Page 35 of Code Name: Admiral

“It’s not mind reading. It’s understanding. I’ve spent my career reading people, situations, trying to see the patterns others miss. And you, Alice Gordon, are becoming my favorite puzzle to solve.”

“Is that what I am? A puzzle?”

His expression softened. “No. You’re the first thing that’s made sense to me in a long time.”

“I feel the same way.”

“Does that mean you feel better about things with me now?” he asked.

“You know I do.”

“Then, let’s head back inside and get to work.”

“By the way, I’ve got a lot more dirt on the Castellanos.”

“Holding out on me, huh?”

“I had to make sure we were on the same page. Now, I know we are.”

Trust didn’t come easily to me. Years of working alone, hiding behind firewalls and proxy servers, had made me cautious to the point of paranoia. But there was something about Pershing that broke through those defenses. Maybe it was the way he looked at me, like he saw past the hacker facade to the person underneath. Or maybe it was how he’d put his career on the line to protect me, even before he knew he could trust me. Whatever it was, I found myself wanting to share everything with him—the evidence, the plans forming in my mind, and the burning need to make the Castellanos pay.

14

ADMIRAL

When Alice and I returned to the main room, the first thing I did was ask Tank to get the Butlers on the line.

“Roger that,” he said. A few minutes later, he handed me the satphone, saying Doc was on standby and his wife was with him.

“Hello, and thanks for agreeing to talk with me,” I began.

“Always, Admiral, you know this,” said Merrigan.

“Appreciated. I need some help.” I paused. This was going to be harder than I anticipated. “In exchange, I’m leaving the bureau, and if it’s still on the table, I’m interested in discussing a job offer.”

“Hold up a minute,” said Doc. “You can ask for our help without feeling as though you need to give us something in return.”

“I know. To be honest, I’m resigning from the FBI, regardless.”

“What’s going on, Pershing?” Merrigan asked.

I took a deep breath, weighing how much to reveal. “We’ve uncovered evidence of compromised operations. Multiple cases involving the Castellanos appear to have been blown before they began.”

“And you suspect FBI involvement?”

“According to Tex Keegan, he’s confirmed a mole.”

There was a long pause on the other end. “How high up do you think it goes?” Doc asked carefully.

“If he and I are both right and there’s intel being leaked in order to protect the Castellanos, then I’d say it would have to be someone with top-secret clearance. Along with that, it would have to be a person whose actions aren’t closely scrutinized.”

“How can we help?” Merrigan asked.

“Intel also suggests that Alessandro Castellano is on the hunt for not just Alice Gordon but for me as well in retaliation for Bobby Kane’s death.”

“Our condolences, Pershing,” said Merrigan.

“I appreciate it.”

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