“You really are a Boy Scout, and you’re certainly as naive as a child. Where do you think I’ve been for the last hour, Mr. Morality?” The smile faltered as he saw the realization dawn on Zack’s face. “That’s right. I’ve been talking to Langley, and I told them everything, including how you decided to go rogue, how you put yourself and the mission in jeopardy, how you disobeyed a direct order, and how you have no place in Special Activities.”

Zack’s anger deflated, as if he’d been kicked in the stomach, his righteous fury replaced by a sinking feeling of injustice and the realization that every word Griffin had uttered was true. Of course, it is. They’re all bureaucrats. They don’t care about anyone or anything, other than their own careers, no matter what they say. Griffin is one of theirs, and he knows it. And they always protect their own.

“How’s that righteous indignation and sanctimony feel right now, Zachary? What did you honestly think they were going to do? And I told them everything I did as well. Feel free to talk to them when you get back. I’m sure they’ll have questions for you,” Griffin said, snorting with derision.

Jesus Christ. All is lost, was the only thing running through Zack’s mind—lost, not for him, but for the agency and the country. We’ve lost our way, and no one gives a damn. But then something occurred to him, and his tone changed. “I just want to know something. You triggered the IEDs, tried to kill us, yet you still activated the alternate evacuation plan. Why?”

“Jesus, Zachary. You really do take everything so personally,” Griffin said, shaking his head in disgust, his fists lowering slightly. “Because it was the best thing for me and the mission. Once I realized what you were doing, if you survived the IEDs, I knew you’d do everything to capture them, and by then, I figured I could make the most of it. And guess what?”

“What?” Zack replied, wary of the answer.

“Turns out Langley has decided to use them both. I don’t know how, and I don’t really care, but they’re just as happy. This truly was a dead-or-alive mission, and do you know what the best part is?”

Zack did, and he dreaded hearing it from his enemy, which is what Griffin had become after the day’s events.

“That you destroyed your entire career, and it didn’t make a bit of difference, one way or another. Either way, I win, and you still lose. This is going to make my career, and now that we’re being so honest with each other, I’m thrilled that you won’t be there to see it.” Griffin’s contempt was palpable, but it didn’t have the effect he expected.