There was a short list of people I trusted. Myers wasn’t on it and never would be. This man had been prepared to nuke Alabama in order to do his duty. He had ruined thousands of lives in his mission to keep monsters secret from the public, including my own brother. Myers wasn’t the type to let things like collateral damage get in the way of doing his job. He’d used me before and would burn me the second that it became convenient. “What do you want?”

“I take it you’re aware of my demotion.”

“I’ll admit, I cheered a little when I heard. I haven’t got the invitations made up for the party yet, but I did order the cake.”

“Amusing, but I wouldn’t be so quick to celebrate. I take it you haven’t dealt with my replacement yet. No? Well, you are in for a real treat, and I don’t mean the cake. This is a courtesy call. Agent Franks has made me aware of what you’ve discovered—”

“Oh, good. Maybe you can fill me in, because he hasn’t made me aware of shit.” I looked over the top of the monitor as I said that. Franks ignored me.

“I’m afraid that there are some certain specifics which can’t be shared relating to government programs—”

“Like Nemesis?” It never hurt to go fishing.

Myers frowned. “For one. Regardless of what unfounded rumors you’ve heard about that, just be aware that as long as I or Agent Franks are in any sort of position of authority, that project will never be implemented.”

“Because I’ll kill anyone who tries…” Franks muttered under his breath.

“As to our current business, I have no more information about today’s case than you do. That is not why I’m talking to you now. I need you to deliver a message to Earl Harbinger.”

Myers hated Earl. I’d be surprised if the message was anything other than drop dead. “What’s the deal?”

“Tell him that what we spoke about in Copper Lake, I believe it’s happening now. I don’t know what’s coming, but MHI and everyone like you out there needs to be prepared. If I learn of anything that may help, I will pass it on. MHI must be ready to act.”

“Myers, we were born ready. Our greatest impediment to actually doing our jobs is you assholes screwing with us and keeping us in the dark. Franks told you about the symbol we found?” The image of Myers nodded. “Do you know who it belongs to?”

“No, we do not.”

That felt like the truth. “Have you seen it before?”

Myers didn’t answer.

“I thought so. Where?”

“Everywhere. It has been showing up over the last few years with ever-increasing frequency. My sources told me that the Hunters at the conference were talking about many of those same instances today.”