Penumbra (Spook Squad 3)

“His source is not black market. We’re sure of that.”

She studied him for a moment, then changed tactics. “Wetherton’s just been made Minister for Science and Technology, hasn’t he?”

Stephan nodded. “Two years ago he was trying to shut down many of the science programs, stating that the money could be better spent on the health care system. Now he’s in charge of the lot.”

“Why hasn’t anyone questioned this sudden change of heart? Surely the press has noted it?”

“Noted a political backflip?” Amusement touched his lips again. “You’re kidding, right?”

Point made. Flip-flopping politicians were such a fact of life that even the press had gotten tired of them. And the public at large simply ignored them, except when the flops directly affected their bottom line.

“What advantage would having a clone in such a position be for someone like Sethanon?”

“Sadly, we don’t know the answer to that one yet.”

Not until they caught Sethanon, anyway. And he had proven as elusive as a ghost.

“So you’ve had Wetherton watched?”

“We’ve had an agent in his office for the last two months, but she can’t get close enough. Wetherton plays his cards very close to his chest.”

If the man was a clone, he’d have to. One mistake and the truth would be out.

“What does all this have to do with my wanting a transfer?”

He smiled—all teeth and no sincerity. “The minister has recently received several death threats. He was given police protection, but the would-be killer has slipped past them on a number of occasions and left notes. The minister has now requested the SIU’s help.”

She regarded him steadily. “So who did you use to drop the notes? A vampire or a shapeshifter?”

Amusement flickered briefly through his eyes. “The original threats were real enough.”

Yeah, right. There was just a little too much sincerity in his voice for her to believe that. “Am I the only agent being sent in?”

“No. You’ll handle the night shift—it suits your growing abilities better. Jenna Morwood will do the days.”

Morwood wasn’t someone she’d met. “What’s her specialty?”

“Morwood’s an empath and telekinetic.”

So she’d be able to see an attack coming by simply reading the emotions swirling around her—a good choice for this sort of work. “Are we the only two going in?”

“Yes.” He hesitated. “Wetherton has requested that the night watch stay at his apartment when he’s there at night. Since the first two threats were hand-delivered, I’ve agreed to his request. I want you to observe everyone he meets. Become his shadow and learn his secrets.”

A huge task. “And the reason you’re sending two female agents?”

Once again, that insincere smile flashed. “Wetherton appears less guarded around females.”

“Meaning what? That he’s likely to hit on us?”

“It’s a distinct possibility. And before it’s mentioned, no, I do not expect or want you to sleep with the man.”

“Good, because I wouldn’t.” She hesitated, frowning. “Wetherton’s made much of his caring, family-man image over the last few years. That doesn’t quite jell with him hitting on anything with breasts.”

“He and his wife separated not long after the original’s death. Since then, he’s bought a nice apartment on Collins Street and now spends most of his nights there. He’s also been seen with an endless stream of beauties on his arms.”

She frowned. Wetherton wasn’t exactly a looker—though that in itself didn’t mean anything. Some of the ugliest spuds in the world had immense success with the ladies simply because of the wealth they controlled, or their sheer magnetic power. But from what she remembered of Wetherton, neither of these was a factor.

“I’m surprised the press haven’t had more of a field day.”