Kane leaned forward. “And that research?”

  “You’ll have to ask him that when you see him.”

  Laura perked up. “You mean I’m going to see him? I’m going to see my brother?”

  Mary smiled. “In about eight hours.”

  42 |

  Operations Center 2, CIA Headquarters

  Langley, Virginia

  Leroux watched the replay of the satellite feed showing the professor’s plane unloading in the Azores, the passengers immediately boarding another aircraft already waiting. He turned to Tong. “What plane is that?”

  She shook her head as she continued to work her station. “I don’t know. It’s not supposed to be there, but get this, that airport’s been on embargo for six hours. No planes in or out except for the professors’.”

  “And apparently one other.”

  Tong shrugged. “Like I said, it’s not on any of the systems. It shouldn’t be there.”

  “Get the tail number.”

  Tong worked her magic and pulled up the registration number from the tail of the aircraft. She ran it and threw up her hands. “It doesn’t exist!”

  “What?”

  “It doesn’t exist. It’s not in the system.”

  “How the hell does a plane with no registration number not only get into the air, but land then take off again with nobody questioning anything?”

  “Something tells me there are a lot of greasy palms around the aviation community today,” muttered Child as he spun in his chair.

  Leroux disagreed. “No, bribery gets things ignored, but you can’t wipe the registration of a plane from existence. Can we get the data plate off the footage we have?”

  “Give me a sec.” Tong went to work and isolated an image from airport security, running it through an enhancement routine to clear up the grainy image. “Got it. Running it now.” And again, she threw up her hands. “It doesn’t exist! According to the manufacturer’s registry, as well as FAA and European registrars, that plane was never manufactured and never officially put into service.”

  “All right, we know that’s bullshit. Let’s work the problem from the other end. They met a woman there. I’ll bet Randy’s next paycheck that she was our travel agent, Mary Winters.”

  “Hey!” exclaimed Child as he killed his spin. “How did my paycheck get dragged into this?”

  Leroux continued. “We know she’s based out of London, so that’s as good a starting point as any. Let’s start pulling footage to find out how the hell she got to the Azores. Find out where she lives. See if you can get a shot of her leaving because she would’ve had to do so in the middle of the night. There’s no way she gets on a non-existent flight.”

  Child grinned. “Unless she’s Wonder Woman.”

  “The plane’s not invisible, you tool!” shouted Therrien in the back.

  Child turned toward his taunter. “It might as well be if every system in the world says it doesn’t exist.”

  Leroux paused, his jaw dropping as he faced Tong, his second-in-command doing the same. “You don’t think?”

  She shrugged, her eyebrows rising. “It definitely fits.”

  “What?” asked Child.

  “If Palmer has invented a machine that can break any encryption, then all he had to do was remove all records about that aircraft and we’d be seeing exactly what we’re seeing now. It was never built. It was never registered. It’s never flown.”

  “Holy shit!” exclaimed Child. “You’re right. No manufacturer makes a fifteen-million-dollar aircraft and doesn’t register that fact.”

  “There’s one thing we’re forgetting,” said Tong.

  Leroux faced her. “What’s that?”

  “Black Ops aircraft wouldn’t be registered.”

  “We would know about them.”

  “If they were ours, yes.”

  Leroux chewed his cheek for a moment. “That’s definitely a Gulf V built by General Dynamics. They would still register it.” He shook his head. “I could see it if it was Chinese-made or Russian, but not American. I think it’s much more likely, knowing what we know, that Palmer has built his quantum decryption device and is using it to hide this flight.”

  Child looked about the room. “If that’s the case, he could be monitoring everything we’re doing.”

  “Technically, yes, though he’d have to know where to look. Just because you can break any encryption in the world doesn’t mean you have automatic access to everything. You still need to know it’s there to look for.”

  “Should we be worried?” asked Tong. “I mean, we have to trust that this so-called travel agent is on our side or at least the side of good and isn’t actually a Chinese mole, but if our encryption can be broken, should we be careful what we’re putting out there?”

  “No. I’m not going to change the way we’re doing things based on a hypothetical. And besides, he has to know we’re not the ones he needs to worry about, it’s the Chinese and the Russians. If anybody should be concerned about their systems being hacked it’s them, not us.”

  “Until we fail.”

  Leroux spun toward Child, the kill order on Palmer something known only to the Chief, Kane, and himself. “What do you mean by that?”

  “I mean, surely we all realize where this is heading. There’s no way in hell we can let the Chinese get their hands on Palmer. You don’t think the Chief’s going to give a kill order if we can’t bring him in first?”

  Leroux grunted, impressed at the young man’s assessment of the situation. “We’re not there yet. Let’s just track back this aircraft and trace where it’s going. I want our Delta guys to have a shot of getting there on time.”

  43 |

  Over the Atlantic

  Niner sat in the second seat of the F/A-18F Super Hornet as it blazed a trail across the Atlantic. At the moment, it was the fastest way to get from point A to point B on the planet, with refueling aircraft rendezvousing with them at points along the way. He couldn’t wait for the day when Elon Musk had his Starship ferrying people around the planet in thirty minutes or less.

  Dominos for everyone.

  It was no wonder the US Air Force already had their tentacles into the project. If you could insert 100 or 200 troops at a time with equipment anywhere on the planet in less than an hour, the strategic advantage would be incredible. But while he was certain riding a rocket ship into battle would be a thrill, he had a feeling it wouldn’t compare to a Super Hornet for the fun factor.

  He leaned forward and glanced out the cockpit to see the other three planes in formation. He and Atlas had met with Master Sergeant Mike “Red” Belme shortly after leaving the Colonel’s office. Red was second-in-command of the team and best able to choose who should volunteer for the mission. Niner had no doubt that every man on the team would be willing to go, but because it was only to be four of them, they needed to round out the skills.

  Red couldn’t go because of the beating his ribs had taken when he had been shot last week. Red had immediately recommended Sergeant Will “Spock” Lightman, the grieving widower who still felt he owed the professors for funding their off-the-books op in Moscow. Sergeant Eugene “Jagger” Thomas was Red’s second recommendation because of his close-quarter combat skills, which were second to none in the Unit. It was Red’s belief, and Niner agreed, that if they were to end up in a fight, chances are it would be in an urban setting, possibly inside a high-rise. Sniper skills weren’t necessarily an asset in this situation, but the ability to fire blindly around corners and actually hit something after taking a split-second look just might save lives.

  They still didn’t have a final destination, but Langley was confident their final target would be in one of the Gulf States. His concern was that by the time they got there, it would already be too late. Traveling at Mach 1 was fast, but they had a shitload of ocean to cover, and the professors had already been in the air for several hours before the plane he was in had even left the ground.

  44 |

  Lot Residence

  1649 BC

  It was rare that they had guests. In fact, Lot couldn’t remember the last time someone other than friends or family had been over, neither of which he considered guests—they were always welcome in his home. True guests were rare, especially considering his opinion of most of those he didn’t know in their sinful city. Because of the subject matter he expected to be discussed, they had sent the children away to Idit’s sister for the night.

  There was a knock at the door. He froze, slowly turning toward it as Idit rushed into the room, straightening her clothes. He reached out and clasped her hand. “Are you ready for this?”

  She flashed a smile. “Whatever this is.”

  He pursed his lips and stepped toward the door, her words resonating. He had no idea what this was. Two people from Gomorrah claiming to represent a group called the Angels of God were here to discuss his efforts to cleanse Sodom of its sinful ways. Yet how could they know what he was doing? He spoke to his friends about how he felt, to fellow shopkeepers who complained about constantly cleaning up after the revelers each morning, yet did nothing to discourage the goings on. Could word have reached Gomorrah? It obviously had, otherwise, they wouldn’t be here. That meant something he had said to someone had made an impression, enough for it to be repeated in another city. He had to admit to a touch of pride at that, and pride was sinful as well.

  He opened the door and smiled at the sight of two men in crisp white robes. Both were strikingly handsome, about his age, and he found it impossible to believe they had just traveled from Gomorrah, for neither had a spot on them.

  “Are you the pottery maker, Lot?”

  Lot bowed. “I am. And you are the Angels of God?”

  Both men bowed. “I’m Raphael,” said the first.

  “And I am Gabriel,” said his partner.

  Lot stepped back, extending a hand and inviting them inside. The two men entered. “This is my wife, Idit.”

  She curtsied. “May we offer something after your long journey? Food? Drink?”

  Both men declined the offer, Raphael smiling at her. “A journey undertaken in the service of God is never a long one.”

  Lot gestured for the men to sit then indicated Idit. “May my wife be privy to what we are to discuss?”

  “Of course.”

  The four of them sat and Lot shifted uncomfortably, uncertain as to what to say. He cleared his throat. “So, word has reached Gomorrah of my ideas?”

  Raphael smiled. “You could say that.”

  “And what is it you wish to discuss? Collaboration?”

  “Nothing like that,” said Gabriel.

  Lot’s eyes narrowed. “Then why are you here?”

  “To deliver a warning.”

  Lot tensed and Idit’s hand darted out, grabbing his. “What kind of warning?”

  “The day of punishment is at hand.”

  Lot exchanged a confused look with his wife. “What do you mean?”

  “Have you not noticed the sky?”

  “You mean the angel fire? I saw it last night when I was out.”

  “Yes. It is a sign from God that divine retribution is at hand.”

  Lot frowned. “I’ve seen such things since I was a child and never heard of anything happening. What makes you think this time is any different?”

  Raphael smiled. “We know.”

  “How?”

  “God has told us.”

  Lot suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. This was apparently a waste of time. Then a thought occurred to him. “Did someone put you up to this? Is someone playing me for the fool?”

  Raphael shook his head. “I can assure you nothing of the sort is happening here.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “To warn you of what is to come.”

  Lot leaned back, annoyed. “Divine retribution?”

  “Exactly.”

  “And what form will this retribution take?”

  “That is for God to decide.”

  “What? He didn’t tell you?”

  Gabriel smiled gently. “I see you don’t believe us.”

  “Would you? Two strangers show up at my home, claiming to want to discuss how to help each other clean up our respective cities, and instead you tell me you’re here to warn me that God’s going to destroy my home. What would you think?”

  Raphael bowed his head slightly. “Probably much the same as you now, but there’s a reason we’re here to warn you. It’s to give you a chance to leave and save yourself.”

  “Oh? I’m supposed to abandon everything I have on your word?”

  “That’s for you to decide. Should you heed our warning, you should head to the eastern mountains with your family.”

  Lot laughed. “The mountains? Are you kidding me? Do you realize how far that is? I have two young daughters. We could never make it there. And then what are we supposed to do when we get there? Live in a cave? Starve?”

  “It’s for your protection.”

  “It’s a death sentence, and you should know that. If we are to escape God’s wrath, then why can’t we just go to Zoar? It’s a fine town of good people, righteous men and women who fear God, and in general, live good lives.”

  Raphael and Gabriel looked at each other then Gabriel nodded. “Very well. Take your family to Zoar, but do so as soon as possible. And never look back, only forward to your life ahead.”

  “And will you be there?”

  “In spirit. Our job is to warn the righteous.”

  “Warn the righteous? That God’s wrath is about to rain down upon them, and that they should all head for the mountains if they want to survive?”

  “Yes.”

  “And should they not heed this advice from strangers?”

  “Then they will die along with the wicked.”

  “So, God would kill the righteous with the wicked? There are plenty of people who feel as I do. Are you going to warn them all?”

  “No. We’re here to warn you.”

  “And only me?”

  “Yes.”

  “But I thought you said your job was to warn the righteous of God’s retribution.”

  “It is.”

  “Then I don’t understand.”

  “Lot, in the eyes of God, you are the only righteous man in Sodom. You and your family are the only ones deserving of saving.”

  Idit gasped. “But what of the children? Surely they’re innocent in all of this.”

  Gabriel addressed her. “Children raised in wickedness by wicked people are doomed to be wicked themselves.”

  “How can you possibly know that?”

  “Look around you at the wickedness. It’s better the slate be wiped clean than to allow this to continue and spread like an infestation across this land.”

  Idit rose and darted out of the room. Everyone else stood and Raphael bowed. “I’m sorry if we upset your wife. That wasn’t our intention. Will you heed our warning and join the righteous in Zoar?”

  Lot wanted to tell him where to shove his warning. “You’ve given us something to think about.”

  “Then we will take our leave and return tonight to discuss it further.”

  Lot never wanted to see the men again, but there was something about them that compelled him to say yes. “Very well, we’ll see you tonight and I’ll inform you of our decision.”

  “Excellent.”

  The men left and Lot barred the door. He turned to his wife as she reappeared. “What do you think?”

  She frowned. “I think it’s nonsense.”

  “Which part?”

  “All of it.”

  “All of it?”

  “Yes, all of it. Weren’t you listening? I think those two believe they actually are angels, that God actually sent them.”

  “There was something about them, didn’t you think?”

  “Oh, there was definitely something about them, but not in the way you mean. Think about it. Two strangers arrive at your home and tell you that they’re here to warn you to leave before God destroys the city, and they’ve decided you are the only one worth saving in the entire place. Does that make any sense to you?”

  He frowned. She was right. It was ridiculous, yet he had found their manner compelling. He sensed no deception from them, though he had encountered many a conman during his lifetime that he had felt the same about. And she was right. These men weren’t angels, though in their defense, they had never claimed to be. The message had claimed they were representatives of an organization called the Angels of God.

  He paused, struggling to remember the exact wording. He would have to reread the letter to be certain as to what they had claimed. In his excitement, he had read it quickly. Maybe they had claimed it, but then why would angels send a letter?

  He sighed. “I wish I had my uncle’s counsel.”

  Idit agreed. “I wish that as well. Abraham is a wise man. Perhaps you should send him a message.”

  Lot pursed his lips. “By the time there’d be a reply, I get the distinct impression it’ll be too late.”

  She took his hand. “Only if these fraudsters are to be believed.”

  He flinched at the description. It hardly seemed fair. What possible motivation could they have for tricking him and his family into leaving? They could steal the contents of the home and the business, but that would lead to little profit. He paused. “Could they be enemies of my uncle?”

 

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