“Isn’t it? I’m told Ms. Hazan is recovering nicely, too, and sends her regards. The better news is that the threat of the data bomb is over. With help from the Farm’s team, we were able to provide the surgical team with instructions for how to disconnect that contraption without triggering it. I’d like you to courier the components back to the Farm, if you would, so that Bear can take on the task of ferreting out where the data itself might be stored. If I wasn’t needed back in Washington, I’d go directly to Virginia myself.”
“No problem. I’m headed that way. Although I’ll need a car.”
“You cost me more money in cars,” Brognola said, shaking his head. “Though it’s clear the cost is worth it. I don’t need to add that the Man is pleased with your performance, as always. He says he hopes you enjoyed the loan from Secret Service.”
“I did,” Bolan replied. “I think I’ll have one of those miniguns installed in my next commuter vehicle.”
“He’ll be pleased for the endorsement. Although I think he was a little irritated that Octavios is going to survive.”
“Can’t say I blame him. What about Codex Freedom?”
“Well, you more or less broke their backs,” the big Fed told him. “They went all-in on that attack in Pittsburgh. A few managed to survive, but they’ll be easy enough to trace once Bear is finished going through Codex Freedom’s networks.”
“Sounds like everybody wins,” Bolan said.
“It does. Were you just waiting to hear back on the surgery?”
“Yeah. I didn’t want to head out before I knew for sure. Now I do.” He stood. “I’ll collect the data bomb components before I leave.” He paused. “Did the Iranians have anything to say about losing one of their operatives?”
“No,” Brognola told him. “We asked. They gave us the usual denials. Dabiri didn’t exist, as far as they’re concerned.”
“That’s just how the game is played,” Bolan said quietly.
“One last thing, Striker. Were you serious about having us transmit that photograph through channels to Pyongyang?”
“Yeah. It was Choi’s last request. I think he hoped it would help blunt any repercussions to his family.”
“He may have been overly optimistic.”
“Can’t hurt to try,” Bolan said.
“No, it can’t. You got it, Striker.”
“Thanks, Hal.”
He got as far as the doorway of the conference room before Brognola stopped him.
“Striker? You don’t seem all that pleased.”
Bolan didn’t turn. With his hand on the door, he said, “Sometimes I wonder if all the secrets should come out. If we’d all be better off. But I guess that’s above my pay grade.”
“It’s above mine, too,” Brognola stated, “but I make decisions about whether to reveal those things every day. It’s part of the job.”
“Yeah Take care of yourself in Wonderland, Hal. And keep doing what you do.”
“You, too,” Brognola told him.
A ghost of a smile flitted across Mack Bolan’s face. That would be easy.
He was dedicated to his War Everlasting, and another mission was just on the horizon.
* * *
Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Phil Elmore for his contribution to this work.
Cyberthreat
ISBN: 9781488069109
Copyright © 2020 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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