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absences, whichthey aren’t damn likely to admit, then how do we cover our assets?”
    Everyone looked to Colonel Drake, who lifted a hand in Maggie’s direction. “Captain Holt has discussed this type of challenge with Dr. Cabot.”
    “Morgan Cabot,” Maggie explained, “is an expert psychologist and profiler. She believes that body language or abrupt changes in behavior are our best shot at telling the difference between a person and his or her double. Facial expressions, innate reactions to others—before they’ve had a chance to stop and think—and sudden changes in the way they process input. For example, if someone is quiet and suddenly they’re aggressive, that should elevate concern.”
    Amanda nodded, agreeing, then turned the topic back to the attack location. “Why doesn’t Intel recommend a total shutdown on all potential locations?”
    “Can’t. The administration wouldn’t consider it, much less go for it. Makes us appear too fearful and vulnerable, which emboldens all of those against us.” Darcy blew out a slow breath. “Listen, the truth is Intel isn’t certain enough that the attack will be at any of the identified targets to request Homeland Security order shutdowns.”
    “True,” Colonel Drake cut in. “But local First Responders are on heightened alert, advisory status. They are not, at this point, activated. If at any time we discover hard evidence Santa Bella is the target and conditions warrant activation, we can call them up to assist us.”
    “By then,” Maggie said, “it’ll be too late for them to successfully intercede or be much help, Colonel. And knowing Kunz, he’ll keep things ambiguous until the very end.He always has, to prevent us from being able to go after him with full force.”
    Colonel Drake’s level look proved she didn’t like this circumstance a damn bit better than Maggie, but her hands were tied. “I’m aware of that, which is why I’m telling you, Maggie, if the rules get in the way on this mission, you break them.”
    Maggie frowned. Often in the S.A.S.S., rules had to be broken, but that didn’t mean Maggie had to like breaking them. Actually she hated it, and the colonel well knew it.
    Hence, the reason for the direct order—and there was no mistaking by anyone at the table, except maybe for Crowe, that this remark had been a direct order. “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Right now, we work with what we’ve got,” Colonel Drake said. “And what we’ve got is Intel, Homeland Security, the Pentagon and the President all stating their belief that this threat is credible. In our post-9/11 world, that compels everyone responsible for defending the public to act. The S.A.S.S. unit has been activated, and we will de fend Santa Bella, whether or not it wants to be defended.”
    Justin Crowe frowned. “What if one of the other targets Intel identified is attacked? Will this S.A.S.S. unit then stand down?”
    “No.” Colonel Drake sent him a regretful look. “We can’t assume Kunz and GRID intends to attack only one target. He could launch simultaneous strikes at all identified targets.”
    “Or none of them,” Maggie said.
    “Or none of them,” Colonel Drake agreed. “Which is why we must be on-site and prepared to intervene if Santa Bella comes under biological attack.”
    Kate laced her hands atop the table. “At what point do we activate the locals?”
    “Eminent threat stage.”
    Everyone groaned. That was far too late for any type coordination and effective response.
    “Sorry—” Colonel Drake raised a hand “—agree or disagree, with multiple potential targets and no hard intel pointing in our direction, that’s the best we can do.” She let her gaze glide down the table. “Maggie, you’re primary.”
    “But, Colonel,” Kate called, no doubt to oppose Maggie being given primary rather than Kate, who also had bio-expertise and was senior in experience. “I—”
    “Yes, Kate?” There was steel in Colonel Drake’s eyes, and if