He made sure his smile was enthusiastic as she led him around the side of the house to a table on the back lawn. It was set with a freshly opened bottle of local wine and a light lunch that looked typically delicious. He refused the alcohol, instead accepting a bottle of sparkling water. Claudia took the chair next to him and scooted it close enough that their arms touched. The walls and house behind them would thwart prying eyes and the clear sky would make drones obvious. She’d have swept for active listening devices and passive wouldn’t be workable in this environment. Despite that, she remained cautious. Her appearance and the way she got on with Anna and his own kids made it easy to forget that Claudia Gould was a consummate pro.

“I take it you’re still up for a face-to-face meeting?” she said at a level that was barely above a whisper. An olive, held between her thumb and forefinger, hovered in front of her mouth as she spoke.

“That’s why I’m here.”

It was impossible not to wonder how much she knew. Had Rapp told her about the mole hunt? The involvement of Saudi intelligence? Did she know his current location? Would she even be aware that Ward and his people were alive? Rapp would only feed her what she needed to know to play her role. For his protection and for her own.

“Uncle Mike!”

Anna ran out of the back door and he abandoned his chair, crouching to pick her up. “You’ve got those dogs chained tight, right?”

“They’re in the kitchen. They like it there best because sometimes they can steal food. Sausage mostly. It’s called boerewors here. Did you know that?”

“I didn’t,” he said, setting her down again.

“How are the animals back home? Are you taking care of them? Snowball gets lonely when Mitch is gone, you know.”

“Snowball’s fine. And so are all the others. I have all the retired people taking care of them. It’s probably a good thing. Some of them are getting a little fat.” He blew out his cheeks and pulled out the front of his shirt to demonstrate the former operators’ increasing girth.

Anna slapped him on the leg. “You’re mean!”

“Sweetheart,” Claudia said, “Uncle Mike and I have a few things to talk about and then he’s going to want to see your new bike. Why don’t you get it out of the shed so you can show him how good you are at riding now?”

She ran off.

“And don’t forget to oil the chain!” her mother called after her. “Just like Mitch showed you. One link at a time.”

Nash watched her disappear around the side of the house before sitting back down. He needed to get this over with before his brain—and his heart—exploded.

“So, everything’s okay with Mitch and the guys?”