Pandora's grave

“Can we risk that?” The DCIA asked quietly. “Having Shirazi out of power is of obvious benefit, but the resultant power vacuum. The devil you know…”

Silence fell over the conference room as the work and bustle of the Agency continued outside its soundproofed doors.

At length, David Lay gathered his briefing folders together and closed them, rising to his feet as a signal that the meeting was closed. “Barney, contact the field team. I’ll brief the President.”

8:25 A.M. Local Time

Eight kilometers outside Jerusalem

Israel

The night was clear and cool, a light breeze stirring the blades of grass there on the Judean hillside. Harry zipped up his jacket against the chill, holding the TACSAT between ear and shoulder. Kranemeyer hadn’t finished talking.

“We’re going to bring them in, Harry. We don’t have another option.”

A long sigh escaped Harry’s lips and he looked back toward the darkened vehicle where he had left Hossein and Tex. “Yes, we do. Tex and I will handle the takedown.”

“It’s not enough. You need more people for overwatch, if nothing else. And the team is fresh. You and Richards are beat tired.”

There wasn’t much of a way to argue with that. No matter how much he might try to ignore his aching muscles. It would be good to have Hamid’s input, another pair of eyes on the situation. An opinion he trusted. Still…

“I trust it hasn’t escaped the analysis of your desk jockeys that we’ll be bringing in an agent who has likely been in contact with the very commander of the terrorist cell we’re trying to stop. Davood’s imam was photographed with al-Farouk.”

“It hasn’t. The decision has been made, Harry. Now, tell me what you need.”

“Give Hamid and the rest of the team in Crete the use of a Pave Low. Tactical load-outs for the full team. A Zodiac. I think that should be all for the moment.”

“You have a plan?”

“Working on one. You were spec-ops back in the day-what’s the easiest way to get in anywhere?”

“Water,” came the instinctive answer. “You go in by water.”

“Nothing’s changed. And, boss?”

Kranemeyer heard his agent’s voice change and stiffened, knowing what was coming. “Yes?”

“If you send Davood here, you know what’s going to happen.”

The DCS nodded as though he thought Harry could see him. “Yes, I do. Just don’t let it get in the way of your mission.”

“It won’t.” The phone clicked with the finality of death. A cell door closing.

“What did he mean?” Kranemeyer looked up to see Carol standing behind his workstation, a thick folder in her hand.

He reached into his shirt pocket for a pack of cigarettes, shook one out and lit it in blatant violation of the ‘No Smoking’ signs posted everywhere in the federal building.

Smoke curled upward from the tobacco as he looked into her eyes. “They’re going to kill him…”

8:41 P.M. Local Time

US Naval Support Activity

Souda Bay, Crete

Her eyes. The memories came flooding back and Thomas winced, looking down and away in an effort to shut them out.

“Does it hurt?” the nurse asked, a solicitous look coming into her dark eyes. So much like Estere. He shook his head as she finished changing his bandages. He had been lucky. Another inch and the slug would have broken a rib, rather than plowing a furrow in his flesh.

The door opened and Hamid poked his head in. “All finished up here?”

The nurse smiled. “Almost.”

“Could you give us a moment, please?” he responded, closing the door behind him. There was concern written on his face, a certain urgency that Thomas found himself at a loss to explain.

“Certainly.”

Hamid stepped to the side of the table as the nurse left the room. “How do you feel, Thomas?”

“Better.”

“Ready for some action?”

A wry grin twisted Thomas’ mouth. “That depends on the type of action. Women or guns?”

“Why don’t I rephrase that-are you up for a mission?” Hamid asked, chuckling. “We’ve got a developing situation in Israel.”

Thomas listened as his friend outlined the state of affairs. After he had finished, he asked quietly, “How do we get in?”

“I was hoping you would ask. We don’t have time to wait for nightfall, so we’re going to fast-rope into the Mediterranean. Harry and Tex will meet us in a boat rented from the Tel Aviv marina. I’ve got Davood out right now looking for a Zodiac to keep us afloat till the rendevous.”

“Does he know the details of the op?”

“No,” Hamid sighed, a look of concern on his face. “I didn’t think it was wise.”

Thomas reached for his jacket, slipping it on over his bandages. “Why are we taking him with us?”

“Orders from Langley. I suppose they think he might expose his true loyalties on this mission.”

“Or get us all killed,” Thomas retorted, grunting with pain as he stood.

“Are you up to this?”

A grim smile crossed the New Yorker’s face. “Don’t have much choice, do I? You’re already down one man with Davood.”

Hamid clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks. I knew I could count on you. Get your kit together and meet me at the airfield. Wheels-up in two hours.”