Page 88 of The Lazarus Protocol

“Where’s my towel?” he muttered.

The door swung open.

“Looking for this?” A blond man held his towel from one finger.

Simon needed a weapon, but he wasn’t a fighter and this guy was huge. “Give me that.”

“Sure, provided you answer some questions.” The guy tossed him the towel. “Don’t worry, I’m not one to stare at another guy’s…”

“Thanks.” Simon wrapped the towel around his middle. Wait. Why was he thanking this guy? “Get out of my house.”

Blond Guy leaned against the doorframe. Jeans, boots, and a T-shirt with a dark jacket over it. Bulges that were probably weapons in his pockets. A menacing expression on his face. “Not until I get what I came for.”

“And what is that?” Water dripped down his spine, but Simon just stood there.

“I know about the Division Zero team, about the agent you just burned for nothing. Lives you’ve destroyed.”

“So? You some kind of do-gooder here to right a wrong?” Simon snorted. “We all do what we’ve gotta do.”

The guy just stared at him. He had that holier-than-thou air that all cops had. Probably a fed fishing for information because he knew he had nothing. Otherwise, Simon would’ve been arrested by now.

Simon went on, “You’ve never been backed into a corner before?”

“Tell me who forced you to do this.”

Simon shook his head. “You think I’m gonna narc.”

“I think you’re a weasel. But it’s not my job to hand over what’s coming to you.” Blond Guy crossed his arms. “Unless you don’t answer these questions to my satisfaction.”

Simon almost laughed, but the look on the guy’s face made him swallow and keep his mouth shut.

“Have you told anyone what you know about Adam Helton?”

Simon said, “What?”

“Adam Helton.” The guy lifted his chin, staring intently at Simon. “The terminal you work from identified him using a voice recognition program. Who have you told?”

“No one.” Simon let out a frustrated sound.

“Who were you messaging with? Did you tell them who Adam is?”

“I don’t know who it is,” Simon said.

Blond Guy frowned. “Have you ever spoken to an actual person?”

“Who does these days? It’s all online.”

“Like your debts?” The guy barely paused before saying, “Any idea why the ‘person’ giving you orders wants Division Zero taken out and Steph off the agent roster?”

“I didn’t ask.”

Blond Guy didn’t move. He just stood there blocking the doorway.

“You gonna buy me dinner now?”

“That’s not what this is.” He shifted off the doorframe. “You have no idea what you’re mixed up in.”

“Long as it’s over.”