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“Frost and Prescott.”
“Good. Good. Okay, that’s the one on the home front.”
“One in Russia,” Grey said. “That seems to be pure retribution and has something to do with daddy issues. And one is scheduled for a European concert.”
“Okay, which concert? Where?”
“Right now, I only have the broad brush strokes. The U.S. is being treated separately because it is already funded and already in motion now that they have the information from Poole.”
“But Russia and the concert?”
“That’s vague. Langley needs more information. That’s why we’re not taking the ring. I am merely attaching a tracker to it.” He pointed to the foil packet. “The money is destined for a group of arms dealers in Algeria.”
“We’re heading in that direction. Elena just found that out tonight. She’s not the one pushing Morocco.”
“Odd how synchronicity works.” Gray adjusted himself on the sofa. “Elena contacted someone via text with her travel plans, and they replied that they would meet her at the border, and she should follow the same route as last time.”
“When did she have a chance to send that?” Red asked.
“I read it when I went to the can.”
All right, that’s what Elena was doing when she was standing by the feathered woman near the mirror.
“Okay. Did Elena say which border?” Red asked. “We can’t assume Algeria. And did she indicate which route? She won’t have the ring at the border. She’s selling it to Kamal.”
“Right, we follow the ring to the exchange, and then follow Elena to the border and see what happens next. The arms have already been purchased. Elena simply needs to show up with the money.”
“Forty Million?” Red asked, shaking her head. What would that buy? A dirty bomb?
“Could be a lot less. Just because she has the money doesn’t mean she’ll put it all into explosives. The more we know, the better we can break up this cell. I don’t want to just cut the head off and watch another one pop into place. I want their operation stopped.” He held up the packet he’d shown Red earlier. “Micro trackers, a gift from DARPA.”
“Thank you, DARPA. Okay, we follow the ring.”
“I don’t. I have a situation on the front burner that needs my attention first thing in the morning. You’re doing this. You and someone the DIA is sending your way.”
“Seriously?” Red asked. “Who? Someone I know, at least?”
Grey shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll introduce themselves to you along the way.” He patted his knee. “What I’d like you to do now is go shower, get in bed with Elena, and get some sleep. I’ll stay here and guard the situation.”
Red just stood and looked toward the bedroom with a frown.
“You almost died in Lebanon,” Grey said. “I never intended to tax you further by having the fight or the car chase. You need to sleep.”
Red followed his instructions gratefully.
In the morning, he roused her as Elena was coming to, then slunk out the door.
Dressed in a simple skirt and heels, hoping to look professional and match what Elena might wear, Red sat in thechair, watching Elena sit up and reach drowsily for the light switch. “You,” Elena said, focusing Red’s way.
“Me.” Red smiled. “I’m glad you were able to get some sleep. “Mr. Brighton wants to ensure you get on your plane to Morocco without glitches.”
“Glitches, is that what you call last night?”
“You’re here. You’re safe. That was just a little upheaval.” There was a tap at the door. “I ordered room service,” Red said. “I thought we could both use a cup of coffee.”
The rest of the early morning unfolded uneventfully.
Elena had luxuriated in first class, and Red was just sonotin first class, but they made it to Amsterdam in less than three hours. It was now nine o’clock, and Elena could rest in the lounge until their afternoon flight. She had to be hung over from last night’s sedation.