Page 156 of The Lazarus Protocol

Noah clenched down on his molars. “I’ll have to discuss it with the team.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything to discuss,” she said. “After all, they already believe they are the Division Zero team. Nothing will change as far as they’re concerned. And I assure you, the CIA will generously compensate you.”

“For being your own private strike force?” Noah shifted his weight, trying to ease the ache in his lower back from sitting on a plane all day yesterday.

“For now, at least, our goals are in alignment. The president is aware of the situation and has signed off on my department using all the resources at our disposal to ensure Earthnet is unable to complete their global network.”

Ice looked at Noah but said nothing.

“I have your first assignment.” Peraya drew a flash drive from the inside pocket of her blazer and held it out. “Your old friend, Richard Leesbury.”

Noah took it. “He was at the Earthnet building when Marina and I were captured.”

“He’s a person of interest we wish to locate and question.”

“Understood.” Noah pocketed the flash drive.

She looked at Ice. “Do you have anything for me?”

“Kraus had a cabin in Alberta. I scoured every inch of it. He didn’t have the book.” He reached back and drew something from his belt, handing over a hard drive. “Just this.”

“Good day, gentlemen.” She stepped away from them, taking what Ice had given her. “I’ll leave you to see yourselves out.”

Noah waited until she was out of earshot. “When did you guys start working together?”

“Right around when I saved her life.” Ice set off back toward the car.

Noah followed him, catching up. “Are you gonna explain that?”

“Better if you don’t ask questions.”

“One day it’s gonna catch up with you, and I hope your choices don’t hit you in the face.”

“Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Ice put on a pair of sunglasses, and that was that.

FIFTY-FOUR

Undisclosed Location, France

Adam spun the handle. The ball shot across the foosball table and went into the goal. He raised his fists in the air and whooped.

Across the table, Kai swung back. “No way! Spinning it is cheating!”

“So you want best thirteen out of twenty? Is that it?” Adam went around the table and nudged his friend’s shoulder, then grabbed his soda. “We’ve been playing for an hour.”

“I know. Steph isn’t back yet.”

“I don’t need distracting.”

Kai just snorted. He went over to Ash and slumped down on the couch, dislodging the guy. Ash shoved him. “Now I’m dead.”

The TV screen said, Mission Failure.

Adam wandered out of the room, not because he was waiting for Steph to get back with the plane and tell him how her trip went. Or because he was worried about whether she would be safe, and she’d insisted he not go with her. That she had to do this on her own.

“Because I’m fine,” he muttered.

“Talking to yourself suggests otherwise.”