Page 78 of Code Name: Reaper
“The supposition was that Argead and Avalon had little to do with each other. Additionally, that Romanov saw an opportunity, when Kerr and his conspirators were taken down, to pick up where Argead left off. Now, we believe Romanov, as a criminal network, has been in existence as long as the other two, if not longer.”
I rested against my chair, processing the implications. “Thus, them being connected?”
“Based on additional intelligence, of course. I’ve prepared a brief that I’ll forward now. You’ll see I’ve also included Wren in the distro list and suggested she share it with the coalition.”
“It’s appreciated.”
“You’ll see in what I compiled that I suggested you consult with Irish Warrick, Sumner Copeland, and Money McTiernan. It’s your decision, of course.”
“It’s a good idea,” said Reaper.
“Now, what questions do you have for me?”
“What do you know about my parents?”
She closed her tablet and returned it to her bag. “This part is more difficult.”
18
REAPER
While Amaryllis steeled her expression, it was as though I could read her thoughts anyway.
I couldn’t fathom growing up without my parents, and I definitely wouldn’t have handled it well if no one would tell me anything about them. Even that she hadn’t known her mother’s maiden name—still didn’t for sure—or that her father worked in intelligence blew my mind.
Now, someone sat in front of her who knew things it sounded like she wouldn’t be able to share. If it were me, I’d be furious. Amaryllis looked numb. Defeated. As though she’d reached the tipping point.
It was all I could do not to challenge Vera. The only thing that stopped me was how much Amaryllis would hate it if I did. It wasn’t my place, and Vera wasn’t just her boss. She was the director of the NSA.
On the other hand, that Vera hadn’t continued what she started to say, indicated she’d recognized Amaryllis’ mental state.
The longer she remained quiet, the more worried I became. “Could you excuse us for a minute?” I asked Vera. Amaryllis hada deer-in-headlights expression but stood and followed me from the room and out to the patio anyway.
“I thought maybe you could use a break,” I said after closing the door behind us.
“I can’t…I don’t…In God’s name, why? Is it me? Something I’m doing that makes people think I’m okay with not knowing a fucking thing about my own parents?”
That she sounded angrier with each word she spoke relieved me. It was far better than her shutting down. When she paced across the slab of concrete, I didn’t try to stop her. Nor did I say anything. This break was about her being able to vent to me instead of losing her shit with someone like Vera.
“I swear I can’t take much more, and you know who I’m really mad at?”
“Who?”
“My grandparents. And Mercury. And even Vera. How dare they all keep my own life from me? It isn’t unreasonable to want to knowsomethingabout my mom and dad.”
“It isn’t unreasonable at all.”
“You know, I feel like someone who was adopted and can’t find out who her birth parents are.” Her eyes widened, and she looked straight at me. “Do you think that’s what this is all about? Do you think…? Never mind. That’s stupid.”
“I have an idea if you’re open to hearing it,” I offered.
“Of course I am.”
“Go inside on your own and demand Vera tell you everything she knows. Have her make contact with the DoD if she has to. Or Money at the CIA. Or even the Senate Intelligence Committee. Nemesis was able to get her hands on the Avalon brief; someone ought to be able to authorize you knowing everything there is about your mom and dad.”
“It’s not a bad idea.”
“But?”
