He typed the name Edmund Deadmarsh into a search engine and drew blanks. Next he tried Dr. Christine Palmer—there were apparently four in the world—which produced nothing more enlightening than her physician’s website. He backtracked and typed in: Iran, nuclear program, Dr. Ibrahim Hamedi. A number of articles relating to the assassination attempts appeared, along with others of a more critical voice that vilified the mad genius and the weapons project he oversaw. None gave any insight to steer Sanderson in his search.

He closed his eyes tightly and pinched the bridge of his nose. What? What would prove or disprove? He opened his eyes and typed: Dr. Ibrahim Hamedi, travel. He opened the first result:

IAEA Requests Emergency Meeting in Geneva

October 9—Iran has agreed to an emergency request from the International Atomic Energy Agency for information pertaining to its nuclear program. Recent inspections have been denied by Iran, the Tehran government claiming that certain inspectors are unacceptable. Visa problems have also arisen, although IAEA spokespersons insist that these difficulties are a result of intentional delays by Iran. Independent observers estimate Iran to be only months away from a successful transition of its peaceful nuclear program to weaponization, in particular the mating of a nuclear warhead to its Shahab-4 ballistic missile. Dr. Ibrahim Hamedi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, will travel to Geneva and present Iran’s case to a group of inspectors and diplomats on October 20.

Sanderson read it again. Could this be why Deadmarsh had run south? The odds were long—but perhaps a ray of hope. An Israeli assassin heading in the general direction of Israel’s clearest target? The coincidence could not be more slim. Yet it was a coincidence, and if the last thirty-five years had taught Sanderson anything, it was to seek just such connections.

But how to continue? Sanderson had already hidden from Sjoberg a pursuit that had taken him across the Baltic and into Germany. To forward this new theory would get him no more than a one-way ticket home and a follow-up session with Dr. Samuels. He could mention his suspicions to Blix or Almgren, but he doubted they would have any more luck in convincing their superiors—it was simply too thin a link for anyone to chase. At least anyone in their right mind.