“Then Bohdan won’t be able to track you.”

“I didn’t say that. There are always ways, if I’m not careful. Agents talk to each other. Or someone at the MI6 home office could have loose lips.”

“You wouldn’t tolerate that and they know it. And I don’t believe any of the agents from MI6 are going to do any talking.”

“Then you’d be wrong. The guy they just fished out of the Tiber River probably told them everything he knew. We just have to hope that wasn’t much. Any word on Bohdan’s location?”

“Nothing definite. He owns several drug houses and meth labs throughout Europe. He might be checking on them. But we think he might be heading for Naples. There are rumors he owns a brothel there that he uses to house and train kids he imports from his contacts in the Congo. We’re checking on it.”

“Makes sense. He was partners with the general in several brothels in Central Africa before I removed his senior partner from the equation. Is that all?”

“One other item. I’ve assigned Sean Rodland to MacDuff’s Run. You remember Rodland. You’re the one who sent him to me.”

“I remember him. He’s probably better than anyone else you have.”

“That crazy Irishman is hell on wheels, and he’s been with me for almost two years now. No one could be more loyal to you. He’ll be arriving there tomorrow morning. You’ll be pleased with him.”

“We’ll see,” Caleb said. “Anything else?”

“Not from me.” He added sourly, “Unless you’d like me to send a man out to the Run tonight to monitor what you’re doing out there.”

“That won’t be necessary. I know MacDuff’s property like the back of my hand. Jane has always liked the Run and it seemed a safe enough place to leave her occasionally.” Caleb added mockingly, “Though I appreciate your interest. But we both know what I’m doing is no one’s business but mine.”

“It’s my business,” Palik said testily. “You pay my salary, and I don’t want to lose a valuable source of income. I’m just telling you that Rodland will take good care of Jane and you don’t have to go trekking across those hills tonight.”

“I’m touched by your concern. But I have to make certain that the entire area is still safe since Bohdan got to Jennings. Back off, Palik.”

Palik muttered a curse. “I’m backing off. Don’t you think it took a lot for me to confront you on this? I just realized you’re being reckless and it wouldn’t hurt to opt out and let one of my people do the job. Which blows my professionalism to hell.”

“Or increases it enormously. It depends on how you look at it. Not everyone would find it annoying.”