“Mike, it was the only thing I could think to do, and it worked, only I lost him when I ran after him. And yes, I was lucky. I’ve got a couple of bruises, that’s all.”

He cursed. “I probably shouldn’t believe you. Wait, you’re saying you went after him?”

“Yes, of course. But he was lucky, too, this taxi was sitting right there, and he hopped in and was gone or I might have gotten him. All I know for sure is he’s French and he’s determined.”

She could hear him chewing that over. Finally, he said, “I’ve been scared out of my mind for you ever since that RPG went off. I see no reason not to continue being scared,” and he cursed again.

Olivia smiled, realized both of them kept saying they were scared for each other. “Okay, I am still reeling a bit, but I’m in bed right now. Helmut just moved up to see who I’m talking to. Helmut, say hello to Mike.” Helmut licked her cell. Olivia said, “Did you hear his tongue?”

“Hi, Helmut. You keep him with you, Olivia.” He paused. “We’re quite a pair, aren’t we? But this situation, it’s more insane than even we’re used to.”

“That’s what Andi said. But Mike—”

“No, let me finish. Since we’re still running blind, I’m not going to come in yet. Not until I know more.”

“Mike, I know something about what you’ve been looking for. I was hypnotized and remembered what Hashem told you. A French armament company selling parts for guidance systems to Iran, isn’t that right?”

“So you heard him. I wondered. And the man who tried to take you is French so that leaves no doubt. Before you ask, yes, I’ve spent a whole lot of time researching them all, public filings, shipment manifests, product inventories. Haven’t found anything yet to point in a specific direction, but I was able to contact an old friend of mine at the NSA, and she’s giving me time on their mainframe when she can, no questions asked. I’ve been working on trying to decrypt the flash drive. It could tell us everything we need to know, maybe even help us trace their communications with whoever they have in their pocket. But it’s a long shot, Olivia, even with the mainframe, because without the key, the possibilities are endless.”

“Listen, Mike, you don’t have to do this on your own. The FBI is involved now. I’m working with Special Agent Dillon Savich. Yes, yes, I know it’s only been a day, but he’s smart and I think, no, I know, we can trust him. He could make sure the drive gets to the right people. He could help us find out who’s behind this.”

Mike was silent a moment. “He’s FBI, Olivia.”