A Perfect Darkness (30 page)

“I didn't ask you why you needed my services.”

Gerard hated the powerless feeling that heated his skin. He logged into the database and turned his laptop toward Pope.

He spent a long time reading the Offspring files. “Lucas Vanderwyck. Was he your first prisoner?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me what he was like when he was here.”

Gerard became more and more uncomfortable, but he told Pope how Lucas had killed two terrorists and become more agitated as his captivity dragged on.

Pope kept reading. Gerard walked behind him once, ostensibly to pull something out of the file cabinet, and saw that he was reading Eric Aruda's file. He was particularly interested in the Rogues.

Finally, Pope turned the laptop around to face Gerard. “I want copies.”

When it became apparent that he meant now, not at some time in the future, Gerard printed out each record. As they came off the printer, Pope picked them up and thumbed through them.

Olivia opened his door after a quick knock and started to say something when she saw Pope. She eyed him with wary curiosity. Gerard didn't bother to do introductions. “Come back later.”

Getting a glimpse of one of the records, she was obviously surprised that he would share his information. She didn't know Pope.

Neither did Gerard, for that matter. No one knew who he was or his origins. He went by the last name Pope, but that probably wasn't his real name. Gerard knew he had connections way up in the government, but like Steele, couldn't be tied to anyone. He had power and money. Thankfully, Pope was on his side.

Once the last file was printed, Pope put it in a folder with the rest. “Keep me informed. Maybe I can be of further help.”

The prospect of that both excited and worried Gerard, but he said, “I will.”

He watched Pope walk to his black Aston Martin. As soon as the sleek vehicle pulled out of the parking lot, he called Steele. Robbins knocked at the same time and entered. Since the siege, he'd had a scared rabbit look on his face. Gerard nodded for him to close the door as Steele came on the line.

“It's me. Any luck finding Zoe Stoker?”

“I'm on her trail now.”

“You're having a hard time with these women, Steele. You're not soft on them, are you?”

“I don't like women,” he said in a tone that showed he was serious. “Conniving, sneaky bitches. These Offspring women are even sneakier. But I'll get her.”

“When you return, I have another assignment for you. For a change, we know what their next step will
probably be. You can redeem yourself.” He hung up.

Robbins's face paled even more. “Zoe Stoker? But why?”

“Diamond made a call to her just before he went traitor on us. We don't know what he told her, but it's likely she's not going to be an asset now. We can't take the chance in any case.”

“Sir, I can't be part of this anymore.”

“Once we take out the Rogues, we can proceed without risk. No need to be afraid.”

“It's not that. It's…I can't stand taking people and forcing them to do things.” His expression hardened. “The killing. I know about Leon. My God, you had Lucas kill your own brother.”

“I had to protect DARK MATTER. I'm not letting anyone close me down, not this time. I'm too close to saving our country. We are the ghosts, invisible soldiers waging an invisible war on our enemies.”

“How many deaths will you justify for your cause? Will you kill me because you think I might be a threat? What about any Offspring who don't measure up? They're not useful, but they know too much. Will they go, too?”

Fury raced through his veins, but he was a master of cold control. “If I have to.”

“I want out of the program. I never wanted to be here in the first place.”

Gerard leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “There's only one way out.”

Robbins's face paled, and he turned and left without a backward glance.

The man was merely shook up, Gerard thought. He'd come around.

He had better things to do than worry about his subordinate. He pulled out the BLUE EYES files. Something kept nagging him, and frankly, he needed the diversion.

Hours later he found what his sixth sense told him was there. “Son of a bitch. How did I miss this?” He inhaled deeply. Smiled. “Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to me. I just found buried treasure.”

W
riting is not a lonely profession. Along the way lots of people helped to make this book come alive, brainstormed ideas, answered questions, and gave encouragement. My sincerest thanks to all of these fabulous people:

Janet Evanovich, for your butt-kicking advice. They don't call you a phenomenon for nothing!

Pat Hommel, my Annapolis Realtor who showed me your hometown through your words and hospitality.

Dave and Susi Martinson, for the use of Snowball, aka Orn'ry.

Michael Joy (aka KillJoy), for answering computer questions.

Antonio “Tony” Sanchez, MSM, CLET, Captain, Biscayne Park Police Department, for giving me feedback on all these crazy scenarios I throw your way.

My critique bud, Marty Ambrose, for just being you!

I also send out appreciation to the folks on the business end of things who have helped bring this book to the reality that sits in your hand now, including Joe Veltre, Tessa Woodward, everyone at HarperCollins, Sue Grimshaw, and all you wonderful readers and booksellers!