Matt sat forward. “What now for you?”

Baruk turned, and looked as if he was going to ignore the question for a moment, but then stopped what he was doing. “All agents are being recalled for defense of the State.”

Matt raised his eyebrows. “What, the earth-drops?”

Baruk shook his head. “No; what is coming out of them.” He smiled sadly. “It seems we are also at war, Professor Kearns.”

“I’m sorry,” Matt said.

Baruk shrugged. “Home defense; we are used to it.”

Matt sighed and sat back. “Home defense…against the end of the world.”

Baruk zipped up his bag. “Done.” He grinned, and held out his hand. “Where’s my tip?”

The Mossad agent’s smile froze on his face and he stood extremely still, as if listening.

The door burst open.

*

Adira spoke softly and urgently to her uncle, General Meir Shavit. As always she imagined the old man in his favorite chair, chain-smoking his cigarettes, one eye half closed from the curling smoke.

“I cannot just take it from them,” she said, beginning to pace.

The old soldier’s wheezing formed into his usual slow words. “You could, Addy, if you wanted to. But I agree this might become messy, that is, if the soldiers foolishly decide to put up a fight.” A cough, and what sounded like a long pull on a cigarette.

Adira stopped at the window, and opened the curtains a crack. “I believe Professor Kearns is the only one who can decipher it. Even if I secure it, it might end up being useless to us…and then too late for anyone else.”

There was a low chuckle. “You give the Americans too much credit, and us too little.” There was more wheezing. “So then, Addy, I think if this Al Azif book won’t come with you, then you must go with the Book, hmm? I already have a seat for you on their flight.” He laughed slushily, and then coughed. “Just tell them you are there for their own protection, as we have heard there will be an attempt on the Book…and their lives.” He shifted in his seat. “After all, we don’t yet know who tortured Dr Albadi, or removed our agents. So this is probably true.”

“I agree, Uncle.” She shivered slightly at the thought of being allowed by the Agency back into America.

“Addy, the new agents I have sent will conduct an investigation into the disappearances, but by now, it is likely to be more a body recovery than a rescue.” She listened as the general breathed laboriously in and out for a second or two. “This is the business we are in.” He sighed and his voice grew distant. “Contact me when you know more. Good luck, Addy.”

The line went dead.

Adira held the phone for a second or two in her hand, her mind working. From down the hall there came a crash of splintering wood.

*

Matt felt his breath catch in his throat as the largest man he had ever seen came through the door. For such a physical giant, he moved quickly, his dark eyes missing nothing as he took in Matt, the Book, and then, Baruk.