Teddy tapped on the front door. No response. He rang the doorbell.
A man answered. “Name.”
Greystone recognized him. Cal was a CIA protective agent from the Global Response staff. Good guy, easy to work with.
“Iron Whisper,” Teddy said.
Once inside, Cal shut and bolted the front door.
Greystone extended his hand. “It’s been a minute.”
Cal shook his hand. “How have you been?”
“Runnin’ and gunnin’,” replied Greystone. “You?”
“Taking care of business, keeping a low profile,” Cal replied.
A female agent rose from the sofa and acknowledged them.
“Where’s the asset?” Greystone asked.
“In the bedroom. Wait here.” She left, returning with a thin woman wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a long, knit sweater.
The asset offered a rueful smile. “Hello.”
“You’re doing a brave thing,” Greystone said.
“Thank you. They are only trying to do harm.” She shook her head. “I loved him—I still love him, but this is no way to live.” She unearthed a handful of photos from the pocket of her sweater. “These are all I have left of him, so I cannot give them to you.”
“Can we take pictures of them?” Greystone asked.
“Yes.” She led the way to the small, tidy kitchen, turned on the stove light, and set the three pictures on the counter.”
Both Greystone and Teddy snapped a few pics with their phones.
“My name can never be tied to this,” she said.
“It won’t,” Greystone assured her, “but I need you to identify yourself.”
She glanced at the female protection officer, who nodded. “I go by Sherry, but my given name is Farisha Al-Amir.”
“Confirm the name of your spouse,” Teddy said.
“Sajid Haqazzii. Second cousin in the Haqazzii family.”
“Who’s the current leader of the Haqazzii cell?” Greystone asked.
She pulled another photo from her pocket and showed them. “Muhammad Haqazzii. He’s the youngest son of Abdel.” She offered them the picture. “I don’t want this. You can take it.”
Greystone slid the photo into his pocket.
“Is there anything else you can tell us?” Teddy asked.
“I have seen much violence.” She shuddered. “These men are ruthless. I wish you luck.”
“We wish you a happy life,” Teddy replied.
Greystone thanked the officers before he and Teddy made their way to the front of the safe house.
