Page 155 of The Last Kingdom

“Here’s my ride,” she said.

He’d actually hoped they’d have at least one more night together.

But, alas, not to be.

She stopped. “I enjoyed it.”

“Me too.”

He’d never been one for goodbyes, especially with women. Most he never saw again anyway. But this one twitched his gut ever so slightly.

Enough that he noticed.

She came close and kissed him on the cheek.

Then she turned for the car and opened the rear door. Before climbing inside she glanced back. “Hey, soldier. See you around the world somewhere.”

He smiled. “I certainly hope so.”

Chapter 86

DERRICK FINISHED PACKING HIS BAG AND READYING HIMSELF FORthe flight to Brussels. He was hitching a ride back with Trinity aboard a military Learjet. She’d drop him off, then continue on to Washington, DC. All in all, things had worked out fine. It was unfortunate that the duke and his brother were killed, but that’s what happened when you played with fire.

And the Chinese were definitely fire.

His cell phone buzzed.

The screen showedPrivate.

What the hell?

He answered.

“Derrick, it’s Warner Fox.”

He went to high alert.

Which was what happened when the president of the United States called you.

“Good job. And I mean it. Well done. I just spoke with the Germans and told them we did not appreciate what they tried. They, of course, denied everything. But I could tell they were glad there’d be no secession vote. I hate it when they lie to my face. I meant what I said. I owe you, Derrick. Use that chip wisely. It’s all yours, when you’re ready.” Fox paused. “But don’t wait too long. There is an expiration date, after which it goes stale.”

“Roger that.”

“You clipped the Scythe really good. Intel says they are in disarray. Rife was the ringleader. With him dead, a message was sent and apparently received.”

“Paul Bryie needs to be arrested.”

“They’re looking for him. He’s vanished for the moment. But we’ll get him. We’re also going to finish cleaning house at Langley. I’m going to fire the agency’s inspector general.”

The IG handled independent oversight of the CIA. He or she was nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and could be fired only by the president. That office reported to not only the CIA director, but directly to Congress as an oversight to deter fraud, waste, and abuse.

“I may need a new one soon,” Fox said. “You interested?”

“It requires confirmation by the Senate. I have a past.”

“I know. But I control the Senate.”

He realized that Fox was sending a message. He wanted him on board, but he did not have to call in his chip to get it.

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