Sahara (Dirk Pitt 11)

"No, and they're not going to," he said firmly. "That's why we must not see each other outside the UN building."

Hala turned away and stared through the rain-streaked window. "Then why are you here?"

Yerli took a deep breath. "I need a favor."

"Something concerning the UN or your French bosses?"

"Both."

She felt as if she were being turned inside out. "You only use me, Ismail. You twist my emotions so that you can play your petty little spy games. You are an unscrupulous rat."

He didn't speak.

She gave in as she knew she would. "What do you want me to do?"

"There is an epidemiology team from the WHO," he spelled out, his voice suddenly businesslike, "which is investigating reports of strange diseases in the Malian desert."

"I recall the project. It was mentioned during my daily briefing several days ago. Dr. Frank Hopper is directing the research."

"That is correct."

Hala nodded. "Hopper is a well-respected scientist. What is your involvement with his mission?"

"My job is to coordinate their travel and see to their logistics, food, transportation, lab equipment, that sort of thing."

"You still haven't made clear what you want from me."

"I'd like you to recall Dr. Hopper and his investigators immediately."

She turned and looked at him in surprise. "Why would you ask that?"

"Because they're in great danger. I have it on good authority they are to be murdered by West African terrorists."

"I don't believe you."

"It's true," he said seriously. "A bomb will be placed on their plane, set to explode over the desert."

"What kind of monsters do you work for?" she snapped, her voice shocked. "Why come to me? Why haven't you warned Dr. Hopper?"

"I've tried to alert Hopper, but he has ignored all communications."

"Can't you persuade the Malian authorities to relay the threat and offer protection?"

Yerli shrugged. "General Kazim looks upon them as intruding foreigners and cares less about their safety."

"I'd be a fool if I didn't think there was more intrigue here than a simple bomb threat."

He looked into her face. "Trust me, Hala. My only thought is to save Dr. Hopper and his people."

Hala wanted desperately to believe him, but deep inside her heart she knew he was lying. "It seems everybody is searching for contamination in Mali these days. And they all urgently require salvation and evacuation."

Yerli looked puzzled but said nothing, waiting for her to explain.

"Admiral Sandecker of the United States National Underwater and Marine Agency came to me and requested approval for the use of our Critical Response and Tactical Team to rescue three of his people from Malian security forces."

"The Americans were searching for contamination in Mali?"

"Yes, apparently it was an undercover operation, but the Malian military intercepted them."