“Jesus,” Bugsy said as he began taking video footage with his camera that Michelle knew he would post on his blog later. “They sure know how to put on a show.”

“I get the feeling this wasn’t exactly planned,” Michelle replied. She knew all too well how difficult it was to control the media once they got hold of something juicy. “And please don’t be quite so obvious about the filming. I know you want the inside story, but don’t be an asshole about getting it.”

Bugsy looked hurt. “Okay, maybe I’m an asshole sometimes, but I’m here to help the Committee, so lay off.” A couple of wasps detached from his hand and landed on Michelle. She brushed them away impatiently.

“As long as you do what Lohengrin needs you to do, we’re good,” she replied. “But the mission comes first. The rest of us—” She pointed at the other aces who were grouped by the Hummer. “We’re here for one reason—and we can’t afford anyone screwing that up.”

The Angel and Ana came over to them. “This is nothing but a huge mess,” Ana said. She shoved up the sleeves of her denim shirt then glanced around. “Does it look like the army tents have been moved recently?”

The Angel and Michelle turned and looked back toward Talas. There was a large area with flattened grass and dirt roads winding to nowhere. It was about 250 meters from where the military camp was now.

“I think you’re right,” Michelle said. The Angel nodded in agreement. “And the fog is covering part of that area.”

“Have you called Barbara yet and told her what’s going on?” Sheeba asked Michelle. She sounded cool and regal like she always did.

“I thought Klaus would be doing that,” Michelle replied, pulling her phone out of her pocket. It was Committee standard issue and would work just about anywhere. “But you know, it might be helpful for her to hear what’s going on from a different point of view.”

A uniformed private hurried up and snapped a salute at Klaus, who was standing a few meters away. “Mr. Hausser, sir,” he said hurriedly in heavily accented English. “I have orders to bring you and the other Committee members to General Nabiyev for a briefing on the situation.”

Michelle looked around again. Yep, there was no doubt about it. The situation was a clusterfuck. While the others followed Klaus, she stayed behind to call Barbara. It went directly to Babel’s phone. Michelle was prepared to tell Babel everything she’d seen, but instead of Barbara, Ink picked up.

“Director Baden’s line.”

“You know it’s me, Juliet,” Michelle said with some irritation. “There’s caller ID on this phone.”

“I’m waiting.”

“Jesus, ‘Rooster in the henhouse,’” Michelle said, giving the pass phrase. “I cannot believe you.”

“Oh, c’mon, Michelle,” Juliet said impatiently. “You know procedure. Let me get Barbara.”