Page 6 of Undercover Infidel
“Roger that.” I gestured to Bastion as we came inside. “And every hour that passes gives the Labyrinth consortium more time to advance their project.”
Rather than take her to my ops hub, I led Lex back to my study. The fire had been lit in anticipation of our return, casting a warm glow across the room’s Persian rugs. Modern technology blended seamlessly with the centuries-old architecture—much like my own life, straddling two worlds.
“Still keeping me from your actual ops room, I see,” Lex commented.
“For now.” I moved to the sideboard where Mrs. Thorne, my head housekeeper, had left a tea service. “Would you prefer Earl Grey or something stronger?”
“The blend is fine, thank you. I need a clear head.”
I poured us both a cup, watching as she explored the space, running her fingers along the spines of leather-bound books that had belonged to my father and his father before him.
“So,” she said, accepting the drink I offered. “Let’s establish our approach. I suggest we start by cross-referencing the evidence from Nightingale with MI6’sdatabase on known weapons developers who specialize in AI integration.”
“My network might prove more efficient,” I countered, taking a seat at the table where I typically worked while in here. “There are sources who won’t speak to official agencies under any circumstances.”
She arched a brow. “Your ‘network’ being the contacts from your shadier business interests?”
“I prefer ‘alternative enterprises,’” I replied, maintaining a neutral tone despite her sarcasm. “Sources cultivated over years.”
“Without accountability or any way to validate what they’re saying. We need confirmed information, not whispers from profiteers who’d sell you whatever you want to hear.”
“They have proved reliable in circumstances where conventional methods failed.”
“And when they aren’t reliable?” She set down her cup with more force than necessary. “Project Labyrinth isn’t one of your business ventures, Infidel. The stakes here affect global stability.”
I stood and returned to the sideboard where, rather than tea, I poured myself two fingers of scotch. “I take exception to your tone, Dr. Sterling. I’m well aware ofthe gravity of the situation. Perhaps to a greater extent than you are.”
Her gaze landed on my glass, and she scoffed. “Then, I would think you’d understand why we need multiple ways to cross-check any information we gather.”
“This conversation is not only growing tiresome…” Before I finished the thought, my secure mobile vibrated with an encrypted message. I glanced down, immediately recognizing the identifier—Kestrel, one of my less savory but consistently reliable sources.
Need to talk. Have intel on recent AI components moving through nonstandard channels. Available at 22:00 your time. Same encryption method as last time.
After raising a brow at the serendipity of the message’s arrival, I texted back a quick confirmation.
“Something important?” Dr. Sterling asked, watching my face too closely for comfort.
“Just a schedule update,” I replied, slipping the mobile into my pocket. “Nothing urgent.”
Her expression told me she didn’t believe me, but she didn’t press the issue.
A knock at the door saved me from further interrogation. Bastion appeared with his usual aptitude.
“My lord, the Earl of Glenshadow has arrived and asks if you’re available.”
“Show him in, please.”
Moments later, Tag strode through the door, his imposing frame filling the entrance. Despite his aristocratic title, there was nothing soft about Niall MacTaggert. Before his eyes landed on Lex, he swept the room with the instinctive awareness of the assassin he was.
“Dr. Sterling. Didn’t expect you to still be here.”
She raised her chin. “We hardly have time to waste.”
“Copy that.” He turned to me. “Any progress?”
“We’re currently establishing parameters,” I responded.
“I’ve got updates from Glasgow,” Tag said, accepting the glass of scotch I offered. “Rather than wait until tomorrow, Nightingale’s debrief concluded after you left. Typhon had her moved to a secure location.”
