“This year during an exhaustive inventory of existing stocks of all CWS a quantity of BZ gas grenades came to light. Their extreme age created the added danger that the container vessels, the grenades, had weakened through corrosion and might be susceptible to leakage. They were given a top priority for immediate destruction in an incinerator specifically designed to handle CWs.

“This particular facility is in Texas. Somehow, somewhere along the way, a crate of BZ weapons was stolen from the consignment. Army CID is still investigating how it was done and by whom. Whoever commissioned the theft has a very thorough and murderous organization behind them because all the suspects in the theft were eliminated early on, killed in such a way as to look like fatal accidents or suicide.”

Jack said, “Well, Doc, it looks like your wandering boys have come home.” Norbert looked vaguely embarrassed. He said, “Ahem. Er, yes.”

Garcia said, “We followed up on your suggestion that Red Notch be investigated for traces of CWs, Jack. The compound itself, cabins and sheds and so forth, came up clean. But bloodstains at the site tested positive for the presence of an unknown molecular complex that was subsequently identified as BZ.”

Norbert said, “The BZ in the gas grenades was designed to have an extremely short life once released. Exposure to the oxygen in open air breaks down the BZ compound, rendering it inert and harmless within approximately ten minutes. When ingested by humans who’ve breathed the gas, traces of the compound remain for a time in the blood and tissues.”

Jack stirred uneasily. “I’ve been exposed. Where does that leave me?” Norbert held his hands palms out with fingers spread in a placating gesture. “Not to worry. The antidote you were given neutralized the drug’s effects. The molecular remnants are inert, harmless. They’ll be broken down naturally by your body processes within forty-eight to seventy-two hours.”

Jack said, “So there’s no danger of a recurrence, Doctor?”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Good. I’m not eager for any flashbacks of that experience.”

“Remember the gas in those grenades is close to forty years old. Apparently it’s lost a great deal of its potency over time. Otherwise even your minimal exposure to it would have had much more deleterious consequences.”

“I’ll tell you this, Doc: it still packs a hell of a punch.”

Garcia said, “You might be interested to know that the hermit Lobo tested negative for the presence of BZ. He hadn’t been exposed to the gas. The same applies to the bodies of ATF agents Dean and O’Hara. Whatever happened to them happened before the gas grenades were used. Their skulls showed indications of blunt force trauma. My guess is that they were taken at gunpoint, knocked out, and taken away to be disposed of later.

“If not for the BZ traces in the bloodstains, we wouldn’t have known what we were dealing with. Our forensic pathologists didn’t know what they were looking for but were able to identify the molecular complex by computer analysis. I never heard of BZ myself, and they had to tell me what it was. References to it in the reports we filed with headquarters were flagged at Langley and sent up a red flag on the seventh floor. They contacted Army Intelligence, who contacted me. Dr. Norbert and his staff and mobile lab arrived here a few hours ago.” Jack said, “You were unaware of the missing crate of BZ grenades?”

“I was until earlier today.” Garcia’s face hardened into stubborn lines and he glared out of the corner of his eye at Norbert.

Norbert said, “Naturally the Army isn’t eager to advertise the loss of a dangerous psycho-chemical weapon for fear of triggering a mass panic.”

“Oh, naturally.”

The doctor ignored Garcia’s sarcasm and said quickly, “What’s important is that it has been found. Or at least a lead to it, the only one we’ve had since it went missing. We’ll be working closely with CTU to locate the rest of it.”

Jack said, “Did your investigators turn up any links between Prewitt’s group and the stolen BZ grenades?”

“Frankly our investigation hit a blank wall. But the Zealots never surfaced in any of it, not a hint. If it had, we’d have been all over them.”

“How does a crackpot cult turn up in the middle of a plot involving death squads and exotic psycho-chemical weapons?”

Garcia shrugged massive shoulders. “You tell me.”

Jack said, “I hope to do just that.” He hopped down off the examining table, reached for his clothes, which were hanging on a wall hook, and pulled on his pants.

Garcia stood up, nearly overturning the metal stool. “What do you think you’re doing, Jack?”

“Putting on my pants.”

“I can see that. But what have you got in mind?”

“I’m going back to work. I’ve got things to do.”

Garcia shook his head. “Oh no. You’re in no condition to go back on duty— ”

Jack said, “What do you say, Doc? Any reason why I can’t get back in harness?”

“Considering what you’ve been through, a few days’ rest is highly advised—”

“Come on. You yourself said that the drug has been neutralized in my system and that there’s no danger of a recurrence.”

“That’s true, but the antidote is a powerful depressant.”

“And offset by the stimulant you gave me which you said counteracts the antidote’s effects. So I’m good to go.”

“I wouldn’t put it that way.”

“You don’t have to. I did.” Jack reached for his shirt, made a face. “Whew! I’m going to need to round up some clean clothes. Where can I get some around here?”

Garcia said, “You won’t be needing them. You’re not going anywhere, Agent Bauer — except maybe back to L.A. You’ve done your part here and more. Now let the rest of us do our jobs.”

Jack said, “You won’t be rid of me that easily. I bought a ticket for this ride and I’m not getting off before the last stop.”

“Your last stop is right here.”

Norbert edged toward the door. “I’ll just step outside for a moment to give you gentlemen some privacy.”

Jack said, “Stick around, Doc, this concerns you, too. You want your stolen BZ back, don’t you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m the best chance you’ve got of getting it back.” Garcia scoffed, “You better sit down and take a rest. That BZ is going to your head.”

Jack said, “Let’s get real. If I wanted to, I could go to Chappelle. He’s got enough of a legitimate stake in this mission to go to Langley for a directive to keep me on assignment here.”

Garcia’s nostrils flared, whites showing around his black-bore eyes. “You think so, huh?”

“I don’t want to go crying to Chappelle. I’d prefer to convince you by the logic of my position.”

“That’ll take some doing.”

“Fact: I’m the only who’s seen the face of Reb the strike force leader and is still alive to put the finger on him. Whoever’s behind him will know that, too. You need me around in a high-profile position if only to serve as bait. The plotters know who I am but not how much I know. They’ll want to get rid of me, and to do that they’ll have to tip their hand, which gives us a chance of getting a hot lead.”

Norbert said thoughtfully, “He’s got a point.” Garcia snorted in disgust. “You’re as bad as he is!”

Jack said, “Tell me you’d do anything different if our positions were reversed and you were in my shoes.” Garcia fumed silently. Jack pressed, “Go on, tell me you’d quit in the middle of a mission.”

“I can’t. But all that means is that we’re both a pair of damned fools. Happy now?”

“I’m still in?”

“You’re in.”

“Great. Now where can I find some clean clothes? And my gun.”

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