Page 27 of The Lazarus Protocol

Kai dug in his duffel and pulled out a protein bar, which he held out to Ice. “Once you get your foot out of your mouth, put this in there instead.”

Adam folded his arms. “The CIA wants us to retrieve one of their assets. We’re splitting into two groups and tackling both problems.”

Across the hangar a guy wearing sandals, khaki shorts, and a light-blue polo sat in a plastic lawn chair with a white canvas hat pulled down over his face, ostensibly completely asleep. Newspaper on his lap.

Dan came down the airplane stairs, and Adam shifted out of the way. Dan didn’t even look up from his tablet. “The drone is on the ground and the signal was lost, but we have its last known location.” He looked up at Kai and Ash. “Or…you guys do.”

“Because you’re calling dibs on going with Nix?” Kai didn’t have another protein bar, so he sucker punched Dan in the arm.

Dan didn’t even flinch, but his arm was probably numb now. “I’ll give you the tablet. When you’re close enough, the Earthnet program will connect with the drone and you’ll be able to find it.”

Adam motioned to Ice and Dan. “You’re coming with me.” Then glanced at Ash. “Jay is coming in to meet you. He’ll catch up when he’s on the ground.”

“He gets to parachute into Syria! No fair!”

Ash whirled around to face Kai. “Bro, did you forget to take your meds this morning or what?”

Kai whirled around to punch Ash, who blocked him.

“Cool it.” Adam shook his head. “You should’ve slept more on the plane, Kai.”

“Couldn’t fall asleep.” Kai looked perturbed. “Was thinkin’ about somethin’.”

Ice muttered, “Thinking about a girl.”

Adam sighed. “Maybe take out some of your restless energy on any insurgents you come across, yeah?”

Kai perked up. “Whatever means necessary?”

Adam pointed at Ash. “His call. We aren’t the threat here. In and out. That’s why you’re wearing disguises. We blend in. We try to go unnoticed.”

Stealth wasn’t exactly Kai’s strong suit, but he figured the former marine could pull it off well enough while he was charging into battle at full speed.

Kai’s chest expanded. “I identify⁠—”

Ash slapped him upside the back of the head. “We all know. You identify as a threat.” He grabbed his duffel from the floor and flung it over his shoulder. “Can we go?”

Adam grabbed his duffel. “Anyone else still exhausted?”

Dan glanced at him and almost smiled. “You should’ve slept more, Nix.”

Adam shook his head. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Bye, Phoenix!” Kai swung around with a rifle case in one hand, nearly taking out Ash’s knees. “See you soon, Phoenix!”

Adam just shook his head, then yelled, “Henry!” across the hangar. The guy with the white hat over his face stood abruptly, and the newspaper fell to the floor.

“What?” Henry turned one way, then the other, noting them all and the plane behind them. “Good. Right on time.” To Ash and Kai, he said, “This way,” and led them through a door near where he’d been waiting for them to arrive.

Ice snorted. “Ouch.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Sure you’re up for this?” Adam was fully aware that Ice was nowhere near a hundred percent—but the guy was more of a liability left behind than he’d be while glued to Adam’s side the whole mission.

“Good to go, Boss.” Ice strode after Kai and Ash.

“Ever get the feeling your day is going to turn into a disaster?” Adam glanced at Dan, and the smile dropped away. “Sorry.”

Dan gave a quick shake of his head. “Don’t worry about it.”