Jack grinned. “Oh yeah, just then, and guess what? Surprise, surprise, the beacon is still active, and it’s moving. Last I checked it was over the edge of continental shelf. Our Megalodon is patrolling its new turf.”

“You clever sonofabitch, Monroe.” Vincent sounded like he rocked back in his chair. “Holy fucking hell – sorry Cate – we can find and track that big bastard.” He whooped.

Cate’s phone rang, and she looked briefly at it, frowned, and walked away.

Jack’s watched her go for a moment, before Vincent dragged his attention back.

“So what next, Jack?”

Jack’s forehead creased. “Well, I’m afraid tracking it is only part of our problem. Sure, we can track it, but then what?” He stood. “We can’t make something two thousand feet down come to the surface, and believe me, no one should go down there after it.”

Cate rejoined him a puzzled expression on her face.

“What’s up?” he asked.

She held up her phone. “That was Sonya Borashev. She’s invited us to a meeting. Says we seem to have a problem she might be able to help with.”

Jack held the phone back to his ear. “Vince, like I said, this is where we’ll need help.” He grinned at Cate. “And I think we have just the party in mind.”

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 34

Cate and Jack sat in deep leather chairs in the foyer of the gleaming silver spire of the Mironov Tower. Cate occasionally pointed out different objects of art to Jack who stared in wonder at all the gleaming marble, chrome, and glass.

“I feel underdressed,” he whispered. “In fact, I feel like a country bumpkin who’s just stumbled into the big smoke.”

Cate reached across to squeeze his forearm. “It’s fine, darling. Just don’t sip your moonshine or try and speak, and no one will know you’re a little slow.” She grinned and sat back.

Jack made his eyes go cross-eyed and leaned towards her. “I’ll try not to scare the purdy lady, Miss Granger, ma’am.” He sat back, his face becoming serious. “So, Sonya, she took Valery being killed, badly, huh?”

“Yeah.” Cate leaned closer to him, and lowered her voice. “I have a feeling she and Valery had something going on. She was deeply affected by his death.”

Jack nodded. “Good to know.” He looked around. “I’m guessing she got over it pretty quickly, after she learned he left her everything.”

Cate shrugged. “Would have helped.”

“Ms Granger?”

Cate turned to the receptionist, who smiled benignly. “Someone is coming down for you now.”

“Thank you.” Cate got to her feet, straightening her dress. Jack also rose beside her. She turned and looked him over briefly. “And you behave.”

“I’ll be my normal charming self.” He half bowed.