Page 174 of Silent Target

Each level farther from the center.

Each circle containing more people who may not even know who controls them.

I remove a recently disturbed binder.

Photographs cover the pages.

Government officials.

Military commanders.

Judges.

Intelligence officers.

Each biography includes family members, finances, weaknesses, and secrets.

A handwritten status appears beside every name.

RECRUITED.

COMPROMISED.

REMOVED.

“These aren’t enemy agents,” Falcon says from the doorway.

“No,” Fathom whispers. “They’re ours.”

The next section contains flags from dozens of nations.

The United Kingdom.

Germany.

France.

Australia.

Japan.

Brazil.

The files continue beyond the reach of my flashlight.

“This isn’t a national conspiracy.”

Fathom stares down the rows.

“It’s global.”

I open another cabinet.

Hundreds of photographs fill it.

Children at birthday parties.

Couples on their wedding days.