Page 132 of Storm Warning

Cowan stared. “No, that can’t be true. The members of Obsidian Storm are just punks, not world-class scientists.”

Andre’s lips curled upward. “Not only is it true, but you’ll be one of the first victims.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

COWAN SWALLOWED HARD. Twice. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Andre gripped the agent’s throat and squeezed slightly. “You don’t want to do that unless you plan to clean it up.” He glanced at Riley, who nodded.

She left the suite and returned a minute later with two soft drinks, which she handed to Elias.

The operative broke the seal on the green bottle and helped Cowan take a few sips to settle his stomach. “Better?”

He nodded. “Thanks.”

“A few more questions, Cowan, and then we’re finished.”

The agent looked surprised. “I can leave?”

“We can’t keep you here.”

Cowan relaxed. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“So, let’s talk about the location of the lab.” Elias folded his arms across his chest. “Where is it?”

“How should I know? I didn’t know Garcia and Mendoza were crazy enough to turn a virus into a bioweapon.” He frowned. “Are you sure about the virus? The leaders of Obsidian Storm aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer.”

Andre’s phone signaled an incoming message. He scanned the message from Zane and looked up at Cowan. “Maybe not, but they’re smart enough to kidnap prominent virologists and force them to mutate the flu virus for use as a bioweapon.” He glanced at Elias. “Show him.”

His teammate brought up the photos and scrolled through them slowly so Cowan could see each one. “Recognize these men?”

The agent looked sick. “Yeah, I do. I thought nothing of it. How could I have been so stupid?”

“You thought nothing of what?”

“Garcia asked me if I knew of scientists or doctors close to his territory who worked in a lab with germs and viruses.”

Interesting. “What did you tell him and Mendoza?”

He shrugged. “I have connections. I knew several scientists and doctors who worked in that field.”

“So you told him everything you knew?” Andre stared. “Tell me you didn’t.”

“He wanted to know, and we’re friends. What was the harm?”

“If we can’t find their lab and destroy the virus before they weaponize it, we’ll all find out how much damage one germ can do.”

“Where did the scientists live, Cowan?”

The agent grimaced. “The Chihuahua Province. Why they lived there is anyone’s guess.”

“I had hoped you would name a different province.”

Riley climbed onto one of the barstools. “The Chihuahua Province is familiar territory for Garcia and Mendoza. They’re comfortable there, and it’s where they have the most influence. We have to assume the virus is weaponized or soon will be. We have little time.”

Elias eyed Cowan again. “Are you sure you don’t know when you’re supposed to sneak the carriers into the US?”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry. Really. If I knew when the mules were coming to the US, I’d tell you. I don’t want to be responsible for the start of another pandemic.”