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Thoughtfully, he activated one of the burner phones in his pack and dialed his father’s personal cell phone number.

“Son. To what do I owe this pleasure?” The connection was scratchy, but he could make out his father’s voice, speaking in English. He replied in Russian. They were both cautious of wagging ears around them, apparently.

“Tell me about my mother.”

There was a long pause filled only with quiet static. Then, “Why?”

“Because I’m asking.”

Roman’s voice was heavy. “What do you want to know?”

“Was her name Claudia Kane?”

He thought he heard his father inhale sharply, but it was hard to tell over the poor connection. His father’s answer was wooden. “That was a name connected to her, yes.”

“Was she an American operative? A sparrow?”

“Yes and yes.”

“Did she target you, specifically?”

“I have always believed so, but I have no proof.”

“If you have no proof, does that mean she never attempted to blackmail you or turn you?”

“Not as far as I know,” Roman answered. Okay, his father sounded as if that answer was true. He never could be one-hundred-percent certain with Roman, but his father’s firm tone was as close to sounding like he was telling the truth as his old man ever got.

Alex asked reluctantly, “Did you have feelings for her, or was it a…business transaction?”

“I loved her. Never doubt that, Alexei.”

“What about her?” Alex asked heavily. “Did she have feelings for you? Or were you just a job?”

“You would have to ask her.”

“She’s still alive, then?”

“As far as I know.”

“C’mon, father. That’s the sort of thing you’d use your position to be certain of. I deserve to know the truth.” When Roman did not reply, he added reluctantly, “My life may depend on knowing the truth.”

“What’s this?” his father burst out.

“Is she alive or not?”

“You’ll tell me what’s going on?” Roman challenged.

Alex closed his eyes tightly. That was all the answer he needed. His mother was still alive. And a casual inquiry about her from Katie appeared to have elicited two sniper attacks. Not only was Claudia Kane still alive, she was still an active operative. And apparently, she or her superiors didn’t appreciate somebody poking around into her existence.

“Do you know her real name?” Alex asked quietly.

“I do not know that she has a real name. She has moved from legend to legend over the years, and never retains any one identity for long.”

“Do you know where she is now? What she’s doing?”

“I am sorry. I do not. Last I heard, she was directing an operation called Cold something. Our source only captured the first word of the name.”

“Cold Intent?” Alex blurted. “I’d bet my life that’s it. Hell, I am betting my life on it.”