“Now we have a chance,” said Circe fiercely. “Damn it, now we have a real chance.”

“Let’s just hope that there’s some clue in there to help us crack the other books,” observed Rudy and he was instantly sorry he said it because the newfound confidence in Circe’s eyes diminished by half in the space of a heartbeat. He wanted to bang his head against the wall, but Circe set her jaw and almost sneered at the possibility of defeat.

“No, damn it,” she growled. “We are going to crack this. We have to.”

It broke Rudy’s heart to hear her tack on those last three desperate words.

Chapter Eighty-six

Chapter Eighty-Six

Arklight Camp

Outskirts of Tehran

June 16, 1:50 a.m.

Violin led me to another warehouse two blocks over. The rear loading doors were open and there were several cars and small panel trucks parked inside, out of sight. Ghost sniffed the air and growled, cutting inquiring looks at me. I signaled him to remain calm and alert. Having the signal seemed to calm him—dogs are always at their most content when the pack leader has things under control. Not that I actually did, but it was nice that my dog thought so.

There were twenty-five people in the warehouse, all women. The youngest was about Violin’s age, the oldest was at least seventy. They all looked fit and trim, though, and they were all armed. The women stood in a loose circle around another woman who sat on an overturned packing crate. As we approached, the circle opened to allow us in. The eyes that turned toward me were in no way welcoming. There were no smiles, no acknowledging nods. Twenty-five sets of eyes assessed me as if I were a side of beef, and not a very fresh one.

“I brought him, mother,” announced Violin. She peeled off from my side and went to stand by the seated woman. That gave me a chance to take a closer look at the woman I presumed was “Lilith.” Each of these women looked powerful, but Lilith was different. She was magnificent, with a face that was cold and beautiful, like the death mask of an ancient queen. Sculpted cheekbones and a strong chin, straight nose and a high, clear brow. But her eyes were absolutely compelling. Endlessly deep and intelligent. And totally without mercy.

“These are the Mothers of the Fallen,” said Violin. “And this is my mother, Lilith.”

Ghost whined faintly and looked at me. It was pretty obvious that he was confused in the presence of what was perhaps a much more powerful pack leader.

“Captain Ledger,” said Lilith. “My daughter has risked much to arrange this meeting.”

I stopped about ten feet from where she sat. “So what’s the drill? Do I bow and curtsy?”

“No,” she said, “but you can mind your manners.”

“Yeah, about that?” I said. “Kiss my ass.”