Extinction Machine

Chapter One Hundred

VanMeer Castle

Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sunday, October 20, 9:15 p.m.

“You knew all of this and you’re content to just leave them there?” demanded Mr. Bones.

“Not exactly,” said Erasmus Tull. “I didn’t come here to get a pat on the head as a good dog, Bones. I wanted to talk this over with Mr. Shelton. And, yes, with you. I know you guys used Junie to seed the ground for the eventual reveal of Specter 101 and that whole generation of superspeed aircraft, but if she really has memorized the Black Book, why not bring her in and—I don’t know—file her away somewhere. Great reference book.”

“Nice looking, too,” agreed Aldo.

“She’d never cooperate with something like that,” said Mr. Bones.

“‘Cooperate’?” said Tull, amused. “You really don’t get out of the lab much, do you? If we want her to ‘cooperate’ then we just apply the right pressure.”

Howard pursed his lips. “That’s not bad. Her use as a free agent is pretty much done. Let’s bring her in.”

Mr. Bones snorted. “She’s with Joe Ledger. Are you going to send more of your Closers in to do the pickup? How many are you willing to waste on that little project?”

“No,” said Tull. “I’ll do it.”

Howard shook his head. “I want you here. We have important guests coming in the morning. You don’t want to miss the demonstration.”

“When?”

“Eight thirty. I convinced certain key members of the DoD, including some very important generals that Shelton Aeronautics has something in late-stage development that might provide a response to the attack at Dugway. Everyone I called is very interested. So, instead of a big reveal at the air show, which is moot anyway, we’re going to have a private screening, so to speak.”

“Eighty thirty.” Tull looked at his watch. “Robinwood’s about four hours from here. It’ll be tight, but we’ll be back before the show. Even have time to take a shower and put on a tie.”