Page 112 of Storm Warning

Seth looked at Riley. “Did you learn anything useful during your phone conversation?”

“Not really. Zane sent a message to Veronica Walker, asking her to call me. Phantom is in a hot zone, though.”

Iona frowned. “Why contact Veronica?”

“She was in the CIA for years and has contacts in Mexico. If we’re lucky, one of them knows where this lab is located.”

“Although that’s a good idea, we should still see if we can locate the lab with our own resources. She may not shake free fast enough to help.”

Riley prayed Veronica contacted her soon because she had a gut feeling that time was running out to stop a nationwide disaster.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ANDRE SIPPED HISsteaming coffee while his gaze scanned the area behind their hotel. Night had fallen several hours earlier, and the area surrounding the hotel was quiet, just the way he liked it.

He thought over the information they’d gathered today and what they hadn’t. Unfortunately, Veronica had not called Riley yet, so they were no further along in locating that lab.

How had Garcia and Mendoza found scientists who could weaponize a virus? Andre could see them trying to break into the US market by selling drugs, weapons, or women, but not a weaponized flu virus.

He frowned. Maybe that was the way to track the men down. Someone must have reported the scientists as missing. If that didn’t get them anywhere, perhaps looking for a lab or tracking purchases of supplies for the lab would take them closer to their goal.

The door to the second bedroom opened, and Riley stepped out.

“Everything all right?”

She shook her head. “Can’t sleep. Do you want help keeping watch?”

“Sure. Want some coffee? I made a fresh pot a few minutes ago.”

“Sounds good.” Riley headed toward the kitchen and poured herself a mug of coffee. She sniffed, then sipped and moaned.“Perfect. I’m so glad this was your handiwork rather than Grant’s.”

He chuckled. “To be fair, he does a great job making coffee in his own kitchen with his fancy coffeemaker and freshly ground coffee beans. Everywhere else, though, his coffee is lethal.”

She motioned toward the French doors. “Anything going on out there?”

“Not so far. I’m sorry we didn’t walk in the garden tonight. I intended to take you, but you were too tired when we finished our discussion.”

“We’ll take that walk, eventually.”

They stood in silence on either side of the French doors and sipped their coffee.

Riley had just finished the last of her drink when her phone signaled an incoming call. She checked the screen. “It’s Veronica.” She swiped the screen with her thumb. “Thanks for calling, Veronica. You’re on speaker with Andre.”

“Hello, Andre. Riley, I have ten minutes. What do you need?” The other operative sounded tired.

“We think we know Obsidian Storm’s plan, and we’re hoping you can help us derail it.”

“What’s the plan?”

“To weaponize a flu virus and turn it loose in the US.”

“Are you sure about this?” Veronica asked.

“Nearly 75%. We’re looking for confirmation and a few other pieces of information. The most important piece of info is the location of a private lab where they can work on the virus.”

“You’re talking about a list of specific equipment.” Veronica remained silent for a few seconds. “That might stand out. Anything else?”

Andre hadn’t planned to ask her for anything, but since she’d volunteered, he would tell her what they needed. Hopefully, one of them could discover the information in time to use it. “Findout if anyone reported some scientists missing. No way would Obsidian Storm have members trained as scientists.”