Page 97

When he walked out, shutting the door behind him, I put my head in my hands and cried.
29
TYPHON
Rather than meet at Vauxhall Cross, Z asked me to come to his townhome.
“You look like hell,” he said when he opened the door to invite me in.
“It’s all the worrying I’ve done over you.”
He chuckled but gripped my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Typhon.”
“Truthfully, the lingering effects of the last few days are taking their toll,” I said, sitting when he pointed at a chair.
“How can I help?” he asked.
“I’m here to give you an update on Verity. But first, you owe me an explanation.”
Z stood and walked over to a credenza that held a bottle of brandy and a set of glasses. When he held one up, I nodded. After pouring two, he handed one to me and retook his seat.
“I blame you, in part.” He chuckled. “Not really, my friend. However, watching you over these last few months convinced me, at least in part, that I had to end my relationship with SIS in order to begin one with the woman I love.”
Before he ended his sentence, Leighton Marietta, code name George, entered the room.
“Hello, my darling,” Z said, standing to greet her.
“I’m sorry to interrupt.” She looked over at me. “Hello, Typhon.”
“George. I hear you’re the reason Z broke up with SIS.”
She chuckled. “Took him long enough.” She kissed him. “I’m off to pick some things up from the house. Be back soon.” They kissed again, and George left.
“I’m very happy for you, my friend.”
“As she said, it took me long enough. I cannot tell you the relief I felt the minute I sent Coffey my resignation. You should know, George and I intend to marry as soon as possible.”
“Congratulations, my friend. I wish you and your bride-to-be every happiness.” I raised my glass in toast, and we both took a drink.
“Many thanks. Now, how’s Verity?”
“She made me promise I would brief you, O, and Nemesis only.”
His head cocked. “Interesting.”
“According to Dagger, she and Zeppelin may have been or are in a relationship.” Z knew Verity’s brother as well as I did, although few others in intelligence knew of his role with Unit 23—his sister included.
“It was my understanding that the two detested each other. But as they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.”
“My guess is she doesn’t want him to know her condition.”
“Which is?”
“Presently, she’s unable to walk. However, her physicians are confident she’ll be able to regain the ability with intense physical therapy.”
“Thank God,” Z said, and I concurred. However, before I could say so, my mobile rang with a call from Eliza.
“I need to take this.”