Page 3 of The Lazarus Protocol

Noah watched Billy at the computer. “As if I’d ever feel that enough you’d get a taste.”

“Not me that’s nervous.”

“Yeah, right. New wife. Baby on the way. You’re terrified.”

Caleb’s low chuckle came through the car speakers. “They’re both good, by the way. Tessa and the baby. Doctor said things are progressing well. Thinks she’s about six pounds now, and it won’t be long.”

“What are you gonna call her?”

“We’re still figuring it out.”

Noah had a few suggestions, but he could put them in an email—to his sister-in-law. “How’s the old man?”

“Aah.” Caleb groaned out the word. “You know, same old. Morgan came over to check out the dog, recommended some labs to check his kidneys are still good. Pops wanted to pick up the old guy and put him in the SUV. Nearly threw his back out trying to heft that mutt in the back of the car. Thankfully, I caught him doing it before he injured himself and helped him out.”

“What about ranch chores?”

“He walks. I doubt he’ll ever quit walking, no matter how long he lives. But these days I try to get to the work before he does.”

Noah looked up as Billy handed him back his IDs. “Thanks.”

Billy smiled. “No problem.”

At the same time, Caleb said, “I got it.”

Billy backed up a step. “You’re clear to enter. They’re waiting for you in building three. Someone will meet you in the lobby. Don’t get lost.”

Noah nodded. “Have a good one.” He waited as the gate rattled open on tiny wheels, then drove through.

“So they let you in?” Caleb asked.

“And you’re surprised? I’m legit, man. People vouch for me.”

Caleb laughed. “We can’t all be a disgraced DEA agent turned rancher.”

“They cleared your name.”

“And no one will ever work with me again. Turns out I don’t care. Ranch life? Family life? You should try it. But there’s a reason I landed here and you’re the one with a meeting at the other other CIA building. The one they don’t show on TV.”

Noah chuckled. “Surprise, that’s just for PR. So people think they know where the secrets are.”

The single asphalt lane in front of him curved to the east, flanked by several four-story structures. One looked brand-new, all glass and shimmering reflected sunlight. The others were of varying ages, and the tiny one that emerged to the left of the collection of buildings looked like it had been here since World War II. Which, given the history of this place, wasn’t surprising.

Caleb said, “You know your GPS just disappeared.”

“I’m surprised it lasted this long⁠—”

Before he’d even finished speaking, the call dropped and his phone beeped. No signal.

Noah found a space in front of the building with a giant 3 on the side, just below the roof. A breeze kicked up as he got out, swishing through the trees and ruffling his hair in a way that told him he needed a haircut. He slipped on the suit jacket he had hanging on the hook behind his seat and headed for the entrance.

Inside smelled like lemon floor cleaner with an undercurrent of soil. A wide reception desk was occupied by two armed security guards, but he spotted a woman in a tan skirt suit and salmon blouse approach him from the right.

“Mr. Rourke, good to see you again.” She held her hand out, reading glasses hanging from the buttons of her shirt. Lines around her eyes, and her light-brown hair tied back.

“You as well, Doctor Peraya.” Noah shook her hand.

“I’m afraid the process of getting you through security didn’t end at the gate and is notably arduous.”