“How did the scientist escape your own KGB?” asked the Retaliator. “Usually they are quite capable of dealing with traitors.”

“We are not sure,” said Boris. “According to several reliable though not official sources, Karsnov is being aided by an ultrasecret group of Islamic terrorists based in the United States. The group’s plans are not known to us, but evidently they want revenge against the United States for the humiliation suffered by Iraq in that war of a few years ago. What better way than to unleash a plague virus on the unsuspecting citizens of a major American city?”

“We have dealt with fanatics before,” said the Endless.

“Those same unnamed sources,” said Boris slowly, “reported that members of this group, The Brotherhood of Holy Destruction, wielded seemingly supernatural powers. According to unconfirmed reports, they smuggled Karsnov out of Russia on a magic carpet. I knew it sounded incredible, but I thought it only proper I should mention the story to you.”

“We have dealt with sorcery before as well,” said the Endless, her voice unchanged. “It exists, but it can be stopped. We shall not fail.”

“I’m not worried,” said Boris, thinking of the previous sixty-three assignments. The meeting was drawing to a close. There were only a few things left to be done. He reached into the attaché case at his feet. “I brought along Karsnov’s files for you.”

“And a personal effect?” asked the Rager.

“Of course,” said Boris, reaching again into the case. “Karsnov wore this pocket watch for years. In his haste to escape, he left it behind.”

Boris put the files and the watch onto the table. Carefully, he pushed them forward into the darkness. Someone picked up the file and then the watch. He could hear it being passed around. Bronsky shuddered in anticipation, knowing what came next. His every encounter with the three mysterious hunters ended the same way.