“Of course we are,” Hawk said. “But unless the CIA has something that can clone us—and I’m not talking about Michael Keaton-type clones—we can’t do this alone.”
“We don’t even know what this is,” Black said. “We’re only assuming at this point that Obsidian is coordinating attacks in the same cities as A Hand Up offices. But we have no intel that assures us that is the case.”
“There’s only one way to find out,” Alex said.
“And how’s that?” Black asked.
“We need to go to the source himself,” she said.
Blunt nodded. “Samuels?”
“Of course. He’s the one out there making everything happen for Obsidian,” Alex said. “He’s dealing with Orlovsky, who’s obviously supplying all the weapons.”
“Great idea,” Black said. “But if we can’t draw him out, we can’t confirm anything.”
Alex smiled and raised her index finger. “Funny that you should say that because I actually did a little digging and—”
“You mean hacking,” Black said.
“Whatever,” she said with a shrug. “The point is I found the first lady’s cell phone record and was able to analyze several of her calls, including one that connected with a cell tower in—you guessed it—Dubai. And on the same date Samuels was there.”
Hawk cocked his head to one side. “How did you know Samuels was there at that time?”
She glared at him. “Too soon, hun.”
“So, the first lady is far more than a casual observer,” Black said. “She’s deep into this operation with Obsidian.”
Blunt winced. “God forbid she’s actually running the show, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility yet. Either way, she’s highly involved. And her connection to Samuels is something we must exploit.”
“And how exactly are going to do that?” Black asked.
“I happen to know where she meets when she wants to avoid the public eye,” Alex said. “I’ve seen surveillance footage of her meeting with lobbyists and the like on satellite footage I obtained from the NSA.”
“We can’t exactly ask her to show up in some public place for our own op,” Black said. “Do you have any idea on how you plan to accomplish this?”
She nodded. “Piece of cake.”
“All except for the Secret Service bit,” Black said. “They’re not about to let her out of their sights no matter how skilled she is at sneaking away.”
“I’ve got that covered too,” Alex said.
“Then let’s get to planning,” Blunt said. “We only have three days before these attacks are schedule to take place.”
Alex grinned. “I’m already two steps ahead of you, sir.”
CHAPTER 18
Washington, D.C.
ALEX STUDIED HER FACE in her compact one more time before she snapped it shut and exited the black SUV along with her Secret Service detail. She had never been to Crispus Attucks Park, but she’d wanted to visit it for a while. And once she discovered it was one of the first lady’s favorite haunts when she wanted to feel normal or talk to someone without the press hovering over her, Alex set that as the meeting place with Samuels.
She pulled the collar on her coat taut and wondered if she’d be able to dupe Samuels. Although she spent most of her time behind a terminal, she was more than capable in the field. Hawk would likely be dead if she wasn’t. But this was another level of espionage that she’d never ventured to before.
“Think I can do this?” Alex asked, her voice quivering as it came through the coms.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Mrs. Hawk,” Big Earv said. “We’ll take care of you. Even if Samuels figures out who you are, he’s not going to try anything in a public place. And if he does, it’ll be the last thing he tries to do before I snuff him out.”
“Thank you for that lovely sentiment,” she said. “And, Big Earv?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t ever call me Mrs. Hawk again.”
He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Or ma’am either. Alex, just Alex. That’s more than enough.”
“Sorry, Alex. It’s a tough habit to break.”
“Leave him alone,” Hawk chimed in. “I kind of like the sound of Mrs. Hawk.”
“No one asked for your opinion,” Alex said with a slight grin. “I’ll deal with you later.”
She glanced over her shoulder at Hawk, who was sporting a coat and tie along with Black, both looking as if they were seasoned Secret Service agents.
He gave her a subtle nod, and she winked back at him.
She ambled alone until she reached a bench and settled onto the far left end. Opening a copy of The Washington Post, Alex took the opportunity to catch up on all the capital’s gossip. There was one article ranking the wealthiest bachelors in the city.
“No wonder nobody reads newspapers any more,” she muttered. “This is just like click bait headlines in print format.”
“Are you reading about the most available bachelors?” Big Earv asked.
“How’d you know?”
“That’s the only reason I buy The Post,” Big Earv said. “I’m still waiting for the day when I’m on the list.”
“I hate to break it to you, Big Earv, but as long as you’re serving in the Secret Service, you’re never going to be on that list,” Alex said. “Remember, you’re in the Secret Service. Nobody is supposed to know about you.”
“But I make a good living and have devilishly handsome looks,” he said.
“For a glorified body guard,” Alex said.
“Don’t ever call me that again, Mrs. Hawk.”
Hawk laughed so loud that it came across the coms.
“That’s not funny,” Alex said. “I hear you laughing, hun.”
“Sorry, I couldn’t suppress it,” Hawk said. “Big Earv is in rare form today.
“You’re just not around me enough,” Big Earv said. “This is my daily form.”
“He’s not lying,” the other agent said, backing up his colleague.
Alex sighed. “Enough of this foolishness,” she said. “Has anyone seen any signs of Shane Samuels in this park?”
“That’s a negative from me,” Big Earv said. “I’ve seen a trio of homeless men but no sign of Samuels.”
“He’ll be here,” Hawk said.
Alex watched the agents spread out as protocol dictated. She was certain Samuels would come, if anything out
