The Swords of Babylon

CHAPTER THIRTY

Drake listened impatiently as Hayden set up a conference call with Karin and Gates. Their genius computer-cum-communications operative sounded in high spirits now that the new HQ was shaping up, but the Secretary of Defense seemed very preoccupied, despite the levity of the situation.

“The swords link to the device and the gods,” Gates said. “That much is obvious. I want those inscriptions — they should tell us more. And Cayman is acting because of the translation, but on whose orders?”

“Could the Shadow Elite be back?” Hayden suggested, eyes fixed firmly in the middle-distance, taking in every word her boss said.

“Anything’s possible at this point. Rule nothing out, Hayden. One thing’s for sure, the person who paid for that translation and killed Jakob Hult will follow this through to the end.”

“We’re fully up and running,” Karin broke in. “We can help you from this end.”

“Secure those swords,” Gates said. “Yours is the team to do it. Time is of the essence. And I want someone researching this earth energy vortex subject. If Professor Patterson thinks it’s a genuine phenomenon, then we need to know. I don’t want any last minute surprises.”

“I believe he is the expert on that,” Hayden said. “But I’ll check.”

Professor Patterson walked up to the table. “I can help you. But, sir, what news of my wife?”

“That’s me.” Komodo’s deep voice came over the airwaves. “We’re putting a team together right now, Professor. Our friends, Romero and Smyth, are en route.”

Drake approved. “Good choice.” He watched Mai as she sat by the window, seemingly preoccupied with something outside. Was there a distance growing in her lately? Ever since he’d been taken. He knew she criticized her own abilities on that night, but also knew there was no way to convince her it hadn’t been her fault. It could happen any time, to any one of them. Even Dahl. Drake smiled at the big Swede, who was shepherding Akerman around. Dahl caught the look and checked his flies.

Drake looked away, listening.

“I have my own situation at this end,” Gates was saying in a resigned tone. “Some men — they think they’re too important not to be heard. And they are seriously disturbed if they think—” The Secretary stopped, as if suddenly realizing he had gone too far. “Never mind. It’s my problem. Is there anything else, Jaye?”

“I think that’s everything, sir.” Hayden waited for Gates to sign off, then addressed Karin. “Do you know anything about that?”

“No. It’s news to me.”

Hayden pursed her lips, clearly worried. Drake read her mind. They were all worried about Jonathan Gates, the real power behind SPEAR — the man had barely taken a breath since his wife was murdered. And he had some fierce enemies up on the Hill, rodents that would be only too glad to gnaw the ground from beneath his feet.

“Alright, Karin. Keep an eye out for Cayman, and if he pops up anywhere in the world tell us immediately.”

“And my wife?” Patterson pressed.

Drake touched the man’s elbow. “With Komodo, Romero and Smyth on the case, it won’t be long. Try to trust us.” He bit the words back, but they were out of his mouth before he could stop them. “No one will have a better chance,” he added, a bit lamely.

Patterson stared at him. “You’re a real comfort.”

“I’m not here to comfort you.” Drake walked away and across to Mai. She greeted him with a smile.

“Ready to hit Iraq, go kick some Russian arse and grab us some swords?”

“I’d follow you anywhere, Matt.”

Drake stopped his spiel. Mai’s reply hadn’t sounded quite right. “Are you okay?”

“The Clan’s looking for me,” she said softly. “They will never stop.”

“Listen,” Drake sat down next to her. “You’re not alone in this. It’s not even just you and me.” He pointed at the assembled team. “Every one of those guys. Every single one will fall in and help. We’ll get this Babylon thing out of the way and then—” he squeezed her hand. “Sort you out.”

Mai’s expression, if anything, darkened. “You don’t know them, Matt. You just don’t know them like I do. Nor who their leader is…”