Page 119 of Clive Cussler's Quantum Tempest

“What is this ‘special knowledge’ that Fox Spirit possesses?”

“She works for you.”

“The Chinese government?”

“Yes.”

“Which branch?”

“MSS.”

Peng was stunned. He glanced over to Agent Tu.

“How did you meet her?”

“Computer science conference.”

“Where and when was this computer science conference?”

“Frankfurt. Three years ago.”

“Did she have a name then? Other than Fox Spirit?”

“Yes.”

“What was her name?”

Nighswonger took a deep breath and held it, as if willing herself to die. Despite the gossamer web of altered brain chemistry clouding her mind, something deep inside of her knew she must not utter the name.

Peng marveled. He’d never seen such resistance against his mind-altering drug. He didn’t want to give her another dose. That would only induce hallucinations at this juncture. What he needed was the truth.

“Her name, my sweet? You’ve been so helpful. You must tell me her name. Please.” He squeezed her hand gently.

Nighswonger coughed, unable to hold her breath any longer. The drug had won.

“The name, Emily?”

Her eyes welled with tears.

“Zhang.”

“Zhang? Zhang is a common name. Zhang what?”

“Linlin Zhang.”

?

Peng fought with every ounce of his strength to control the sudden surge of rage and shame electrifying his entire body. The woman he had recruited, trained, nurtured and, yes, longed for had betrayed him.

Perhaps the serum had worn off. Perhaps this vile creature was using Linlin’s name to destroy her.

“You are certain of this name, Emily? We wouldn’t want to punish the wrong person, would we?”

“Yes. I’m sure. Linlin Zhang.”

“I say that’s impossible. What proof do you have?”

“Zephyron…Dynamics.”