Page 17 of Undercover Infidel
“The same tunnels where Fallon Wallace was killed?” she asked.
“Yes, but they appear quite complex, based on the drawings I’ve seen thus far.”
“Intriguing. Anyway, I had another reason to call.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve someone else I’m recommending join the team. No doubt Infidel will be opposed to him as well.”
“Who?”
“Malcolm Bennett.”
The man’s reputation preceded him—thirty years in SIS, specialized in Russian operations, rigid adherence to hierarchical structures. Frankly, the recommendation puzzled me.
“I need to run. Do check in occasionally, Lex,” she said before I could question what she thought Bennett would add.
“Yes, ma’am,” I responded, not that she’d heard me before ending the call.
While not directly calling me out on it, Viper’s questions about the investigation hit home anyway. I’d allowed myself to be drawn into Con’s world, seduced not just by the man himself but by the mystery surrounding his ancestral home. My primary mission—which should be investigating Viktor Orlov’s possible survival and his connection to the AI-weapons system—had taken a back seat.
Why did Carnegie affect me this way? I’d worked with brilliant men before without losing focus. I pridedmyself on my professional detachment, yet something about his intensity, his intellect, and his vulnerability regarding Fallon’s betrayal…moved me. God, what was wrong with me?
In all theyears I’d known her, Dr. McLaren never slept beyond zero five hundred. In fact, I’d developed the same habit while working with her. In the same way I’d forced myself to mention her to Viper without taking the time to talk myself out of it, I called her.
“Margot,” she answered on the second ring. “How lovely to hear from you.”
“I hope I’m not calling too early.”
She chuckled. “You know better. However, I suppose once I get used to this retirement thing, I may allow myself to sleep in.”
“Fat chance,” I teased.
“Right you are, dear. Now, tell me why you’re calling.”
“I’m in the midst of an investigation and was wondering if I could talk you into a consult.”
“Of course, and it’s never something you have to talk me into. However, I’m on holiday in Scotland presently. Can it wait until I return to London?”
“Yes, it can wait, but it just so happens I’m in Scotland too.”
“How lovely. Whereabouts?” she asked.
“Near Tarbert, at Blackmoor Castle.”
She gasped. “You’re joking. I’m over at Ashcroft.”
“You are?” I gasped like she had. “What ever are you doing there?”
“I’ve known the family for decades, dear. I met Alexandria, who married the Duke of Ashcroft, at university, as well as the duke’s brother, Ambrose. That’s who I’m visiting.”
I thought about Ambrose wandering into the library while Con, Gus, and I were video-conferencing with Ash and Sullivan. He hadn’t mentioned having a guest, but why would he have done?
“Perhaps we could get together tomorrow?” I asked.
“Of course. Let me check with Brose to see if he has anything planned, and I’ll get back to you.”
After thanking her, I rang off, feeling far better than before our call. Con would just have to accept the fact that I’d made arrangements to meet with Dr. McLaren and didn’t need his permission to do so.
