As Nir watched the process, part of him felt pride. This vision he’d had from just a simple walk through Milan was now coming to fruition. Soon these bombs would be in the yachts of eight really bad guys. Would they ever be used? Who knew? But at least they’d be there if needed.

Another part of him, though, felt ashamed—maybe even a little disgusted—at this whole scheme. An idea had popped into his head, and now human beings could die because of it. It was hard to really feel proud about that. Sure, the people targeted were bad guys, but who was to say he wasn’t a bad guy too? Aren’t good and evil just based on which side you’re on or which religious texts you read?

Nicole would vehemently disagree with that. She would say there’s right and wrong. If you’re on God’s side, then you’re right. If you aren’t, then you’re wrong. He wondered which side he was really on.

I’d sleep better if I knew I was on the right side. However, is that IRGC soldier in Iran sleeping well because he knows that, based on his scriptures, he’s in the right? Nicole and the IRGC guy can’t both be right, can they? Otherwise, there is no right and wrong. Truth is just arbitrary.

Avigdor walked up. “Want to tell me what’s rattling through that brain of yours?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Good.” The old man placed his hand on Nir’s shoulder. “Then instead, maybe you can tell me about your little escapade last night. Did it have anything to do with the passing of that photograph in the truck?”

“You have got to be kidding me. Who told you? I can’t believe one of my team spilled it.”

“Oh no, achi. I heard it from the ramsad himself.”

Nir threw up his hands. “The ramsad? Beautiful.”

“Don’t worry. He’s not as mad as you think. He said you killed only one person, which is apparently some kind of record for you.”

“Great. Now I’m getting smack talked by the ramsad.”

Avigdor laughed. “Come. We’re nearing completion. Tell me while there is still time. I live for a good story.”

June 2021: (Six Months Later)

JUNE 2021

(SIX MONTHS LATER)

Chapter 43

CHAPTER 43

SIX MONTHS LATER

CARL, MOSSAD HEADQUARTERS, TEL AVIV, ISRAEL—JUNE 24, 2021—13:30 / 1:30 P.M. IDT

The reports coming through on the operation were good. Sitting behind his desk, the door to his office not quite closed, Nir scanned satellite photos of the damage and was impressed at what one explosive-laden quadcopter drone could do. The targeted building was part of the Iran Centrifuge Technology company, or TESA. Located outside the city of Karaj, just an hour’s drive northwest of Tehran, TESA was responsible for the production of the fine-tuned pieces of machinery necessary to enrich uranium to a weapons-grade level.