJeremyandusethekey,andwiththesoundofthelockunclicking,heburstshisarmsfreeandsays,“Theswordsman.Whereis he?”

Igoovertothedeadman,workmywaythroughhispockets, findasmallkeywithalongpieceofcoloredropeattached.Ireturn toJeremyandusethekey,andwiththesoundofthelockunclicking,heburstshisarmsfreeandsays,“Theswordsman.Whereis he?”

Ilookatthefourbodiessprawledinthesmallcourtyard.Santiagoisstillontheothersideofthewall,keepingwatch.Ashape jogsintoview—JordancarryinghisRemingtonrifle—andIwave athimandhecomesthroughthegate.

Ilookatthefourbodiessprawledinthesmallcourtyard.Santiagoisstillontheothersideofthewall,keepingwatch.Ashape jogsintoview—JordancarryinghisRemingtonrifle—andIwave athimandhecomesthroughthegate.

Ipointtothebuildingbehindus.“Upyougo.”

Ipointtothebuildingbehindus.“Upyougo.”

Henods,saystoJeremy,“SorryIwaslate.”

Henods,saystoJeremy,“SorryIwaslate.”

“Didyourbest,”Jeremyreplies,thensaystomeagain:“Where’s theswordsman?ThemanwhokilledOllie?”

“Didyourbest,”Jeremyreplies,thensaystomeagain:“Where’s theswordsman?ThemanwhokilledOllie?”

Isay,“Isn’thehere?”

Isay,“Isn’thehere?”

Jeremysays,“No.Thebastardwasdressedinablackrobeand scarf.Olderandheavier.He’snothere.”

Jeremysays,“No.Thebastardwasdressedinablackrobeand scarf.Olderandheavier.He’snothere.”

Igivethefoursprawledcorpsesonequickglanceandsay,“He musthaverunoffwhentheshootingstarted.Therewaslotsof movementhere.Confusing.Youknowhowitis.”

Igivethefoursprawledcorpsesonequickglanceandsay,“He musthaverunoffwhentheshootingstarted.Therewaslotsof movementhere.Confusing.Youknowhowitis.”

“Damn.”HecallsuptoJordan,who’stakenpositionontheroof. “Anymovement?”

“Damn.”HecallsuptoJordan,who’stakenpositionontheroof. “Anymovement?”

“Justthegoats.”

“Justthegoats.”

“Damnthegoats,”Jeremysays.

“Damnthegoats,”Jeremysays.

Isay,“Weneedtogetmoving.Santiago!”

Isay,“Weneedtogetmoving.Santiago!”

Iwavehimoverandhecomesthroughthegate,andIsay,“Santiago,lookthroughthefarmhouse,seeifthere’sanythingofvalue.”

Iwavehimoverandhecomesthroughthegate,andIsay,“Santiago,lookthroughthefarmhouse,seeifthere’sanythingofvalue.”

“I’llgoalongaswell,”Jeremysays,staringatthebodyofhis spotter.“Iwanttoseeifmykitisinthere,alongwithmyweapon.”

“I’llgoalongaswell,”Jeremysays,staringatthebodyofhis spotter.“Iwanttoseeifmykitisinthere,alongwithmyweapon.”

TheygothroughtheneardoorandIcalluptotheformonthe roof.“Jordan?Stillclear?”

TheygothroughtheneardoorandIcalluptotheformonthe roof.“Jordan?Stillclear?”

32

“Yes,ma’am,”hesays.

“Yes,ma’am,”hesays.

“Good.”

“Good.”

Idon’tbothertellinghimtowarnusifsomethingapproaches. He’sapro,liketherestofus,andknowshisjob.

Idon’tbothertellinghimtowarnusifsomethingapproaches. He’sapro,liketherestofus,andknowshisjob.

AsdoI.

AsdoI.

Thekillingpartofthismissionisover.Nowit’stimeforintelligencegathering,andthenasshauling.

Thekillingpartofthismissionisover.Nowit’stimeforintelligencegathering,andthenasshauling.

JeremyfindshiskitandOllie’saswell,dumpedinacornernext tosometablesandlowbeds.Mostoftheirgearissmashed,butat leasthisCIA-issuedH&KMP5submachinegunandfour40-round magazinesareinonepiece.HegoesthroughOllie’srucksack,finds nothingtobringbacktohiswifeandtwoyoungboys,which pleaseshiminamelancholyfashion.HeandOlliehadgoneinto thismissionsterile,withnoID,mementos,orremindersofhome. PoorOllie.Abravemantohaveatyourback.

JeremyfindshiskitandOllie’saswell,dumpedinacornernext tosometablesandlowbeds.Mostoftheirgearissmashed,butat leasthisCIA-issuedH&KMP5submachinegunandfour40-round magazinesareinonepiece.HegoesthroughOllie’srucksack,finds nothingtobringbacktohiswifeandtwoyoungboys,which pleaseshiminamelancholyfashion.HeandOlliehadgoneinto thismissionsterile,withnoID,mementos,orremindersofhome. PoorOllie.Abravemantohaveatyourback.

TheHispanicAmericancomesinfromanotherroom,holdinga computerharddriveandasheafofpapers.Heshovestheitemsinsidehiscoatandsays,“SorryaboutOllie.”

TheHispanicAmericancomesinfromanotherroom,holdinga computerharddriveandasheafofpapers.Heshovestheitemsinsidehiscoatandsays,“SorryaboutOllie.”

“Hewasagoodsort.”

“Hewasagoodsort.”

“I...sawwhathappened.Didthatsonofabitchwiththesword sayanythingtoyoubeforehetriedtocutyou?”

“I...sawwhathappened.Didthatsonofabitchwiththesword sayanythingtoyoubeforehetriedtocutyou?”

JeremygiveshisH&Kaquickcheck.

JeremygiveshisH&Kaquickcheck.

“Notabloodyword.”

“Notabloodyword.”

ThethreefilthypickuptrucksandSuburbanareemptyofanything useful.ThedocumentsIgetfromthefourdeadmenontheground areprettythin:prayercards,newspaperclippingsinArabic,and identificationpassesfromYementoSudan,whererestless,angry youngmengetanAK-47shovedintotheirhandsandaretoldthey areWarriorsofGod.

ThethreefilthypickuptrucksandSuburbanareemptyofanything useful.ThedocumentsIgetfromthefourdeadmenontheground areprettythin:prayercards,newspaperclippingsinArabic,and identificationpassesfromYementoSudan,whererestless,angry youngmengetanAK-47shovedintotheirhandsandaretoldthey areWarriorsofGod.

Iputthesedocumentsinapocket,knowingthatifwegetout

Iputthesedocumentsinapocket,knowingthatifwegetout

ofherethey’deventuallybestudied,categorized,andrecordedat Langley.Thesefourdeadmenwillthenfindeternity—probably notintheirbrandofHeaven,butincomputerfilesamongtheinfidels.

ofherethey’deventuallybestudied,categorized,andrecordedat Langley.Thesefourdeadmenwillthenfindeternity—probably notintheirbrandofHeaven,butincomputerfilesamongtheinfidels.

IturntoseeSantiagoandJeremyexitingthebuilding.Jeremy stridesovertoadeadmancrumplednearavideocameramounted onatripod.Hepicksupthecameraandsmashesitrepeatedly againstthestonewall,thenpicksthroughthepiecesanddestroys whatI’msureisthevideochip.

IturntoseeSantiagoandJeremyexitingthebuilding.Jeremy stridesovertoadeadmancrumplednearavideocameramounted onatripod.Hepicksupthecameraandsmashesitrepeatedly againstthestonewall,thenpicksthroughthepiecesanddestroys whatI’msureisthevideochip.

Fliesarestartingtobuzzaroundthedeadbodies,includingthat ofamanundermyresponsibility,OliverDavies.Mythroatfeels thickandheavy.Iseehissprawled-outtorso,arms,legs,andthe dryingpoolofblood.Nearbyisthelumpthatishishead—thankfullynotlookinginmydirection—andIsay,“Jordan!Comeon down!”

Fliesarestartingtobuzzaroundthedeadbodies,includingthat ofamanundermyresponsibility,OliverDavies.Mythroatfeels thickandheavy.Iseehissprawled-outtorso,arms,legs,andthe dryingpoolofblood.Nearbyisthelumpthatishishead—thankfullynotlookinginmydirection—andIsay,“Jordan!Comeon down!”

Hemovesfastandgracefullyfromtherooftop,likeawelltrainedpanther.Itakeoutafoldedtopomapandsay,“Atrailabout fiftymetersdowntheroad.Getsusupinthehills.Oncewecan findcoverage,we’llradioLangley.I’llhavetoputupwithsomeangryscreaming,buthopefullytheycangetusoutofhere.”

Hemovesfastandgracefullyfromtherooftop,likeawelltrainedpanther.Itakeoutafoldedtopomapandsay,“Atrailabout fiftymetersdowntheroad.Getsusupinthehills.Oncewecan findcoverage,we’llradioLangley.I’llhavetoputupwithsomeangryscreaming,buthopefullytheycangetusoutofhere.”

SantiagoandJordannod.Jeremylooksupattheraggedpeaks androcks,whichhaveanoddname:theAnti-LebanonMountains.

SantiagoandJordannod.Jeremylooksupattheraggedpeaks androcks,whichhaveanoddname:theAnti-LebanonMountains.

“Jeremy?”

“Jeremy?”

“Yes?”hesays,stilllookingintothehills.Lookingforwhat? Safety?Redemption?Theswordsmanwhokilledhismate?

“Yes?”hesays,stilllookingintothehills.Lookingforwhat? Safety?Redemption?Theswordsmanwhokilledhismate?

Isay,“Doyouwantustodoanythingwith...Ollie?”

Isay,“Doyouwantustodoanythingwith...Ollie?”

Jeremylookstomenow,oneeyeswollenbutbotheyeshardand filledwithdisciplineandfury.

Jeremylookstomenow,oneeyeswollenbutbotheyeshardand filledwithdisciplineandfury.

“No,”hesays.

“No,”hesays.

JAMES PATTERSON

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9

INHISsmallandsterileofficeatCIAheadquartersinLangley,Virginia,ErnestHollisterisdrinkingacupofhotwaterwithasliceof lemoninitwhenablinkingiconappearsonhiscomputerscreen, soundingachimeandinterruptinghismorningreadofthe WashingtonPost.

INHISsmallandsterileofficeatCIAheadquartersinLangley,Virginia,ErnestHollisterisdrinkingacupofhotwaterwithasliceof lemoninitwhenablinkingiconappearsonhiscomputerscreen, soundingachimeandinterruptinghismorningreadofthe WashingtonPost.

Theiconindicatesa FLASHPRIORITY messageiscominghisway, andhedouble-clickstheicon,andwaits.

Theiconindicatesa FLASHPRIORITY messageiscominghisway, andhedouble-clickstheicon,andwaits.

Andwaits.

Andwaits.

Thismaybethemostpowerfulandwell-fundedintelligence agencyintheworld,butbureaucratsandthelengthybudgetappropriationprocessmeansithasanITsystemthatwascuttingedgewhenBushwaspresident—andErnestisn’tthinkingofthe man’sson.

Thismaybethemostpowerfulandwell-fundedintelligence agencyintheworld,butbureaucratsandthelengthybudgetappropriationprocessmeansithasanITsystemthatwascuttingedgewhenBushwaspresident—andErnestisn’tthinkingofthe man’sson.

Still,helovescomputers,lovesinformation,lovesbeingtiedinto aworldwideinternetandasurveillancestate.

Still,helovescomputers,lovesinformation,lovesbeingtiedinto aworldwideinternetandasurveillancestate.

Theiconisstillblinkingathim.

Theiconisstillblinkingathim.

Ernestlikeskeepinghisofficeclearofplants,books,plaques, andphotos.Allofthosepersonalitemsarebitsofintelligence,allowingvisitorstohisremoteandobscureofficeawaytogather informationaboutwhoheis.

Ernestlikeskeepinghisofficeclearofplants,books,plaques, andphotos.Allofthosepersonalitemsarebitsofintelligence,allowingvisitorstohisremoteandobscureofficeawaytogather informationaboutwhoheis.

Andhewillneverallowthattohappen.

Andhewillneverallowthattohappen. 35

Ernestpicksuphisteacup.Thetruthis,heshouldn’tbehere,overseeingasectionoftheCompany’sSpecialActivitiesDivision.Hisonly battleexperienceisonequietandunremarkabletourasanArmyinfantryofficerduringtheIraqmess,andhisbattlessincethenhaveall beenofthebureaucraticsort.Duringoneofthegreatupheavalsthe CIAexperienceseveryfewyears,hisdivisioncommanderinIraqwas pickedtoheadtheSpecialOperationsGroup,andinturnplucked ErnestoutofananalysissectionintheCIA’sAsianBureau.

Ernestpicksuphisteacup.Thetruthis,heshouldn’tbehere,overseeingasectionoftheCompany’sSpecialActivitiesDivision.Hisonly battleexperienceisonequietandunremarkabletourasanArmyinfantryofficerduringtheIraqmess,andhisbattlessincethenhaveall beenofthebureaucraticsort.Duringoneofthegreatupheavalsthe CIAexperienceseveryfewyears,hisdivisioncommanderinIraqwas pickedtoheadtheSpecialOperationsGroup,andinturnplucked ErnestoutofananalysissectionintheCIA’sAsianBureau.

Thegunslingersinhissectionresenthisposition,Ernestknows. HehadjoinedtheCIAonlyafteradrawdownthatessentially kickedErnestandhundredsoffellowArmyofficersfromactive duty.Butheknowshowtomanage,howtooperate,howtonavigateamongthebureaucraticshoalsthatcanripapartsomeone’s careerinaninstant.

Thegunslingersinhissectionresenthisposition,Ernestknows. HehadjoinedtheCIAonlyafteradrawdownthatessentially kickedErnestandhundredsoffellowArmyofficersfromactive duty.Butheknowshowtomanage,howtooperate,howtonavigateamongthebureaucraticshoalsthatcanripapartsomeone’s careerinaninstant.

Theblinkingiconsaying FLASHPRIORITY isfrozen.

Theblinkingiconsaying FLASHPRIORITY isfrozen.

Heallowshimselftosay“Damn,”thenpicksuphistelephone— whosebuttonsindicateinsidecall,outsidecall,orencrypted call—andmakesaquickinsidecalltohisassistant,TylerPope. ErnestknowshecouldjustgetupandwalksixfeettoTyler’soffice nextdoor,butwhynotuseavailabletechnologytodothejob?

Heallowshimselftosay“Damn,”thenpicksuphistelephone— whosebuttonsindicateinsidecall,outsidecall,orencrypted call—andmakesaquickinsidecalltohisassistant,TylerPope. ErnestknowshecouldjustgetupandwalksixfeettoTyler’soffice nextdoor,butwhynotuseavailabletechnologytodothejob?

Tylercrisplyanswersthephoneonthefirstring.“I’vegotaFlash Prioritymessageindicator,”Ernesttellshim,“andnowmysystem isfrozen.GetmewhatIneed.”

Tylercrisplyanswersthephoneonthefirstring.“I’vegotaFlash Prioritymessageindicator,”Ernesttellshim,“andnowmysystem isfrozen.GetmewhatIneed.”

“Rightaway,sir,”andthere’saracetoseewhocanhangupfirst. Ernestissurehe’sthewinner.

“Rightaway,sir,”andthere’saracetoseewhocanhangupfirst. Ernestissurehe’sthewinner.

Ofsuchlittlevictoriesacareerismade.

There’saknockathisdoor.

Ofsuchlittlevictoriesacareerismade. There’saknockathisdoor.

“Comein,”heannounces,checkingthelittledigitalclockonhis desk.Oneminuteandfiveseconds.Notbad.

“Comein,”heannounces,checkingthelittledigitalclockonhis desk.Oneminuteandfiveseconds.Notbad.

Tylerisshortandpudgy,withbrownhairandarapidlyspreadingbaldpatchthathe’sbeenartfullybutunsuccessfullytryingto

Tylerisshortandpudgy,withbrownhairandarapidlyspreadingbaldpatchthathe’sbeenartfullybutunsuccessfullytryingto

JAMES PATTERSON

concealeversincehestartedworkingforErnest.Hehasonkhaki slacks,abluebutton-downshirt,andaplainrednecktie.

concealeversincehestartedworkingforErnest.Hehasonkhaki slacks,abluebutton-downshirt,andaplainrednecktie.

Tylersays,“There’sbeenafoul-upinOperationStunner.”

Tylersays,“There’sbeenafoul-upinOperationStunner.”

“Whichoneisthat?”

“Whichoneisthat?”

“TheteamworkingwiththeBritsintheLebanesemountains, nearSyria.”

“TheteamworkingwiththeBritsintheLebanesemountains, nearSyria.”

Heremembersnow.“Right.TwoAbuSayyafleaders,headingto asummitinSyria.TheoneledbyCaptainCornwall.That...difficultwoman.Well?”

Heremembersnow.“Right.TwoAbuSayyafleaders,headingto asummitinSyria.TheoneledbyCaptainCornwall.That...difficultwoman.Well?”

“Themissionwasasuccess,”Tylersays.“Bothtargetseliminated. ButitlooksliketheBritishteamhasbeencaptured,possiblybya Hezbollah-relatedmilitia.”

“Themissionwasasuccess,”Tylersays.“Bothtargetseliminated. ButitlooksliketheBritishteamhasbeencaptured,possiblybya Hezbollah-relatedmilitia.”

Ernestdoesn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Ithoughtourlatestintel wasthattheplacehadbeenswept.Nohostilesinthearea.”

Ernestdoesn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Ithoughtourlatestintel wasthattheplacehadbeenswept.Nohostilesinthearea.”

“Obviouslyanerrorsomewhere.”

“Obviouslyanerrorsomewhere.”

“Obviously,”Ernestsays.“Ourfolks?”

“Obviously,”Ernestsays.“Ourfolks?”

“Sir,that’swhereitgets...odd.”

“Sir,that’swhereitgets...odd.”

“Define odd.”

“Define odd.”

“AstealthairplatformfromtheNightStalkerswasattherendezvouspointtoexfilbothteams.Ourcrewshowedup,butthey didn’tboardthehelicopter.”

“AstealthairplatformfromtheNightStalkerswasattherendezvouspointtoexfilbothteams.Ourcrewshowedup,butthey didn’tboardthehelicopter.”

“Howdoweknowourfolkswerethere?Wasthereradiotraffic?”

“Howdoweknowourfolkswerethere?Wasthereradiotraffic?”

“No,sir.TheNightStalkerssawthem.”

“No,sir.TheNightStalkerssawthem.”

“Doingwhat?Takingfire?”

“Doingwhat?Takingfire?”

“No...juststandingdown.Notmoving.TheNightStalkersfollowedtheirorders.Theytookoff.Thelasttheysaw,thethreemembersquadwasreturningtothemountains.”

“No...juststandingdown.Notmoving.TheNightStalkersfollowedtheirorders.Theytookoff.Thelasttheysaw,thethreemembersquadwasreturningtothemountains.”

Ernestputshisteacupdown.“ThatCornwall...”Hepauses, shakeshishead.Thatwoman.Talkingtoher,workingwithher, planningwithher,tryingtomakeherjustshutupandunderstand theAgency’spositiononintelligencematters...somedaysit’slike tryingtostopaspinningbuzzsawwithyourfingers.

Ernestputshisteacupdown.“ThatCornwall...”Hepauses, shakeshishead.Thatwoman.Talkingtoher,workingwithher, planningwithher,tryingtomakeherjustshutupandunderstand theAgency’spositiononintelligencematters...somedaysit’slike tryingtostopaspinningbuzzsawwithyourfingers.

37

Anopportunityhasjustarisenforhim,andErnestisalwaysone forseizingsuchoccasionswhenhecan.

Anopportunityhasjustarisenforhim,andErnestisalwaysone forseizingsuchoccasionswhenhecan.

“Allright,”Ernestsays.“Itlookslikeshe’srunoffonarescue mission.Seeifwecan’tgetacommunicationsdroneoverhead. Thosemountainscanplayhavocwithreceivingandtransmitting.”

“Allright,”Ernestsays.“Itlookslikeshe’srunoffonarescue mission.Seeifwecan’tgetacommunicationsdroneoverhead. Thosemountainscanplayhavocwithreceivingandtransmitting.”

“Yes,sir,”hesays.“DoyouwanttotalktoHoraceEvans,then, toseewhathemightknowonhisend?”

“Yes,sir,”hesays.“DoyouwanttotalktoHoraceEvans,then, toseewhathemightknowonhisend?”

Ernestnods.“Doit.Soonest.”

Ernestnods.“Doit.Soonest.”

TylergoestothedoorandErnestsays,“Tyler,let’ssetadeadline.” “Sir?”

TylergoestothedoorandErnestsays,“Tyler,let’ssetadeadline.” “Sir?”

Hecarefullythinksthroughhisoptions.“Ifwedon’thearanythingpositiveinthenexttwenty-fourhours,putoutaleaktoone ofourfriendlyreporterscoveringnationalsecurity.Justawhisper—anindicationthatacontractforceworkingontheirownhas lostateamworkinginsideLebanon.”

Hecarefullythinksthroughhisoptions.“Ifwedon’thearanythingpositiveinthenexttwenty-fourhours,putoutaleaktoone ofourfriendlyreporterscoveringnationalsecurity.Justawhisper—anindicationthatacontractforceworkingontheirownhas lostateamworkinginsideLebanon.”

“Plausibledeniability,”Tylersays.

“Plausibledeniability,”Tylersays.

“Ofcourse,”Ernestsays.“Ifwehavetocutthemloosetoprotect theAgency,sobeit.Asofnow,they’vegonerogue.Iwon’tstand forit.”

“Ofcourse,”Ernestsays.“Ifwehavetocutthemloosetoprotect theAgency,sobeit.Asofnow,they’vegonerogue.Iwon’tstand forit.”

Tylerbiteshislowerlipforamoment.“Don’tyouthinkyou mightbeacting... hastily? Sir?Imean,twenty-fourhours...”

Tylerbiteshislowerlipforamoment.“Don’tyouthinkyou mightbeacting... hastily? Sir?Imean,twenty-fourhours...”

ProtecttheAgency, Ernestthinks.BothheandTylerknowwhat’s reallygoingonhere,notdaringforittobementioned,butwhat’s reallyhappeningisthatErnestisprotectinghimselfandhiscareer, andhisboss’scareer.

ProtecttheAgency, Ernestthinks.BothheandTylerknowwhat’s reallygoingonhere,notdaringforittobementioned,butwhat’s reallyhappeningisthatErnestisprotectinghimselfandhiscareer, andhisboss’scareer.

Amongotherthings.

Amongotherthings.

TheAgencycantakeahit.

TheAgencycantakeahit.

ButErnestrefusestoletthathappentohim. “Tyler?”

ButErnestrefusestoletthathappentohim.

“Tyler?”

“Sir?”

“Sir?”

Hepicksuphisteacup.“Makethattwelvehours.”

Hepicksuphisteacup.“Makethattwelvehours.”

JAMES PATTERSON

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 10

ATTHEsecondthirty-minutemarkofourslogupthenarrowand windingtrail,Icallforabreak.

ATTHEsecondthirty-minutemarkofourslogupthenarrowand windingtrail,Icallforabreak.

It’sbeenalong,gruelinghike,andIthinkfondlyofgrowing upinMaineandgoingwithmyparentsforweekendtrampsin ourstretchoftheWhiteMountains.Herethere’snothingbutrock, fissures,boulders,andtheoccasionalwingedcreatureflyingoverhead,andthedistantbarerangescoveredwithsnowandice.

It’sbeenalong,gruelinghike,andIthinkfondlyofgrowing upinMaineandgoingwithmyparentsforweekendtrampsin ourstretchoftheWhiteMountains.Herethere’snothingbutrock, fissures,boulders,andtheoccasionalwingedcreatureflyingoverhead,andthedistantbarerangescoveredwithsnowandice.

JordanhasOllie’sweaponandistakinglead,andSantiagois nowbringinguptherear.I’minthemiddlewithJeremy,andhe’s beenoneclosed-mouthsonofabitcheversinceleavingthefarm andhisdeadcomrade.

JordanhasOllie’sweaponandistakinglead,andSantiagois nowbringinguptherear.I’minthemiddlewithJeremy,andhe’s beenoneclosed-mouthsonofabitcheversinceleavingthefarm andhisdeadcomrade.

Hisclothesareamess,oneeyeisswollen,he’slimping,there’s driedbloodonhisface—amixtureofhisandOliver’s,I’msure— butI’veyettohear,“Thanksforsavingmyassbackthere.”

Hisclothesareamess,oneeyeisswollen,he’slimping,there’s driedbloodonhisface—amixtureofhisandOliver’s,I’msure— butI’veyettohear,“Thanksforsavingmyassbackthere.”

Whichisn’tsurprising.SpecialForcessoldiersandsailorsoperateonadifferentplanethanusregulargrunts.Theyareincredibly competitiveandhavetremendousendurance—andmosthaveall theconversationalskillsofabrick.

Whichisn’tsurprising.SpecialForcessoldiersandsailorsoperateonadifferentplanethanusregulargrunts.Theyareincredibly competitiveandhavetremendousendurance—andmosthaveall theconversationalskillsofabrick.

SoJeremyistypical.

SoJeremyistypical.

ButIknowsomethingelseisgoingon.

ButIknowsomethingelseisgoingon.

We’reontheedgeofasmallplateau,withanotherlongclimb

We’reontheedgeofasmallplateau,withanotherlongclimb

JAMES PATTERSON

aboutfiftymetersahead,andIfiddlewiththeradiostrappedtomy waist.Theresultingsquealofstaticinmyleftearnearlymakesme jump.

aboutfiftymetersahead,andIfiddlewiththeradiostrappedtomy waist.Theresultingsquealofstaticinmyleftearnearlymakesme jump.

“Igotastrongsignalhere,guys,”Iannounce.“Holdon.”

“Igotastrongsignalhere,guys,”Iannounce.“Holdon.”

IstartflippingthroughthevariousfrequenciesI’vememorized whenJeremyappearsnexttome,limpingandthenslinginghis H&KMP5overhisrightshoulder.

IstartflippingthroughthevariousfrequenciesI’vememorized whenJeremyappearsnexttome,limpingandthenslinginghis H&KMP5overhisrightshoulder.

“Amy,please,”hesays.“CanIborrowyourgearforamoment?” “Forreal?”Iask,surprised.

“Amy,please,”hesays.“CanIborrowyourgearforamoment?”

“Forreal?”Iask,surprised.

“Please,”hesays.“Justforamoment.”

“Please,”hesays.“Justforamoment.”

Ipause,buthelookssoseriousanddeterminedthatIundomy earpieceandpassitovertohim.Jeremystandscloseby,inserting theearpieceinhisrightear.

Ipause,buthelookssoseriousanddeterminedthatIundomy earpieceandpassitovertohim.Jeremystandscloseby,inserting theearpieceinhisrightear.

Iunclipmylapelmicrophoneandholditouttohim.Heworks thefrequenciesontheradio,thennodsandcalls,“Crown,Crown, Crown,thisisScepterFour,ScepterFour.”

Iunclipmylapelmicrophoneandholditouttohim.Heworks thefrequenciesontheradio,thennodsandcalls,“Crown,Crown, Crown,thisisScepterFour,ScepterFour.”

SantiagoandJordanseewhat’sgoingon,stepincloser.

SantiagoandJordanseewhat’sgoingon,stepincloser.

“Crown,Crown,Crown,thisisScepterFour,ScepterFour.”

“Crown,Crown,Crown,thisisScepterFour,ScepterFour.”

IfeelclosedinwithJeremystandingsonearme,smellinghis sweatandgrime,andI’mabouttograbmyradiogearbackwhenI hearavoicecomethroughtheearpiece.

IfeelclosedinwithJeremystandingsonearme,smellinghis sweatandgrime,andI’mabouttograbmyradiogearbackwhenI hearavoicecomethroughtheearpiece.

Jeremygrins.“Crown,ScepterFour.”Hedigsoutafolded-over topomapfromacoatpocketandsays,“Requestingpickup.We’re atmapcoordinates—”Hereadsoffaseriesofgridnumbers,then repeatsthemandsays,“Thanksawfully,Crown.ScepterFour,signingoff.”

Jeremygrins.“Crown,ScepterFour.”Hedigsoutafolded-over topomapfromacoatpocketandsays,“Requestingpickup.We’re atmapcoordinates—”Hereadsoffaseriesofgridnumbers,then repeatsthemandsays,“Thanksawfully,Crown.ScepterFour,signingoff.”

Hehandsmebacktheearpieceandmicrophoneandsays,“AlwayshaveaplanB,amIright?Nooffensetoyouandyour wonderfulNightStalkers,butIthinkourairborneassetisjustabit closer.”

Hehandsmebacktheearpieceandmicrophoneandsays,“AlwayshaveaplanB,amIright?Nooffensetoyouandyour wonderfulNightStalkers,butIthinkourairborneassetisjustabit closer.”

“Howclose?”Jordanasks.

“Howclose?”Jordanasks.

“Howdoestwentyminutessound?”

“Howdoestwentyminutessound?”

40

Santiagogrins.“Soundsexcellent,Bro.”

Santiagogrins.“Soundsexcellent,Bro.”

IgiveJordanandSantiagoasternlook;gettingthemessageloud andclear,theybothwalkbacktotheiroriginalpositions.

IgiveJordanandSantiagoasternlook;gettingthemessageloud andclear,theybothwalkbacktotheiroriginalpositions.

IaskJeremy,“Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”

IaskJeremy,“Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”

“Arrangingapickup.”HegesturestowhereJordanisstanding. “Abouttwentymetersalongthisplateau,that’swhereweneedtobe.”

“Arrangingapickup.”HegesturestowhereJordanisstanding. “Abouttwentymetersalongthisplateau,that’swhereweneedtobe.”

“Ishouldhaveknown,”Isay.“Thisismyoperation.”

“Ishouldhaveknown,”Isay.“Thisismyoperation.”

“Youknowhowitis,”hesays.“Thewaywedothings.”

“Youknowhowitis,”hesays.“Thewaywedothings.”

Istepclosertohim.“Idon’tlikesecrets.”

Istepclosertohim.“Idon’tlikesecrets.”

Hisface—bloodiedandbeatenasitis—remainscalm.

Hisface—bloodiedandbeatenasitis—remainscalm.

“That’smybusiness,Amy,”hereplies.“Killingpeopleandkeepingsecrets.”Hetightensarucksackstrap,takeshisweaponoffhis shoulder.“Andthat’syourbusiness,too.”

“That’smybusiness,Amy,”hereplies.“Killingpeopleandkeepingsecrets.”Hetightensarucksackstrap,takeshisweaponoffhis shoulder.“Andthat’syourbusiness,too.”

Westareateachother,andthenIstartmovingalongtherocky trailandeveryoneelsejoinsme.

Westareateachother,andthenIstartmovingalongtherocky trailandeveryoneelsejoinsme.

Jeremyis100percentabsolutelyright.ButI’llbedamnedifI’m goingtotellhimthat.

Jeremyis100percentabsolutelyright.ButI’llbedamnedifI’m goingtotellhimthat.