“It’s about time you came back. I’m afraid that we’ve exhausted the cake. The boy can eat a lot!” Mr. Tage told Alexei as he entered.

Alexei smiled at Nigel. “That’s what teenage boys do, Eldon.”

“Have any of you come to a decision regarding Black Iris?” Melissa asked.

“I have, and I suspect that Dahlia will call on one of us soon,” Alexei said.

The room fell silent. All faces turned to Alexei.

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“I don’t trust Dahlia’s lackeys. We need to take this matter direct to D herself.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing!” Natasha said in a serious tone.

“I used a digital dead drop, so it might be a while before she calls,” Alexei said.

“It’s late, so I suggest that we retire for the evening,” Mr. Tage said.

“Nigel, let me see that voice box,” Alexei said.

Nigel removed the voice modulator and handed it Alexei.

“Follow me to my room,” Alexei said. “I have a tool kit in my bag.”

About thirty minutes later, Alexei handed the voice modulator circuit back to Nigel.

“Try to speak.”

“I didn’t know that you knew how to repair electronics,” Nigel said.

“It sounds great to me, Nigel.”

“This is the best news I’ve had in days. Thank you, Alexei.”

“We need you in top shape for the days to come. We still don’t know how events will unfold.”