Nash turned off the paved rural highway and headed down a road that devolved into dirt as it passed neat rows of vines. The stark white wall that surrounded Rapp’s South African home was somewhat reminiscent of the one protecting his property in Virginia. That’s where the similarities ended, though. In the States, he lived in an ultramodern bunker packed with state-of-the-art technology. This felt like something out of a history book. A sprawling wine estate deposited there last night by a time machine.

Nash and his family had been invited to come and stay many times. Claudia personally guaranteed them a vacation to remember—shark cage diving, amazing restaurants and beaches, a plush safari up north. The kids would go nuts, she’d assured them. Maggie was fully up for it and already trying to coordinate everyone’s schedules. No small task with work, school, sports, and everything else.

Now it would never happen. He’d never be back. Of that he was certain. He wanted to put this all behind him forever. Impossible, but that was the goal. This time next month he’d be the acting director of the CIA, working fifteen-hour days, seven days a week. Looking back would no longer be an option. He’d have to focus fully on moving forward in the world that the Cooks and others like them were building.

The gate began to slide open and he eased through, careful not to run over the two dogs trying to figure out how to tear the vehicle apart. Anna shouted at them from the front porch and finally managed to get control. In what seemed like a reasonable precaution, he stayed in the car until she dragged them inside and closed the door.

It reopened a moment later and Claudia fought her way past the swirling, barking mass. When she waved, he decided it was a signal that it was safe to emerge.

“Beautiful spot,” he called as he started toward the house.

She gave him a warm hug that he managed to return without gritting his teeth.

“I can’t believe you finally made it to Africa and you’re alone!”

“Me neither. Maggie would kill me if she knew. But don’t worry. We’ll get the whole crew out here soon. That is, if you’re still up for it.”

“Of course we are. You’re always welcome.”