on a CIA salary.”
“Indeed. What made you think I could afford this place?”
“Anyone under such deep cover would require immediate access to money. Your entire file is redacted. You do the math.”
Teddy pointed at the check, which had been discreetly slipped onto the table, along with the coffee and cognac. “I’ve been wondering how I’m going to justify a thousand-dollar dinner on the expense account.”
“This dinner was crucial to your operation.”
“Oh?”
“I have valuable information. You were hoping to get me inebriated to loosen my tongue.”
“Yes, I was, but it had nothing to do with getting information.”
They finished up their coffee, and Teddy settled the bill.
On their way out, Kristin said, “I’m going to the ladies. I’ll meet you outside.”
Teddy walked out the front door. With his peripheral vision, he could see his shadow watching from the street corner.
* * *
• • •
A LITTLE MAN built like a fireplug stepped from the shadows and aimed a gun at the back of Teddy’s head.
Teddy whirled and chopped down on his arm. The gun flew from the little man’s hand and skittered across the street.
Teddy didn’t go for his own gun. He wanted the little man alive.
The little man bent over. Teddy aimed a kick at the back of his head.
It was Teddy’s turn to be surprised. With amazing agility for one so short and stocky, the little man ducked the kick, grabbed Teddy’s leg, flipped him sideways, and plowed in.
Teddy hit the ground rolling. He struggled to his knees and managed to block the blows aimed at his head.
“Felix!”
Teddy glanced up.
Kristin stood under a streetlight. Her hand flew to her purse and came out with a gun.
The little man saw her. He scowled, turned, and fled.
Kristin stood watching him go.
Teddy got to his feet.
“Who the hell was that?” Kristin said.
“I don’t know, but he seemed to resent my presence.”
“This isn’t funny,” Kristin said. “Someone just tried to kill you. Isn’t it time you stop playing games and tell us why?”
“I don’t know why. I’ve never seen that man in my life. I hope I never see him again. I’m very glad you scared him off.” Teddy glanced around. “Where’s his gun?”
“What gun?”
“He had a gun. I knocked it away.”
“I didn’t see a gun. I must have come along just after.”
“It skidded across the street.” Teddy pointed. “It should be over there.”
“It’s not.”
“The other guy must have got it.”
“What other guy?”
Teddy waved it away. “A routine shadow. He’s not important.”
Kristin was incredulous. “‘Not important’? Why the hell was someone stalking you outside the restaurant?”
“Maybe he figured anyone who could afford to eat there would have to have money.”
“Come on, Felix. Why are you so important?”
Teddy sighed. “I wish I knew.”
38.
GLENVILLE CAUGHT UP with Aziz two blocks away. He’d been calling his name, but Aziz paid no attention. Finally Glenville grabbed him by the arm.
Aziz spun with every intention of delivering a fatal blow.
“Can’t you hear me?” Glenville said, suddenly realizing he might not be able to. The man was mute. Some mutes were also deaf. He extended the weapon. “Your gun. I managed to pick it up.”
Aziz took the gun. If he appreciated the effort, he didn’t show it.
Glenville sighed. This was not his day. And the surly hitman was the least of it. Reluctantly, he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket.
Fahd had been waiting for the call. “Is it done?”
“No. The man is good. Aziz surprised him, but he disarmed Aziz and they fought hand to hand.”
“Aziz didn’t win?”
“No. Another agent surprised him and he took off.”
“Another agent?”
“Yes. A woman. She had a gun.”
Fahd rolled his eyes. “Oh, for God’s sake! Did Aziz leave his gun behind?”
“No, I managed to retrieve it. We can try again tomorrow.”
“Just tell me when it’s done. Is Aziz there?”
“Yes.”
“Put him on the phone.”
Aziz took the phone and put it to his ear.
“Are you there?” Fahd said.
Aziz snapped the phone with his finger.
“Good,” Fahd said. “Glenville doesn’t need to know this, but you do. We need to get the job done, and we need to get it done before we arrive in Paris next week. I want this man taken care of at all costs. Kill him if you can, but if you can’t, I want him gone. Do you understand me? I don’t care if we have to sacrifice our mole. I want him out of town. He won’t leave until he finds the mole. So if you can’t kill him, kill the mole.”
39.
AGENT WORKMAN WAS outside Kristin’s building when Teddy emerged the