Chapter 17
As Deputy Administrator, Bian Nguyen’s private office was the size of most conference rooms. In addition to her massive ebony desk with all the built-in computer screens, there was a red-and-black lacquered table with a dozen matching chairs around it resting on the thick cream-colored Oriental rug. The walls were hung with framed examples of Japanese calligraphy on parchment, even though Bian did not read Japanese.
She’d begun making plans while Richard was away—both for her own benefit and the Agency’s—and sent for him immediately upon his return. It was a small, intimate conference consisting of Bian and Richard, Phyllis Rokowsky, Cahil and Brigida.
“I’m sorry to hear about your sister,” Bian began, and Richard could tell from her mind her concern was genuine. “Do you have
