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Alex nodded. "That's where we have an advantage. We've been tracking energy anomalies in the region for years, and our sensors have detected concentrated bursts of arcane energy emanating from a particular spot within the ruins of Sodom."
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean to say that there might be a hidden chamber beneath the surface?"
"Exactly. The energy readings suggest some sort of subterranean structure, and I believe that's where the scroll and potentially the ring might be located."
Branson leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "Alright, here's what we'll do. Alastor, I want you to assemble a team and head to Sodom immediately. Find that hidden chamber and secure the scroll and ring before anyone else gets wind of their existence. Alex can send you any relevant information, but I'd go prepared for the desert and underground equipment."
"And dive equipment might be handy too?" added Amadi.
I looked at my brother, raising my eyebrows. "In the desert?"
He shrugged. "You're right by the Dead Sea and you're going underground. It's just a suggestion."
"Fine. I'll take some light scuba gear just in case." I looked over at Branson. "I'll contact Cole and Theo as usual, if there's noobjections? Alex can forward the information onto Cole for me, he’s better with that kind of stuff."
Branson shook his head. "No objections, but I'd like you to take Lily along too."
I gave a dramatic sigh, just to wind her up. "Fine."
"Ah brilliant!" she beamed. "I'm going home right now to pack!"
"Lily," I called, as she jumped up and headed for the door. "Just remember it's a rather conservative country. You'll need to be more covered up than normal."
She turned slowly, looking down at the ripped t-shirt that dipped down low in front and was torn off high enough at the bottom to show the lace of her bra. Her denim shorts also left very little to the imagination.
She looked back up at me and blinked innocently. "I'm offended. I got all dressed up all formal for you, Alastor, but I'll do my best."
I shook my head slowly as she bounced out of the room, then turned to Branson. "If that's everything, sir, I'll head off and start prepping for the trip. Is it the jet as normal?"
"Yes, the jet will be ready at eight am tomorrow morning. Alastor, there's one more thing, if you don't mind?"
"Sure." I dropped down into a black leather armchair as the rest of the guys filed out.
Branson linked his finger together and leaned forward. "I've had a call from Palmer at the London office. He was briefing me on the mission, but he also had a favour to ask."
"Go on."
"He has an agent who is proving a little problematic. She came to work for him last year and let's just say did not get off to an auspicious start with her teammates. As it is, since their last mission together ten months ago, she's been working solo. He's requested that we give her a try here, see if she fits in a littlebetter than in London. I want to assign her to your team for this mission, see how she does."
I groaned. "Sir, I already have a trainee field agent, two is a little much. Especially on this kind of mission."
"Yes well, this agent is fully trained so that won't be a problem."
Branson looked shifty as hell, so I glared at him.
"What aren't you telling me, sir? Why doesn't this agent get on with her team?"
Branson sighed. "She's an angel."
"A fallen angel? That's not a problem."
"No, not a fallen angel, just an angel."
I stared at him. "What?"
"Apparently she's pissed off one of the bigwigs up there and is serving out her probation working for the Concordia. She's been on Earth a year, but according to Palmer, she's not adjusting well and doesn't get on with anyone who isn't human or angel."
I leaned back in the chair and groaned. "You are fucking kidding me." I hadn't met many angels, in all fairness, but the ones I'd met had been insufferable, brainwashed assholes. By the sounds of it, this one wouldn't be any different.
