Free Devil's Gold by Julie Korzenko Page A

against the linoleum. “Why not bring her in for questioning and just ask?”
    â€œYou and I both know the truth rarely exists for public scrutiny. That’s why Black Stripe is effective. We damn well make sure that whatever this international environmental organization gets its hand into, it’s in our country’s best interest.”
    â€œYou think ZEBRA’s slipped?”
    â€œI’m thinking I don’t like bad-ass militants snuffing out American scientists. And more importantly, I don’t like it when that order appears to be connected with the organization we’re associated with. ZEBRA allows us access to countries we’d normally be banned from. The president is adamant that our involvement in ZEBRA remain as is. Nothing is to tip the scales. Find the truth, Anderson. Find out what this cluster fuck is really all about.”
    Jake thought about what the colonel had said. Africa stunk. His gut felt it; his mind agreed. “Yes, sir.”

    Cassidy left Drew’s office, struggling to come to terms with what had transpired. The entire Nigerian assignment appeared on paper to be straightforward but in reality was riddled with contradictions and misguided goals. Ten years of successful operations for ZEBRA and now this? It didn’t make sense. Nothing connected.
    There was one little item regarding her time in Africa she decided to clarify. Passing her office, she entered a small computer lab. “Steve?”
    Steve spun around in his chair and smiled at her. “There’s my prettiest and bestest friend!” His exuberance contagious, Cassidy grinned back.
    â€œI come seeking information.”
    He rubbed his chin and pretended to be deep in thought. “That’ll cost you. Myrtle here…” he said, waving his hand at the large computer screen hanging from the ceiling, “doesn’t come cheap.”
    â€œHow about margaritas and fajitas?”
    â€œSold! To the lady in tight jeans and shirt displaying an odd breed of zebra.”
    Cassidy glanced at herself, twisting around to see her butt. “My jeans are not tight, smartass.”
    Steve laughed loudly, and his smile lit the entire room. “Glad to see your sense of humor is still intact. Come. Sit down, and let me amaze you with my computer magic. What deep dark secret do you require knowledge of?” He cracked his knuckles, waggled his brows, and pulled a chair over for Cassidy to sit on.
    â€œI want to know about Black Stripe.”
    As quickly as it had appeared, Steve’s smile faded.

CHAPTER 7
    A S N ICK MADE HIS WAY TO THE DOOR OF THE I TALIAN BISTRO Drew Sharpe had suggested, Atlanta’s humidity wrapped around him in a vice grip of still, stagnant air. After months in West Africa, Nick thought he could handle any heat on earth, but this was different. Here there wasn’t a constant breeze from the ocean washing away the humid air. This heat sat above the sidewalk snatching at exhaust and human pollution, until Nick felt his lungs seize.
    Nick pulled open the glass door and sighed as a flood of cool air escaped from the restaurant. After his eyes had adjusted to the dim interior, he took in the ocean of white tablecloths adorned with candles and crystal. Brass railings lined several levels and soft, luminescent lighting created an intimate ambiance within the bustling eatery. He inhaled the scent of garlic and oregano mixed with a blend of yeasty bread and fresh tomatoes. Nick’s boss, Robert Cole, adored fine Italian cuisine, and it smelled as if this place would deliver a meal Robert’s palate craved.
    Nick scanned the bistro and found Drew seated at a table toward the back of the restaurant. Making his way through a throng of impatient patrons, Nick indicated with a flip of his hand to the maitre d’ that he was expected at that table. Weaving among the tables, he adopted a casual and relaxed manner even though his eyes swung from corner to corner