Thank you, Lord! Drake’s shoulders sagged. “You have no idea how grateful I am.”

“Of course I do. Now.” He reached into his uniform jacket and pulled out a folded paper. “Our sources indicate that the huns will be trying to get their hands on some of the Spanish wolfram.”

“Wolfram.” Drake’s brows furrowed. “That’s a metal used in armoring, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. And as a neutral country, Spain shouldn’t be selling its wolfram to anyone—Germany or England. But of course, that won’t stop the Central Powers from trying to purchase it.” Hall’s eyes flashed. “And if by chance we can catch them taking it and intercept it . . . well then, we’re within our rights to confiscate it for our own use.”

Clever. Drake nodded. “If it’s to be found in Bilbao, I’ll find it.”

With a nod, Hall held out the paper he’d withdrawn. “Thoroton’s reports on your work have all been glowing.”

Drake tucked it into his own pocket. It would have what information he needed before meeting up with the head of operations in the Mediterranean, Charles Thoroton, but it would be sparse. Most of the information on the subject would be sent to Thoroton in code, and he’d see each agent had just what was needed, no more.

“Thank you, sir. I’m only glad my mother’s family connections can be helpful.” He’d been a bit surprised when he’d been ordered off the Royal Oak within a month of enlisting, but Thoroton, also known as Charles the Bold, had quickly explained himself. They needed men on the ground in Spain, gathering information, and Drake was a prime candidate. After attending university in Bilbao, he knew each alley and warehouse . . . and all the officials, thanks to his abuelo’s connections. It had been a simple matter of pretending to have changed his focus in university and enrolled in more classes. “I won’t let you down, Admiral.”

With a few rapid blinks, Hall chuckled and turned toward the door again. “You haven’t yet.” He paused with his hand on the door. “If your sister fits well in this position, then perhaps you can tell her in a few months that you are one of my agents. In the meantime, Lieutenant, it is best you simply claim that you’re being sent back to your ship.”

“Not a problem, sir.” He would, in fact, stop on his way out of the city at one of the little closets of a room that Hall rented and exchange his naval uniform for his usual civilian clothes. Drake knew that Hall would continue to route any letters Dot wrote to him on to Spain via Thoroton. And any letter he wrote back would similarly be put in with the rest of the navy’s post so it would work its way to her through the expected channels.