High Alert

CHAPTER 45

Elizabeth sent a Gulfstream to pick up Nick and the others in Japan. The next day they were seated on the couch across from her desk. Selena had a brace wrapped around her thigh and knee. A cane rested against the arm of the couch. She was sitting close to Nick,

"How's the leg?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sore. I'm looking at weeks of rehab before things get back to normal. The brace is a new design. I feel like the Bionic Woman."

"I'm glad it wasn't worse."

"You and me both."

Elizabeth tapped her pen on her desk. "There's been a development. Nick, you remember Wendell Lodge?"

"That son of a bitch?" Nick snorted. "How could I forget him?"

"It turns out he was Haltman's younger brother," Elizabeth said. "Haltman's name was changed when he was a teenager. He's the one who sent the drone you shot down. He engineered that video alleging a conspiracy against China. It's a safe assumption he hired the thugs that went after you and that he handed over the plans for Black Dolphin to North Korea."

"You're kidding. Lodge's older brother?"

"I guess treason runs in the family," Lamont said. "Must be a bad gene."

"That would explain why that drone attacked us," Selena said.

"It would also explain why his goons were waiting outside Cotter's apartment after they killed him instead of leaving the scene," Nick said.

"Revenge," Ronnie said. "He knows we were there when Lodge died and he wants revenge for his brother's death."

"That's what I think," Elizabeth said. "We've identified the leak at Langley who was feeding information to him. He's being interrogated. He told Haltman what we were doing."

"We need to pay this guy Haltman a visit," Lamont said. "One of my friends died on that sub."

"You'll get your chance," Elizabeth said. "Haltman spends all his time on his estate. If there is any proof he's the one we want, it will be in his house. He's paranoid and he has a private security service. Plan a mission to get in there and find what we need."

"With his money, his security is going to be professional, probably ex military, probably special forces," Nick said. "It could be trouble."

Elizabeth gave him a flat look. "Use whatever force necessary."

"It's domestic, Director."

"Haltman forfeited any rights he had when he gave North Korea those plans. Do whatever you have to do. Just don't get caught."

"We need more intel," Ronnie said.

"Freddie can help you," Stephanie said. "He can provide satellite photographs, along with plans of the house and grounds. Those should be public records. Right, Freddie?"

That is correct, Stephanie.

"Selena, you're off this one for obvious reasons," Elizabeth said. "Nick, I want to move on this now. Haltman has a lot of motivation to disappear. He must know we'll figure out who he is."

My analysis of Haltman/Lodge's personality indicates he is unlikely to flee.

"What do you think he'll do if he doesn't run?" Stephanie asked.

He is more likely to anticipate that you will come after him and establish counter measures.

"He'll be waiting for us?" Nick said.

That is correct.