At the curb, they both stepped out and walked a few steps away. Nathan kept a close eye on Julio. Harv used 411 to get Dr. Reavie’s office number. He listened to the recorded office message, then pressed zero to be connected to the doctor’s answering service. Because it was an emergency, Harv was transferred directly to Reavie’s cell phone. It took some explaining, but Reavie agreed to treat Nichole. From what Nathan could discern from the call, Reavie’s biggest was about Ms. Dalton’s condition, not any legal issues.

Nathan said, “We should call Grangeland and give her Reavie’s phone number and address. After she’s recovered from the anesthesia, we’ll have Grangeland secure her in a hotel. I want Grangeland to be the only person in the world other than us who knows where Nichole Dalton is staying.”

He made the call to Grangeland, then paused before making the next call. It had the potential of becoming confrontational.

His father answered, sounding perfectly awake and alert. “Nathan? Is everything okay?”

It took several minutes to update him about the warehouse raid and their plans to assault the San Diego safe house and to insulate Cantrell from any negative fallout should things go south.

“Of course I’ll protect her, to the extent I can. I don’t need to say this, but accepting the director’s advice of turning this over to her people sounds like a good idea.”

“I appreciate that, Dad, but Harv and I have the element of surprise on our side. We’ll be okay.”

“As you requested, I’ve placed calls to the secretary of the navy and the secretary of defense. So far, I’ve yet to get a return call. I haven’t dropped the ball, but I can’t push too hard. It’s a fine line.”

“We need to talk about that. Cantrell doesn’t want you inquiring into this. She didn’t come right out and say it, but I know she’s worried about leaks.”

“It’s too late, I’ve already made the calls.”

“When they call back, can you say it was a false alarm?”

“No, that won’t work.”

Nathan said nothing.

“Don’t worry, I’ll think of something. I don’t want you distracted over this. You need to be focused. Will you call me later, no matter what time it is?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks for including me.”

“You’re the chairman of the CDT.”

“I’m speaking as your father.”

“I know you are.”

“You’re a good man, Nathan.”

“I’ll call you later.”

“I’ll be waiting.”