Page 101 of Cooper

“I know. We all are. And trust me, he’s not alone. I don’t know exactly what his plans are, but he took a commercial flight to Germany. He can get on a transport back to the U.S. that way, and he’ll be well protected until then. He’s also smart and resourceful.”

“You saw what they did to him in Iraq. If it’s the same people…” I can’t even voice my fears about that.

“He’s prepared. He’s almost back to a hundred percent physically. I’m sure he’s been in touch with his military contacts. It’s going to be okay. And despite the fact that he had to leave because my first priority is to protect my family, that doesn’t mean he’s not part of that family now.”

“But we’re all here and he’s out there—alone.”

“He’s not alone, Natalia. Trust me on this, okay?” He meets my gaze steadily. “Do you trust me the way I trust you?”

I want to say no, but that would be a lie.

I do trust him.

I have to.

“Yes.”

“Then trust me to do what I do.”

THIRTY-THREE

Cooper

As soon asI get back to Virginia, I head for my apartment. I need clothes and to check things out anyway, so I’m anxious to knock something off my list. However, when I get there the place has been ransacked. The door is locked, so I don’t know how they got in and out without anyone knowing, but everything has been overturned, drawers and closets emptied, mattress and cushions upended.

What the hell are they looking for?

Even if I knew where Fatima and the others are, I wouldn’t keep it written down somewhere in my apartment. They found and took my personal weapon—a .38 Special I love—but beyond that they simply made a mess.

And I don’t have time for this.

My landlord is going to charge me for it, but I don’t give a shit about money.

Right now, I need to pack a bag and get to my mom’s.

“Coop? You here?” I turn at the sound of Louie’s voice.

“Hey.”

“Whoa, Nellie. What happened here?” He stands in my living room looking annoyed.

“Wish I knew. I can guess, though.”

“What the hell are they looking for?”

“The same information they tortured me over?” I suggest.

He makes a face.

“What?” I ask.

“The information is out there. Not here, but somewhere, and you’re their first line of contact. The military is playing dumb about all of this. They’re not going to protect you.”

“So I’m up a creek without a paddle.”

“You don’t even have the canoe, my friend.”

I run a tired hand through my hair.

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