“Yessir,” Chase said with a weary smile.

* * *

Milton had been unable to stop thinking about the involvement of Thorsson and the other agents. Ziggy had started an investigation, but, save for confirming that Björn Thorsson was from Iceland and that he had served in the SAS, there was not much else to discover. Milton knew that his position had become tenuous. He had been granted an unofficial amnesty when Pope had served as Control, but now… well, he doubted that state of affairs would be allowed to continue. He needed to know more and, if Ziggy continued to strike out, he was going to have to contact a man who he knew would have the contacts within the intelligence community to help. He would have to ask Ziggy to find him so that he could pay a visit.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Ellie Flowers was sitting on a chair in the waiting area. Milton had been distracted by his ruminations and hadn’t noticed her.

“Sorry,” he said. “I was miles away.”

“How is he?”

“He’s been through the wringer.”

“But he’ll make it?”

“They think so. I doubt he’ll be going home for a while, though.”

“I’ve had a word with the embassy. They’re going to send someone down here to see if there’s anything we can do to help.”

“Thanks,” he said. “That’ll be useful.”

Milton sat down next to her. He was tired. He had been operating on adrenaline for the better part of a week, and it had taken it out of him.

“You look cooked.”

He laughed. “I am.”

“I was going to suggest something.”

“What’s that?”

“That dinner you bailed on. You still interested? There’s a steakhouse in Laureles. I asked one of the DEA guys who’s been living down here for years. He says it’s good. I just thought, you know, maybe you’d like to?”

She was speaking quickly, as if worried that he would turn her down for a second time, but, this time, do it face to face.

“I’d love to,” he said.

“And you won’t stand me up again?”

“Are you serious?” he said with a smile. “After you slapped me?”

* * *