“Franklin,” Andy said. “Coming up.”

Adira nodded, and slowed for a moment to look down at a small box in her lap. She grunted, and looked back to the road. “Not far now.”

“What? You’re tracking him…how?” Matt tried to see the device she was using.

“Not him,” Adira responded, looking at the device one last time and then stuffing it back into her top pocket.

“The Book, you’re tracking the Book. Of course; when you made a grab at it in the hotel room.” He shook his head. “You could have been killed.”

She looked at him, her smile flat. “But I wasn’t, and it was a worthwhile risk.”

Andy cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to rain on any parades, but we should tell Major Abrams where we are. We’re not exactly the Seventh Fleet, are we? We need backup.” He sat forward. “Matt, we need backup.”

“Yeah.” Matt turned to Adira. “He’s right, you know. If you’ve got a lead, you must share it. We can’t afford for Drummond to get away. And I’m sure the major would love the opportunity to bring Tania, ah, Captain Kovitz, in.”

She kept her eyes on the road. “If I see Captain Kovitz, I will kill her.”

“Whoa, whoa there. This is America you’re in now.” Andy leaned further over the seat back, his face twisted. “For all we know, she might have been brainwashed or blackmailed into helping Drummond. So none of this shoot first crap, okay?”

“Then you keep her out of my way, Mr Bennet. For believe me, if she even looks like she might be a threat, I will put her down.” She half turned. “As for Drummond, I will just need a few minutes alone with him…and I don’t need backup.”

“Great.” Matt exhaled between compressed lips. “And then we can call in the major? I mean, when you’ve had your minute.”

“He can have what’s left.” Her smile was devoid of any humor. “When you call him.”

Matt felt a dawning realization. “Oh Christ; you’re not even supposed to still be here, are you?”

She turned briefly and smiled. “I don’t think any of us are supposed to be here, do you, Professor?”

Chapter 20

Westerville, Ohio

Billy Jenkins turned into State Street from Lincoln, and breathed a sigh of relief. Creepy as all shit, is how he was planning to describe it later to his friends at the Mall. He pedaled harder; still a few papers left to toss, and then back to the shop for his pay. His mom had told him they were all grounded, but today was payday, and hell if he wasn’t gonna get his money.

He took a corner, sharp, and frowned as he remembered the blocks of tomb-quiet streets he had just left behind – the usually friendly residents weren’t out and about like they shoulda been. This was a midday delivery, and he should have seen people walking dogs, jogging, hosing lawns or washing cars – it was summer: people were outside in summer.