“Sam and Franks, and Big Brother looking down over our shoulder. You need the Intel.” He folded his arms. “We’re ghosts, and we’re going in, with or without you.”

“The Intel I need, ghosts I don’t.” She folded her arms tighter and narrowed her eyes. “But you have proven useful before, and there is something I need.”

She waited, and eventually Alex raised his eyebrows. “Well?”

“Clear me with Jack Hammerson. I may never go back to America, but if I do, I don’t want him expending any energy getting in front of me.” She shrugged. “And I’d hate to have him send you to bring me in.” She smiled, tilting her head. “Or would you like that?”

Alex grinned. “I’ll talk to the Colonel.” He straightened. “So, we’re all good; three HAWCs for the price of one.” Alex half bowed, and then Adira led him to a small table where they sat down and she poured a coffee. He sipped and then looked up at her. “Afghanistan is a risk – bad country in the border regions. Turkmenistan at least pretends to be neutral. Easier in and out.”

She nodded. “Normally true, but it also has more IRG spies than most other countries. Many live and work out in the open, but they are flush with cash, and pay locals handsomely for information. A group of strange-looking people flying in or moving around would attract high-value attention. They’d be on us in an hour.”

“I agree. Do you know the city of Tous?” Alex asked.

She shook her head. “I only know the area; it’s in the Mashhad Province. Not much out there – mountains, cold grassland plains, and some nomadic tribes. The city itself is old, like most cities in the area. It’s changed hands many times, even been captured by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. Then almost totally destroyed by the Mongols around eight hundred years ago. It was always a city of poets, sciences, and learning, and a natural fit for an ancient alchemist’s dark magic. I have my network gathering information before we leave, but an interesting thing to note is that there has been heavy traffic in and out of the area lately – by land and air.”

“Crossing into Iraq – by helicopter perhaps?” Alex half smiled. “Looks like our number one suspect after all.”

“Yes, and a good place to start. We leave tomorrow morning, early.” She smiled. “Time for another outfit change; I get to wear a simple abaya. But you and Sam look too much like soldiers to pass as anything else, so … we have some Iranian regular army uniforms.” She grinned. “And please let me tell Casey Franks she will be in fetching all-over black this time, just like me.”

Alex went to turn away, but she reached out to grab his arm. “Not so fast. I have just one more change of clothing for you … and one more request.”