00:23.
Miller pushed the door open again.
"Sir, all direct lines are unresponsive. Chairman Masoud's encrypted landline indicates 'line fault,' both satellite phones have no response or show 'out of service area.' His private mobile goes straight to voicemail. Office Director Mr. Najib answered the call, but..."
She paused, then continued:
"His tone was very formal, insisting that Chairman Masoud was already asleep, conserving energy for tomorrow's inspection at the Kirkuk front lines, and strictly ordered not to be disturbed. I conveyed the urgent life-and-death message, but he refused to wake the chairman and suggested we contact the office at 8 AM local time when they resume normal hours."
"Bullshit!"
Duke sneered and cursed.
