Page 87 of Clive Cussler's Quantum Tempest

“Did Murph know she got the job because her boyfriend-boss went fins up in a diving accident in Aruba?”

“He didn’t mention it.”

“Or that she was with him when it happened?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I don’t know. I just found it interesting.”

“Anything else?”

“Her parents.”

“What about them?”

“According to Murph, they both got sick when she was still in the U.S. She left Murph to go back to China to take care of them.”

“But they’ve since died.”

“They died all right,” Eddie said, “but not in a hospital. They were both in a high-security prison for crimes against the state when they passed.”

“So the question is, did the Chinese turn her into an anti-government crusader for killing her parents…or was she a superpatriot that ratted out her own blood to the Chicoms?”

“Either makes sense. I’ve got another feeler out there. I hope to hear back within the next twenty-four hours. I don’t want to start pointing fingers until then, if you’re okay with it.”

“Which way are you leaning?”

Eddie pawed at the back of his neck, thinking.

“She’s a little hottie for sure. Way out of Murph’s league. I kinda don’t get it.”

“You know what they say. ‘The heart has reasons of which reason knows nothing.’ ”

“Let me guess, the Smiths?”

“Nope.”

“Radiohead?”

“Not even close.”

“Selena Gomez?”

“Weirdly close. But no, Blaise Pascal.”

“I couldn’t shake the feeling she was x-raying me with those innocent eyes of hers. She’s at least as smart as Murph, and that concerns me.”

“If she’s in trouble, I want to help her out. But if she is trouble, we’ll have to deal with it. Good work.” Cabrillo checked his watch. “Team room in twenty, right?”

“See you then.” Eddie sped out of the room.

Juan pulled his magazine carrier and began stuffing mags into the pouches when his phone buzzed. Another call from Overholt. He’d already briefed him on the day’s events and the mission tomorrow. Why was he calling back?

“Problem, Lang?”

“More like an opportunity. I know you’re tied up with President Olmedo tomorrow but Linc and Raven are still in Panama if I’m not mistaken.”

“Correct. Why?”