Page 39 of The New Girl

Another smile, longer than the last. “As your partner in numerous operations against the Iranian nuclear program, including one code-named Masterpiece, we would like to see those documents.”

“I’m sure you would.”

“Beforeyou show them to the Americans.”

“How do you know we haven’t already shared them with Langley?”

“Because you haven’t had enough time to analyze a treasure trove like that. And if you’d given any of the material to the Americans, they would have given it to me.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. The Americans have the same concerns about your service as we do. And with good reason. After all, Rebecca spent the final months of her MI6 career stealing every American secret she could lay her hands on.”

Seymour’s expression darkened, as though a shadow had fallen across his face. “Rebecca is gone.”

“No, she isn’t, Graham. She’s working in the United Kingdom Department at Moscow Center. And you’re dead in the water because you’re not sure whether she has another agent inside MI6.”

“Which is why I need a nice, juicy secret to prove I’m still in the game.”

“Then perhaps you should go out and steal one.”

“We’re too busy tearing ourselves to pieces to commit an act of honest-to-goodness espionage. We’re totally paralyzed.”

“Just like you were after—”

“Yes,” said Seymour, cutting Gabriel off. “The parallels between then and now are striking. It took years for us to get back on our feet after Philby brought us down. I’m determined not to let that happen again.”

“And you’d like my help.”

Seymour said nothing.

“How can I be sure the Iranian documents won’t end up on Rebecca’s desk at Moscow Center?”

“They won’t,” intoned Seymour gravely.

“And if I give them to you? What do I get in return?”

“A truce in our internecine conflict and a gradual return to business as usual.”

“How about something more tangible?”

“All right,” said Seymour. “If you give me those documents, I’ll help you find KBM’s daughter before he’s forced to abdicate.”

“How did you find out?”

Seymour shrugged. “Sources and methods.”

“Do the Americans know?”

“I spoke to Morris Payne last night on another matter.” Payne was the CIA director. “He knows Khalid’s daughter has been kidnapped, but he seems unaware of your involvement.” Seymour added suddenly, “He’s in town, you know.”

“Morris?”

“Khalid. He flew into London yesterday afternoon.” Seymour regarded Gabriel carefully. “I’m surprised, given the closeness of your newfound relationship, he didn’t tell you he was coming.”

“He didn’t mention it.”

“And you’re not tracking that mobile phone of his?”

“It went dark. We assume he got a new one.”