Nigel and Natasha returned to Tage Manor’s dining hall, which had been transformed into a makeshift war room. Jony and Hunter were working together in one group, and Dahlia and Alexei were in another. Melissa kept her distance from everyone from Black Iris. She was sitting with Mr. Tage.

“Alexei, can we have a moment?” Natasha said.

Dahlia gave Natasha a suspicious look.

Alexei nodded. “We’ve been going at this for a while, so let’s take a five-minute break,” Alexei said.

“Is something wrong?” Dahlia asked.

“No—we just need to discuss something with Alexei. In private,” Natasha said.

“Fine,” Dahlia said as she left.

“What’s the matter?” Alexei asked as he looked for anyone within listening range.

Nigel explained the situation about Jet’s disappearance and Dahlia’s involvement.

“Show me what you have.”

Nigel opened his computer and showed him the details.

“Your evidence is not as compelling as you might think. There is a connection to Black Iris, but the Sultan is hardly definitive proof. I’m sorry, Nigel, but you have no smoking gun here,” Alexei said.

Nigel gave Alexei a sullen look.

“Perhaps it is best if I approach Dahlia with this information. I can’t promise that she will help, but maybe . . .” Alexei said.

“Okay—please let me know if you find anything. I fear for her . . . safety,” Nigel said.

“In the meantime, I suggest that you help out here Nigel. We are trying to figure out where Jeremiah is keeping this rogue AI. I heard something from Jony and Hunter’s table about hacking, so see if you can lend a hand,” Alexei said.

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Natasha grabbed Alexei’s arm, and then whispered in his ear.

“Oh . . . shit, on second thought, perhaps you can work with Melissa instead,” Alexei said.

Nigel gave Alexei a critical look.

“Why can’t I work with Jony and Hunter?” Nigel demanded.

“Natasha reminded me that Melissa might have additional information on Jeremiah’s facility. She said something about solving cryptographic puzzles earlier. I think your time is better spent with her . . . for now,” Alexei said.

Nigel considered this for a moment. “That makes sense,” he said, “but at some point I will need to work with those guys.” He got up and walked over to join Melissa, she was alone.

When Nigel was out of earshot, Natasha punched Alexei.

“Ouch! What was that for?” Alexei yelped.

“For almost starting another incident. Have you seen the way Hunter has been looking at Nigel? You also forgot that he was responsible for his throat problem,” Natasha said.

“Sorry, that was my bad.”

“It will be more than that if Nigel finds out the truth.”

“Am I interrupting anything?” Dahlia said, entering the room.

Natasha jumped.

How long had she been there? Natasha wondered.

“No, we were just finishing up. I believe that Alexei has something to ask you,” Natasha said as she walked away.

Dahlia gave Alexei a questioning stare. “Tell me what?”

Alexei explained the situation to Dahlia.

“What do you want me to do about it? I think we have a more pressing matter than to look for a teenager’s girlfriend,” Dahlia said.

“The kid believes that there may be a connection to Jeremiah somehow,” Alexei lied.

Dahlia looked at Nigel and Melissa, who seemed to be deep in collaboration.

“He is working with Melissa to confirm it now. I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt—at least until we know. I would like to see if this pans out, wouldn’t you?” Alexei said.

Dahlia’s expression contorted into a sneer. “This is more than we bargained for. I don’t see how this helps our cause.”

“I think it’s worth looking into.”

“Fine. I will help you. Only because of our . . . history. I’m not doing it for him.”

Alexei smiled, and Dahlia seemed to soften somewhat.

“What is your connection with this Sultan guy?” Alexei asked.

“He has an ongoing business relationship with Black Iris. We provide a service that he needs, and in exchange, he provides the funds to help keep Black Iris in business,” Dahlia said.

“Nigel uncovered some direct communication between you and the Sultan concerning someone called the Taker. Is there any way you can verify this with the Sultan?”

“If I call him, will you drop the matter?” Dahlia said.

“I will, unless you find something.”

“Give me all the details. I will contact him.”