Cate shook her head. “I had a job, too, before I was kidnapped. I need to get back to it.”
“Going back to London?” Hammer asked.
Again, she shook her head. “I did some poking around. It seems the person I’m looking for might be here in Europe. I just need to find him.”
“Do you need one of my guys to help you?” Hammer tipped his head toward the men at the table.
“No,” Cate said. “As a private investigator, it’s better if I blend in with the crowds.” She gave the men a slight smile. “But thanks.”
“You know,” Draco said. “I’m thinking of taking some time off here in Europe. What better way to blend in than to pretend to be a tourist with me.”
Cate frowned as her gaze swept him head to toe. “You don’t blend into a crowd.”
“Sweetheart, I hate to break it to you, but you’re too pretty to disappear into a crowd, especially alone,” Draco said. “What would look more natural is a couple exploring the cities of Europe as tourists.”
Sitting next to Cate, Marta reached out a hand to cover the younger girl’s. “He’s right. A lone female poking around would be easier to spot than a couple pretending to be tourists.”
“They make a good point.” Cate’s father held his daughter’s gaze. “Not only would you blend in as a tourist, but you’d also have protection, should you get in a tight spot. I know I’d feel better knowing one of these men had your back.”
Cate looked around at the men in the room.
Marta noted she didn’t make eye contact with Draco.
“Can you spare someone?” she asked Hammer.
“I can.” Hammer’s lips quirked upward.
“Why task one of his guys when I’m here?” Draco jumped in.
Cate gave him a stiff, brief smile. “I wouldn’t dream of interrupting your vacation with my work.” She turned to Hammer. “Who did you have in mind?”
A frown dented Draco’s forehead, but he didn’t argue.
Marta wondered why Cate was hesitant to accept Draco's offer to accompany her on her mission.
“So, Marsh is headed back,” Hammer said. “Cate and Draco are staying in Europe for the time being. What about the rest of you?”
Phantom nodded. “The boss already has another assignment lined up for me.”
“Marta?” Hammer smiled. “I hear you’re going to work with the inspectors and WHO to go through Krauss’s and Helvetic’s labs.”
Marta nodded. “Not only will I be helping with that effort, but my friend, Priya Patel, is flying in from Mexico City. We’ve been tasked with developing the antiviral for the engineered virus Teuling released in Uganda, Bangladesh and Paraguay. Guess I’ll be in Zurich for a while.”
Hammer turned to Crusher.
“I’m staying in Zurich as long as Dr. Hale stays,” Crusher said. “Royce said I could take on missions from here or work with the Brotherhood Protectors International. After all, we’re all part of the same organization.”
“We are,” Hammer said. “We’d be glad to have you here as long as you want to stay.”
“Thanks.” Crusher reached for Marta’s hand beneath the table.
Marta’s heart swelled, though she still worried. “Do you think Teuling will buy his way out of jail?”
“He’s actually safer in jail,” Hammer said. “Rumor has it that Bangladesh sent a hit team out to keep Teuling from ever coming up with another form of bioterrorism.”
“The rumor’s true,” Dmytro called out from his corner of the room where he sat before the array of computer monitors. “I have money on it. He won’t make it to trial.” He shot a glance toward Cate. “Miss Cate, if you give me more information, I can help you find your man.”
Cate nodded. “Thank you. I might take you up on that.”
