“Moscow moved fast,” Bishop said. “The freeze exposed Vasiliev to his own people. They eliminated the double and would have eliminated him if he hadn’t come here first.”
“Second item,” I said. “Vasiliev told Anna he’d like to take credit for Horatio Hyde’s death but that another of his enemies got to him first.”
Anna’s expression didn’t change.
“We were never able to prove who killed our father,” said Lyra. “Vasiliev’s statement means we still haven’t.”
I turned to Dagger. “You and Givre will lead the investigation into Vasiliev’s claim that he wasn’t calling the shots. Reaper and Amaryllis, since Briggs is already on your radar, that’ll be your op.”
“Roger that,” Reaper responded first.
“Whatever resources and support you need are here and available to you. We’ll determine the mission timeline when we return from leave,” Bishop said. “Questions?” he added.
“That’s it, and thank you,” I said when no one spoke.
“Ready?” Bishop asked when those in the room stood to get to work.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this, but yes.”
“I’ll let our pilot know you’re on the way,” said Razor when we passed him on our way out. “And enjoy every minute. As you know, the next mission will be waiting for you when you return.”
“Bishop,I think I might have a problem,” I said on our walk to the camp.
He stopped on the trail. “What’s wrong?” he asked, snaking his arm around my waist and pulling me close to him.
“I didn’t bring many clothes with me.”
He grinned. “Do you think you’ll need any? I won’t.”
“You can’t just be naked all the time.”
He brushed my lips with his. “Says who?”
“Come on, be serious.”
He rolled his eyes. “Okay, we don’t have to be nakedallthe time.”
I swatted his arm, and he laughed.
“There are beach shops on the way from the airfield to the house. We’ll stop and get whatever we need on our way.”
“You couldn’t have just said that, to begin with?”
“And miss seeing how cute you are when you’re annoyed with me? Not a chance.”
22
BLACKJACK
The Gulfstream was on the tarmac at Johnstown, with the engines running, when we pulled up.
Katarina climbed the airstairs ahead of me. I carried both bags and set them inside the cabin door. The lights were low, and the pilot had the cockpit sealed.
Once inside, I put my hands on her waist, and she turned to face me.
“This is the same plane we were on before.”
“You’re right,” I said.
