Page 40 of Wired Strong

“Things have changed. Marcella has a proposal. She has joined the team that’s after you, so I guess the takeaway from that is we both should know that she’s not in favor of you, in general. But the idea is sound, and I’m just passing it on.” Sophie blew out a breath as she passed a plumeria tree and inhaled its flowers’ delicate perfume. The scent calmed her. “The team is proposing that if you are able to bring in Pim Wat and the Master, that you be granted immunity in the United States.”

Sophie had expected an immediate rejection, but Connor was silent.

The dogs smelled something over near one of the trees, and Ginger, always the worse-behaved of the two, dragged her in that direction. Sophie checked Ginger and got them back onto the path. “While you are thinking that over, Connor, there’s something else you should know.” Sophie cleared her throat. “My father was also on the team. He has concerns about your being safe for me to be with. Being who you have said you are. Whoever that is.” She gave a little laugh, but waited tensely for his reply.

“I don’t blame Frank for not trusting me. I have not been trustworthy. But it’s interesting that you approach me with this proposal right now. I have found that I am . . .” Connor seemed to be considering how best to explain it to her. “In over my head.” He spoke slowly, as if gathering his thoughts. “I joined the Yam to escape the law enforcement net that was closing around me. I joined because I wanted to study under the Master; learn his secrets, add tools and skills to my abilities as the Ghost. And I joined to help you, too. I wanted to make sure that Jake could be with you, because that’s what you wanted. But he’s gone now, and I find myself wondering . . .”

The distance seemed to hum with things they couldn’t say.

“I thought we explored that, and it was not meant to be,” Sophie said softly.

“I know. But you were still in love with Jake, and I was still—I guess you could say,besottedby the Master. I was under his spell. Then, he chose me to be his successor, his Number One, which I never sought or expected. I’m not sure how to get out, now. The Master won’t let me walk away. And since we are having an honest conversation, Nam’s wife Kupa overheard a conversation between the Master and Pim Wat—a plot to kill you.”

Sophie gasped. Her heart stuttered in her chest. She stopped and pressed a hand over it, feeling its irregular thump. “So much for my mother’s love and forgiveness.” Her head swam, and she hurried over to a park bench and dropped down onto it, grateful for the support. “That’s my mother you’re talking about,” she said. “My mother.”

“I know. I would give anything if it weren’t true.”

“No, it is important for me to know. Why?” The question was a cry from the heart.

“Because you’re a distraction to me. You pull me away from the Yam Khûmk?n and its mission. That’s the Master’s reason. Your mother wants revenge for being handed over to the CIA.” Connor sighed deeply. “I didn’t want to hurt you with knowing that it was the Master’s idea, and that Pim Wat plans on executing you—but not until after you have your baby. She wants her grandchildren.”

“Foul daughter of the devil!”Sophie cursed. Further words failed her. How could any mother do such a thing to her own child? “She will never have my babies. Never.”

“Good. You will need that resolve,” Connor said briskly. “So yes, I will take the team’s offer. But here’s the condition: neither Pim Wat nor the Master can be dealt with separately. They must both be taken at the same time. Proof of their deaths will have to be enough to satisfy the team.”

“I’m sure that’s fine,” Sophie said woodenly.

“And I want my immunity agreement in writing.”

“Of course.” Sophie’s mind seemed to be buzzing with white noise. “I’ll make that clear to the task force.”

“I have logistical things to figure out,” Connor said. “But I’m working on it. Monitor our chat box and I will let you know when it’s done and provide proof.”

“Be very careful,” Sophie whispered.

“And you, too, Sophie. Be well.” The phone went dead.

Chapter Thirty

Connor

Connor was makingsome tweaks on one of his algorithms when a knock came at the door of the tower room. He recognized that knock:two long, two short: the special knock Kupa employed.

“Enter.”

Kupa slipped in and closed the door behind her. She kept her eyes downcast, as was her way. Once again, Connor was startled by the change in her appearance. It was hard not to feel for her, so heavily made over into the image Pim Wat had wanted. He’d always thought she was pleasant-looking in a modest way. Now she had a tight, glossy appearance that didn’t suit her.

Kupa’s hand slid into the pocket of the lacy white apron Pim Wat dressed her in when she was doing indoor chores. “I have it.”

Connor didn’t need to ask what she meant. He held out his hand. Kupa walked forward quickly on the balls of her feet, furtive as a mongoose. She slipped a brown plastic bottle into his palm.

“Will she be able to tell this is gone?”

“There was an extra empty bottle in her kit. I filled it with liquid and substituted it.”

“But she might notice that one’s gone.”

“You will have to return the bottle to me as soon as you can, so I can put it back.” Kupa’s dark brown eyes were expressionless.

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