Page 123 of Code Name: Typhon

“I remember.”

“I also told you my theory that the man he considered his mentor was a double agent who’d gotten himself killed.”

I leaned forward, rested my elbows on my knees, and rubbed my temples.

“I’m sorry, Eliza, but I believe what I’m about to tell you may result in us finding Typhon.”

“Go on,” I said without looking up at him.

“The information I received confirmed the man was, in fact, the double agent I suspected him of being. What it also said is he isn’t dead.”

I gasped. “What did you say?”

“He’s not dead. And given this information was discovered the same day Typhon disappeared, it leads me to believe the two are related.”

I shook my head. “I don’t understand what this all means, Niv.” When I sat up, he took my hand.

“You asked me about an investigation, and I told you the findings of it were sealed and I wasn’t given the chance to read it. I also suggested Typhon and Z buried it themselves to cover their arses.”

I yanked my hand away and stood. “Get out!” I shouted at him. “Get the fuck out of here, Niven!”

He stood too, and his mouth gaped. “Wait. No. I beg you. Let me finish.”

“The man I love, my husband, is missing. He is the air I breathe. He is my reason for living. He is the only person who has ever truly loved me, and you are here to cast accusations at him? I will never, ever forgive you for this. Never!”

I raced into the bedroom, but Niven was too close behind me for me to close the door and lock it.

He grabbed my upper arms. “Eliza! I’m here to tell you the opposite. Typhon is innocent. So is Z.” His own eyes filled with tears. “You’re practically my sister, El. I wouldn’t hurt you like this?—”

“Don’t call me that.” I tried to jerk away, but he held tight.

“I believe there’s a chance this man is responsible for Typhon’s disappearance. I know no one would’ve told you this, so I am. Out of love for you, Eliza. Not hate for your husband. I’ve been wrong all these years, and so has he.”

“Where’s Kima?” If what Niven said was true, I had no idea how she’d react. If he was talking about the man I thought he was, she was his adopted daughter.

“That’s why I asked her to allow us to speak alone.”

“Who else knows what you’re telling me?

“The woman I met the day I saw you and Typhon at the pub is holding a briefing now. She asked me to attend, but I came here instead.”

He let go of me, and I walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “If this is true, Kima will be devastated.”

“It is true. When I met with the new chief that day, it was so she could inform me that she had reason to believe the man who led the investigation eleven years ago was also a double agent. She said that his report hadn’t been destroyed; it had been buried. The other thing she told me was that she believed it had been located. It was, and I received a copy this morning.”

“Why do you think this has something to do with Levi’s disappearance?”

He shook his head. “I just do. I can’t explain it any better than to say it’s what my gut is telling me.” His mobile vibrated, and he looked at it. “I’ve got to go.”

I jumped up. “Where?”

“I’ll be part of the team looking for him.”

I grabbed his arm like he had mine. “Take me with you!”

“I cannot. I know this because I feel the same way about Harper. I guarantee there is only one thing Typhon wants right now, and that is for you to be kept safe. I cannot put you in harm’s way.”

I followed him to the front door and found Hornet in the living room. “Where’s Kima?” I asked after saying goodbye to Niven.

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