One hundred and fifty-three

Talia's POV:

"Oh." I frowned. "So why did David object to that?"

"Because the Americans have a savior complex—or would like the Chinese to think they do. They want this information to be coming from them instead of me so that the Government owes them a favor."

"Ah, I see." And I did. I was beginning to understand how this game worked. In the shadowy world of intelligence agencies and off-the-record politics, favors were like currency—and my husband was rich in more ways than one. Rich enough to ensure that he would never be prosecuted for petty crimes like kidnapping or illegal arms dealing. "And you want David to give you some info to leak to Syria, so they owe you a favor, right?"

Nicholas grinned at me, white teeth flashing. "Yes, indeed. You're a natural, my love."

"Why did you decide to let me listen in today?" I asked, eyeing him curiously. "Why today, of all days?"