“From what you’ve said, she appeared not to want any interference from you. If she does contact you, tell Gilroy to handle it. He sure didn’t do it the last time. I’m the one who needs you now. I’m getting Harris to bring me back there right away. We’re going to go over every bit of planning and see how we can adjust. I’ll want to be able to talk to you while I’m on the helicopter.”

“I don’t have any ideas how we can—”

“You’ll get them. Stop arguing. You have one of the brightest minds I’ve ever run across. I need to tap it. We don’t have that much time. So start thinking and be ready for me when I call you from the helicopter.” He cut the connection.

He needed her.

She’d called Korgan because she had needed him, but the fact that he’d said those words made her almost forget her own need. She knew it was rare that he would ever make that admission to anyone.

She couldn’t fail him when he needed her.

Her pace quickened as she climbed the cliff.

*  *  *

When Korgan walked into the cave an hour later, Alisa had the maps and photographs of Jubaldar spread on the stone floor and was going over them. She looked up, her eyes glittering, her expression intense. She pointed to the rocky canyon where Masenak’s emergency helicopters and vehicles were housed. “On that second day, I sent you photos of this entire area. What kind of security does Masenak have down there?”

“Two sentries who guard the north exit leading from the main area. Three to five guards who rotate around the helicopter pad, the different warehouses, and the marijuana plantings. Maybe a few more than your photos showed since he’s allowing Reardon to airlift Chaos and Nightshade from there.” His eyes narrowed. “What do you have in mind?”