In a move that would save his life in a matter of minutes, he ended the call, rang the dispatcher, and requested backup.

*   *   *

“Your target is Dr. Ibrahim Hamedi,” Nurin said, “the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.”

“I should have known,” Slaton said.

“Hamedi will soon be traveling outside Iran. He will be vulnerable. The phone you are holding contains a file of information. It will tell you where and when to strike, including details on a tactical opening that is ideal for a man with your gift. Use it.”

These words rang in Slaton’s head like a klaxon, and he stamped them to memory without trying to understand. Nothing made sense. An assassination planned, but then subcontracted? Christine abducted to make it happen?

“Why?” Slaton asked. “If you have such a great opening, do it yourself. You have others like me.”

“No, David. Not like you. Think about what has happened recently and everything will make sense.”

Slaton considered what he knew, and he did find a way to make it work. “You’ve failed twice. A leak?”

“Yes,” Nurin said.

“All the more reason for me to not get involved.”

“I will be your only contact, David. No one in Mossad knows your intent, not even the man sitting across the table from you. Do this one job and it will be your last.”

“No. I’ve already done my last job.”

“Christine will—”

“Christine will be safe very soon,” Slaton cut in, “because you don’t have her. If you did, you’d already have given me proof.”

After a pause, Nurin said, “You’re right, of course. But we’re looking for her.”

“So am I.”

“Don’t overestimate your abilities, kidon. You are alone with no support. We have dozens of operatives in country, and every airport terminal and rail station in Stockholm is covered. We will find her first.”

“And then what—hold her in an undisclosed location? Interrogation?”

“Please, David, believe me when I say that I am a practical man. This is no more than a demonstration. You and Christine are in a tenuous position. Anonymity is what keeps your past at bay, and Mossad controls that anonymity. We have gone to great trouble and expense to ensure it. But there is a price for our continued support. You need us, and we need you.”

“And if I don’t agree, then what? Mossad will give me up? Expose me for what I once was? That sounds like a threat.”

“A threat against you would be—how should I say it? Counterproductive? I dare say I might be putting my own personal safety at risk.”

Slaton said nothing. He put his free forearm on the lip of the table, curled his fingers underneath, and leaned forward.