His brows came together, and she tilted her head. “You owe me, Alex … at least for that thing I did for America. I saved your friend Matt Kearns, and probably half the country.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, but then slowly nodded. “Fire away.”

CHAPTER 11

5 Gvulot Street, Tel Aviv

Alex laughed as he stood in the doorway of the Joz Veloz restaurant. He remembered Casey’s face when he told her of their plan, and what she would need to wear. She had at first rebelled, but then realized she’d be able to conceal a lot more weaponry under the abaya than he and Sam combined. She relented, but still looked like she wanted to break something.

Even though Adira had given him a cotton shirt, blue chambrays, and a pair of lofas – casual garb – he still stuck out like a banged thumb, as he near filled the narrow doorway.

He waited impatiently. Adira had gone to speak to the owner, an old friend she had said, and he craned his neck to see into the dining area. It was a small, candlelit décor of flea market finds, with what looked like red wine served in small tumblers. He would have called it cramped; she would have called it cozy. More couples sat at a small bar talking softly or in high backed booths. He liked the place. It was private, and the smell or roasting lamb made his mouth water.

Adira reappeared from the back of the restaurant clicking her fingers to get his attention. He watched her approach and realized he hadn’t seen her out of army fatigues in years. He’d forgotten what a figure she had. She wore a light dress to just above her knees, showing off long, brown legs. She had perfect honey-olive skin, and a hint of makeup made her dark eyes glow.

He stepped inside and she took his arm. A young man nodded to him, and introduced himself as Lev. He led them through to the back, where a single table sat against the wall, with extra space between them and any others.

“Private; our best,” he said.

“The best,” Adira repeated, with a smile and raised eyebrows. She leaned close. “I saved Lev’s father from a bomb attack.”

Adira turned and thanked Lev, and he went to hand her some menus, but she waved them away and spoke rapidly in Hebrew.

“Excellent.” He spun and disappeared.

“I hope you don’t mind; I ordered for us. The house specials.”

Lev silently returned with a bottle of red wine – Yatir Forest, which he showed to Adira, who nodded. He poured, she sipped, and then closed her eyes momentarily.

“Yatir Forest is an oasis in a dry and dangerous land. And this is its finest gift.” She nodded to Lev, who poured them both a tumbler full.

She lifted her glass. “To us.” Alex paused, raising a brow. She smiled. “And to our success.”