Page 85 of The Lazarus Protocol

“So you really know nothin’.”

Noah shrugged. “Help me out.”

Haserford almost smiled. “Careful what you wish for.” He took a breath, then said, “They were agents. They were some of the best a long time ago. And like a lot of things, present reality is a harsh truth up against the memory of what used to be.”

“I’m not leaving without an answer.”

“You think I’m pining for better days? You think I hate this life, and I want to go back to work?”

Noah gritted his teeth.

“Because I don’t. People like the Rourkes think they can do whatever they want. They think they can control nations, and destroy lives, whenever they want. Take money from the CIA and use it for their own gain. Meanwhile, those of us who follow the rules and obey the law get stiffed. I got so sick of listening to their problems. Finally, I realized the CIA is a farce. Bunch of people who do whatever they want, pretending they’re noble. Take ’em to court and they’d be tried and convicted.”

“You have evidence to back up what you’re saying?” Noah stuck his thumbs in his pockets because that brought his hand close to his gun. He could squeeze off a shot before Haserford fired.

Kessler, who he’d turned over to the CIA for questioning months ago, had been stealing resources and using it for his own criminal empire. His parents had helped him and Caleb take them down—why would they do that if they were the same as him?

“Of course, I don’t have evidence. Why do you think I’m still alive?” Haserford crossed to the fridge and pulled out a beer, leaving the shotgun on the counter—now out of reach. “I know what I know, and I’ve got no recourse.”

“Where can I find my parents?”

“How should I know?”

“I’m supposed to accept they were part of some corrupt system? Seems more like you fell on hard times and it made you jaded. Now you’ll ruin the reputation of my parents just because it makes you feel better.”

Haserford slammed the cap of the beer onto the edge of the counter and used his hand to pop the top. “That’s rich.”

“I came here in good faith.”

“Even richer.”

“So the CIA sent me here for nothing?”

“The CIA sent you?”

“Thomas Kraus told me all about you,” Noah said.

Haserford barked a laugh. “Probably figured you’d kill me and I’d kill you. End of two problems.” He lifted the beer. “Welcome to the club.”

“Where are my parents?”

“I’m guessing Kraus didn’t tell you about the Lazarus Protocol.”

Noah said, “What does that have to do with my parents?”

TWENTY-EIGHT

Undisclosed Location, France

“You should be resting.”

Adam didn’t bother responding to that. Mostly because Dan was right, but also because it would take energy he didn’t have. “I want an update.”

He was determined to make it to the great hall under his own steam. When he got there, he could rest.

“Thank God,” Dan muttered.

Adam realized what that was about when he turned back in time to see Winston come up behind him with a wheelchair. He moved so fast Adam didn’t have time to react before the butler’s momentum took out Adam’s knees from behind and he sat hard in the wheelchair. Adam let out a groan, and even though he wanted to touch a hand to the bandages over his chest, he didn’t. The burning sensation didn’t get better if he touched it. In fact, it got remarkably worse.