The Project 04 - Black Harvest

those Georgian gangsters to Greece."
    "You seem to know a lot about Lodge. Why haven't you stopped him?"
    "We're doing what we can."
    Nick noted the plural. We.
    "Is the Pentagon part of this?"
    "We think there is a rogue element in the military leadership. Dansinger is involved in a Pentagon bio-warfare program. He receives a great deal of money from them. His research facilities and laboratories are unmatched, except at CDC."
    We, again.
    "Why are you telling me this?"
    "Demeter is about to be implemented. That must not happen. The virus is stockpiled in Building Four at Dansinger's Texas research facility. It has to be destroyed and your group can do it."
    "You want to use us. Why should we cooperate?"
    "Because it is in the country's best interest to do so."
    Nick said nothing.
    "One thing you should know. The virus is airborne. You can't blow it up. Use thermite charges. Intense heat will finish it."
    "What does the virus look like?"
    "Demeter looks exactly like common pepper. Samples are kept in one of the refrigerators in the laboratory. The main supply is in a large freezer, packed in sealed boxes. All of that is in Building Four."
    The car slowed.
    "One more thing." The electronic voice crackled over the speaker. "He has effective security on site. Be careful."
    The car stopped. The door opened. They were in front of the restaurant.
    "How do I contact you?"
    There was no response. Nick got out. The driver closed the door, went around the back, got in. The car drove away. The license plate was obscured.
    He walked into the restaurant where Selena waited.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

    April in Washington. The day was sunny and warm, in the high 60s. Ronnie had shifted to summer mode. He wore a bright blue Hawaiian shirt with surfboards all over it, green Dockers and a tan linen jacket that concealed his Glock. He'd gone for Oakley wraparounds and a hat that would have pleased Frank Sinatra. Winter, Ronnie dressed dull. The sun brought out another side of him.
    Ronnie and Nick waited for Korov in front of the Marriott. He came out of the entrance and headed straight for them. They would have guessed what Korov did for a living even if they didn't already know.
    "He's armed." Ronnie gestured. "Figures. Probably diplomatic pouch."
    "He's got the look."
    "Yeah he does."
    Korov stopped in front of them. He was about the same height as Nick, about the same weight. He had the same tension in the way he moved. Something about the eyes said this man didn't miss much.
    "So. You are Carter and Peete." He didn't offer to shake hands.
    "Car's over there." They walked to Ronnie's black Hummer and got in. No one spoke on the drive to Virginia.
    In the parking lot Korov eyed the anonymous gray office building that housed the Project. Noted the antennas clustered on the roof.
    "You have added a few." Nick and Ronnie glanced at each other. Game on. They walked to the entrance.
    "You'll have to leave your weapon at the door. You'll get it back when you leave."
    "And yours?"
    "I work here. I get a pass."
    Korov shrugged. He took the Drotik from his holster and handed it to the security guard.
    "That what you used in Bulgaria?" Ronnie studied the odd pistol.
    "It is."
    "Maybe you could show it to us later."
    "Of course. Now that we are working together."
    They got in the elevator. Half way up, Nick pushed the stop button.
    "Before we go in. Neither one of us is happy about this."
    Korov nodded.
    "This is my team. You take orders from me. Understood?"
    "Of course. We are both professionals. I read your file, Carter. We have much in common."
    Nick wasn't surprised there was a file about him somewhere in Moscow.
    "We need to make this work. I'm going to try. How about you?"
    For the first time Korov smiled. "Honesty is good. Yes. I will try."
    "Good enough." Nick pushed the button again. The elevator rose.
    Selena, Stephanie and Lamont waited with Elizabeth in Harker's office. No one got up as Korov came in.
    "Major Korov. I am Director Harker. Please sit down." She indicated a chair. She didn't introduce the others. Nick and Ronnie sat down on the couch.
    "Getting crowded in here," Lamont said. Harker gave him a warning look.
    "What are your instructions, Major? We'd all like to know."
    "My orders are to cooperate with you in every way. I am to place myself under your command for the duration of this assignment. General Vysotsky showed me the video of your CIA Director."
    "Then you understand our concern."
    "I do. We have a mutual