Memory Zero (Spook Squad 1)

The softly feminine voice was deceptive, as was the image of the dark-skinned beauty on the screen. The SIU, like most major government departments, had gone completely computerized some ten years ago. “I need to get a code four-one message to Assistant Director Gabriel Stern.” She only hoped the SIU system would recognize the State’s officer in danger call sign.

“Assistant Director Stern is not currently in his office.”

Sweat trickled down her nose. She swiped at it with her sleeve and glared impatiently at the woman on the screen. “I know. I repeat, this is a code four-one message. Put me through to his cell phone.”

The computerized image was silent for a moment. “Unable to process request without Assistant Director Stern’s consent.”

“Well, for heaven’s sake, contact him.”

She glanced at the lightly glowing numbers. Three minutes, forty-five seconds. She sat back on her heels and closed her eyes. There was nothing else she could do now but wait.

And pray.

WHEN SAM LEFT THE ROOM, Gabriel leaned back and waited for the questions to start. While he hadn’t really expected Mary or Martyn to relax in her presence, he certainly hadn’t expected the current depth of their hostility. Nor had he counted on Lyssa’s reaction—that, above everything, made little sense.

Martyn leaned forward, gray eyes intense. “What the hell happened to your face?”

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t the question he’d expected from Martyn. “I was following a lead and got ambushed by four men.”

“How unlike you.” Martyn’s dry tone was edged with a note of amusement. “Was your attention diverted by yo

ur little cop killer?”

“Clone killer,” he retorted. “Kazdan himself is very much alive. We have a meet tomorrow night.”

“Is that wise?” Stephan rested bony arms against the table, his expression one of concern. “Kazdan’s already tried to kill Ryan twice. This may be just another setup.”

“Maybe. But we have something he wants.” He met his brother’s eyes and saw the warning there. Don’t say too much. He wished he’d had the chance to ask Stephan who was powerful enough to intimidate Hanrahan, but with Martyn and Lyssa there, now was definitely not the time. “It also gives us an ideal opportunity to tail him.”

Martyn snorted. “If he’s a vampire, he’ll sense anyone that gets too close.”

“It’s still worth a chance.” Besides, Kazdan wouldn’t sense a shapechanger flying high. Nor would he expect it, unless forewarned.

“You realize, of course, that this whole thing with Ryan might be a setup.” Martyn leaned back in his chair. “She might be nothing more than a plant, a means for Kazdan, and therefore Sethanon, to learn more about the Federation.”

“She might.” But he personally didn’t believe it. He’d seen the need to know, the need to understand what had happened to Kazdan, in her eyes. That couldn’t be faked, no matter how good an actress she might be.

“But you believe in her?” Stephan asked softly.

He looked at his brother. “I’ve bet all our lives on it.”

“Why, I do believe you like the girl.” Lyssa’s voice was gently mocking.

He frowned at her. When had Lyssa become such a bitch? Or was it merely the pregnancy messing with her hormones? “That has nothing to do with my reasons for trusting her.”

“Right. Just remember that she shot her last lover. Don’t get too close.” Her soft voice held a cynical edge.

“I have no intention of doing so.” Even if he was oddly drawn to her. His cell phone vibrated against his side. He pushed his chair back and rose. “Sorry, I have a call.”

Mary walked through the door as he neared, her face pale, as if she’d been sick—which wouldn’t have been a surprise, given the way she’d bolted down her food. He waited for her to pass, then stepped into the semidarkness of the next room. He flipped open the phone. SIU’s digital secretary smiled at him. “Yes, Christine?”

“I have a code four-one call from a Samantha Ryan on the line. Do you wish to accept it?”

Code four-one. State-speak for officer in trouble. His heartbeat accelerated. “Yes.”

Sam’s image came onto the small screen. “You have to get … friends … of here …”

Her image was fading in and out, and her voice was going with it. “Sam, repeat message.” Why the hell was she calling him? And why was the transmission fading in and out?