“Surprisingly, I agree,” Giles said.“I’d guess Colombia.Much looser regulations on genetic research there.”
“Emmett…”
“I’ll ask Agent Bell if the FBI has any intel.On Russo’s connections with Colombia.”
“Good.What about funding?”Warden continued.“Did Russo indicate who’s backing his operation?”
“He implied government support, but was evasive about specifics.Said ‘governments come and go’ and that politicians ‘think they know everything.’Very James Bond villain, if you ask me.”
“It sounds more and more like a rogue faction within one of our agencies,” mused Giles.“It wouldn’t be the first time an administration hasn’t known what was going on right under its nose.”
“Sir,” Bryn said, addressing Warden, “there has to be a leak.You said it yourself that the operation was compromised from the start.Russo knew we’d be in Philly.He knew we’d be meeting Frost, and where.”
Warden nodded.“I’ve come to the same conclusion.Which is why, effective immediately, we’re implementing need-to-know protocols across all operations related to Helix, Russo, or Thanacrine.”
“What about the FBI?”Gunnar asked.“We’re supposed to be working together on this.”
“I’ve already expressed my concerns to Boston’s director,” Warden replied.“He agrees that tighter controls are necessary, though I detect reluctance on his part to acknowledge the possibility of a breach at his end.”
“So he thinks it’s our leak, not his,” Gunnar said.
“Essentially.Though he’s diplomatic enough not to say so directly.”
“If Russo’s headed to Colombia, we need to move quickly,” Bryn said.
“Leave that with me.”
“So what now?”Bryn pressed.
“You and Detective Ericson will be placed on medical leave for a minimum of seventy-two hours,” Warden said.“Our analysts will continue processing any evidence from the Philadelphia facility and tracking Russo’s movements.”
“We can’t just sit around while…” Gunnar began.
“You can, and you will,” Warden interrupted.“You were shot in the hip and suffered a head injury from that baton strike.Your healing is impressive, but not instantaneous.Bryn was drugged, abducted and has undergone significant physical and psychological trauma.Neither of you is fit for duty.”
“With all due respect, sir,” Bryn started, “I’m the one who spent quality time with Russo.I know how he thinks and what he looks like, which is a bit different from the ancient picture in his file.”
“Which is precisely why we need you recovered,” Warden cut in.“Your insights will be invaluable, but not if you collapse.”
Bryn wanted to protest but found he lacked the energy.Bone-deep exhaustion permeated his body.
“Seventy-two hours,” Warden said.“Both of you.”He looked pointedly at Bryn and Gunnar.“Consider it an order.”He stood, signaling the end of the meeting.“Emmett will work in my office in the meantime so you won’t be disturbed.”
“I will?”Emmett was wide-eyed.
“Yes, you will.”
“And I will resist the urge to seek out your scintillating company,” Giles said.
“One benefit of house arrest,” Bryn said.He found himself struggling to stand.He swayed on his feet.Gunnar reached out, steadying him despite his own injuries.
“I’ve got you.”
“Some big bad wolf you are,” Bryn said.“Can barely stand yourself.”They made their way into the corridor.
“Still strong enough to keep you upright.Besides, we make a matching set.Both of us too stubborn to admit when we’re done in.”
Bryn eyed the stairs.“It’s at times like this I wish we had an elevator.”
