“It was on paper. Not electronic. Overhead photos of the compound and hangar. Topographical maps. Details on the electronic security—”

“Your people attacked from the east. Why?”

“Based on the information we were provided, it was the easiest approach. And there was a wire that could be cut that would disable all of Ward’s early warning systems.”

That confirmed what Rapp already suspected. The information came directly from the CIA file that Irene Kennedy had modified. The question now was how the Saudis had obtained it.

“What were your orders?”

“I don’t take orders! I am God’s repre—”

“What did the Saudi suggest you do with the information he gave you?” Rapp rephrased. What he didn’t need right now was to get dragged into a semantic argument with this piece of shit. He just wanted to slit the man’s throat and get some lunch before the buffet was completely picked over.

“Kill the scientist. Ransom Ward.”

“What if it worked and you got the ransom?”

“Kill him if it was feasible. But if not, I was to return a man who was no longer the one I took. And never would be again.”

Interesting. Why would the Saudis want to walk out on this particular limb? The obvious answer was Ward’s advances in renewable energy, but still. It was a pretty bold move.

“Very good, Gideon. Just one last question. How do I find him?”

“I don’t know.”

Rapp considered slamming the meat tenderizer into the man’s thigh, but then thought better of it. He had a hunch that he was going to need Gideon Auma in one piece.

Fortunately, a perfect tool was close at hand. Normally, he would have gone for a torch used for sweating pipes—nice weight, felt good in the hand, intimidating hiss. But you went to war with the army you had, not the army you wanted.

Bruno McGraw shook his head in abject disappointment when Rapp picked up the crème brûlée torch. It fired right up, though, and despite its humbleness, Auma locked on the pinpoint flame.

“No! Stop! I—”

Rapp passed it over the man’s stomach slowly enough to catch the scent of burning hair but not so long as to kick up the stench of crisping skin.

Auma jerked away and Rapp prepared to clamp a hand over his mouth. They’d set up pretty far from the eco-lodge, but a scream might still reach it and Rapp wanted to insulate Ward to the greatest degree possible. For now, at least.