Can someone tell me why the British ambassador isn’t in on this discussion?”
“Because until we know who the black hat is, we believe it is in Agent Darby’s best interest for everyone to assume she did in fact die at the hands of Alexi Ronoff,” the secretary explained.
“Have you been able to verify with the CIA director if the names on that list actually were operatives working for the Phoenix?” the chief of staff asked.
Secretary Lyle shook her head. “He reiterated that only the Phoenix knew the names on the list, so verification via the agency would be impossible.” She patted Quinn’s hand. “Whoever composed this list did have a good working knowledge of the Phoenix Project, however. Agent Darby wasn’t technically in the employ of MI6 at the time despite providing valuable assistance with the project. Only an insider would know that fact.”
The president’s tone softened. “Well, if Ronoff’s intent is to assassinate everyone on that list then I agree Agent Darby should remain in hiding. Not to mention everyone else named.”
“The CIA director has already put the protection procedures into motion,” the secretary replied. “But until we find out who is leaking the intelligence and what their role is, even in protective custody, the whereabouts of those on the list could still be jeopardized.”
Quinn trembled slightly. Secretary Lyle comforted her by stroking her palm down Quinn’s back. Ben was astounded to see his boss acting so tenderly toward another human being. In all the years he’d worked for the woman, she’d been tough as nails, never showing any empathy to anyone. He was secretly delighted she’d decided to loosen up and show some compassion toward the woman he loved.
The woman he loved.
The realization wasn’t exactly a surprise but it did hit him square in the chest. Hard. He sucked in a breath to keep from laughing in astonishment. This must be what Griff and Adam felt like when they suddenly realized they wanted to surrender complete control of their heart to the whims of a woman.
The Quinn of his past had changed into something different. But, then again, so had he. She was his future. He needed her to know that. They’d lost too much time together already. The way forward was to find whoever was behind this mess and make her safe. The irony that they’d been unknowingly working as a team for so long already wasn’t lost on him. They’d tackle this next part as a team, as well. One that was united.
“Now what, Madame Secretary?” the president demanded interrupting Ben’s thoughts. “I gather from your message earlier you have a plan to unmask this traitor.”
“Actually, Agent Segar has already set the wheels in motion.” The secretary nodded at Ben.
“I did some phishing on the dark web last,” he began.
The president groaned. “Not the dark web again.”
“Agent Segar is one of the top provocateurs within the counter-intelligence community.” The secretary jumped in to defend him. “He’s used the dark web to unmask a multitude of terrorists and others intending to do harm to the United States. I have every confidence his efforts will pay off here, as well.”
“Sometimes it’s as simple as turning one player against the other,” Ben added.
“And, in this case, it’s better to go through outside channels so we don’t alert our traitor that we are on to them,” the secretary continued.
The president nodded. “Makes sense. Agent Segar you have the floor.”
But just as he opened his mouth to detail his strategy, the president’s chief of staff held up his hand. One of his underlings had just entered the room and was whispering something to him.
“Sir, we have a message from the Situation Room,” he said.
The president moved toward the staircase.
“No, Mr. President.” The chief of staff sounded flabbergasted. “The message is for Agent Segar.”
All eyes turned to Ben. Secretary Lyle rose from the sofa.
“That was fast.”
“Do you mind telling me what is going on here, Sabrina?” the president demanded.
“Part one of Agent Segar’s plan.” She motioned for the president to lead the way. “He believes he can flush out the traitor and get his AI back by making a deal with Ronoff.”
“We don’t make deals, Sabrina,” the president said as they made their way over to the West Wing. “You know that.”
“Of course I do,” she said with a sly grin. “But Alexi Ronoff doesn’t.”
Ben snagged Quinn’s hand. Threading his fingers through hers, he gave them a gentle squeeze. He hated how her eyes were shuttered when she lifted her gaze. She