No Name’s attempt to conceal his surprise was futile. His reaction was even more pronounced than at the reference to the Scorpion. As if unable to stop himself, he asked, “And the relation between the Scorpion and the copper bracelet? How do you mean, Colonel?”

Middleton wanted to play the man out longer, but he knew that if he told too much, he’d use up whatever value he had. “I think I’ve said all I’m going to for the time being.”

The man leaned forward, persisting. “Do you know about the technology involved? What have you learned?”

Middleton smiled and shook his head.

No Name studied him for a moment, then rose and turned toward the door.

Staring at the back of his heavy wool coat, Middleton felt an odd premonition, as though life itself were about to leave him there alone. He’d established his value and learned some facts, but had he inadvertently exposed himself to long bouts of torture to learn what else he knew?

“What now?” He tried not to sound frightened. “I’ve cooperated. How much longer do you intend to keep me here?”

The man rapped gently on the door. The deadbolts rattled open. Without looking back over his shoulder, he said, “Regrettably, that’s not for me to decide.”

Ian Barrett-Bone stood outside the L’église de la Madeleine, leaning down so his face was level with those of Charley Middleton and Leonora Tesla. He said, “You’re making a mistake, you know.”

“You can always talk to me,” Tesla said.

He sighed laboriously. “Not acceptable. How many times—”

“I’ll pass word on to Colonel Middleton then. If he wishes to contact you, we have the number you provided.”

He leaned closer, laying a hand on the roof of the cab. “The offer stands till midnight, not a tick longer. After that, I’m afraid, the race is on. And you’re at a distinct disadvantage, you know. Been a step behind the whole time. I can change that. Truly. But I’ll expect a certain recompense, you understand. Only fair.”

“As I said, I’ll pass that along.” She signaled for the cabbie to drive on. “Thank you for your . . . ”

They were out of earshot before she knew how to finish. The two women watched through the rear window as the dapper, thuggish, enigmatic Englishman grew smaller, staring right back at them through a ghostly plume of black exhaust.

Tesla tried her phone yet again, but was unable to reach Middleton. A call to Wiki Chang revealed that he’d sent their boss information on some shipping companies suspected of sending explosives to Florida from Russia, and that Middleton was investigating that lead in Moscow. But the tech expert had been unable to reach him either.