Merry Christmas, Alex Cross

CHAPTER 84

If I’d moved quicker, followed Hala Al Dossari and her armed guards out of Union Station, found a taxi or a patrol car to take me back to my family, I might have made it home before midnight.

But Mahoney caught me crossing the main hall. “I need you, Alex.”

“No,” I said. “I’ve got to sleep, Ned. I’m a zombie, no help to anyone.”

“I’ll get you a B-twelve shot,” Mahoney said. “Maybe with a kicker of caffeine and sodium benzoate.”

“What?”

“You never took a pick-me-up when you were with the Bureau?”

“No. Never did.”

“Works like a charm,” Mahoney said, sounding like he’d just gotten ten hours of sleep. “We’ll take care of you. We’ll go to Alexandria, have another chat with Hala Al Dossari.”

“I don’t think she’ll be talking at any point soon. Time in the cell will loosen her up. More than enough time for me to rest and join you tomorrow afternoon, say.”

“No say, Alex,” Mahoney complained. “I’ve arranged for a little show, something I think is guaranteed to open her up now.”

“Okay, then go run your show. I don’t need to be there.”

“Actually, you do. You’ll be the one to tell me if we’re going too far.”