In Spain, August's second-in-command would be Corporal Pat Prementine. The serious young NCO, an expert at infantry tactics, had distinguished himself in the rescue of Mike Rodgers and his team during the Bekaa Valley operation. Prementine would be more than able to step in if anything happened to August. Privates Walter Pupshaw, Sondra DeVonne, David George, and Jason Scott had performed brilliantly in that operation as well, just as they had on previous missions. Communications man Ishi Honda was also on hand. Neither Colonel August nor his predecessor, the late Lt. Col. Charles Squires, would have gone anywhere without their ace radio operator.

The Strikers changed to civilian clothes before landing. They were met at the airbase by an unmarked Interpol helicopter, which flew them directly to the airport in Madrid. Their uniforms and gear, carried in oversized duffelbags, went with them. At the airport they boarded a pair of vans and were driven to the office of Luis García de la Vega. August and his team were greeted by Darrell McCaskey, who was awaiting the return of Aideen Marley.

McCaskey and August retired to the small, cluttered office of an agent who was on assignment. McCaskey had appropriated a portable coffeemaker and moved it in here.

"It's good to see you," McCaskey said, shutting the door.

"Likewise," August replied.

"Sit," McCaskey said.

August looked around. The two chairs beside the door were full of overstuffed folders so he perched himself on the corner of the desk. He watched as McCaskey went to the coffeemaker and poured Colonel August a cup.

"How do you take it?" McCaskey asked.

"Black, no sugar," August replied.

McCaskey handed him the cup then poured some for himself. August took a sip and set his cup on the mousepad.

"That's some pretty shitty stuff, isn't it?" McKaskey said, pointing to the coffee.

"Maybe," August said. "But at least the price is right."

McCaskey smiled.

It hadn't taken long for August to determine that McCaskey was what the elite forces called "TBW." Tired but wired. The former G-man was exhausted but anxious, running on adrenaline and caffeine. When the rush ended, McCaskey would crash big-time.

"Let me bring you up to date," McCaskey said. He sipped his own coffee and sat heavily in the swivel chair. Matt Stoll's small electromagnetic egg was between them, ensuring the security of the conversation. "Aideen Marley is on the way back to Madrid. She was up at the Ramirez boat factory in San Sebastián when it was attacked by General Amadori's forces. You know about that?"

August nodded.