Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(73)

Gabe stared at Underhill in silence. “Fine. We’ll go in tomorrow.”

“That’s not possible.” The scientist shot to his feet. “Tomorrow’s too late. We have to get inside and make the transfer tonight.”





[page]chapter 25

Gabe cursed softly. “Out of the question.”

“I wouldn’t ask if I had any choice, damn it. The director is concerned about staff theft and I got wind of a wall-to-wall inspection to begin tomorrow afternoon. I can’t be caught with these files. Costello has spies among the staff.”

So much for smooth and easy, Summer thought grimly.

“Tell me exactly what you have for me.” Gabe’s voice was curt, impersonal. “It has to be damned important or this conversation is over.”

“I can tell you everything Costello wanted done and how much he paid to do it. You can bury the guy with these records.”

“I believe Costello’s already in jail.”

“Then my records will keep him there. I also have photographs of the people he sent to deal with me, so you’ll be able to track his organization. That’s got to be valuable.”

“Perhaps. How would we receive this information, Mr. Underhill?”

“I asked for a SEAL.” The scientist squinted at Gabe, trying to read his face. “I know they’re professionals and they’re trained to get the job done.”

“My background isn’t important.”

“To me, it is. Tell me, damn it.” Underhill was sweating, his voice jerky.

“You’ve got what you wanted,” Gabe said quietly.

Summer felt a little punch of surprise. So Gabe was a Navy SEAL. Senator Winslow had chosen his backup well.

“Good. But I repeat, you need to go in tonight. I’m being watched, and this inspection at the clinic means I have no more time to remove that information for you.”

“Why didn’t you move the files to a safer place?”

“I planned to, but I don’t trust my staff at home, and anything else local would have been too obvious. Last month we started new clinical trials on several products and I haven’t had time to leave Los Reyes, so the files stayed locked in my safe.”

Underhill tossed a rolled up paper on the bed. “Here’s the map of the clinic with your entrance and inside route marked. I need to know whether you’ll go tonight, Mr. Walker, because I’ll have preparations to make, and I’m due back for tests on a new drug for male pattern baldness.”

“Based on rats?” Gabe asked dryly.

“Mice. Then humans three months after that, if all goes well. Of course, I won’t be staying around for the results.”

Gabe crossed his arms, watching Underhill fidget. “This man Costello you mentioned won’t be happy to lose his prize pigeon. One day he might decide to come after you. What happens then?”

“I won’t give you names, but a small Asian government is desperate to acquire biotechnology for a toehold in the international market. I’m going to help them with that, in exchange for protection and a new identity.”

“Very neat. Singapore?”

“No comment. Are you in or out, Mr. Walker?”

“Sri Lanka?”

“No.” Underhill’s hands flashed to his face. “And forget asking me any other questions.”

Gabe shone the small light on Underhill’s face, and Summer saw beads of sweat dotting the man’s forehead. “I’m in,” Gabe said finally.

“Alone?”

“One other person.”

Underhill started to ask a question, then shrugged. “Fine. I’ll meet you at two o’clock this morning at the north end of the old market near the clinic.” He opened the slider, dodging the curtains. “You’d better be damned good, because we’ll have only one chance. If you fail tonight, I’ll destroy my evidence and make it appear to be a lab fire. Costello and his men are killers, and I’m taking no chances on a mistake.” The door closed with a soft hiss.

Gabe crossed the room and opened the door to the bathroom. “All clear. Did you hear him?”

“Enough. So you’re a SEAL.”

Gabe nodded.

“Do you believe him?”

“Not completely, but most of his story checks out. Just the same, we’re doing things my way, not his way.”

Summer rolled her shoulders, hit by a wave of exhaustion. “What now?”

Gabe flipped on the light. “You’re going to rest while I go over this map. We’ll also keep Underhill under surveillance, just in case his offer turns out to be a setup.”

“We?” Summer fought a yawn. “I don’t understand—”

There was a light scratch at the sliding door to the patio.

“Right on time.” Gabe flipped off the light again. “I told you we wouldn’t be down here alone.” He opened the door quietly, and when he stepped aside, a tall figure emerged into the darkness of the room. Without a word Gabe closed the door, pulled the curtains, and hit the lights.

Summer was surprised to see the same man who had installed the new security at Cara O’Connor’s house. Tonight he was wearing all black, and he looked more like Denzel Washington than ever.