Desert Dark (29 page)

Back in her room, she climbed on Libby's bed to reach the light fixture. The glow from the hallway wasn't bright enough to change the bulb, but Nadia remembered Libby had a flashlight clipped to her keyring.

She found the keys in Libby's top desk drawer. They weren't hard to locate: the drawer was shallow, and Libby's things were laid out neatly, as usual. Nadia tried the flashlight.
And it doesn't work. Why would it?
She flicked the switch a half-dozen times before unscrewing the battery compartment. Something didn't look right. She turned on the bathroom light.

It was a USB drive, carefully concealed as a flashlight. She'd seen thumb drives disguised as all sorts of things: pens, jewelry, children's toys.

Nadia went back to Libby's desk. Something had caught her attention.
What was it?
Something about the drawer.

Nadia pulled everything out and threw it on top of the desk. She ran her hands along the wood. In the back center was a hole. She slipped her index finger inside and lifted—the false bottom released.

One by one, Nadia removed the contents buried deep inside. A chestnut wig, a crisp stack of cash, a pair of glasses. And a driver's license, issued to Amanda Downing. A brunette Libby smiled at her from the photograph.

Oh no
. Her stomach churned as she stared at the evidence.
It's Libby
.

“What are you doing?”

Nadia had no idea how long her roommate had been standing in the doorway. If Libby hadn't spoken, she'd never have known she was there.

Saba's insistent directives caused a chronic feeling of desperation deep in Alan's solar plexus. He could think of little else. He had called Tel Aviv over the holiday, and it had not gone well. Saba demanded action.

Why Saba insisted he find a girl, Alan still did not know. But Saba had learned Nadia's name, and she was now the focus of all their calls. When Alan asked, “Why Nadia?” Saba had said, “I have my reasons,” and refused to comment further. Possibly, Saba had collected a dossier on Alan's schoolmates and specifically chosen Nadia because she was clever. Maybe he regretted allowing Alan to attend Desert Mountain, and now, concerned for his grandson's safety in the field of intelligence, wished to ally him with an exceptional partner. Perhaps Saba did not believe Alan could take care of himself. Or maybe because Nadia's family was insignificant and, regardless of how the relationship ended, there would be no backlash.

Whatever the reason, Alan was in no position to argue. But he needed Jack out of the way.

Alan followed Libby out of the dining hall. He scowled and asked, “What was so important that Jack had to pull Nadia away from her dinner?”

“How should I know? I was with you.”

“I am certain she would rather spend time with him than tend to the trivial matters of life, such as food and oxygen, but I do not appreciate having to clear her dishes.”

“I'm not sure you're right about that. Something's off between them.”

Alan's heart skipped a beat. “Did she tell you that?”

“She didn't have to. It's plain as the nose on your face.”

He shook his head. “I did not see anything.”

“What
exactly
were you looking at?” Libby stopped in front of her dorm. She just stood there staring at him, so Alan stopped too. “Well?” she asked.

“Well what?”

Libby rolled her eyes. “Forget it.” She pulled open the lobby door.

“Did you want me to get that?” Alan called through the glass.
Why do they not ask for what they want?
He continued along the sidewalk, now irritated with Libby.
I am not a mind-reader
.

Alan could not imagine what Boy Wonder had done to aggravate Nadia. Jack checked up on her a lot. Maybe she thought him too possessive. Girls did not like controlling boyfriends—even Alan knew this much.

Once their break-up became official, he would move in. Ask how she was feeling, if she wanted to talk—according to Saba, one thing would lead to another.

Alan entered his dorm. Down the hall, taped to his door, he found a summons from Dr. Cameron.
On a Friday night?
He ripped the message off the door and headed back outside.

A few minutes later, Alan fidgeted in the metal folding chair. “Why do you not put a couch in here? It might help people relax.”

“Are you tense?” Dr. Cameron asked.

“No, I simply meant it would be more inviting. You are trying to get people to open up, right?”

“Would you be more comfortable in a softer chair?”

“I believe I would.”

Dr. Cameron smiled. “I'll take that into consideration. Alan, I
understand you've been tutoring Nadia. I'm proud of you for working as part of a team.”

Alan's heart beat faster at the mention of Nadia's name. “Thank you.”

“How's it going?”

“Exceptionally well. I am an excellent tutor.”

“So you spend a lot of time together?”

“Yes.”

“And do you still have concerns about her?”

“She is not very good with languages,” Alan said.

“That's not what I mean.”

“What
do
you mean?”

“Has she ever done or said anything that troubled you?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.” Alan pursed his lips.

“Well? What?”

“Apparently, she is dating Jack Felkin.”

“And?”

“I do not think this is a very wise decision.”
Speak properly
, he reminded himself.
Lazy American
.

“Why is that?” Dr. Cameron asked.

Alan shrugged. “I don't know why girls are only interested in seniors. It's not an intelligent long-term plan; they are only on campus for one year.”
And it is interfering with my assignment
.

But their relationship was more than an inconvenience.

Much to Alan's irritation, he found himself constantly thinking about Nadia. His feelings had changed from intense dislike to mild interest and ultimately settled on curious infatuation. Closer examination revealed her clever, witty and—he would admit it—very attractive.

The whole situation confused him. He had intended to use her as part of his cover. His orders were to get closer, so he insisted they continue studying together. In truth, she no longer needed his help. Her logical mind made swift deductions regarding human behavior that would never occur to him. And she was extraordinarily
intuitive; she knew the instant Alan hedged the truth—even before he broke out in hives.

Dr. Cameron pinched the bridge of his nose and rested his head in his hand. He sighed. “How is Damon?”

“Fine, except a messy roommate. And he claims I talk in my sleep—but I don't believe this is true. He's kind of a flirt, which is annoying.”

“Libby?”

“No, he flirts with Nadia more than Libby.”

“I meant, how is Libby,” Dr. Cameron said.

“Oh. I don't know.” He shrugged. “Fine, I guess.”

“What do you know about Nadia's family?”

“Nothing. She lives in Virginia. Her parents are married. They are not wealthy. This is about all I know. Why do you ask?”

“Is there anything you'd like to discuss while you're here?”

He hesitated. Maybe Dr. Cameron was asking these questions because he knew Alan was deliberately trying to get close to Nadia.
Was I followed off campus? Has someone reported me? Oh God, for Dr. Cameron's sake, I hope he does not know anything
. Alan's Saba tended to shoot first and ask questions later. “No.”

“Okay. Well, I wanted to let you know a spot has opened on another team. Are you still interested in switching?”

Alan breathed a sigh of relief. This is why he was called in. “Has someone left?”

“A student was expelled.”

“Why?”

“Unauthorized use of a cell phone. Security picked up the signal.”

He quickly weighed the options—move farther from Nadia to dissipate his feelings but incur Saba's wrath, or stay close and stick to the plan. “You know, Dr. Cameron, I have invested a great deal of personal time into my team. I'm going to stay where I am.”

“Good for you. I think that shows real progress. Your final survival course for the semester is next weekend; then exams
and a much-deserved break. We'll meet when you return next year.”

A survival course! The perfect time to get close to Nadia
.

I will cull her from the herd. But how?
His grandfather would know what to do. Plant a bomb to distract everyone, then snatch her up seconds before it went off—something flashy.
Maybe she will shoot herself again and this time I will carry her out. Then we will be alone
.

Admittedly, this scheme was not the most sound. The likelihood of Nadia tranquilizing herself twice seemed slim.

Would it be too obvious if I shot her?

“Alan? Is there something else?”

Alan realized he was smiling. He tried to adopt a neutral expression. “No. Thank you very much, Dr. Cameron. You have been extremely helpful.”

Nadia turned toward the doorway, toward Libby's voice. Her roommate stood unmoving, silhouetted in the darkness. The soft light from the hall cast an eerie, ethereal glow around Libby's head. Nadia knew Libby had spoken, but she didn't hear the words over her own shallow breath.

“I asked you a question.” Libby's voice was higher than usual. She stepped into the room and closed the door.

The bathroom light burning behind Nadia illuminated Libby's face. Now it was Nadia whose features were concealed. “I didn't hear you,” she whispered.

Libby tried the light switch.

“It's out,” Nadia said.

“I asked what you're doing.” Libby's brow furrowed. She didn't look like herself. She looked tired, troubled. The skin under her eyes, usually smooth and bright, was shadowed.

“Is it you?” Nadia asked.

“Is what me?”

“Are you the double?”

“Are you kidding?”

Nadia shook her head. She held up the wig.

“Why are you in my desk?” Libby asked, angry now. She rushed forward and grabbed her things. “How dare you!”

Nadia wasn't frantic, which surprised her. She was . . . relieved. One way or another, it was almost over. “You tried to set me up.”

“Set you up with who? I don't know what you're talking about, but I can't
believe
you did this!” Libby shoved the hidden items back into her drawer. She replaced the false bottom and swept everything from the top of the desk inside. Then she started to cry. Her shoulders shook as loud sobs wracked her torso.

“Libby?” Nadia touched her roommate's back.

“Oh honey. I wanted to tell you so bad, but it wasn't my secret to tell.” Libby turned to Nadia, her cheeks streaked with mascara.

Nadia grabbed a box of tissues from the bedside table. “Here.” She pulled her desk chair over and put her hand on Libby's knee. “You can tell me. I promise I won't judge you.”

“You don't understand. I really can't.” Libby choked out the words.

“It's okay. Our room isn't bugged. I'm sure of it.” It all made sense now. They killed Drew as a warning to keep Libby in line. “They threatened you, didn't they?”
Poor Libby—she must've been terrified
.

“What?” she sniffed. “Did who threaten me?”

“The people you're working for. Because Dean Wolfe can help. We can get you protection. I'm sure you can cut a deal.”

Libby took a deep breath. “Nadia, what are you talking about?”

Nadia spoke clearly, as though explaining to a small child. “You're working as a double agent. I'm sure you had a very compelling reason. Is it about your father? Was it blackmail?”

Libby laughed through her tears. First a giggle, then harder, until she was hysterical. She clutched at her stomach.

Nadia moved back a few inches.
She's completely lost it
.

“A double agent? You think I'm a double agent?” Libby's nose was stuffy from crying and she gasped for air. “Nadia, I can barely handle one life—you think I could be living two?” She calmed down her laughter. “Is that why you went through my things?”

“No—I was looking for a flashlight. The bulb went out and I remembered you had a flashlight on your key ring, and then I noticed the fake bottom, and—it doesn't matter.” Nadia shook her head.
Does she seriously think she can talk her way out of this?
“Libby, if you're not the double, what are you doing with a fake ID?”

Libby wiped her cheeks with a tissue, then glanced at her makeup smeared across the white sheet. “Oh, I am so embarrassed. I must look a fright.”

She's worried about how she looks? Does she understand she's committed treason?

“Let me wash my face. Then I'll tell you.”

I caught her—she might think she has nothing left. What if she tries to hurt herself in the bathroom?
“Let's talk first. You look fine.”

Libby sighed. Her shoulders slumped as she rested her slender hands in her lap. “While I am not pleased you violated my privacy, I must confess: I am so relieved you found out. I have been dying to talk to someone.”

Nadia nodded. “Go on.”

“I don't even know where to start.” Libby looked toward the ceiling. Tears shimmered in her clear blue eyes. A few drops spilled over her lower lids, racing to her chin. “I guess I'll tell you about my Thanksgiving.”

On Thanksgiving morning Libby drove along the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The top of the highest peak shone white with snow, but in the low desert the day was warm and sunny. She followed the directions given by her father and pulled onto a lavish estate nestled among the hills.