coming back?” suggested Puller.

 

Rogers gaped at him. It was clear he had never considered this possibility. “I’m

not sure I even remember who I was,” he said quietly. “But why all these painful

attacks?” asked Knox.

 

Rogers rubbed his legs. “They installed an endoskeleton made of composites. Made

me the strongest person on earth.” “So what’s happening to it?” asked Knox.

“After thirty years it appears to be dissolving. Or maybe my body’s finally

rejecting it, I don’t know.” “Is there any way to reverse it?” asked Puller.

“Not so anyone’s told me.” Puller and Knox exchanged a glance. Puller shook his

head.

 

Knox said, “Okay, then we need to get to Davis and/or Myers. I have to believe

that if they’re alive they’re at Ballard’s.” Rogers said, “I got into the place

before. I can do it again.” “But this time we’ll be with you,” said Puller.

 

Chapter 67

 

YOU SCALED THAT wall with no rope?” Puller, Knox, and Rogers were flat on their

bellies on the beach looking up at the Ballard compound. They had on black ski

masks pulled down over their faces.

 

Behind them the ocean surf beat on relentlessly, covering any noises they might

have made.