Page 113 of Storm Warning

“Probably not. I really hope you’re wrong, Riley.”

“So do I, but I’m not.”

“You said your confidence level is only 75%. What haven’t you told me?”

“When I worked for the CIA, my first field assignment was Obsidian Storm’s leader, Eduardo Garcia. My handler sent me in because Obsidian Storm was working on weaponizing a virus, specifically the flu virus. My handler told me the threat was over when I returned to the States.”

Andre scowled. “He was wrong. Just as my superior officers were wrong. They told me the same thing.”

“Wait. You were part of Riley’s mission?”

“Sort of. We arrived less than an hour after Riley left. We discovered her handiwork and finished the job by taking out the second in command and most of the first-tier soldiers.”

“So you two never crossed paths but ended up working together and…dating?”

“That’s right.” If he had his way, they would do more than date. Andre intended to marry this woman if she’d take a chance on him.

They had a job to do first, though. Dismantling Obsidian Storm. Again. And killing a virus that could kill him. Just the idea of working around germs of any variety, even a super-flu strain, gave him the creeps. He hoped Riley was wrong this time. Not likely, though. His girlfriend didn’t make mistakes often, and Andre didn’t think she was wrong this time either. “Can you help us, Veronica?”

“It’s possible. I’ll contact a couple of people who might know something. I can’t guarantee they’ll talk to me. My reputation took a hit when I helped Fortress find Adam in Belize.” She laughed softly. “Totally worth the hit.”

“We’d appreciate anything you can do.”

“Do you have any idea where this lab might be located?”

This was where they were in pure guesswork territory. “Rumors on the Internet say Obsidian Storm packed up and moved to the other side of the Chihuahua Province. It makes the most sense for the lab to be in their compound.”

“Easier to protect that way.” Veronica paused. “Adam is signaling that my time is almost up. I’ll make a few phone calls and see what I can find out. We’re boarding the company jet now, so we should be back in the States in a few hours. Hopefully, I’ll have something by the time we land. Should I have Zane pass you a message or call you and Riley?”

“Call us. Artemis and Echo are together.” He gave her his number. “If you can’t reach Riley, call me. We won’t be far from each other.”

“You got it. Talk to you soon.” Veronica ended the call.

He looked at Riley. “What do you think?”

“Your idea of checking for missing scientists and the sale of lab supplies is brilliant. I didn’t think of that.”

“You would have.”

“I don’t know.”

“I do. There’s no doubt in my mind who the smart one of us is, and, baby, it’s not me.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Thanks.”

“I merely speak the truth.”

“So, what now?”

“Veronica will do what she can to help. It’s our job to bring all the pieces together in time to take care of Obsidian Storm.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“It’s still in development.”

She rolled her eyes. “In other words, you don’t.”

“I’m working on it.”