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“And ere able to keep it a secret for all those years That shows our abilities in the trade”

“When?”

“We started dating ere both fresh recruits We kneould dae our careers if we caareat Langston Overholt And you never found out Neither did Juan”

“So when Tate was imprisoned,” Overholt said, “you couldn’t very well reveal your relationship”

“And be branded a co-conspirator?” she asked with a chuckle “Give me some credit”

“I do You’re quite devious That’s why I knew you’d ent I just didn’t realize how deep that deception went”

“Thank you,” she said sincerely, taking it as a compliment

Overholt waved his arot onto an elevator appointed in brass and lingthis operation? China? Russia? I know the Musliroups have access to oil money, but this isn’t their style”

“We’re a private organization with a group of highly motivated volunteers who believe in our mission Just like Cabrillo’s Corporation”

Overholt knew there was more to that story, but he didn’t want her to put up roadblocks, so he played to her vanity

“You et out of prison Only a talented insider could have done that”

“And helped him fake his death,” Ballard said proudly “It was all very clever and done right under your nose Aren’t I just the best?” She smirked at him “Please, I know all your tricks”

The elevator opened, and the sed into a cavernous space percolating with activity A gantry crane high above was lowering a yellow diving bell tohat looked like an Oly around the pool were shouting instructions that echoed through the space

Zachariah Tate saw Overholt frouard

“Isn’t it i off, his hands out wide “Welcome to the moon pool”