“Things are looking shipshape,” Rapp said, changing the subject. “Scott’s gotten a lot done in a week and a half.”

“If you mean he’s changed my home into Fort Ward, I agree. And don’t think I don’t know about the mines.”

Rapp smiled. “These aren’t World War II surplus, Nick. They can be turned on and off remotely.”

“Oh, I know all about them. In fact, I’ve spent a fair amount of time and money trying to get that entire class of technology wiped from the face of the earth. And now here I am surrounded by them. Ironic. And hypocritical.”

“Desperate times…”

“Are they, though, Mitch? I admit that I underestimated Gideon Auma, but isn’t it possible that you’re overestimating him? There’s a big difference between an opportunistic attack on a hospital and trying to get up here.”

“Irene thinks there might be someone out there who wants to make a move against you.”

“Who?”

“We don’t know. It’s just chatter at this point. But it makes sense to be cautious. You can afford it.”

He looked skeptical but unwilling to entirely discount what Rapp was telling him. “Maybe it’s time for me and my people to go stateside for a little while. I feel like my presence here is creating a lot of drama.”

“I’m not sure you’d be any safer there.”

“That’s a specific enough statement to suggest that the threat to me is more than just chatter. Would you care to elaborate?”

“No.”

Ward’s smile carried a hint of frustration as he stood and walked back inside. When he reappeared, there were a couple of beers in his hand. He gave one to Rapp.

“I can’t shake the feeling that you have some hidden agenda here, Mitch.”

“Really?”

“Really. But what is it? Gideon Auma? Maybe he’s getting a little too close to Islamic terrorist groups and you want to use me to get to him? Or maybe your operation to save David went so well that it made Anthony Cook look bad. Could you be here to stab me in the back as penance?”

“Maybe I just like you.”

“I doubt it.”

“Well then you just keep thinking on it. Maybe you’ll come up with something.”

“I always do.”

Even having known the man for only a short time, Rapp didn’t doubt it.

“What do you say we change the subject to something a little less depressing,” Ward continued. “Matteo’s back on his feet and I know that he, David, and Jing would love to thank you personally. They’re in cabins just down the way. Why don’t we walk over?”

“Not necessary,” Rapp said before taking a pull from his beer.