“Oh yes, Alexandria. And you think the Turkish military is going to help you get there? The Turks and Egyptians don’t even talk any more. And you think they will do more than simply detain you, as diplomatic communiqué go back and forth between your countries for weeks.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I think you do not have passports, or a cover story, or even a lot of money to buy safe passage.”

Abrams folded his arms.

Her head tilted. “Did I mention how popular Americans are out here?” She relented. “Major, we can provide you with cover, documentation and everything else you need.” She shrugged. “One step back, two steps forward. Think smart, Major, the door is closing.”

Abrams bristled, and he knew he was grinding his teeth. The damned woman had him over a barrel.

Matt Kearns came and stood in front of him, his back to the woman. “Major, that’ll work. We can trust her.” He shrugged. “There’s no one else to trust.”

Abrams looked past Matt to Adira. “And what’s the price?”

She smiled. “No price, Major. All I need to know is what I’m getting into. What is so important in Alexandria that you would come all the way to Syria, and then cross the desert to find it?”

“You don’t need to know that, and it’s not relevant to you. Besides, I’m not sure at this stage that we should be teaming up with Mossad. However, guide us to Samandag, and then we can see if our plans need updating.”

Adira grinned. “Ah, the warrior who won’t take advice.”

Matt tilted his head. “Sounds like someone else I know.”

Her eyes flicked to Matt. “You are using up all of your lives too quickly, Matthew Kearns. Sooner or later there won’t be someone to save you, and you’ll find your head will become separated from your body.”

“Probably true.” He smiled sadly. “Adira, this is important. We think it might give us answers to the sinkholes and disappearances.”

“Kearns!” Abrams’s voice was sharp, but Matt held up a hand and continued.

“We know they’re also happening in Israel. The Major might even put in a good word for you with the right people in the States.”

She stared for a few moments, and then grunted softly. “Then perhaps we do have a shared goal. This is what I was sent into the desert to ascertain – whether the sinkholes had a military cause…and, if they did, to eradicate it.”

Suddenly, from behind them, Hartogg roared a warning. Adira dived and rolled, and Abrams and the others followed quickly.

Abrams lifted his head. “What have you got, soldier?”

Hartogg was like a statue, gun up and pointed out at the desert. “Movement in sniper nest one.”

“Impossible,” Adira said and got up on one knee, a handgun pointed at the place where she had demolished the six fighters earlier. “They are dead.”

Abrams waited another few seconds, licking dry lips. “Hartogg, low and easy, come in from your right flank. Captain Senesh and I will –”