Free Out Of The Night by Geri Foster Page B

He wondered, remembering flashes of the heat between Abby and him. Laughter danced around his thoughts. At one time , they were a happy couple. What changed?
    Mac held up his hands. “I’m not a judge of that.”
    Feeling braver, Tony tossed aside the covers and put his feet on the floor. With a little help from Mac, he made it to the bathroom and washed his face and hands. He turned to his fellow agent. “Where’s A.J.?”
    “He’s back in Moscow to see what Viktor is up to, then he’ll fly back to Dallas. But Jake and Arman will be helping you out as you make your way to the target.”
    “What target?”
    “Your memory any better?”
    Tony leaned against the sink and sipped more water. Would the thirst ever go away? “I remember you, Mac. Every time I look at you, another moment in time flashes through my mind. However, I’m not sure they’re in order.”
    “The doctor is confident you’ll fully regain your memory. You just need a little time.”
    “Do we have time?”
    Mac shook his head. “No, not really.”
    “What’s my mission?”
    Before Mac could object, Tony touched his shoulder. “Trust me. I’m not going to run out of here like a crazy man. I know whatever it is I do, I’m careful and meticulous.”
    “How do you know that?”
    Tony nodded toward the towel rack. “Notice how neatly I folded the towel? How slowly I walked into the door last night. How I let you do all the talking? Then I carefully folded my clothes and put them neatly in a pile beside the bed.” Tony chuckled. “Do you know anyone with OCD who’s quick and careless?”
    “No.”
    “I think that’s why I’m good. I take my time.”
    Tony watch ed as Mac sat down and leaned forward to prop his elbows on his thighs. “A CIA operative by the name of Joe Mitchell has been kidnapped. We don’t know where he’s being held or who took him. Your job is to get him out before he spills his guts.”
    “How do we know he hasn’t already?”
    “It would have been all over the news. Mitchell knows too many secrets.”
    “Is this the same Joe Mitchell we worked with in Iraq?”
    Mac’s eyes brightened. “Yes.”
    “That guy has more secrets than politicians have lies. If they ever got into his brain, lots of European and Russian agents would be exposed.”
    “That’s the problem.” Mac stood and paced. “We have to get Mitchell. If we don’t save the operative, the CIA will be completely compromised.”
    Tony twisted his neck to the right until it popped . Then he turned left. Stiffness drew his body ridged as a body cast.
    “Okay, we need to find a way to Cairo. I don’t know what’s there, but it’s a start.”
    “I have the necessary paperwork. You can fly out of St. Petersburg this afternoon.” Mac pointed to Abby still sleeping. “What about her? Has she helped all she can?”
    Tony shook his head. “I don’t know. For some reason I feel better with her around , and I don’t think it’s love or lust. She might be useful.”
    “In Cairo?”
    “A woman can hide in plain sight there.”
    Mac and Tony exchanged knowing smiles.
     
    Dallas, T exas
    Zoe, Falcon’s secretary, walked into Frank’s office and announced Vince Colanglo waited in the outer reception area. Frank took off his readers and tossed them on the desk. “Tell him to come in.”
    He stood and walked around his desk as Vince stepped through the door. They shook hands and the Director of the CIA dropped onto a chair. Frank sat at his right. “How are you holding up, Vince?” Stress and worry deepened the lines in his friend’s face.
    “I keep thinking of all the collateral damage Mitchell being in the wrong hands could cause.”
    Frank peered at the man he’d spent years with in the CIA. They’d been friends and coworkers back then. Now that he headed his own security team, they remained best friends with President Colin Davis. Through the years, the three had shared camaraderie and secrets.
    “I know how you feel Vince , and I hope