IfYou’reGoingThroughHellKeepGoing
Copyright©2014Tinnean
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Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Allcharacters,placesandeventsarefromtheauthor'simaginationand
shouldnotbeconfusedwithfact.Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,eventsorplaces,ispurely
coincidental.

PLEASEBEADVISED:

Thisbookcontainsmaterialthatisonlysuitableformaturereaders.Itcontainsscenesofasexualnature
betweentwoormoreconsentingmen.

EDICATION

Asalways,thisisforBob,whokeepsthehouseholdrunningsoIcanwrite.You’rethegreatest,

babe.

CKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ThankstoJeffAdkinsforagreatcover,andtoLizBachmannfortheediting.Aspecialthankyou

toPatriciaLoganforpointingmeintheirdirection.

ThanksalsotoTisha,AnitaGuerreroDockery,TrishaHarrington,TimMead,Trish,andof

course,Tony,fortheirhelp.

AndtoGailMorse,forpatientlylisteningtoallthewhatifs...thankyoumorethanIcansay,

chereamie.

UTHOR

’

NOTE

TheWilliamHenryHarrisonHotel,theMadisonArms,GarlandRooms,lePetitHomme,and

hôteldel’Espoirareallfictionalestablishments

ABLE

ONTENTS

Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29

ROLOGUE

I’dneverexpectedtohaveaguylikeQuintonManninmylife.TheycalledhimtheIceMan,but

theywereidiots.Maybethatwastruewhenitcametobusiness,butinbed?I’dneverhadahotterlover.
Thefirsttimehe’dgonedownonme,afterthebirthdaydinnerhe’dboughtmeatRaphael’s…well,can
wesay“blownaway?”

Thethingwas,QuinnworkedfortheCIA,andCIAandWBIS—WashingtonBureauof

IntelligenceandSecurity,whichIworkedfor—didn’tmixanybetterthanoilandwater.Addedtothat,he
wasconsideredroyaltyintheintelligencecommunity.Onhismother’ssidewereagentsgoingbackto
RichardIII,althoughonhisfather’sside,theyonlywentbacktotheSpanishAmericanWar.Still,Manns
wereinvolveduptotheirhazeleyesineveryconflict,majororminor,sincethattime.

Me?Iwasjustablue-collarkidwhocouldn’ttracehisancestrybackmorethantwogenerations.

Myoldladywasanabusivedrunk,andallIknewofmyfatherwashewasburiedinsomenameless
graveinEurope.

Soitmadesensewe’dhavenothingtodowitheachother.Andbeyondtheprofessional,I’dnever

paidanyattentiontohim.

Butthenwe’dcrossedpathsattheWymanBrothersWarehouseonthePatapscoRiver.Hewas

goingaftersomethingtheWBISwanted,andIintendedtoseewegotitandhedidn’t.

Noonehadevertriedtofacemedownbefore,notwithoutcrappingtheirpants,buttherewas

Mann,woundedandhurting,shotbyaroguespook,andhestillrefusedtosurrenderthebriefcasewith
Bruchner’sformulaforarenewableenergysource.

Nowherewewere,morethanayearafterthatfirstblowjob,andyou’dthinkthingswouldhave

cooledoffalittle,butwestillwentateachotherhotandheavy.Whatthemancoulddowithhiscock!

Andhismouthandhisassand….

ButthatwashowitstartedwithmeandQuinn.

Who’dhavefuckingthoughtI’dwindupinarelationshipwithaspookfromtheCIA?

Who’dhavethoughtI’dbeinarelationshipwithanyone,period?

ButIwas.Wewere.

Ihadn’tbeencertain.

SenatorWexler’sambitiousplanwastobecomepresidentandhavePortiaMannashisfirstlady.

ItresultedintheaccidentmeantforQuinn,whichinsteadleftPortiainacomaforacoupleofdays.

Quinnhadbeendistraught.

Andevenaftershecameoutofit,Portiahadbeeninagooddealofpain.She’dbeenforcedto

useawalkerandthenacaneformonthsafter,andcouldn’trideordance.Herinabilitytoclimbthesteps
intoherownhousehadbeentheicingonthecakeforQuinn,andhe’dnotonlyaskedmetodealwiththe
goodsenator,buthe’dinsistedoncomingalongwithme.

AftertakingcareofWexlerafewweeksearlier—assortofabirthdaypresentforQuinn—I’d

givenQuinntheopportunitytobackaway.ItwasonethinghearingorreadingaboutwhatIwascapable
of,anothertohaveafrontrowseat,watchingwhileIdidit.

ButQuinnsurprisedme.SeeingmewithmyhandsaroundWexler’sneck,puttingjustenough

pressureonthearteriesrunningtohisbraintoresultinparalysis….WhatI’ddonehadn’tchangedhow
Quinnfeltaboutme.

Well,hecouldbeprettyruthlesshimself,especiallywherethosehelovedwereconcerned.

Wexlerwasstillalive,machinesfeedinghim,breathingforhim….Ihadhopeshe’dcontinuethat

wayforalong,longtime.

Ithoughtitmadeanicelittlepayback.

***

QuinnandIhadcomebackfromIsladelPlacerEscarpado,myislandoffthecoastofCosta

Rica.BetweendealingwithWexlerandgettingthingsstraightenedout—nopun—betweenmeandQuinn,
wedidn’tgetbacktoDCuntilaftermybirthday.

Ididn’tneedapartyoranything,althoughIwouldn’thavesaidnotoagiftliketheonehe’dgiven

melastyear—ablowjobwasalwaysagoodgift.

WhathedidgivemewasafirsteditionofLouisL’Amour’sHondo.Itreplacedmyfather’scopy,

whichhadbeendestroyedwhenthatbastardRobertSperlinghadtriedtobreakintomyapartmentandthe
placehadexploded.

Nowweweresprawledonthebedinmycondo,watchingtheDVDofHondo.Portiahadgivenit

tomeasatokenofhergratitudeafterI’drescuedQuinnwhenhe’dbeenkidnappedbyarogueanti-
terroristorganization.

Motherandsonbothknewwhatthebookandthemoviemeanttome.

JohnWaynehadjustfinishedtellingGeraldinePageaboutthesquaw-seekingceremony,where

theysaidoneword:varlebena,whichmeantforever.

IlookedintoQuinn’seyesandsaid,“Forever,Quinn.”

Hiseyeswerealmostgreen.“Forever,Mark.”

Thatwasniceofhimtosay,butIwasn’tstupidenoughtothinkIwashis“one”—howlongcould

theprincestayinlovewiththecommoner?Therewouldcomeadaywhenhe’dfindtheloveofhislife,
butuntilhedid,I’dholdontowhatIhadwithhim.Andafterward,I’dcherishthememoryofit.

Iloweredmyheadtotakehislipsinakissthatwouldleadtosomehot,sweatysex...andmycell

phonerang.

Iwouldhaveletitgotovoicemail,buttheringtonewasBadtotheBone.

ItwasTrevorWallace,themanknownasTheBoss,andyeah,thatwaswithcaps.Heranthe

WBIS,whereI’dworkedforthepastsixteenyears.

“Sorry,babe.Ihavetotakethis.”

Quinnwasaprofessional,inspiteofthefactheworkedfortheCIA.Hedidn’thasslemeoverit,

justrolledoffthebedandgatheredupthebowlofpopcornwe’dbeenmunchingon.“I’llseeaboutgetting
dinnerstarted,”hemurmured,andhelefttheroom.

IfithadbeenanyoneotherthanTheBoss,I’dhavegoneafterQuinn,admiringhisassand

droolingeverystepoftheway.

Instead,Itouchedthebuttononmyphone.“Yes,sir?”

“Mark,IhaveajobforyouinPhoenix.”

“Yes,sir.”

HegavemethedetailsandImadesomenotes,thenhungup,tookasuitcasefrommycloset,and

beganpackingjustasQuinncamein.

“IthoughtI’dmakerigatoni….”HestoppedasherealizedwhatIwasdoing.“No,IguessIwon’t

bemakingrigatoni.”

“Sorry,babe.I’vegotajob.”TherehadbeenatimeI’dneverhavetoldhimthat,butthattimehad

longpassed.

“Okay.”Hesatontheedgeofthebedandputonhisshoes.

“I’llbebackinacoupleofweeks.”

“I’llseeyouthen.”

“Quinn.”

“Yes?”HelookedupwhenIdidn’tsayanythingmore,andIcouldseehissurprisewhenhe

realizedwhatIwasofferinghim:aringofkeysthatwouldlethimentermycondo.Ifthelocksweren’t
undoneinaspecificsequence,thedoorexploded.RobertSperlinghadn’tknownthecodeandhadwound
upacrispycritterintheDCmorgue.

Ididn’twantthattohappentoQuinn.

“Comeon.Letmeshowyouthesequence.”

HAPTER

Thejobranalmosttwoweeksandincludedgoingoutonthelinkswithsomeexecutivesfromthe

HuntingdoncampusinPhoenix,whichhadfinallybeencompleted.

Oncethejobwasdone,Istillhadacoupleofdaystospare,soIrentedacaranddrovetoLAto

visitwithPaulandSpike.ImadesuretheofferofamoviecontracttoSpikewaslegit,andthenthethree
ofusspentsometimeatDisneyland.

Finally,onMarch14,IcaughtaflighthomeandcalledQuinnassoonasIlandedinDulles.We’d

meetatRaphael’sfordinner.TheItalianrestaurantwasourplace,andwehadastandingdateevery
Fridayevening,aslongaswewerebothintown.Afterdinner,he’dfollowmebacktomycondo,and
we’dspendtheweekendtogether.

“Hey,babe.”

“Areyouhome,Mark?”

IknewhemeantDC.We’dtalkedalmosteverynight,onceevenfallingasleepwithourphones

pressedtoourears,listeningtoeachotherbreathewhenweranoutofconversation.“Yeah,myflightjust
landed.AssoonasIgetdoneatbaggageclaim,I’llheadhome.Iwanttograbashower,andthenI’llmeet
youatRaphael’s.”

“Or....”

“Or?”

“Icouldmeetyouatyourplaceinstead.I’monlytenminutesaway.I’llmakedinner.”

“I’dlikethat.”

“Excellent.I’llseeyouinalittlewhile.”

***

QuinngottousethekeysI’dgivenhim.HewasalreadyinmycondowhenIletmyselfin.

“Hi,babe.”

“Hello,Mark.”Hesmiledatmeoverhisshoulderwhilehestirredsomethinginapotonthe

cooktop.Heworejeans,butthatwasasfarashe’dtakencasual.Hisshirtwasawhitebutton-down,with
thesleevesrolledup.

Iputdownmysuitcase,wenttohim,andwrappedmyarmsaroundhim.“I’mgladtoseeyou.”I

droppedakissjustbeneathhisleftear.

Heturnedinmyembraceandranhisfingertipsalongmyear.“Youlooktired,Mark.Roughtrip?”

“Theusual.”

Hedidn’tpressfordetails.“Doyouwanttotakeanap?Ihaven’tstartedthepasta,andIcanset

thevealinthewarmingdrawer.Itwillstayfineforanhourorso.”

“Willyoujoinme?”

Hetiltedhishead.“IfIdo,youknowyouwon’tgetanysleep.”

“No,Iwon’t.”Igrinnedathimandstrolledintomybedroom,leavingmysuitcasewhereitwas.

Afterdinner,ormaybetomorrow,I’demptyitanddothelaundry.Ireallywasn’tastiredasQuinn
seemedtothink.

Ididneedashower,though.Istrippedoffmyclothes.BeforeIcouldturnonthewater,Quinn

wasthere,asnakedasIwas.Iraisedaneyebrow.Heflippedupthelever,andthewaterbegancascading
down.

“Youdidaskmetojoinyou.”Heranhispalmdownmyspineandovermyass.

“Idid,didn’tI?”

Ididn’tgetthatnap.Wemadeloveintheshowerinstead.

Afterward,Quinnmademepenneàlavodka,followedbyvealpiccata,whichwe’dhadonmy

birthdaylastyear.

Candleswereonthetable,wineingoblets,acenterpieceofpansies,nemesia,andcyclamen—

Quinnnamedtheflowers.Ihadnoclue—andthenwewentbacktobed.

Andthegoodtimesjustkepta-coming.

***

ThefirsttimeIwokeSaturdaymorning,itwastothefeelingofQuinn’sfingersinmyhair.“I

missedyou,”hemurmuredsoftly.“ItscaresmehowmuchI’vemissedyou.”

“Don’tletit.I’llalwaysbehere,babe.Forever,remember?”I’dmissedhimtoo.Ithadbeena

longtwoweeks.

“Iremember.”Hebrushedakissovermytemple,andwefellasleepwithhimstillpettingme.

ThesecondtimeIwokeup,Quinnwasinmyarms,hisheadtuckedundermychin.

“Doyouhavetoworktoday?”

Ishould.I’dbeenoutoftheofficefortwoweeks,andtherewasprobablyashitloadof

paperworktocatchupon.Butfuckit,TheBosswasalwaysaftermetodelegate.Mathesoncoulddeal
withit.

“No,”ItoldQuinn,andheleanedbacktostudymyeyes.

“No?Excellent!Whatdidyouwanttodo?”

“Well,howdoesspendingthemorninginbedsound?”

“Excellent!”hesaidagain.

***

BecauseitwastheSt.Patrick’sDayweekend,alocalmoviehousewasshowingTheQuietMan,

sowewenttoseeitintheafternoon,andthatevening,ItookQuinntotheDungarvan,alittleIrishpubon
HStreet.Weworecasualclothes—Vincentcasual,whichmeantjeans,DocMartens,fishermanknit
sweaters,andbomberjackets.Andofcoursewecarriedourclutchpieces.

TheDungarvanwasdarkandrustic,withlotsofwoodenbeams,sawdustonthefloor,andtables

andchairsasopposedtobooths.Wehadcornedbeefonryewithasideofpotatochips,washeddown
withIrishRedAle,andwelistenedtothebandsingaboutIrishroversandcolonialboys,flutesand
wakesand“BrennanontheMoor.”

Itookiteasyontheale,sinceI’dbedriving,butQuinnreallylikedthetasteofit.Thatkindof

surprisedme,sinceheusuallypreferredseasonalbeerslikeSpringBock,whichhegotfromaVirginia
brewery.Butwhatthehell?Ifiguredhemightaswellenjoyhimself.

Bythetimeweleft,justbeforeone,Igotanothersurprise:Quinnwasfeelingnopain.Theale

seemedtohavegonerighttohishead.

Ihadanarmaroundhiswaist,tryingtokeephimfromfallingonhisass.“You’dbetterhopeno

onedecidestojumpthefags,”Igrousedundermybreath.

Inspiteofthefacthe’dbeenhumming“TheSevenDrunkenNights,”hemusthaveheardme.

“Therearefagsaroundhere?”Helookedaroundasifsearchingforthem.

“Jesus,Quinn.”

Heleanedcloseandkissedmycheek.

“Howdrunkareyou?”

“Iamnotdrunk,”hesaid,withdrunkendignity.

“Could’vefooledme.”

“Andanyway,that’swhatyougetforfillingmewithbeer.”

“Areyougoingtohaveahangovertomorrow?”

“Idon’tthinkso.”

Fortunately,bythatpointwe’dreachedmycar,andIunlockeditandpouredhimintothefront

seat.Hestretchedhislegs,tippedbackhishead,andclosedhiseyes.Ibuckledhimupandclosedthe
door.

“Iguessthismeansnosextonight,”ImutteredasIputthekeyintheignitionandswitchediton.

FromthecornerofmyeyeIcouldseeQuinnstraightenandunfastenhisseatbelt.“Quinn....”

Andthenhetoppledover,landingwithhisheadinmylap.

“Fuckageezleygoddamn!”

Hishandwasbusyonmyfly.

“Quinn....”

“Hush.”

“We’regonnagetarrested!”

“Nowewon’t.”Hehadmycockout,andhisbreathwaswarmonit.“You’llkeepussafe.”

Okay,maybehewasdrunk,butthefactheknewIwouldn’tletanythinghappentohimindicated

hestillhadittogether.

Acarnotdoinganythingbutsittingwithitsenginerunningwoulddrawattention.Iturnedoffthe

ignitionjustasQuinn’smouthclosedaroundme.

Weshouldnotbedoingthis,butGod,itfeltgood!

Therewasataponthedriver’ssidewindow,andIwantedtopunchsomething,mainlywhoever

wasstandingthere.Quinnwaslostinwhathewasdoing,butIdidn’twanttotakeachancehe’dsitback
andshowhisface.Iputmyhandonhisneck.Hetookitasencouragementandcontinuedbobbingupand
down.

Whoeverwasoutsidewasgettingimpatient.Herappedharderonthewindow.Andofcourseit

wasacop.

Isighedandpressedthebuttontolowerthewindow.“Yes,Officer?”

“Youcan’t—Mr.Vincent,isthatyou?”

Fuck.“Hello,Samuels.”HewasoneofmysourcesattheDCPD.

“Geez,Ididn’trealize….”

“Youdidn’trealizewhat?”

Helookedathiswatch.“Howlateitwas.I’dbetterbegoing.Um...Ithinkitmightbeagood

ideaforyoutogotoo.”

“Iguessso.”Quinn’smovementshadslowed,andnowtherewasasoftsnorecomingfromthe

directionofmylap.

“Goodnight,sir.”

“’Night,Samuels.”Iwaiteduntilhecrossedtohisvehiclebeforepressingthebuttonforthe

window.Itslidshut,andIeasedQuinnbackintohisseat.“Comeon,baby.Alittlecooperationwouldbe
appreciated.”

“Hmm?”Buthewasstillasleep.

Igothisseatbeltfastenedagainandloweredhisseatsohewouldn’tslumpsidewaysandbang

hisheadonthedoor.OnlythendidIdoupmyfly.

AndasIfastenedmyownseatbelt,Istartedchuckling.QuintonMann,wastedonbeer.Ishook

myhead,turnedtheignitionbackon,putthecaringear,andheadedhome.

Itonlytookabouttwenty-fiveminutestoarriveatAspenReach.Ipulleduptothegate,pressed

thebuttonontheremoteIkeptonthevisor,andthegateopened.

“Mark?”Quinnturnedtowardme,curledalegunderhim,andreachedacrosstheconsoletorest

ahandjustabovemyknee.

“Oh,you’rewithusagain?”Therewasnoresponse.“Baby?”

Nope,hewasstillasleep.

Shit.Idrovethroughthegateandfollowedthecurvedroadthatwouldtakemetomybuilding.

“Quinn.”Nothing.Well,thissuckedcanalwater.Ilookedfromthelobbydoorsofmycondoto

Quinn,andIpokedhisshoulder.“Comeon,babe,wakeup!”

Again,nothing.

Icouldn’tleavemycarparkedinfrontofthebuildingwhileIluggedQuinnupthestairs—the

condoassociationNazisalwayspatrolledatnight,andthey’dcomeafterme.IfthemanagerofForest
Heights,theplaceI’dlivedbeforemovingbackintotheatticapartment,hadkickedmeoutduetoan
insignificantexplosion,theirreactionwouldprobablybeworse,anditwouldn’tlookgoodifIhurtthem.
ButifIparkedtheDodgeinthegaragethatwentwithmycondo,I’dnotonlyhavetolugQuinnupthree
flightsofstairs,I’dhavetolughimbackhereaswell.

Theonlythingtodowasgethimintomycondo.I’dworryabouteverythingelseafterward.

Iwentaroundtothepassengersideofthecar,openedthedoor,andunfastenedhisseatbelt.

“Okay,Mann,let’sgetyououtofthere.”

Iyankedhimup,gotmyshoulderintohisgut,andhoistedhimupinafireman’slift.

Jesus,whendidhegetsoheavy?DidIneedtoworkoutmore?

Istaggeredupthestepsandintothelobby,havingusedtheswipecardtounlockthedoor.Andit

hadtohavebeenasignfromGod:theelevatorwasstandingtherewiththedoorsopen.

WithQuinnstrippedandinbed,Iwentbackdowntoputmycaraway.Wouldn’tyouknow

someonefromtheNeighborhoodWatchwasstickinganoticeonmywindshield?

“IfIcan’tgetthatoff,I’mgoingtotearyouanewone,”Igrowled.

Hejumped,andIsawitwasChesterJohnson,vicepresidentofthecondoownersassociation.

He’dtriedthrowinghisnot-inconsiderableweightaroundwhenI’dmetwiththeassociationbeforeI’d
closedonmycondolastfall,butithadn’tworked,andIhadthefeelingheresentedit.

“You’renotsupposedtoleaveyourvehicleonthestreet—”

“WhichiswhyIwasabouttogarageit.Nowgetthatfuckingpieceofshitpaperoffmy

windshield.”

Hehadalittletroubledoingit,andhegrumbledunderhisbreaththeentiretime.

“Y’knowwhat,Chester?Theannualboardmeetingiscomingupsoon,isn’tit?MaybeI’llrunfor

office.”I’dheardfromotherresidentsthatthepresidentandvicepresidenthadbeenincontrolforthe

pastthirteenyears,andeachtimeanelectioncameup,theyintimidatedotherpossiblecandidatestothe
pointtheyranuncontested.

“Youcan’t!”

“Wannabet?”

“Youwon’tgetasinglevote!”

“I’llgetthevotesfromthisbuilding.”ThewayQuinnhadhelpedmedecoratemycondofor

Christmashadwonthebuildingthe“bestdecorated”awardforthefirsttimesinceconstructionhad
finished.

Chesterharrumphed,stalkedovertohiscar,andwedgedhisfatassintoit.Hewasstillglaringat

meashedroveoff.

Goddammit.WhyhadIlethimpissmeoff?Ihadnodesiretorunforapositiononthecondo

board.Ihadtoomuchgoingonatwork.

IgaragedtheDodgeandwalkedbacktomycondo,tofindQuinnsprawledonmysideofthebed,

mypillowinhisarms.

Well,itwaskindofmyfaulthewaslikethis,soIcouldlethimhavetheleftsideforachange.I

removedmyclothes,liftedupthebedspreadandsheet,andgotinbesidehim.ThenIpulledhimagainst
meandkepthimtherewithalegoverhisandahandaroundhiscock.

***

ThenextmorningIwokeuptofindourpositionsreversed.Icouldfeelhiscocknestledinthe

crackofmyass,andIshiveredatthethoughtthatwithasinglepush,he’dbeinme.

Iwasn’tworriedaboutthefacthe’dtakemewithoutacondom—webothhadacleanbillof

healtheverytimewehadblooddrawnbyeitherofouragencies—butweshouldtalkaboutitfirst.Ididn’t
wanthimtohaveanyregrets.

“Morning,Mark.”Hisvoicewassleep-roughenedashemurmuredthewordsinmyearandran

hispalmovermytreasuretrailanddowntomycock.“We’reatyourcondo.”

“Yeah.”

“Weweresupposedtospendthenightatmyplace.”

“So?”Istartedtotellhimwhatweneededwasaplacethatwasn’thisandwasn’tminebutwas

ours.Thenthisconversationwouldn’tcomeup.

“Iknow,thatisn’tabigdeal.Butinorderforthistowork,weneedtocompromise.”

“Thisisworkingfine.”Iwantedtosmackhishead—wecompromisedplenty—butIdidn’t.He

hadhadalotofbeerthenightbefore,andmaybeitwashishangovertalking.“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Fine.Whywouldn’tI?”

“You’reputtingmeon!”Ileanedbackonanelbowandstaredintohiseyes.“Afterlastnight?”

“ItoldyouIdon’thavehangovers.”

“Soyourememberdrinkingallthatale.”

“Iwashavingagoodtime.IlosttrackofhowmuchIdrank.”Heflushedalittle.“ButIletyou

down.Iapologize.”

“Huh?”

“Istartedtogiveyouablowjobandfellasleepinthemiddleofit.”

“Itwasjustaswell.”Iranthebacksofmyfingersoverhischeek.“Acopcamebytoseewhat

wasup.”

“I’msosorry.”Helookedmiserable.“Icouldhavegottenusarrested.”

“No,it’sokay.Iknewhim.”

Hegroaned.“Evenworse.Yourreputation—”

“Quinn,everyonethinksI’masociopath.WhatdoIcareiftheythinkI’masociopathwholikes

guys?”

“But….”

“Itellyouwhat,SleepingBeauty.Ifyouwanttomakeituptome,I’dhavenoobjection.”

“Excuseme?”

Irolledover,kickedbackthebedspread,andgesturedtowardmymorningwood.

“Iseewhatyoumean.”Hemadehiswaydownmybody,butthenpausedtolookintomyeyes.

“You’rereallynotannoyedwithme?”

“Nah.Itwouldtakemorethananinterruptedblowjobtopissmeoff.”

“No,Imeanaboutthecopstoppingby.”

“Well,youcouldn’tknowhe’dshowup.”

“Mark!”

“Yeah,baby?”Istrokedhisshoulder.“Whydon’tyouswingthatsweetassofyoursaroundsoI

cangiveyousomeattentiontoo?”

Henuzzledthespotwheremyhipandthighjoined,andnippedtheskin.“I’dlikethat.”

“Thenhoptoit.Time’sa-wasting,andwestillhavetohavebreakfast.”Andhehadtochangeinto

hisridingclothes.

I’dhavetoridealso,butsofarI’dbeenabletoavoidbuyingapairofjodhpurs.

QuinnpositionedhimselfsoIcouldreachhiscock.God,hisassdrovemecrazy.Itwassoround,

sofirm,so….Iranmyfingertipsoveritanddownhiscrackbeforeturningmyattentiontohiscock.

“Mark,I….”

“Yeah?”Iangledupmyheadandlappedatthetipofhiscock,tastingprecome.“Ilovetheway

youtaste.”

“Doyoureally?”

“Yeah,Ido.”

“Inthatcase…”Heloweredhishipsuntilhiscockwasnudgingmylips.Itookhimintomy

mouthandswallowedhimdown.“God,I….”Hedidn’tfinish,though;hejustbeganblowingme,andI
totallylosttrackofwhathemighthavebeenabouttosay.

Bythetimewefinishedsuckingeachothertoamind-bendingclimax,Quinnwassprawledall

overme,breathingheavily.ThistimeIdraggedmyfingernailsoverthecurveofhisbutt.

“Mmm.”Hewriggledundermytouch.

“Y’knowsomething,babe?”

“Mmm?”Thistimethesoundwasobviouslyaquestion.

“I’mgladyouleavesomespareridingclotheshere.”I’dboughthimapairofjodhpurslastfall,

buthealsoneededafittedshirt,jacket,gloves,andpaddedboots.Andahelmet.I’dshootthehorseifit
threwhimandmadehimlandonhishead.“Thiswayyoucanstaylonger.”ThenextthingIknew,Ihadan
armfuloflover.“What…?”

“Ilikebeingyour…yourboyfriend.”

“Ithinkwe’realittleoldforthat.AtleastIam.”Ihadthreeyearsonhim.

“Inthatcase,whatwouldyoucallwhatwehave?”

“Partnership?Significantother-ship?”

Hegaveachokeoflaughter,tuckedhisheadundermychin,andwrappedhisarmsaroundme.

“Well,whateveritiswehave,Ilikeit.”

“SodoI.”Ipettedhishair.

“Youdo?”

“Forever,remember?”

“Iremember.”

“Good.Nowlet’sgetup.Ihavetotakeapiss.”

HAPTER

Sundaywascool,soIputonasweaterandabomberjacket.

“Therereallyisnojustice,y’know?”IsaidasIlookedhimover.Iunlockedthefrontdoorand

followedhimout.

“Oh?”

“Noonewouldeverguessyouweresmashedlastnight.”

“Excellentgenes.”

“Yeah.”

“I’lldrive.”

“Worksforme.”

Wewalkedbrisklytowherehe’dparkedhiscar.

IwasgoingridingwithQuinnandhismother.Iwasgettingprettygoodatit.AtleastIdidn’t

windupassoreasIhadthefirsttimeI’dgottenuponahorse.

AndPortia’ssmilewasproud.

Afterward,asthehorseswerebeingstabled,Portiasaid,“You’llhavebrunchwithus,won’t

you?”

Novotnywasstandingathershoulder,andwhydidn’thersuggestionmakehimmoreunhappy?

“Please,Mark?”Quinnlookedhopeful.HowcouldIsaynotohim?

“Sure,babe.Thanks,”IsaidtoPortia,andIresignedmyselftohearingNovotnysnarkatmethe

entiretime.

Quinnparkedatthecurb,andIfollowedhimupthewalktothefrontsteps,keepinganeyeonthe

neighborhoodbecausethatwasthewayIwas.

Heopenedthedoor,thenstoodasidesoIcouldenterfirst.I’dnosoonergottenthreefeetintothe

foyerwheneveryonechorused,“Happybirthday!”

“Weweresorrytomissit,Mark.”Portiakissedmycheek.

TurnedoutthatwaswhyQuinnhadwantedtohavebrunchinGreatFalls.Theyhadacakeformy

birthday.PortiagavemeasetofMikasadinnerware,andNovotny…helaughedhisCzechassoffwhileI
unwrappedhispresent,agolftowelwithmynameembroideredonitinhotpinkletters.

Hafuckingha.

Still,itwasanicebirthdayparty,andafterward,Quinndrovemehome,stayinglongenoughto

getoutofhisridingclothesandintomybedforalittleafternoondelight.

***

Mondaydidn’tturnoutaspiss-poorasI’dexpected,althoughIwasirritatedtofindmy

departmentlookinglikethecitymorgue.Matheson,myseniorspecialagent,wasawayonassignment—I
assumedTheBosshadsenthimonit—andMs.Parkerwastakingsomesicktime.Thathadmeconcerned
becauseshewasneversick.

HumanResourcesprovidedatemptoreplaceher.Hemadeadecentcupofcoffee,broughtmea

sandwichfromthecafeteria,andstayedoutofMs.Parker’sfilecabinet.IhadhimcallCarnationsand
RosesandOrchids,OhMyandorderaspringarrangementtobedeliveredtoherapartment.

HeworkedonMatheson’sfiles,Iworkedonmyown,andthedaymovedalongsmoothly.

Tuesday,though,madeupforitinspades.

Thingsstartedoffquietly,withtheregularTuesdaymorningmeetingsandthepaperworkthey

required,butthenjustbeforenoon,ithitthefan.ThatwaswhenIfoundoutMathesonhadbeensentto
Californiaforalmostamonth,fornogoodreason.He’dsatoutthereprettymuchcoolinghisheels,given
instructionsbythatidiotGershom,theDirectorofSecurity,nottocontactanyone.SinceIhadn’tbeen
theretocountermandthatorder,he’dhadnochoicebuttoobey.

WherewasIthatthiscouldhappen?I’dbeenoutoftheWBISforamonth,firsttakingcareof

Wexler,andthenonthejobinPhoenix.Someonehadtakenadvantageofmytimeaway.

AndhowdidIfindoutaboutthis?TheoBascopolis,whowasinvolvedwithMatheson,had

managedtoreachmetoaskabouthiswhereabouts.Myone-timelandlordhadbeendesperatetoknow
whathadhappenedtohislover.

Iwantedtoknowmyself,andwhenIdiscoveredwhathadgonedown….Well,Iwasn’tahappy

camper,andthatwasputtingitmildly.AfterIcontactedMathesonandtoldhimtogethisassbacktoDC,
IwentdowntothefirstfloortotearGershomanewone.

EveryoneintheWBISwhocrossedmypatheitherdecidedtherewassomeplaceelsetheyneeded

tobeorduckedintothenearestoffice,hopingIdidn’tseethem.OfcourseIsawthem,buttheyweren’t
thereasonformyaggravation,soIwasn’tabouttotakeitoutonthem.

Gershom’ssecretarystaredwide-eyedasIstalkedthroughherofficeandintohiswithout

botheringtoknock.

“Whatthe—Vincent,whatareyoudoinghere?Youcouldatleasthavethecourtesytoknock!”

“Holdyourbreath.AndI’lltellyouwhatI’mfuckingdoinghere!You’rescrewingwithmy

agent.”

Hebaredhisteethatme.“Isn’tthatwhatyou’redoing?Screwinghim?He’sverygood-looking,

isn’the?”

Ireachedoverthedeskandclosedthefingersofonehandinthefrontofhisshirt,whiletwisting

hiscollarwiththeother,andIjerkedhimtohisfeetandacrosstowardme.

“Why?”Idemanded,shakinghim.

Hecouldn’tgetawordpastlipsthatwouldstartturningblueinaminuteorso,clashingwiththe

redinhisface.Hiseyesbegantobugout,andhescrabbledatmyhand,tryingtogetmetoreleasehim.

Igavehimafinalshakeandthentossedhimbackintohischair.

“Starttalking.”

Hecoughed,slidafingerintohiscollar,andtuggedonit.“Corcoranneeded—”

“Bullshit.CorcoranhadnoideawhyMathesonwasthereandheonlykepthimoutthereasa

favortoyou.”

“That’snottrue….”Gershom’svoicewasraspy.Hiscolorwasslowlyreturningtonormal,but

therewasamulishtwisttohismouth,andIcouldseehewasn’tgoingtoadmittoanything.

“Isn’tit?”Okay,notaproblem.Imightnotgetalongwithmostoftheseniordirectors,butthe

supportstaffwouldbemorethanhappytohelpmeout.I’dtalktohissecretarylater.Butnowitwastime
tolaythecardsonthetable.“I’mgoingtotellyouthisonce,Gershom—leaveMatheson,leaveallmy
peoplethefuckalone.IfIhavetotellyouagain,you’renotgoingtoliketheresults.”

“Youcan’ttouchme!”

“No?”Iletthecornerofmymouthtwistinagrin,andheturnedpale.Iknewmygrinhadn’t

reachedmyeyes.“Sperlingthoughtthesamething.”ForalmostayeareveryonehadbelievedI’dkilled
theformerDirectorofInteriorAffairs.Ihadn’tbeentherewhenhecausedthedoortoexplodeinhisface,
butIwasn’taboveusingittothrowalittlefearofGodintothisasshole.“Don’tfuckingcrossme.”

Heshrankbackinhischairandswallowedaudibly.

Iturnedonmyheelandwalkedoutofhisoffice.Nowwe’djustseehowthisplayedout.Would

hegocryingtoTheBoss?Orwouldhetrytohandleitonhisown?

Hedidn’twasteanytimeinrunningtoMr.Wallace.BythetimeIgottoseven,therewasa

messageTheBosswantedtoseeme.

Thetemplookedpale.Hemurmured,“Goodluck,sir.”

IwentuptotenandstalkeddownthecorridortoTheBoss’soffice.Ms.DiBlasiglancedatme

andshookherhead.“Youdostirthingsup,don’tyou?”

Hey,itwasn’tmyfault.Ifpeoplefuckedwithmydepartment,they’dhavetoexpecttherewould

beconsequences.

Iopenedthedoorandwentin.“Youwantedtoseeme,sir?”

“Yes.Wouldyoucareforacupofcoffee,Mark?”

“Uh…thankyou.”Iwenttotheurnandpouredmyselfacup.“CanIgetoneforyou?”

“Please.”TheBosstookitthesamewayIdid:black,nomilk,nosugar.

Ibroughtittohimandwaitedtohearwhathehadtosay.

“Haveaseat.”Hetookasip,watchingmeovertherimofhiscup.Finallyheputitdown.

“How’syourgolfgamecomingalong?”

ThiswasthelastthingI’dexpectedhimtobringup.“Okay.”Ishrugged.“I’mstillatpar.”

“Ittookmeawhiletoshootunderpar.ButIimaginesoonyou’llbedoingbetter.Yourgolfpro

seemstothinkso,atanyrate.I’mpleased,Mark.Iunderstandyourcondominiumcomplexoffersanine
holegolfcourse.”

“Yes.”Iwasn’tsurprisedheknew,butIwassurprisedhementionedit.“Asamatteroffact,my

livingroomlooksoutonthewaterhazard.”

“Interesting.I’dliketoplayitwithyouoncetheweatherwarmsup.”

“Ofcourse,sir.”LikeIwouldtellhimno?

“Nowtellme,howdoyouthinkMathesoniscomingalong?”

“I’vegotnocomplaints.He’scompetentanddoesthejobwell.Evenwhenhe’shadtokill.”

“Iknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.I’vequestionedAdamsaboutit.”

“Howdidheexplainit?”James“Bond”Adamswasthemanwho’dtrainedMatheson.He’d

chosenhimtobeawetboy,somethingIcouldneverfigureout.

“Hehonestlydidn’tthinkMathesonwouldstickwithit.HewasawareofMatheson’s

background,buthefailedtotakeitintoaccount.Matheson’suncleisaretiredMarinewhotaughthimto
usehishandsinself-defense,aswellasaknife.SloppyworkonAdams’spart,andyoudidn’thearme
saythat.”

“No,sir.”

“Iregrettosaythis,butAdamsisgrowingold.”

Iswallowedacough.AdamswasacoupleofyearsyoungerthanTheBoss.

“I’mafraidhealsooverlookedthefactmenfromMatheson’sfamilyhavebeenineverymajor

conflict—andsomenotsomajor—goingbacktobeforetheCivilWar.Inaddition,anotheruncle,theone
who’steachingatCaltech,wasn’tthefirstMathesontoheadwest.OnecarriedthemailforthePony
Express,anotherwasanIndianScout,andstillanotherrodetheChisholmTrail.Allmenwhodidn’tsit
homeandletlifepassthemby.”

“Youknowagooddealaboutmyagent,sir.”

“That’swhyIwantedhimtobeyouragent.Keepmepostedabouthim.”Hefinishedhiscoffee

androse.“Well,thankyouforcomingtoseeme,Mark.”HecouldseeIwasataloss.I’dexpectedhimto
tearintomefornotonlychallengingaseniordirectorbutmanhandlinghimaswell.Insteadwe’djusthad
coffeeandchitchattedfortwentyminutes.Hechuckled.“Yes,Gershomisunhappywithyou.He
demandedIspeaktoyou.We’vespoken,andIbelievethatconcludesourbusiness.”

“Yes,sir.”Istoodandputmycuponthetrayneartheurn.“Justonelastthing.Thisisthesecond

timemyseniorspecialagenthasbeeninterferedwith.Ifthere’sathirdtime….”Iletthethreathang.

“Really,Mark?”

“Mr.Wallace,youmademedirectorofmydepartment.Itakecareofmypeople.”

“Yes,youdo.Dowhateveryouhaveto.I’llbackyouup.”Heofferedmehishand.

“Thankyou,sir.”Itookhishandandshookitbeforeturningandwalkingout.

Gershomwasstandingbytheelevator,asatisfiedsmirkonhisface.Istaredathimuntilhebegan

fidgeting,jabbingthecallbuttonfortheelevator.Itfinallyarrivedandheboltedintoit.

ForamomentIwastemptedtogetinafterhim,butIcouldsmelltheflopsweatonhim.That

elevatorwouldneedtobefumigatedoncehegotout.

Iopenedthedoortothestairwellandtrotteddowntoseven,puttinghimoutofmymind.

***

Wednesdaywasaquietday.Mathesonwasback,abitgimpyandwithalovebiteonhisthroat

thatlookedlikeDraculahadchoweddownonhim,buthewaswhistling.

Andthenextday,mysecretarywouldbeback.Notthatthetemphadn’tbeendecent.Hedidhis

workandstayedoutofmyway.

JustbeforeIleftfortheday,TheBosssentmeane-mail.Ihadtotakea9:00a.m.meetingatthe

OIGwithGeneralKirkpatrick.

Well,wasn’tthatspecial.

Ileftanoteonmysecretary’sdeskandwenthome.

HAPTER

Ms.ParkerlookedupfromhercomputerasIwalkedintoheroffice.“Mr.Vincent!”Shesprayed

crackercrumbsoverherdesk.“Sorry,sir.”Therewasaboxofsaltinesbesideherkeyboard.Shecovered
hermouthandmumbled,“Ididn’texpecttoseeyouthismorning.”

Ididn’texpecthertoseemeeither.GeneralKirkpatrickoftheOIG,theassholeIwassupposed

tomeet,hadcanceledatthelastminutebecausethatevenbiggerasshole,MajorJonathanDrumII,had
gottenhimselfintosomekindofamess,andKirkpatrickhadtocleanitup.IfiguredImightaswellgoin
totheWBIS,sinceIwasstillplayingcatch-up.

“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Better.Thankyouforthelovelyflowers.Irescheduledallyourappointments!”Therewasa

creasebetweenherbrows,andsheworriedherlip.

“That’sokay.”Hadn’tshebeenwithmelongenoughtoknowIwouldn’tblameherforactsof

Godorme?

“Sorry,sir.IwasassignedtoMr.Perrywhileyouwereaway,and…I’msorry,”sherepeated.“I

wasn’treallysick.Ijustcouldn’tdealwithworkingforhim.I’m…I’mstillnotmyself.”Shetooka
crackerfromthepackageandnibbledonit.

“What?WhatwereyoudoingwithPerry?”

PerrywasDeputyDirectorofSecurity.He’dworkedthatdepartmentatHuntingdonPhoenixand

I’drunintohimlastyearwhenI’dbeenattheSagoPalmsGolfResortpracticingmygolfswingand
incidentallymakingtheguyswhowererunningthatjobinArizonanervous.Hehadn’tlikedme,Ihadn’t
likedhim,butthereweretwenty-threehundredmilesbetweenus,soithadn’tmattered.

Unfortunately,he’dtransferredtoWBISheadquartersatthebeginningoftheyear.

Ms.Parkerflushed.“IwastoldyouagreedIshouldworkforotherdirectorsasnecessary.AndI

understandcompletely,sir!It’sjustthatMr.Perryisvery…”Shecoughedlightly.“Helikesthingsdone
hisway.”

AndIlikedthemdonemine.“Goddammit!”

Sheflinched.

“Youdidn’tthinktoquestionthoseinstructions?”

“Ofcoursenot,sir.Ifthosewereyourorders….”Sheshutupwhensheheardmegrindmyteeth.

Yeah.IfshewastoldI’dgiventheokay,shewouldn’tchallengethem,anymorethanshehad

objectedwhenshe’dbeenrequestedto“date”thatCIAshitwho’dfinallybeentransferredto
Turkmenistan.Whowasfuckingwithmysecretary?Andmoreimportantly,why?

“Mr.Vincent?”Werethosetearsinhereyes?

Fuck,I’dupsether.“Thisisn’tyourfault,Ms.Parker.Whodidtheassigning?”

“HumanResources,sir.”

“Humphrey?”Whatthefuckwaswrongwithhim?HumpyDumptywasadirector.Heknewbetter

thanto—

“No,sir.ItwasMr.Morris.”

“Who?”

“Morris.HewasbumpedtodeputydirectoroverMr.Bixby.”

“Yeah?I’llhavealittletalkwiththisMorris.SohewastheonewhoassignedyoutoPerry?”

“Yes,sir.”ShewassecretarytotheDirectorofInteriorAffairs—whichwasme—andshe

shouldn’thavebeenpassedaroundtoanotherdirectorlikesomeone’ssloppyseconds.

“Okay.Forfuturereference,youonlyworkforme,nomatterwhatanyone,includingTheBoss,

tellsyou.Don’tworryabouttheschedule.”Iwentintomyoffice,droppedmyumbrellaintothestandin
thecornerandhungupmyovercoat.ThenIshotmycuffs.HowthefuckcouldIbeexpectedtogetany
workdonewhenpeoplepersistedinfuckingwithmydepartment?Iwentbacktotheouteroffice.“I’llbe
onfour.”

Hereyeslitup,butotherwiseshekeptherexpressionneutral.ThefourthfloorwaswhereHuman

Resourceshadtheiroffices.

“Yes,sir.”Shereachedforanothercracker.

IranintoBixbyjustasIcameoutofthestairwellonfour.“Vincent.”Helookedlikesomeonehad

beendancingonhislastnerve.

“Bixby.”

“You’vecometovisitusagain.IsupposeIshouldthankyoufornotscaringoffthattemp.”

“You’rewelcome.Where’sMorris?”

“Inhisoffice.Theonlytimeheleavesitistogohome.”

“What,noteventotakeapiss?”

“Noteventhen.ItmakesmewonderifhewearsDepends.Youknowsomething?Idon’tthink

anyonewouldrecognizeMorrisifhewalkedupandkissedtheirass.”

“Andisthatlikely?”

“Iwouldn’tbesurprised.”HeraisedaneyebrowwhenIdidn’tmove,thenscrubbedhisfaceand

nodded.“Right.Hisoffice.Sorry.It’sthreedoorsdownthiscorridorandontheleft.”

“Thanks.You’renotgoingtoadvisehimhehasavisitorcoming?”

“Andspoilthesurprise?Areyoukidding,Vincent?I’dpaygoodmoneytoseeyouinaction!I

heardaboutthetimeyoutoldDaviesyou’dturnthetenthfloorintoawasteland.Domeafavor.Persuade
Morrishedoesn’twanttoworkhereanylonger!”

WhenIgotthere,thesecretaryintheouterofficeglancedupfromwhatshewasdoing—filingher

nails—andherfaceturnedasicklygreenish-graywhenshesawme.

“M-M-Mr.Vincent!”

“MissJones.”IknewIcouldhavethateffectonpeopleattimes,butshehadevenmoreofa

reasontobealarmed.IthoughtI’dmadeitclearIwantedheroutoftheWBIS,butapparentlysomeone
wasn’tpayingattention.

She’dbeenMatheson’ssecretarywhenhe’dfirstbeenpromotedtoseniorspecialagent.Of

courseshe’dbeenblondethen.

Mathesonsuspectedsomethingwasoffwhenhecouldn’taccessherfileinPersonnel,sowhileI

senthimoutoftownonajob,IlookedintoourMissJones.WhatIlearnedwasshewasactuallyworking
forAnsonDavies.Anotherassholewho’dbeenhappyenoughwhenIwasinthefield,butnowIhada
positioncommensuratewithhis,notsomuch.He’dlikenothingbetterthantoseemeoutoftheWBIS.
Andifmyspecialagentwascollateraldamage,thatwouldsuitDaviesdowntotheground.

I’dleavewhenIwasready,unlessTheBosstoldmetogosooner.

Atthattime,I’dhadalittlechatwithDavies,andthenmadesureMathesongotasecretarywho

wouldbeloyaltohim.ArianneDiNoisfilledthebill.

“Y-you’remistaken,”MissJoneswassayingnow.“MynameisSmith!”

“Uh-huh.”Didshethinkchangingthecolorofherhairwouldalterherappearancethatmuch?

Nevermind,I’ddealwithherlater.“I’mheretoseeMorris.Ishein?”

“Yes,buthe’s…wait!Youcan’t—”

“Can’tI?”IwalkedpastherdeskandopenedthedoorintoMorris’soffice.

“MissSmith,IthoughtItoldyouIwasn’ttobedisturbed!”Themanbehindthedeskflushed

darklyandshovedsomethingintothetopdrawer.JustbeforeheslammedthedrawershutIgotaglimpse
ofthecover.ItwasacopyofPlaygirl.

Whichheprobablygotjustforthearticles.

“Whoareyou?I’llhavetoaskyoutoleaveatonce!”

“I’mVincent,andI’llleavewhenI’mfuckingready.”Ipulledupachair,mademyself

comfortable,andlookedhimover.

Morriswasn’tachoicespecimenofmanlypulchritude;hehadnochinandarecedinghairline.

Still,therewasaringonhisfinger.Someonemusthavefoundsomethingappealingabouthim.

“Oh!Ofcourse!Heh,heh,heh.Idon’tbelievewe’ve…er…thatis,it’sverynicetomeetyou.”

Thecolorinhischeeksfaded,revealingapasty-facedcomplexion.HeswallowedsohardIthoughthis
Adam’sapplewasgoingtopopoutthroughhismouth.“What…uh…whatcanIdoforyou,Mr.
Vincent?”

“What’sMissJonesdoinghere?”

“Eh?Who?”

WerewegoingtoplayTwentyQuestions?“MissSmith.”

Thatthrewhim.“I…Idon’tunderstand.She’smysecretary.”

“Shewasyoursecretary.Ifshe’snotoutofthisbuildingwithinthenextthreeminutes,I’llescort

heroffthepremisesmyself,andtrustme,neitheryounorshewilllikeit.”

“Youcan’tdothat!Canyou?”

“Watchme.”Igottomyfeetandcrossedtothedoor.

“No!Stop!She’llsueusforwrongfultermination!”

Notifshewantedtostayhealthy,shewouldn’t.“MissJones….”

Shewasgone.

“Shit!”Therehadtobeareasonwhyshe’dbolted.Ipickedupthephoneonherdeskandputina

calltoSecurity.“ThisisVincent.”

“Mr.Vincent.It’sDevHoward.”He’dbeentransferredtoSecurityaboutsixmonthsearlierand

hewasdoingadecentjob.I’dkeptaneyeonhimforatimewhilehewasstillinmydepartment,sincehe
wasseniortoMathesonandinotheragencieswouldhavebeengiventhepromotiontoseniorspecial
agentafterI’dbeenbumpedtoDeputyDirector.He’dactuallyseemedrelieved;TheBossandIwere
probablytheonlyonesawareofthat.AndmaybeMatheson,althoughhekepthismouthshut.

***

“Faceit,Mark,”Mr.Wallacehadsaid.“You’reintimidating.”

“Me?”

He’dlaughedandmuseddryly,“Ican’timaginewhyanyonewouldtreadwarilyaroundyou.”

“Yeah.Beatshelloutofmetoo.”

***

“Mr.Perryistakingthedayoff,andMr.Gershomisawayfromhisdesk.WhatcanIdoforyou,

sir?”Howardasked,interruptingmythoughts.

“There’sawomanIwantyoutofindandbringtomyoffice.Shewaslastseenonfour.She’s

aboutfiveeight,onetwentypounds,redhair,blueeyes,andshe’sgoingbythenameofSmiththistime
around.”

“Thistimearound?”

“SheusedtobeMissJones.”

“Uh…wouldthatbethewomanwhogotcannedlastspring?”

“Yeah,that’sher.Howisityou’reaware?”

“IwasstillinInteriorAffairsatthetime,andIsawherinMatheson’sofficeonceortwice.

Xanderhappenedto….”Hechokedoverhiswords.“WhatImeanttosaywaswhenIfirstcameto
Security,Irememberedher,andIwascuriousandcheckedheroutand…um…I’monit,sir!”

“Thanks,Howard.”Sohe’dgottenthewordfromsomeonewithintheWBIS.Itdidn’tmakeany

difference,aslongasithadHowardontheball.IhungupandwentbackintoMorris’soffice.

Hewasscrewingthecoverbackonathermos,andassoonashefinished,hesetitasideand

reachedforsomethinginhispocket.IhadmyGlockoutandaimedforhishead.

“Ahandkerchief!Iwasgettingahandkerchief!”Hehadalcoholonhisbreath.Whateverhehadin

histhermosmustbespiked.

IgesturedwiththeGlockforhimtogoahead,andwhenIsawitwasahandkerchief,Iholstered

thegun.

“I’mnotusedtoworkinginanenvironmentlikethis!”Herubbedthehandkerchiefoverhismouth

andchinandthebackofhisneck.“What…what’sgoingon?”

“Lastyear,MissJoneswasinvolvedintheattempttodiscreditoneofmyagents.”

“Whydoyoukeepcallingherthat?HernameisMissSmith.”

“Kindofforgettableasfarasnamesgo,isn’tit?AnyoneandhisbrothercouldbeSmith.”

“Iknownothingaboutthat.”

“How’dshegetanotherjobhere?”

“I…IassureyouIhavenoidea.ShewasherewhenIstartedtwomonthsago.”

Twomonths?I’dbeeninandoutfrequentlyduringthatperiod,butMs.Parkerwouldhavebeen

aware,andsowouldMs.DiNois.WhichmeantthateithertheJonesbitchhadbeenlyinglow—andfrom
firstimpressions,shewouldn’tknowhowtodothat—orsomeonewashelpingherplayadeepgame.

Icrackedmyknuckles,andMorriswhimpered,bringingmyattentionbacktohimandreminding

mewhathadbroughtmetohisofficeinthefirstplace.“WhydidyoutellmysecretaryI’dgivenyou
permissiontoassignhertoanotherdepartment?”

“Whoisyoursecretary?”

“Ms.Parker.”

“Oh,yes.Icouldseeshewasgoingtobestubbornaboutit.”Hetookonelookatmyfaceand

turnedgreen.“Itwasmorecostefficientmyway!Shewouldhavebeensittingdoingnothing….Imusttell
youdealingwithsomethinginthismannerwashighlythoughtofinmypreviousplaceofemployment.I…
Iwasawardedaplaqueforit!”HecouldtellIwasn’timpressed,andhismouthtookonasullentwist.
“The...thetruthofthematterisshe’sbecomeinvolvedwithsomeonewithinthisorganization!”

“So?”Iwasn’tabouttoaskhimifhehadanyideawhatmysecretaryhaddonefortheWBIS—as

pertherequestofthisorganization,she’dbeeninarelationshipwithaspookwholikedtotalkaftersex.
Thathadlasteduntilhe’dbeentransferredtoTurkmenistan.Iwasn’tgoingtoobjecttowhereshefounda
measureofhappiness.

“IwastoldtodealwithithoweverIsawfit.”

“Bywho?”

Hiseyesskitteredoffmine.

“Bywho?”

Hejumpedandadmittedreluctantly,“Mr.Davies.”

“SoassigninghertoPerrywasaformofpunishment.”Ikeptmytemperunderwraps,butitwasa

closething.

“No,ofcoursenot!Thatwouldbeunethical.Butthis…thissortofinvolvementisn’tpermitted!”

“Sincewhen?”IknewHowardwasdatingDavies’spersonalassistant,andforatimeBrowne

hadbeenlivingwithMaxFuté,thelittleFrenchdoctorI’dofferedajobhereattheWBISwhenI’d
learnedhe’dkeptQuinnaliveafterQuinnhadbeenkidnappedbythenutjobwhoranPrinzip,an
antiterroristorganizationsituatedinParis.

“It’snevergoodpolicy!”

“Butit’snotagainstanyregulationoftheWashingtonBureauofIntelligenceandSecurity.It’sjust

youwhodoesn’tapprove.Tellmesomething,Morris.Whatdoyouthinkofthisorganization’spolicy
regardingsame-sexrelationships?”

“Ithinkit’swrong!Themilitaryhastherightofit!”

“Youseeanyonearoundherewearingauniform?TrevorWallaceimplementedthatpolicywhen

hetookovertheWBISbackintheday.Youwanttochallengehimaboutit?”

“No!”Hiseyesalmostbuggedout,andIshookmyhead.Hewasateapottyrant,andBixbywas

right.Morrisneededtoleave.“ButevenMr.WallacewouldseewhatMs.Parkerisdoingasgoingtoo
far!”

“Okay.Sowhoisshedating?”

“Ireallyshouldn’tsay.It’sconfidential.”Buthewasburstingtotell.“That…thatcross-dresser!”

“Granger?”Icouldn’thelpgrinning.I’drunintoGabeduringaCIAaffaironNewYear’sEvea

coupleofyearsago,whenwe’dbothbeenworking.He’dmentionedhewasinterestedinmysecretary.

SoGrangerhadmadehismove,andshe’dsaidyes.I’dbeensowrappedupinQuinnithad

completelybypassedme.I’djustknownthatforthepastsixmonths,mysecretaryhadseemedhappier
thanshehadforalongtimebeforethat.

“And…andthatseniorspecialagent’ssecretary!”

“What?”Ms.DiNois?Thatcouldcauseproblems.EvenWBISagentsgotjealous.“Dotheyhave

anyideaofthis?”

“Ofcoursethey’reaware!They’reina…a…”Hisgazedartedaroundtheroom,andhelowered

hisvoice,althoughtherewereonlythetwoofushere.“Aménageatrios!”

“Ménageawhat?”Whatamoron.

“YouknowwhatImean.Threepeopleinsteadoftwo…amanandawoman,whichiswhat’s

normal!”

LikethatspookQuinnworkedwithandthetwospooksinskirts?Ididn’tlaugh,althoughIwanted

to.ItlookedliketheWBISandtheCIAhadatleastoneotherthingincommon,asidefrommeandQuinn.

“Thatisnotamusing!”Morrisslappedhispalmonhisdeskblotter.Itdidn’thavetheeffecthe

musthavebeenhopingfor,becausewhileIjustgavehimaboredlook,he’dactuallysucceededin
startlinghimself.“Infact,it’sdisgusting!”

“Yeah?HowaboutsayingthattoGranger’sface?”Jesus,whatahypocriticalprick.“Wheredid

youworkbeforeyoucametotheWBIS?”

“Whatdifferencedoesthat…?”Hegulpedwhenhesawmyexpression.“Iwasinthehealth

insuranceindustry.”

“Uh-huh.”

“AstheHumanResourcemanager!”

Bigfuckingwhoop.

“Letmetellyousomething,Morris,notthatit’sgoingtomakeanydifferencetoyouhereatthe

WBIS.Youdon’tassigndirectors’secretariestoanyoneelse,ever.Andyouespeciallydon’tassignmine
tosomeoneelse.Idon’tcareifshesitsonherassforeighthoursanddoesnothingmorethan…”Ithought
ofMissJones.“…filehernails.”Mycellphonerang,andItookitout.“Vincent.”

“Sorrytocallonyourcell,sir.”ItwasHoward.“Iwasn’tsurewhereyou’dbe.Wecan’tfind

MissSmith…er…JonesanywhereintheWBIS.”

“Didyouchecktheladiesrooms?”

“Yes,sir.Oneofthefirstplaceswelooked.Alsothemaintenanceclosets,thepantry,andthe

coolerdowninthemorgue.”

Dammit.

“AndI’vecontactedMr.Gershom.Itoldhimyou’dwantthesurveillancetapesfortheentire

building.”

“Goodwork,Howard.Iapprove.”

“Oh!Uh…thankyou!”

“Don’tthankme.Youdidyourjob.I’llwanttotalktoyouaboutthis.”

“Yes,sir.I’llbeavailable.”

IputmyphoneawayandlookedatMorris.“IwantMissJones’sfile.Andyou’dbettergiveme

MissSmith’saswell.”

Hismouthtwisted,andIknewhewantedtoobjectintheworstway.Hedidn’tthough,notafterI

restedmyfistedhandonmyhip,movingasidemyjacketanddrawingattentionbacktotheGlockunder
myarm.

“This…thisishighlyirregular!I’ll…er….”Heranthehandkerchiefoverhisneckagain.“I’ll

printitandsendittoyouroffice.”

“IthinkI’llwaitrightherewhileyouprintitout.”Ididn’tknowwhatwasgoingon,butIdidn’t

trusthimanyfurtherthanIcouldthrowhim.“Oh,andMorris?TheWBISisrundifferentlythanyour
previousplaceofemployment.Ithinkitwillbehealthierforyoutogobacktotheprivatesector.”

HAPTER

Morriswasareallynervousman.HewassweatingprofuselyashetuckedhisPlaygirland

thermosintohisbriefcase.

Istoodwatchingwiththesheafofpapersinmyhand.

“I’mreally…I’veneverbeentreatedinthismannerbefore!”

IreachedacrosshisdeskforhisphoneandpunchedthebuttonforSecurity.

“Howard?Vincentagain.Cometofour.IwantyoutoescortMr.Morrisoutofthebuilding.But

firstIwantyoutostrip-searchhim.”

“Yes,sir.”

Morrisdrewhimselfuptohisfullheightofaboutfivefootfive.“Inever!”

“Yeah?Well,you’reaboutto.”Howardhadn’tsoundedtoothrilledaboutiteither,butthatwas

hisproblem.HewasluckyIwasn’tinsistinghedoafullbodycavitysearch.Morrismightbetoostupid
tolive,butIwasn’tgoingtotakethechancehewalkedoutwithsensitiveinformationonhisperson.
“Okay,let’sgo.”

BixbywashangingaroundtheouterdoortoMorris’soffice,grinninglikesomeonehadjustmade

hisday.

“Where’syourdirector,Bixby?”

“HumptyDumpty’suponten,talkingtoTheBoss.”

“Whenyouseehim,tellhimI...”IchangedwhatI’dbeenabouttosay.“Iwanttoseehiminmy

office.”

Morrisdidn’tlikethat,Icouldtellfromhisexpression,butIcouldn’ttellifitwasbecauseBixby

referredtohisbossasHumptyDumptyorI’dorderedadirectorasifhewereonalowerrungofthe
WBISfoodchain.WhothefuckhadrecruitedthisclowntotheWBIS?

Bixbyrubbedhishandstogetherandalmostskippeddownthecorridor,justasHowardcame

towardme.“Um…wheredoyouwantmeto…?”

“TakehimdowntoMedical.Dr.Futéwilloverseetheprocedure.”

Morrismoaned.

Ididn’tknowhowTheBosswasgoingtoreacttomedecimatingadepartmentnotmyown,but

he’dinsistedonmakingmeDirectorofInteriorAffairs,andhowthefuckwasIsupposedtodomyjobifI
hadtokeeplookingovermyshoulderbecauseIcouldn’ttrustthepeopleIworkedwith?

He’djusthavetodecide:themorme,andI’dhavenoproblemwalkingifhechosethem.Of

courseI’dleavemostoftheWBISawasteland,but….Iknewitwouldn’tcometothat.Hewouldn’t
choosethem.

Ibroughtmygazebacktothetwomen.Howardswallowed.Morris’skneesbuckled,and

Howardhadtograbhimtokeephimupright.

Ishookmyhead,strodetothestairwell,andheadeduptomyoffice.

Howardwasright.MissSmithnéeJonesnéewhateverhernamereallywaswasn’tonthe

premises,andIhadnodoubtthatbythistimeshe’dgonetoground.

Nobigdeal.Iwasgoingtofindher.

Ihadherrecordsunderbothnames,notthatitmattered.Otherthanthedifferenceinherhair

color,theywereidentical,rightdowntothefacttheycontainedawholelotofnothing.Iplacedthepages
sidebysideonmydesk.

Andwherethefuckwasthatsurveillancetape?

Theintercombuzzed.“Yes?”

“Mr.Humphreyisheretoseeyou,sir?”

“Thanks,Ms.Parker.Sendhimin.Oh,andarrangeatimeforDevlynHowardtomeetwithme,

wouldyouplease?”

“Yourscheduleisfairlybooked,sir.”

ThedooropenedandHumphrey—knownthroughouttheWBISasHumptyDumpty—entered.

Averageheightandstocky,helookedcoolandincontrolofhisemotions.Hetookaseatwithoutwaiting
tobeasked,andInoddedandcontinuedtheconversationwithmysecretary.

“There’snomajorrush.Wheneveryoucanfindaspotforhim.”

“Verygood,sir.”

Itookmyfingerofftheintercomandsatback.

“Bixbysaidyouwantedtoseeme.”Humphreywasholdingafile,andheleanedforwardand

placeditontopoftheothertwoonmydeskwithoutsayingawordaboutit.

“Yeah.”Iraisedaneyebrow,butfollowedhisleadandignoredit.“Weneedtotalkaboutyour

hiringpractices.”

“I’dhavetoagree,consideringthefactyoujustgotridoftwoofmyemployees.”Hecrossedhis

legs,andgavemeathinsmile.“Therewasacoteriewhodancedforjoywhenwordcamedownyou’d
blownyourselfuplastyear.Iwasn’toneofthem.Weneedpeoplelikeyouwhoaren’tafraidtogettheir
handsdirty.”

“Whyareyoubutteringmeup?”

“I’mnot.Thisisthefirsttimewe’ve...comeintocontact,shallwesay?Andfrankly,Vincent,I’d

liketokeepitthatway.Ididn’twantMorrisinmydepartment.”

“You’rethedirector.Whotwistedyourarm?”AndifhesaidMr.Wallacewasbehindthathiring,

IwasgoingtobeseriouslydisappointedinTheBoss.

“Iseeyou’vegotRebeccaGodard’sfiles.”

“Who?”

“MissJones.No,she’sMissSmiththistimearound,isn’tshe?”Heleanedforwardandtapped

thefilehe’dplacedonmydesk.“Thismightbemorepertinent.Itcertainlymakesformoreinteresting
reading.”

ItwasGodard’sfile.Iraisedaneyebrow.

“He’sherfather.Whenitcomestosupportstaff,theWBISneverhadapolicyagainstemploying

familymembers,”Humphreysaid.

“You’reright.ButshewasknowninmydepartmentasMissJones.Explainthat.”

“Ican’t,unlessitwasbecauseofsomethingDr.Godarddid.Nooneherecouldfigureoutwhat

he’ddonetogetonyourbadside,butweallknewhehad.”

Icamearoundmydesk,proppedahiponthecorner,andfoldedmyarmsacrossmychest,

revealingmyGlock.“Y’know—”

HeheldupahandandfinishedwhatI’dbeenaboutsay.“Itbeatshelloutofyouhowpeoplecan

viewyouinthatlight.Iknow,I’vehearditbafflesyou.Idon’tsupposeyou’dwanttotellmewhat
happened?”

“No.”Itwaspersonal.I’dfoundanothermemomixedinwithSperling’sjunk,thisonefrom

Godard.StupidofGodardtoputitinwriting,stupidofSperlingtokeepit.ComedowntoMedical.I’ve
obtainedtherohypnolyourequested.

TheroofiesSperlinghadfedtoPrettyBoyinaglassofDewar’sbeforebeatinghimtothepoint

ofunconsciousnesswithagolfiron.Why?BecausePrettyBoywasafriendofmine,andSperlingknew
I’dbewithhiminthehospital,givingSperlingtheopportunitytobreakintomyapartmenttosearchfor
whateverthefuckitwashethoughthe’dfindthere.

Ithadn’tworkedoutthewayhe’dplanned.MydoorhadexplodedasI’dprogrammedittoand

Sperlingwenttothatbigspyagencyinthesky.Ormaybehe’dgoneintheotherdirectionandwas
workingfortheDevil.

AsforPrettyBoy,thingshadturnedoutbetterforhimthantheyshouldhave:hesurvivedwitha

coupleofscars,gotoutofthebusiness,andwentbacktousinghisrealname,PaulStark.Hewasoutin
LosAngelesnow,workingasanurseinthelaboranddeliverywingofaprestigioushospital.

“SoyouhavenoideahowMs.GodardbecameMissJones.”

“Notaclue.Therewasapositionneededfilling.”Heshrugged.“Sheturneduptofillit.”

“Youdidn’tthinktodoabackgroundcheck?”

Hescowledatme.“Ofcoursewedid!It…justdidn’tturnupanything.”

Andwasn’tthatfuckinginteresting?

“Andthesamethinghappenedasecondtime,whensheappliedasMissSmith?”

“We…uh…wedidn’tdoone.”

“Becausethistimesomeonetwistedyourarmtohireher.”

“Yes.”

“Who?”

“Whodoyouthink?”Humphrey’smouthtightenedandhefinishedimpatiently,“Whatsenior

directorwantsyououtofheresobadlyhecantasteit?”

“AnsonDavies?”

“AnsonDavies,”heconcurred.

“Doesn’tthemanhaveanythingbettertodo?”I’dreturnedfromaweekonmyislandinthe

Caribbeantofindhewasback.TheBosshadn’tbeenpleasedwhentheDirectorofPublicRelationshad
dippedhisfattoeintoadepartmentthatwasn’this,andsohe’dsuggestedDaviestakethatextended
sabbatical.I’dhavepreferredsomethingalittlemorepermanent,butthenIhadn’tbeenasked.

Humphreymusthaverealizedthatwasarhetoricalquestion,becausehemadenoattemptto

answerit.Insteadhesaid,“Well,youcan’treallyblamehim.”

Couldn’tI?

“He’sbeenpartoftheWBISalmostfromthebeginning.”

“AndhewantstoreplaceMr.Wallace?”

“Hell,no.Heknowsthere’snoglamourinthatposition.Hewantstobethepowerbehindthe

throne.HecameclosewithSperling,butyouruinedhisplans.Hehadtoscrambletodistancehimself
fromBob.Ofcourse,ifBobhadsucceededindiscoveringanythingincriminatingaboutyou….”

“Thereisnothingincriminating.Mylifeisanopenbook.”ExceptforthechaptersthathadQuinn

intheirpages,buttheywereafterSperlingbitthebigone.“You’reinanawfullychattymood.”

“I’mtired,Vincent.”Hegazedoffovermyshoulder,andyeah,Icouldseethewearinessetched

inthelinesaroundhismouthandeyes.He’dbeenintheWBISalongtime.MaybenotaslongasThe
BossorDavies,butlongerthanalotoftheotherseniordirectors.“TherewasatimewhenWBISagents
backedeachothertothedeath.Now…nowyou’dthinkwewereonCapitolHill.”Hemetmyeyes.
“Wallacehasplansforyou.”

Ididn’twanttothinkaboutit.I’dneverexpectedtobedirectorofanything—I’dbeenhappyout

inthefieldandfranklyexpectedtobetherewhenIboughtthefarm—butitwasWBISpolicyagentscome
infromthefieldoncetheyhitthirty-five.I’dmanagedtogetaroundthatforfouryearsbyfudgingmybirth
date,butlastyearallthathadchanged,andnow,thankstoTheBoss,hereIwasinchargeofInterior
Affairs.Andlearningtofuckinggolf.

“AndI’vesaidtoomuch.”Humphreyhoistedhimselftohisfeetandstartedtowardthedoor.

“ThankyouforgettingridofMorris.”

“Justasecond.Istillwanttoknowabouthissecretary.”

“ReadGodard’sfileandthenreadhers.”

Ihatedbeingstonewalled.“I’mgoingtofindher,youknow.”

“Ihavenodoubtofthat.TrevorWallacewouldn’thavechosenyouotherwise.”

“What?”

“Ihavetogetbacktofour.You’veleftmydepartmentinsomethingofashambles,andIneedto

getitstraightenedout.”

“NexttimeDavieswantstoplayinyoursandbox,keephimthefuckout.”

“Doyouthinkitwillbethateasy?”

“Yeah.”

Hegaveasourlaugh.“Foryou,maybe.”

“Ifhetriestoleanonyou,callme.”

“Trevorreallydidchoosewiselywhenhepickedyouto….I’dlikethosefilesbackwhenyou’re

donewiththem.”Hewalkedout,andIstaredafterhim.

Thingsweregettinghinky,andIdidn’tlikeit.

Itwasthisgolfthing’sfault.Igetcorralledintolearninghowtowhackthatlittleballintoa

littlehole,andeverythingstartsfallingapart.

Ishookmyheadandsatdownatmydesk.Ihadthreefilestogothroughnow.IplacedGodard’s

besidetheothertwoandwentbacktoreadingthem.

I’dseewhattheytoldmetobeginwith,andonceIdiscoveredtheirveracity—orlackthereof—

thenI’ddecidemycourse.

***

IfeltasthoughIwasrunningincircles.Godard’sfilemadementionofadaughter,Rebecca,but

whileMissJones’sfilenotedherfatherwasadoctorwho’dtrainedattheMayoClinic,MissSmith’s
saidnothingaboutthefactshewasrelatedtoGodard.Infact,itlistedherashavingnonextofkin
whatsoever.

ITwasn’tDavies’spurview,andtomyknowledge,noneofhispeoplewerehackers.Howhadhe

managedit?

Ihadotherthingstodo.I’djustdelegatethattoMatheson.

Ibuzzedmysecretary.“Ms.Parker,wouldyougetMathesonforme?”

“I’msorry,sir,he’soutoftheoffice.”

“Again?”He’donlyjustcomeback.

“HecalledMs.DiNoisearliertoletherknowhe’dbeaway.”

AndofcourseMs.DiNoiswouldinformMs.Parker.

Okay,soMathesonwasn’tin.Hehadfreetimecomingtohim,especiallyafterGershom’sfuckup.

Itcouldwaituntiltomorrow.

“Domeafavor,please.LetMs.DiNoisknowI’llwanttoseehimfirstthinginthemorning.”

“Yes,sir.I’llgetrightonit.Oh,andIsetupthatappointmentwithHowardforMondayafternoon

atthree.”

“Good,thanks.”Itookmyfingerofftheintercombutton,staredatthefiles,andfinallydecided

I’dsetthemasideuntilIcouldlookatthemfromafreshperspective.

Theintercombuzzed.

“Yes,Ms.Parker?”

“Mr.Wallacewantstoseeyou.Rightnow.”

ThingshadneverbeenlikethiswhenI’dbeeninthefield.

“Thankyou.”IslidaspecificCDintoitsdriveandthenshutdownmycomputer.Ifanyone

attemptedtogetintoit,theharddrivewouldbewiped.ItwassomethingI’dhadMathesonprogramfor
me.

Itmadehimfeeluseful.

Iwasn’ttakinganychancesafterthatfuckuplastyearwhenMichaelShawtriedtodownloadfiles

frommycomputer.

Ipushedmychairbackfrommydesk,rose,andcrossedtomydoor.

Ms.Parkerlookedupfromthefileshewasworkingon.“I’llinformanyonewhocallsyou’ll

returntheircallwhenyougetback.”

“Thanks.”Apearlbeyondprice.AndshewasseeingbothGrangerandMs.DiNois?Goodfor

her.Goodforthethreeofthem.

Ms.DiBlasismirkedatme.Whatthefuck?“Gorightonin.”

Iknockedonthedoorandenteredwithoutwaitingforaninvitationtocomein.“Youwantedto

seeme,sir?”

“Yes.I’vehadafewphonecallsthismorning.You’vemadesomepeopleunhappy.”

“Again?”

“Thingswerequieterherewhenyouwereinthefield.”Hewasprobablythinkingofwhathad

gonedownonTuesday,aswellasthefunandgamesthatwerepartoftoday’sactivities.“Andno,I’mnot
releasingyoutogobackintothefield.Theycanjustsuckitup.”

Shit.“AnycomplaintsfromHumphrey?”Afterall,itwashisdeputydirectorI’dgottenridof,as

wellasscaringMorris’ssecretaryoutofthebuilding.

“No.”Hechuckled.“Humphreyactuallyspeaksquitehighlyofyou.Sitdown.We’vegotsome

thingstotalkabout.”

“Yes,sir.”Imademyselfcomfortable,andthenmethiseyes.“YouareawaretheWBISseemsto

havefallenapartwhileweweregone?”HehadbeenawayatthesametimeIwas,resultinginalotof

shithittingthefan.

“Iam.Ihadn’trealized….”Hedrummedhisfingertipsonhisdesk.“Theproblemisoneorthe

otherofusneedstobehereatheadquarters.ThenexttimeIgooutoftown,we’llhavetomakesure
you’reavailable.”

“Nomoregolf?”Iaskedhopefully.

“Butyou’regettingsogoodatit!”Thatwastheonlyanswerhegave,anditwastheonlyonehe

neededtogive.“Now,regardingthecomplaintsI’vereceived….”

***

Sonofabitch.Sonofagoddamnedfuckingbitch!

IleftTheBoss’sofficeandstormeddowntosevenintheworld’sworstmood.Notonlywas

DaviestryingtopersuadehimtheWBIScoulddowithoutme,butGershomwasaswell.

Itwasn’tthatIcouldn’tdealwiththem,butJesus,howwasIsupposedtogetanyworkdoneifI

hadtowatchmybackintheplacewhereIworked?Irealizedhowoftenthatthoughthadcrossedmymind
lately.Well,I’dbedamnedifIletthemchasemeout.

Addedtothat,TheBossinsistedIvisitthatlocalindoordrivingrangeatleastthreetimesaweek

untiltheweatherbecamemoreconducivetoplayingoutdoors.Ofcoursehe’ddiscoveredtheninehole
executivegolfcoursethatwaspartofAspenReach,thecomplexwhereIlived,andonceAprilandMay
rolledaround,I’dhavetotakeoutamembershipandstartplayingthere.

Mondayshadprettymuchalwaysbeenthekissofdeath,andI’dgottenusedtoWednesdaysbeing

moreofthesame,butthiswasThursday.

Ididn’tmindstayingatheadquarters—much—butTheBosshadorderedmetoleaveboth

directorsalone.“You’renottogivethemsomuchasadirtylook,Mark.”

Whydidn’thejusthamstringmeandbedonewithit?

Ms.Parkerlookedupfromhercomputer.“Nomessages,sir.”

“WhataboutthattapeGershomwassupposedtogettome?”

“Nothingyet.”

Goddamnit.“Gethimonthelineforme.”Iwentintomyoffice.Iwastemptedtokickmy

wastebasketacrosstheroom.Ididn’t,butitwastouchandgo.Instead,Isatdownatmydesk.

Theintercombuzzed.“IhaveMr.Gershomonone,sir.”

“Thankyou.”Ipickedupthereceiverandjammedmyindexfingerhittingthebutton.“Youwere

supposedtosendmeatape,Gershom.”

“DoyourealizehowmanyfeetoftapeIhavetogothroughtofindwhatyou’relookingfor?”

“Ididn’taskyoutogothroughit.Iwanteverytapefromseventhismorninguntilelevena.m.”

“Fine.I’llsendsomeoneupwiththefootage.”

IrememberedwhatTheBosshadtoldme,grudginglysaid,“Thanks,”andhungup.

Stupidbastard,dragginghisfeetjusttopissmeoff.

BeforeIturnedonmycomputer,Istuckapaperclipintothe“beautymark”oftheCDdrive,

ejectingtheCD.IwasneverthatpissedIforgottodosomethingassimpleasthat.

Gershomwasreallytreadingonthinice.Notonlyhadhesentupthismorning’stapes,buthe’d

senteveryonefromthebeginningoftheweek,andtheywereallmixedtogether.

Isneeredathisthoughtthathecouldscrewwithmeandsortedthroughthem.WhenIfoundthe

tapedated3/20/03andlabeledFloorOne,IsliditintotheTV/VCRcombo,turnedonthetelevision,and
watchedwiththeremoteinmyhand,fastforwardingthroughinconsequentialscenes.

AndthenMissJonescameinthroughtheslidingdoorsoftheemployees’entrance.Shemusthave

learnedfromlastyear;accordingtothetimestamp,shewasonlyhalfanhourlate.

Asshewaitedfortheelevator,sheremovedhercoatandfoldeditoverherarm.Sheworeaskirt

thatwassnugaroundherhipsandthighs,andwhentheelevatorarrived,sheswayedintoit.

IejectedthetapeandinsertedtheonelabeledFloorFour.Ifastforwardedtothetimeshe’d

arrivedatwork,andaminuteorsolaterthecameraonfourpickeduptheaction.MissJonesexited,
swayeddownthecorridor,andenteredMorris’soffice.

Iranthattapetotheend,thenejecteditandinsertedanotherone,andthenanother,butthatwasit.

Wehadtheinvisiblewomanworkingforus,becausetherewasnosignofherleavingMorris’soffice
abouttwenty-fiveminuteslater.

Iwentbacktothetapethatmonitoredtheemployees’entrance.NedWatersleftfortheday.Gabe

Grangercamesaunteringin.Forthenexthalfhourthecorridorwasempty,exceptfortheoccasional
securityguardpatrollingit.

Finallymywaitwasrewarded—awomanwearingafamiliarskirtsuitleft,herfaceshieldedby

ahat.TheoutfitwasreminiscentofsomethingIngridBergmanhadworninCasablanca.ThelasttimeI’d
seenthatcostumewaslastyear,whenMs.DiNoishadwornitatmyrequest.I’dhadMacintyre,theWBIS
photographer,takethephotosoIcouldreplacetheoneinQuinn’stownhouseoftheblondewithavapid
smile.

Thatoutfitwasn’tforcasualuse.SomeonehadmadesureMissJonesgotitsoshecouldleavethe

WBISundetected.Anyoneelsecheckingthistapewouldhaveassumedshewassomeoneonassignment,
becauseotherthanGranger,theonlydepartmentthathadaccesstothephotographer’scostumeswasPR.

Istackedallthetapesandsetthemaside.Gershomdidn’tneedtoknowIwasfinishedwiththem.

Therewasataponmydoor,andMs.Parkerletherselfin.“Stillnomessages,sir.”Everyone

seemedtobegivingmeawideberth.WordofwhathadhappenedwithMorrismusthavegonearoundthe
WBIS.“WoulditbeallrightifItookanearlylunch?”

Shewashungryafterallthosecrackersshe’deaten?AndthenIrememberedGrangerturningup

earlier.“Sure.”

Shesmiledandleft,herskirtflirtingaroundherknees.Wassheputtingonweight?Maybe

Grangerlikedhiswomenwithalittlemeatontheirbones.

Ireturnedtomydesk,openedablankfile,andbeganenteringandcrossreferencingthepertinent

informationaboutMissJonesandDr.Godard.

HAPTER

Itwasjustafternoon,andIwasthinkingaboutheadingdowntothecafeteriaforlunchwhenmy

cellphonerang,thefirstnotesoftheNeilDiamondversionof“UntilIt’sTimeforYoutoGo.”Ididn’t
needtoglanceatthescreentoknowwhowascalling,andithadmegrinning.Abrightspotinthemiddle
ofthisfuck-allday.

“Vincent.”SinceIwasatworkIcouldn’tgreetQuinnthewayIwantedto,buthe’dbeawareof

that.Andactually,IshouldtellhimI’dcallhimbackandgoouttotheparkinglottodojustthat,butfuck
it.Iwasn’tinthemoodtobeateamplayertoday.

“Hi,you.It’sraining.”

“Youcalledtogivemetheweatherreport?”

“Inpointoffact,”Quinnsaid,“Ithoughtthiswasperfectweathertomakeafireandspendafew

hoursinfrontofit.”

Mycocktwitched,andIcouldn’thelpthesuggestivenessinmytone.“Doing…?”

“Exactly.”Itlookedlikespringwasgettingtousall.“Oh,andjusttoletyouknow?I’matAspen

Reach.”

“Areyou?”I’dgivenhimthekeysandthelocksequencesafterwe’dkindof,sortofexchanged…

promises,andonceagainhe’dmadegooduseofthemboth.

“Mmm.”

“I’llbethereinforty-fiveminutes.”Usuallyitdidn’ttakethatlongformetomakethedrive

home,butwiththerainandthefactpeopleforgothowtodriveinit,itwasgoingtotakeawhile.

“Justdrivecarefully,okay?I’llbewaitingforyou.Naked.”

“Dammit,Istillhavetowalkoutofhere!”

Hechuckledandhungup,andIloggedoutofmycomputer.

ThewindandrainhadmadethisMarchdayrawenoughI’dwornmyovercoatthatmorning.AsI

leftmyoffice,IdrapedmycoatsoitwouldhidetheerectionQuinn’swordshadgivenme.

“I’llbeoutfortherestoftheafternoon,Ms.Parker.”She’dreturnedfromlunchaboutfifteen

minutesearlier,andshewasglowing.Grangermusthavemadeherhappy.“Ifanythingshouldcome
up….”IrememberedMathesonwasout.“Well,it’saquietenoughday.CallWinchester.”

“Yes,sir.”Herlipswerefoldedinaline,butIcouldseeshewasbitingbackasmile.Icouldn’t

helpsmilingmyself.Sheresumedtappingawayatherkeyboard,andIwenthometogetlaid.

***

Iopenedthelocksofthedoorinthecorrectsequence.NosoonerwasIinmycondoandthedoor

closedandsecuredbehindmethanIshedmyovercoat,toedoffmyshoes,andbeganstrippingoffmy
clothes,leavingtheminatrailbehindmeasIheadedformybedroom,untilallIhadonweremytrousers.

AndifQuinnhadbeenyankingmychain…ifhewasn’tnakedashe’dpromised…damn,Iwas

goingtobedisappointed.

Iwasn’t.Hewaslyingonthewhitefauxfurrug—ithadtobefaux,sincewegotsemenonitat

leastonceaweekanditneededtobewashable—staringintotheflamesthatdancedinthefireplace.

“Hey,babe.”Idroppedtrouanddidn’tgivehimtheopportunitytorise,justkneltbesidehim,

cuppedhisfaceinmyhands,andraiseditforakiss.

“Mark!”hemurmuredagainstmylips.“Weneedto—”

“Fuck?Youbetterbelieveit.I’vehadtheshittiestmorning,andIneedyoutotakethattastefrom

mymouth.”

“Itwillbemypleasure.”HeheldupatubeofWetbutwouldn’tletmetakeit.

“Quinn?”

“Sinceit’sbeenoneofthosedaysforyou,Ithinkperhapsyouneedtoletmetakecontrol.”

“Youdo,huh?”

“Ifyoudon’tobject?”

“WhywouldIdoastupidthinglikethat?Howdoyouwantme?Front?Back?”

“Onyourback,please.”Hewasalwayssopolite.“IwanttoseeyoureyesasIslideintoyou.”

Ishivered.God,heknewexactlywhattosaytosetmeonfire.

“Okay.”Myvoicewashoarseinmyownears.IthadturnedoutQuinnenjoyedbottoming,but

wheneverheaskedthesamefromme,hegotitwithnoobjection.

Isettledmyselfonmyback,bracedmyfeetonthefloorandletmykneesfallopen.

“Iloveyourpackage,”hemurmuredashewarmedsomelubeonhisfingers.Hiseyeswereonmy

cockandballs,andheleanedforwardandclosedhislipsoverthehead.Whilehesuckedgentlyatthetip,
probingtheslitwithhistongue,heranhisslickedfingerpastmyballsandcircledmyholeafewtimes
beforeslidingitin,andhebegantoloosenme.

Jesus,hedrovemecrazy!

“I…”Iswallowed.I’dneverenjoyedbeingtouchedinthatmannerbyanyoneotherthanQuinn.“I

wasthinkingthesamethingearlier.”

“Really?Youthinkofmewhenyou’reatwork?”

“Areyoufucking—”Iyelpedashefoundmyprostateandgaveitagoodrub.

“Notyet,Mark,butsoon.”Heroseupandkissedme,tastingalittleofme,alittleoftheLife

Saversheenjoyed.I’dgottenthehabitfromhim,andI’dsuckedonaWint-O-Greenonthedrivehome.
Heslidanotherfingerintojointhefirst,andIcouldfeeladropofprecomebeadingatthetipofmycock.

“Bettermakethatrealsoon.”

“Allright.”Hetookacondomfromwherehemusthaveplaceditonthehearth,toreopenthefoil

wrapper,androllediton.“Slickmeup,babe.”

IpouredsomeWetintomypalmandranitoverQuinn’scock.Hehissedandclosedhiseyes.

“Quinn?”

“It’sbeensuchawhile….”

“Noithasn’t.Wediditjust….”Oh,hemeantsincehe’dhadme.Ibangedmyheadbackagainst

thehardwoodfloor.Fortunately,therugcushionedit.“Dammit,Quinn,youshouldhavesaidsomething
sooner.”

“I’msayingsomethingnow.Willyoushutupsowecangetonwithit?”

“Sorry.Proceed.”

“Proceeding.”Hiscocknudgedmyhole,andthenhesankin,andwebothsighed.“Nice?”

“FuckingA.”

Hestoppedmoving,leanedhisforeheadagainstmine,andlaughed,hisbreathwarminmyface.

“Jesus,Quinn!Move!”

Hebracedhishandsbesidemyshoulders,lookedintomyeyes,andbeganagentlerocking

motionIknewwasgoingtolastforalongtime.“Yes?”

“Yeah!”

“Outstanding,”Imurmuredinhisearasheshiveredintohisclimax.I’dcomeaminuteorso

before,andnowIstrokedthemusclesofhisbackdowntothedimpleatthebaseofhisspine.

“Gladyouthinkso.”Henuzzledthespotbeneathmyear,andtheneasedoutofme.

“WhendoyouhavetogetbacktoSpookCentral?”Iaskedashetiedoffthecondomanddropped

itintothewastebasket.

“Tomorrow.”Hereturnedandkneltbesideme.“WhendoyouhavetoreturntoSpyCentral?”

“Tomorrow.”Ipulledhisheaddownandlickedhislips.“Open.”

Icouldfeelhissmile,andthenhepartedhislipsandtouchedthetipofhistonguetominebeforeI

tookpossessionofhismouth.

Wehadeighteenhourstogether.

***

“Mark!”Quinnjerkedawakefromthelightdozehe’dfalleninto.

“Righthere,baby.”Irubbedmycheekagainsthishairandtightenedmyholdonhim.“Haveyou

beenhavingtroublesleepingagain?”

Earlythepreviousautumn,he’dhadaproblemwithexhaustion,thankstoEdwardHolmes,DCI

ofThreatAnalysisattheCIA.Quinnhadbeenunabletosleep,andwhenhediddropoff,hewasplagued
withnightmares.Partoftheproblemwashiscellphone.Someone—Holmes—hadseenitwasscrewed
with,andeverytimeQuinnflippeditopen,he’dgetthesesubliminalmessagesthatresultedinthe
nightmares.Theotherpartwastheuselessassignmentshewasgiven.He’dtraveledtotheFarEast,and
likehisfather,hedidn’tdealwellwithtransoceanicflights.Itwasaviciouscycle:fatiguethatledto
disturbedslumberthatresultedinmorefatigue.

Idealtwiththephoneproblem,ofcourse,solvingitbybuyingQuinnasmartphoneandthen

syncingitwithmine,sohehadallthebellsandwhistlesRomeroinR&DhadcomeupwithforWBIS
cellphoneusers.

Holmes,though….Someonewhofuckedwithmyloverlikethatneededtobedead.Icouldhave

canceledhimwithoutanyoneknowingIwasbehindit,butinthisinstanceTheBosstoldmetoleave
Holmesalone,becausenomatterhowHolmesbitthebigone,andeventhoughitcouldn’tbepinnedon
me,theWBISwouldtaketheblame.

ButIdidn’twantHolmestothinkhe’dgottenawayscot-free.

TheoBascopolis,theonetimerentboy,hadhelpedout,althoughhe’dhadnoclue.Hehada

videotapeofDelilahCarson,PrettyBoy,andSpike,rompingonherbedwithajohnwhoworearedwig
andpinklingerie.ThejohnturnedouttobenoneotherthanQuinn’ssometimedirector,EdwardHolmes.

IsentacopyofthattapetoQuinn’suncles,who’dalsobeeninthebusiness,andtheytookcareof

Holmes—andGod,I’dhavelovedtohavebeenaflyonthewallforthatconfrontation.Asitwas,Holmes
announcedheneededtoretireduetohealthreasons.

Thesonofabitchjustwouldn’tdisappearintothecracks,though.Hebegangivingaseriesof

lecturesatcollegesallaroundthecountry.

Iwasabigbelieverinthatvengeance-as-a-dish-best-served-coldthing.

MaybeI’dattendoneofthoselecturesmyself.

***

“Quinn?”He’dbeenquietforawhile,andthathadmeconcerned.“Didyouhearme?Iasked….”

“Iheard.Andno,I’vebeensleepingwell.”Hetippedhisheadbackandsmiledintomyeyes.

“AlthoughIdosleepbetterwithyou.”

I’dthoughtmorethanonceaboutaskinghimtomoveinwithme.Mycondowasspaciousenough

forthetwoofus,andIwasprettypositivethatbabygrandofhiswouldfitfineinmylivingroom.

But…theCIAwoulddemandhisresignationiftheyfoundouthewaslivingwithaman,andif

theylearneditwasmeofallpeople,theexplosionofcoronaryarterieswouldbeheardalloverthefree
world.EvenMr.Wallace,whohadasoftspotforPortiaMann,wouldn’tbepleasedifhelearnedherson

hadmovedinwithme.

Fortunately,QuinnhadnoideawhatIwasthinking.Ineverwantedhimtoconsiderforasecond

I’dmakehimchoosebetweenthecareerhelovedandme.

“Whydon’tIseewhatyouhaveinyourfridge?I’mstarved,”hesaid.

“SoamI.NotthatI’mcomplaining.”

“Oh?”

“Faceit,babe.You’reworthgoingshortongroceriesfor.”

Heblushedandreachedforhisshorts.“Thankyou,”hesaidgruffly.

“Don’tmentionit.”IpattedhisassandwonderedhowlongIcoulddistracthimfromputtingon

hisshorts.“Ihavetokeepupmystrength,youknow,ifIwanttomakesuremyloverstayshappy.”

“Youmakemeveryhappy.”Hebrushedhislipsacrossmine.“NowI’llgoseewhatyouhaveso

Icanfeedyou.”

“Idon’tthinkthere’smuch.”Earlierintheweek,I’dgonetoTraderJoe’sforafew“quick

meals,”butthereweren’tanyleft.

“I’llcomeupwithsomething.”

Peanutbutterandjellysandwiches?Iknewtherewasaloafofbreadinthefreezer,andIhada

jarofpeanutbutterinthepantry,althoughallIhadwassomeorangemarmaladeintherefrigerator.

“Whydon’tyoujoinme?”Quinnsteppedintohisshorts.Twominutes.I’dhavetoworkonit.

“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”Iwalkedintotheclosetandgotshortsandanundershirtfromthe

organizer,becauseunlikeQuinn,theclothesI’dwornwerescatteredthroughoutmycondo.I’djustpulled
onmyshortswhenmycellphonerang.

Thistimetheringtonewas“I’mGoingtoGoBackThereSomeday,”fromTheMuppetMovie.It

wasTheo;thatsonghadstruckmeasalogicalchoiceforhim.Whywashecallingmeinthemiddleofthe
week?EspeciallysinceMathesonwashomewithhim?

Quinnpickedupmytrousersandhandedthemtome.

“Whydon’tyougetthat,Mark?Youcanmeetmeinthekitchenwhenyou’redone.”Quinn

strolledoutoftheroom,andIlickedmylips.Themandidhaveanamazingass.

Ifishedmyphoneoutofapocketandtouchedthescreen.“What’sup,Theo?”

“Willswon’tbeintomorrow,”hesaidwithoutanyceremony.

“Hewon’t?”

“No.Idon’twanthimdrivingwhenhe’sthisexhausted.”

“Aren’tyoutheconcernedmotherhen.”

“DamnstraightI’mconcerned,Vince.”Hesoundedirritated,whichwasunusualforhim.“He

spentallnightdrivingdownhere—”

“Drivingdownwhere?”

“Oh.Sorry,”hemuttered.“Iforgetyouwouldn’tknow.I’minSavannah.”

“Wanttotellmewhatyou’redoingthere?”

“It’salongstory….”

“Hey,I’mnotgoinganywhere.”Iproppedupsomepillowsonthebed,laybackonthem,and

tuckedthephonebetweenmyshoulderandmyear.

“Didyoujustgetlaid?”Theodemanded.

Shit,Ishouldhaverealizedaformerrentboywouldbeableto….AndthenIbegantolaugh.“As

amatteroffact,Idid.”Istackedmyhandsbehindmyheadandcrossedmyankles.

“Alittleafternoondelight?I’msohappyforyou,Vince!Surprised,buthappy!”

“Yeah,well,therearemorethingstolifethanthejob.AndifyoutellMathesonIsaidthat….”

“Iknow,Iknow.Don’tworryaboutit.Yoursecretissafewithme.”

“SowhatarethetwoofyoudoinginSavannah?IassumeMathesoniswithyou?”

“Yes.Hecameafterme.”

“Cameafteryou?Oh,thisisgonnabegood.Starttalking.”

“Well,afteryoucalledtheotherdaytotellmeWillswascominghome….”

Ilethimrambleabouttheflowershe’dreceivedandthenotewithit—I’msorry.Forgiveme.I

wasafool.

“Iaskyou,Vince,wouldn’tsomethinglikethatconvinceyousomethingreallywrongwasgoing

on?”

Notlikely,becauseIknewQuinnwellenoughtoknowhe’dneverdoanythinglikethattome.

AndifIevergotacardlikethatwithflowers—notthatQuinnwouldsendmeflowers,but….

Anyway,I’daskhimwhatthefuckwasgoingoninsteadoftakingoff.

IshookmyheadandlistenedtoTheogooffononetangentafteranotherandthenbacktrackwhen

Iaskedhimtoclarifywhathewassaying.

“Ireallywasanassholeaboutthiswholething,wasn'tI?”Hesighed,finallywindingdown.

“That'sbesidethepoint.Idon'tneedmyboyinastatelikethisbecausehehastoworryabout

you.”IknewaboutTheo’sbackground,abouthowhisfatherhadtossedhimoutforbeinggay,soI
understoodwhyhe’dbeenwillingtobelieveMathesonhadscrewedaroundwhilehe’dbeenoutoftown.
Theoreallyshouldhaveknownbetter,though,sinceitwasobvioustoanyonewithhalfaneyethat
Mathesonwascrazyabouthim.

“So…uh…whatdoyousay?”

“About…?”

“Geez,Vince,aboutWillsstayinghometomorrow.”

“Tellhimhecanhavethedayoff.No,waitasecond,tomorrowisFriday,andIneedhimto—”

Ah,whatthefuck.I'ddelegate.“Tellhimhehasthewholeweekendoff.I'llhavehissecretaryreschedule

anymeetingsthatareonhiscalendar.”

Ilookedup,andmymouthwentdry.Quinnstoodinthedoorway,wearinganapronoverhis

shortsandasmile.Thedustingofhairthatfannedoutoverhischestandthenarroweddownpasthis
waistbandbeggedformyfingerstorunthroughit.Ilickedmylips.

“I'vegottago,Theo.Someofusdohave...thingstodo,y’know.Takeiteasy."Withoutwaiting

foranotherwordfromhim,Idisconnectedthecallandplacedmyphoneonthenighttable.

“Lunchisready,Mark.”TherewasasmudgeofwhiteonQuinn’scheekbone.Flour?

“Iwasprettysurethecupboardswerebare.”Ireachedformyundershirtandtuggeditovermy

head.Havingafireinthefireplacewasallwellandgood,butifweweregoingtohangaroundhalf
naked,I’dneedtoturnuptheheat.

“Notquite.Trythis.”Heheldasliceoftoasttomymouth,andItookabite.

Ichuckled,coveringmymouthtoavoidsprayingcrumbsonhim.Itwaspeanutbutterandorange

marmalade,anditwasn’thalfbad.

“Youlike?”

“Yeah,Ilike.”

“I’mglad.Alyonawouldmakeitasatreatforme.”

“Y’know,I’dliketomeetheroneday.”ShewasNovotny’ssister,butIdidn’tholdthatagainst

her.

“I’lltakeyouuptoNewYorkonedayandintroduceyou.”Hesuddenlylookedsad.“Itwillhave

tobesoon.She’sgettingoninyears.”

Isqueezedhisshoulder.“Sothisiswhatwe’regoingtoeat?”

“No.IfoundaboxofAuntJemima.Ihopeyoudon’tmind.We’rehavingwafflesforlunch.”

“Worksforme.”Ilickedmyfingerscleanoftheorangemarmalade,pickeduphisshirt,andputit

aroundhisshoulders.

“Iseverythingokay?”heaskedasheslidhisarmsintothesleevesandwewalkedtothe

breakfastnook.“Thephonecall?”

“Yeah.Afriendofmine…youremembermyformerlandlord?”

“Yes,ImethimonNewYear’sEve,Ibelieve.”

“Right.Well,hehadalittlemix-upwithhisboyfriend,andhelefthim.”

“I’msorrytohearthat.Whathappened?”

“Longstoryshort,ithadsomethingtodowithflowersandawrongcard.They’rebacktogether,

though.”

“Mark.IfIsentyouflowers—”Helookedconcerned.God,hewascute.Ileanedinandbrushed

akissoverhislips.

“Ihadthesamethought.”

“Youdid?”

“Don’tworry,babe.Itwouldtakeahellofalotmorethanthewrongcardformetowalkaway

fromyou.”

“I’mglad.”Helinkedhisfingerswithmineandtuggedmeafterhim.

Thetableinthenookwassetwithplacemats,freshlybrewedcoffeethatwasfromfreshlyground

beans,andtwoplatespiledhighwithwaffles.Inthecenterofthetablewerethebutterdishandacouple
oflittlejugsofmaplesyrupthatIknewhe’dwarmedinthemicrowave.

“We’llneedtogetquiteabitofshoppingdone.”Quinnmadehimselfcomfortable.“Wecango

afterweeatifyoulike.”

“ItcanwaituntilSaturday.Spendingtodaywithyouinbedisabetteridea.Andsince

tomorrow’sFriday,I’llmeetyouatRaphael’sfordinner.”

“Yes,butwhataboutdinnertonight?”

“We’llorderin.Whatareyouinthemoodfor?Thai?Chinese?Portuguese?”

“Letmegiveitsomethought.”Heusedthesideofhisforktocuthiswafflesandtookabite,

washingitdownwithaswallowofhiscoffee.“Butwhatwillyoudoaboutbreakfasttomorrow?Iused
thelastofyoureggsforthis.”

Ireachedacrossthetableandcuppedhischeek.“I’llpickupanEggMcMuffinonmywayto

work.”

“Yourarteries,Iago!Yourarteries!”

Iburstoutlaughing.“Y’knowsomething,babe?I’mreallygladyourealizeditwasmeandnot

SkipPattersonwhointerviewedyourmother.”

“Yousaidthatbefore.”

“Yeah,Idid.Itbearsrepeating.”Iwasstartledwhenhischairscrapedbackandhegottohisfeet.

“Quinn?”

Hepushedthetableawaytomakeenoughroomsohecouldstraddlemylap,thenranhisfingers

throughmyhairanddrewmymouthtohisforakiss.Hepaused,millimetersfrommylips.“Let’sgoback
tobed.”

“Butthewaffles….”

“Wecannukethem.”

“They’llbesoggy,”Iinformedhimunctuously.

“Thenwe’lltoastthem.”

“No,wecan’t,there’ssyruponthem.”

“Seriously,Mark?Areyougoingtogivemeahardtimeaboutwaffles?Allright,we’llwarm

themintheoven.Wait,whatareyoudoing?”

Myhandswerebusybehindhisback,untyingtheapron.Ithrewitaside,gotbothourcocksoutof

ourshorts,smearedmypalmwithbutter,andbeganjerkingusoff.

“Oh!”Heleanedhisforeheadagainstmine,shiveringandtryingtocatchhisbreath.“Isee.”

“Iknewyouwould.”Itippedhisheadbackandkissedhim….

SomeofthebesteighteenhoursI’deverspent.

HAPTER

Yeah.Someofthebesteighteenhours,andtheneverythingwentsouthlatethenextafternoon.The

planhadbeentodrivehometoshower,change,andmeetQuinnatRaphael’s,andthenhe’dfollowme
backtomycondoandspendtheweekend.

OnlythatsonofabitchDaviescalledmyoffice.

“Isthatboyofyoursin?”

Iscowledatthephone.“Whydoyoucare?”

“You’regoingtowanttoseethis,Vincent.”

“Seewhat?”

“Avideotape.Yourboyisindeepshit.”Andhesoundedasifthatreallymadehisday.

“WhywouldI…”IrememberedTheBoss’sinstructions,andtoneddownmylanguage.“…

believeawordyousay?”

“BecauseI’madirector,andkeepinmindI’mseniortoyou!”DidherealizeIdidn’tcaretwo

shits?“AndIhaverocksolidproofthistime!”

WhatwasitaboutMathesonthatgotunderDavies’sskin?Lastyearhe’dbeenbehindthatthing

withMatheson’ssecretary,andthenhe’dtriedtonailMathesonforthedisappearanceofacontractor
who’dbeensubbedouttotheHuntingdonPhoenixproject.Yeah,myagentwasresponsible—hewas
followingmyorders,butDavieshadnoproof.Inspiteofthat,he’dtriedtocoerceMathesoninto
confessing.

I’dbeenpleasedMathesonhadn’tcracked.

“I’msendingsomethingtoyouroffice.Ithinkyou’llfinditveryinteresting.Andifafterseeing

thistapeyoudon’tdecidetogetridofMatheson….”God,didIdetestthegloatingtoneinhisvoice.
“HoweverIthinkyouwill.”

“What’sonit?”Iaskedsuspiciously.

“You’llsee.”

AgainIrecalledTheBosstellingmeIcouldn’tgiveDaviesahardtime.“I’lltakealookatit,but

thishadbetterbeworthmywhile.”

“Oh,itwillbe!”

Knowinghim,Iwasn’twillingtobettheranchonit.Ihungupandwaitedtoseewhathadgotten

himsoexcited.

Theintercombuzzed.“Bancroftisheretoseeyou,sir.”

“Sendhimin.”BancroftwasDavies’spersonalassistant.Hadhebeenonhiswaydownevenas

Davieswasbendingmyear?

ThedooropenedandBancroftwalkedin.AthiselbowwasDevHoward.

“Didyouneedtoseeme,Howard?”

“No,sir.I…er…wasjustpassingby.”

“Andyoufeltlikepayingavisit?”

Heshifteduncomfortably.“Well,youdidsayyouwantedtotalktomeaboutMissSmith.Miss

Jones?”

“Yeah,it’sconfusing,isn’tit?You’rescheduledtoseemeonMonday.We’lltalkaboutitthen.”I

observedhimintently,waitingtoseeifhehadanythingtoaddtotheconversation,buthejustnoddedand
kepthismouthshut.IturnedmyattentiontoBancroft.“Youhavesomethingforme?”

“Yes,sir.”Hehandedmeablackvideotapecase.

Iopenedit.Thetapeinsidewasn’tlabeled.“Doyouknowwhat’sonthis?”

“No,sir.”

“Okay.I’llwatchitlater.Now—”

“Excuseme,Mr.Vincent,butMr.Daviesinsistsyouwatchitimmediately.”Bancroftfidgeted,

shiftingfromonefoottotheotherandworryingthecuticlesofhislefthandwithhisleftthumbnail,until
finallyHowardputahandonhisshoulder.

Jesus.WasHowardthatprotectiveofhisboyfriend?WhatthefuckdidhethinkIwasgoingtodo

toBancroft?

Shakingmyhead,IroseandwenttotheTV/VCRcombo;mostdirectorsanddeputydirectorshad

themintheiroffices.I’dneverfoundtheneedtouseitbeforethisweek,butmaybetheothershad.

IturnedontheTV,slippedthetapeintotheslot,andfoldedmyarmsacrossmychest,waitingfor

thetrackingtostraightenout.

Thequalitywasn’tthebest,andthesoundwasevenworse.MaybethatwasthereasonwhyIwas

unabletoplacethevoiceoftheboyonthetape,inspiteofhowfamiliaritsounded.

“Porn?”IsnarledatBancroftasIstoppedthetapeandshutoffthetelevision,andheturnedpale.

“DaviesthinksI’vegotnothingbettertodowithmytimethantowatchporn?Andbadamateurpornat
that?Out!Getthefuckout,now!”

“Er…Mr.Vincent,whatamItotellMr.Davies?”

“Tellhimthisis—”Goddammit,ifIhadtokeepalidoneverythingIsaidtoDavies,Iwasgoing

togivemyselfanulcer.Ontheotherhand,Icouldn’tlethisboyseemeonthevergeoflosingit.“Tellhim
I’llwatchitwithoutanaudience.”

Heflushed.“Y-yes,sir.”Iscowledathim.DidhethinkIwasgoingtojerkofftoit?

HowardgrabbedBancroft’sarm.“Jesus,Xander,whatthefuckisyourdirectorthinking?”

“Well,yoursisn’t—!”TherestofhiscommentwascutoffasHowardhustledhimoutofmy

officeandshutthedoorbehindthem.

IwaiteduntilIwassuretheyweregoneandthenbuzzedMs.Parker.“Idon’twanttobe

disturbeduntilfurthernotice.”Ididn’twaitforhertoacknowledgemyorder,justreleasedthebuttonand
wentbacktoturnonthetelevision.

Itturnedmystomach.Therewasnothingarousingaboutthoseimages:askinny,redheadedteen

withspikedhair,hisheaddroopingandhisfaceturnedawayfromthecamera,ridingthecockofaman
whowasatleasttwicehisagealthoughhetriedtolookyounger.

Theintercombuzzed.“Ms.Parker,IthoughtItoldyou—”

“I’msorry,sir.It’sMr.Davies.Hewasveryinsistent.”

Yeah,Ifuckingbethewas.“Whatline?”

“He’sontwo.”

“Thankyou.”Idrewinabreath,helditforasecond,andthenblewitout.ThelastthingIwanted

DaviestoknowwashowdisturbedIwasbythis.Yeah,Icouldkillpeoplewithoutthinkingtwiceabout
it.Icouldeventorturethemwithoutasecondthought.Butthis…thiswasfuckingsick.Ipausedthetape
andpressedtwo.

“Well?Whatdidyouthink?”

“I’mcuttothequick,Anson.Ithoughtyouknewmebetterthanthis.”

“What?”Hesoundedconfused.Good.

“Iprefermyporntobebetweenconsentingadults.”

“I’mdisappointedinyou,Vincent!Didn’tyourecognizetheboy?”

“ShouldIhave?”Iasked,makingmywordsindifferent.Thevoicewasnaggingatme,butIstill

couldn’tplaceit.

“Ofcourseyoushould,consideringyourboyisinvolvedwithhim!Involved!That’salaugh.He’s

fuckingthewhore!Orthewhoreisfuckinghim!”

Theo?Goddammit!Iknewthevoicewasfamiliar,butitwasaboy’svoice.Asforhisface…in

theclipI’dseen,itwasturnedaway.

“Trevorreprimandedyouyesterday,Vincent.Hewon’tbehappyifhehastoreprimandyou

again.Godknowshe’shadenoughcomplaintsaboutyouandhowyou’rerunningInteriorAffairs.”I
couldn’tseethesneeronDavies’sface,butIcouldhearitinhisvoice.Smug,superciliousbastard.“He
isn’tgoingtobepleasedtolearnofthis.”

“No,he…hewon’t.Awhore!Oh,God,awhore!Youcan’t….”Imademyvoicestrident.“This

willruinmycareer!”

“Yes,won’tit?Andthat’sexactlywhatIplantodo.Unless….”

“‘Unless’what?I’ll…I’vegottomakethisright.Howdidyougetthistape?Ihavearightto

know!”

“Oh,let’sjustsayIhaveafriendintherightplace.”God,hesoundedself-satisfied.Andhewas

buyingmyacthook,line,andsinker.“Now,whencanIexpectyoutofireMatheson?”

“WhydoyouwantMathesonoutoftheWBIS?”

“Hewasneversupposedtobeinthisorganization.Someoneelse—”

SoDavieshadanotherofHuntingdon’spersonnelinmindforthepositionMathesonhadbeen

given.IneededtocontactMathesonandseewhatheknewaboutthis.

Daviesabruptlychangedwhathewasgoingtosay.“He’snotWBISmaterial.”

AndyetMathesonhaddoneeverythingtheWBIShadaskedofhim.Whatwasitabouthimthat

hadDavies’sshortsinabunch?

“Hehasthedayoff.”

“Idon’tcare.”Icouldalmosthearhisshrug.“I’lljustgoandseeTrevor.It’ssohandythathis

officeisjustdownthehallfromPublicRelations.”

“I’ll…please,don’tdoanything.I’llcallMathesonandtellhimhehastocomein.”

“Ithoughtyouwould.”Therewasapause,andthenhesaid,“It’sgettinglate,andIhavedinner

plans.I’llgiveyouuntilMonday.IexpecttohearatthattimethatMathesonhasbeenfired.IfI
haven’t….”Hemadethewordsmenacing.

“I…Iwon’tdisappointyou.Ipromise.”

“Iknewyouwouldn’t.You’requiteanactor.”

“I…don’tunderstand.”HadIlaiditontoothick?Hadheputtwoandtwotogetherandgotten

thatTheBosshadn’treprimandedme?

“YouhaveeveryoneintheWBISbelievingyou’redangerous,butyou’renothingmorethana

loudmouthinacheapsuit.Whatalaugh!”Hehungup.

“Youstupidsonofabitch!”Isnarledatthephone.He’dfacedmebefore,butheboughtthewimp

routine?Asshole.Andanevenbiggerassholeforgivingmeallthatextratime.Ifistedmyhands.Iwas
goingtocrushhim.Ihittheintercom.“Ms.Parker,getmeWinchester.”

“Yes,sir.”

Ilookedatmywatch.Itwasalmostseven,andfuckit,Iwasnevergoingtomakedinnerwith

Quinn.Itookoutmycellphoneandspeed-dialedhisnumber.

Itwenttovoicemail.Damn.

“I’mstillatwork,andIhavenoideahowlateI’llbe.I’msorry,I’llhavetocancel.Wouldyou

mindlettingRaphael’sknownottoholdourreservation?I’llcallyouwhenIgethome.Bye,babe.”

Theintercombuzzed.“IhaveWinchesteronone,sir.”

“Thanks.”Ihitoneandbeganspeaking.“I’mputtingyouonatail.”

“Atail?Youmeansurveillance?Yes,sir!”Howoldwasheanyway?Hesoundedlikeakidwith

anewvideogame.Iwouldn’thavebeensurprisedifhewasbouncinglikethetigerinWinniethePooh.
“Um…whoamItailing?”

“YouknowtheDirectorofPublicRelations?”

“Mr.Davies?I’veseenhimaround.”

“Heshouldbeleavingheadquartersatanymoment.Getyourassdowntothelobbyandfollow

him.Iwanttoknowwhohehasdinnerwith.Oh,andWinchester,don’tlethimseeyou.”

“Yes,sir!Er…no,sir!Er….”

“Getgoing.”

ThenIcalledMatheson.

“Yes,sir?”Hesoundedrelaxedandsated.Well,shit,I’dprobablysoundedthesameway

yesterday.

“IknowIgaveyoutheweekendoff,butsomething’scomeupandIneedyouhereatheadquarters

now.”

“I…yes,sir.I’llbethereassoonasIcan.”

“Allright.”Itwasthetailendofrushhour.“Justdon’thaveanaccident.”

“No,sir.”

IwasfuckingtiredofallthisbullshitwithDavies.Onceitwasverifiedthattheboyinthevideo

wasorwasn’tTheo….I’dletDavieshaveanice,quietdinner,anice,complacentweekend,butwhenhe
camebacktohisofficeonMonday,hewasgoingtobefuckingsorryhe’dbeensoanxiousformetosee
thistape.

Thiswasn’tthefirsttimehe’dinterferedwithmydepartment,butitwasforgoddamnsureit

wouldbethelast.

***

ItwasabouthalfanhourlaterwhenMathesoncamein,alittleoutofbreath.

“Sorry,sir.Traffic….”

“Don’tworryaboutit.Iwantyoutotakealookatthis.Thefaceisobscured,butpayattentionto

thevoice.”Istartedthetape,watchingMatheson’sfaceasherealizedwhathewasseeing.

“Jesus,thekidissoyoung.”Andthenheturnedghostwhite,andIthoughtforaminutehewas

goingtothrowup.“That’s…isthatTheo?”

“You’renotsure?”

“No.Thevoicesoundslikehis,butwithoutbeingabletoseetheface….”Hemetmyeyes.“How

didyougetthis,sir?”

“Davies.HealmosthadanorgasmmakingsureI’dseenit.”

“Idon’tunderstandwhy.”

“Hedoesn’tlikeyou.HewantsyououtoftheWBIS.Youknowthisagencyisveryrelaxedwhen

itcomestosame-sexrelationships,butifthere’sanythingaboutyourpartnerthatcouldbecomeahazard

toyou,thatcouldcauseaproblem.AndDavieshasdugupthisdirt.”

“Istilldon’tunderstand.Ihaven’thadanythingtodowithhimorhisdepartment.”

“No,butyouwerebehindFitzwilliam’sdisappearance.”ThatoperationI’dsenthimonlastyear.

Fitzwilliamwasdirty,stockpilingweaponsthatshouldhavegonetotheWBISandsellingthemtothe
Russianmob.Mathesonhaderasedhim.

“Mr.Daviescouldn’tprovethat.”

“No.Youdidagoodjob.It’sburnedhisbutthecouldneverbringithometoyou.”Ituggedonmy

rightear.“Matheson,whodidyoubumptogetthisjob?”

“Excuseme?”

“Youweren’tsupposedtoworkfortheWBIS.”

Colorroseinhischeeks,butasI’dnoticedbefore,withinsecondsitwasgone,andhewas

contained.“No,I’mawareofthat,butIshouldhavegottenthatpromotion—Iwasthemostqualified,soI
dressedinworkclothes—”

Ilookedhimupanddowninthesuithewore,andheshookhishead.

“Jeans,asweatshirt,workboots,andatoolbelt.ItoldthesecurityguardIwasanelectrician

sentbytheuniontoclearupsomeproblemonsixty-seven.”

“Whowastheguard?”Dammit,theguardshouldhavebeenmorecautious.

“Itwasafewyearsago…”Mathesonshrugged.“…andInevergothisname.Anyway,Iwentup

toHumanResources,hackedintotheirsystem,andputmynameatthetopofthelist.”Hecockedhishead.
“Ialreadytoldyouthat,sir.”

“Yeah.”Lastyear,afterhe’dmetmeatthemorgueforSperling’sautopsy.“Youwantedtowork

fortheWBISsobadly?”

“Iwantedthepromotion,sir.LikeIsaid,Iwasthemostqualified,anditshouldn’thavecome

downtothat.I…uh….”Heranahandthroughhishair.“IhadnoideathejobwouldtakemetoDC.Ijust
thoughtI’d….”

Ah.Soitwastoseehowhe’dreacttobeingoverlooked.AndIimaginedDavies’scandidatehad

donenothingbutsitonhishandsoncehe’dthoughthewasashoo-inforthejob.“Whosenamedidyou
replace?”

“Doesitmakeanydifference?”

“DavieswantedhimintheWBISenoughthathe’sgivingusgriefalmostfiveyearslater.”

“AndI’msorryaboutthat.”Hiseyeswidened.“Sothat’swhy…”Hemetmygaze.“Almostfour

yearsago,Iwasinvolvedinatrainingexercisethatwentsouthintheworstpossiblewayforme.Iwas
sentuptoJosephP.KennedyMemorialinWeymouthtorecuperateafterI’dgottenstitchedup.Myfamily
wastolditwasafreakmotorvehicleincident.”

“Butitwasn’t.”

“Ofcoursenot.ThelastthingMr.Adamswouldwantthemtoknowwaswhatitactuallywas.He

wasallkindsofpissedandwouldhaveblamedmeforthewholesituation—”

“Yeah,DaviesandAdamswereprettytightatthetime.”

“Werethey?Ididn’tknow.Iwastoobusywatching…well,you,toseehowyougotthings

done.”

“What?”

“Oh,yes.Mostofthejunioragentsdo.Anditactuallygotmeoutofastickysituationmorethan

once.”

“I’mgladtohearthat,butyouweresaying?”

HecouldtellIwasuncomfortableaboutthat,buthewassmartenoughtotrytohidehisgrin.I

sawitanyway,butIgavehimpointsformakingtheattempt.Hesaid,“Anyway,thetrainingtapes
revealedIwaswhereIwassupposedtobe,doingwhatIwassupposedtodo.Afterward,itstruckmeas
off,butIcouldhardlygotoMr.Adamsandtellhimsomeonehadtriedtokillme.Allthealphabet
agenciesthinkwe’reparanoid,butthatwouldbetakingittoextremes.”

“Youthink?”

“No,Iguessnot.Nowthatyou’vepointedouthowmuchDavieswantsmegone,I’dhavetosay

whathappenedlooksmoreandmorelikeasetup.”Heshookhishead.“Ijustdon’tknowwhoIcould
havegonetoatthetime.”

“Youdidn’tconsidergoingtoMr.Wallace?”

Helookedstartled.“No!WhywouldI?He’sTheBoss.”

“Yeah,buthetakescareofhispeople.”Well,itwaswaterunderthebridgenow.“Sowhodid

youreplace?”

“JerryBlack.Heworkedoutofanotherdepartment,butI’dseehimaround,eitherinthecafeteria

oratthoseenrichmentthingswhenmostofHuntingdonhadtoshowup.”

“Didyouevercheckhimout?”

Thetipsofhisearsturnedred,andIwasinterestedtoseethecolordidn’tfadeasquicklyas

whenheblushed.“Sixfeettwo,aboutoneninety.Redhair,blueeyes,andaprettynicebuild.”

“Jesus,Matheson.Hisfile!Didyouevercheckouthisfile?”

Heblushedagain,andagainitlingered.Becausehehadsomethingelseonhismind?“Sorry,sir.

Yes,Idid.I’mnotyou,butI’mnotstupideither.IhackedintoHuntingdon’sHumanResourcessystem
again.”Iwaitedforhimtotellmehowhe’dmanagedthat,buthecontinuedsmoothly.“There’saJerry
Blackwhoworksthere,onlythisBlackisemployedinthemailroom,he’sfiveeight,twotwenty,brown
hairandeyes.Itriedtrackingtheotherguydown,buteveryleadturnedintoadeadend,sofinallyIgave
itup.”

“Nowthatweknowhe’ssomehowinvolvedwithDavies…?”

“I’lltryagain.”

“Tellmesomething,Matheson.Areyousorry?”

“Sir?”

“ThatyouwoundupintheWBIS?”

“No,sir.ItgotmeTheo.”

Italsoputhiminthepositionofhavingtodowetwork.Hadthatbeensomethingelseto…

persuade…himtoleave?

“Mr.Vincent,I’mabigboy,andifMr.Davieswantstotakeaswingatme,that’sfine.Icantake

careofmyself.ButIdon’tlikeTheobeingdraggedintothis.”

“NeitherdoI,butwemighthaveto.IfwehadatrackofTheo’svoicewhenhewasfifteenwe’d

haveabettershotfindingoutifhe’sthiskid.”

“Whatdowedo,sir?Iwon’tputthisdepartmentinjeopardy,butIdon’tliketheideaofmaking

Theowatchthistape,either.”

“You’regoingto—”Thephonerang,indicatingacalldirectfromSecurity.JesusChrist,whatthe

fuckwasgoingon?Ipickedupthereceiver.“Yeah?”

“Mr.Vincent.ThisisSanford.”Hewasoneofthesecuritymenwhoworkedthepublicareasof

thebuilding.Iwasalittlesurprisedhewasstillhere.“Sorrytobotheryou,sir.Ihavesomeonedown
herewhowantstoseeyou.”Igrowled,andIcouldhearhimswallowovertheline.“Hesayshe'safriend
ofyours.”

“What’sthename?”ThiswasthelastthingIneededatthispoint.

“Bascopolis,sir.”

Istaredatthephone,andthencoveredthereceiver.“What’sTheodoinghere?”

“Theo’shere?Ilefthim….”Mathesonscrubbedhisface.“I’msorry,sir.I’malittle….”Yeah,I

couldseehowshell-shockedhewas.He’dpausedthetapeandwasstaringatthefrozenimages.

“Sanford,sendhimup.”Ihungup.“Matheson,pullyourselftogether.”Ipickeduptheremoteand

turnedofftheVCR.

“Yes,sir.Sorry.”

“Youneedadrink?”

***

LastDecemberI’dbeencalleduptoTheBoss’soffice.Thathadhappenedalotlately,another

reasonformetobeunhappywiththisfuckingpositionofdeputydirectorI’dbeengiven.Ijoggedupthe
threeflightstoten.Ms.DiBlasiwavedmein,andIentered.

Mr.Wallacelookedupandwhilehedidn’tsmile,theexpressiononhisfacelightened.“Ihave

somethingforyou,Mark.”Heroseandwalkedaroundhisdesk.

“Thatisn’tnecessary,sir.”

“Oh,Ithinkitis.”

“Sir?”

Heclippedanametagtothebreastpocketofmysuitjacket.

Thedirectorsanddeputydirectorsworethem,butIneverbothered.Asamatteroffact,thetag

announcingIwasDeputyDirectorofInteriorAffairswasinthebottomdrawerofmydesk.Ifanyonein
thebuildingdidn’tknowwhoIwas,they’dfindoutsoonenough.WasthisahintthatTheBosswantedme
towearit?

Itippeditbacktoreaditandblinked.No,thatcouldn’tberight.Itwisteditthistimesoitwould

bemorelegible.

Shit,piss,fuck,andsonofagoddamnbitch!

“Congratulations,Mark.Iknowyou’lldoagoodjobandtreatyourpeoplewell.”

I’dbeenpromotedtoDirectorofInteriorAffairs.

Stanley,theone-leggedDirectorofForeignAffairs,waswaitinginmyofficewhenI’dreturned.

“Iunderstandwehaveareasontocelebrate.”Henoddedtowardthetagthatdangledfrommypocket.
AndthenheheldupacoupleofglassesandabottleofDewar’s.“Congratulations,DirectorVincent.”

***

We’dhadadrink,andthenI’dtuckedthebottleawayinthebottomdrawerofmydeskandhadn’t

openeditagain,butthismightbeagoodtime.

Itookoutthebottleandaglass.“Matheson?”Iwaitedtofindoutifhewantedthatdrink.

“No,sir.I’ll…I’llbeokay.”

Wouldhe?Hestilllookeddazed.

TherewasataponthedoorandthenMs.Parkeropenedit.“Mr.Bascopolis,sir.”

Theoswaggeredin,buttherewassomethingbehindhiscocksuredemeanor….

“Thankyou,Ms.Parker.Youcanleavefortheday.”

“TellMs.DiNoisshecanleavealso,wouldyouplease?”Mathesonstoodsostifflyhelooked

likeatouchwouldbreakhimintwo.

“Yes,sir.Haveaniceweekend.”

“Youtoo.”Iwasn’tgoingtotellhertogivemybesttoGrangerandMs.DiNois.Itwasn’tmy

business.

Sheclosedthedoorbehindher.

“Niceoffice,Vince.”Forsomereason,TheoseemedtobefascinatedwiththeKeyserSöze

posterthathungonthewall;hewouldn’tmeetmyeyes.

“Yeah.Why’dyoucomehere,Theo?”

Hestraightenedhisshouldersandfacedme.“I’mgoingtofightforhim.”

“Excuseme?”

“Yousaidyoudidn’tneedyourboyinastatelikehewasinbecausehewasworriedaboutme.”

WhenI’dtalkedtohimyesterday.“Civilians,”Imutteredundermybreath.“Thatwasn’twhatI

meant.”

“HowwasIsupposedtoknowthat?I…Ithoughtwhenyoucalledhimintowork,youwere

goingtotellhimhehadtobreakupwithme.Whateveryoudidmean,I…”Hegotastubbornlookonhis
face.“I’mnotgivinghimup.”

“Fine.We’vegototherworries.Matheson,rewindthetapeandplayitforTheo.”Thiswasgoing

tosuck,butitwasbettergettingitdonefast,likerippingoffaBand-Aid.

“Sir….”

“Isaidrewindit.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Wills?”Mathesondidn’tsayanything,soTheoturnedtome.“Vince,what’sgoingon?”

Ipulledoverachair.“You’dbettersitdown.”

“What….”HemusthavepickeduponMatheson’stension.“WhatamIgoingtosee?”

Mathesonlookedaway.Ifhiswordsoflovewerelies,itwasgoingtokillTheo.

Theoswallowedandlickedhislipsandwatchedastheimagejumpedandwaveredbefore

finallysteadying.

Iwatchedhimwatchthetape,hisfacegettingsopaleIwasn’tsureifhewasgoingtopassoutor

throwup.

“Oh,Jesus.Wills,didyou….”Theocoveredhisfacewithbothhands.“Nomore.Please.Turnit

off.”

“Isthatyou?”IaskedasonceagainIstoppedthetape.

“Why,Vince?Whymakemewatchthis?”

“BecauseIneededtobesureitwasyou.”

“It’sme.Iwas…Iwasfifteen,hesaidhelovedme,and….Howdidyougetthis?”

“Longstory.Sufficeittosayitcameintomypossessionafewhoursago.Arethereanymore

copies?”

“Idon’tknow.Ithoughtthisonehadbeendestroyed.Hepromisedme….”Theobegantoshake,

andslowtearsrolleddownhischeeks.

“Oh,baby.”Mathesonwenttohimandtookhiminhisarms.“I’vegotyou.Iwon’tletyougo.”

Heglancedacrossatme,theexpressioninhiseyesflatandcold.“Ilethimdietooeasy.”

“Yeah.”Iknewhewastalkingaboutthemanwho’dturnedTheointoawhorewhenhewas

fifteen.“Youshouldhaveleftittome.”

“What?”Theorearedback.

Mathesonignoredhisreactionandaskedmeagain,“Wheredowegofromhere?”

“Nowherenow,butonMonday….”DavieswassoanxioustoseeIgotthis.Iwouldn’twantto

denyhimthepleasureofseeingmyreaction.IpickedupthebottleofDewar’s.“Youlooklikeyoucould
useadrink,Theo.Matheson?”Ihadanotherglassinthatdrawerifhefeltinneedofthefortification.

“No,thankyou,sir.I’llbedrivingushome.”

IfilledtheglassforTheoandhandedittohim.Ididn’tthinkIhadtowarnhimabouttakingit

easy,butIshouldhave.Hebelteditback,coughedandgasped,andheldouttheglasstome.“’Nother
one?”

“You’vehadenough.”

“No,Ihaven’t.”

Whythefuckdidthatoneglassofwhiskeygostraighttohishead?Itwistedthecapbackonthe

bottleandputitoutofreach.

Inamatterofminuteshiseyesstartedtocross.

“Areyoudrunk,Theo?”

“No.Idon’tthinkso,”heamended.

“Ithinkheis,sir.”MathesonrubbedTheo’sshoulder.“Hehasn’thadanythingtoeatsincelast

evening.”

“Yes,Idid!”Theoannounced.“Iwentdownonyou,don’tyouremember?Andwhenyoucome,I

alwaysswallow!”Helookedsosatisfiedwithhimself,Ihadtobitebackagrin.Matheson,ontheother
hand,lookedlikehewishedthegroundwouldopenunderhisfeet.

Ishookmyhead.“Matheson.Takehimhome,soberhimup,andthentellhimwhatitisyoudofor

alivingandwhy,whenyou'reworking,youcan'taffordtohaveanythingonyourmindbutthejob.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Gettin’married,”Theoslurred.HekissedMatheson’scheekandthenpeeredatmeandordered,

“Youcome.”

“I’mnotabouttotellyouitwouldn’tbelegal.”

“Don’tcare.”Hesoundedlikeathree-year-old.“Gonnagetmarried.”

“Yeah,yeah.Matheson,gethimoutofhere.”

“Yes,sir.Comeon,Theo.”

“Carryme?”Hehoppedup,andMathesoncaughthimandheldhimwithoutanyobvious

difficulty.TheorestedhisheadonMatheson’sshoulderandflirtedhiseyelashes.“Myhero.”

ThiswaswhyIlimitedmyalcoholicintake.“Goonhome.”

“Yes,sir.”HesetTheobackonhisfeetandpattedhisbutt.IpretendedIdidn’tsee.

Theowhisperedsomethinginhisear,andasmilelitupMatheson’sface.Hewasgood-looking.

Notasgood-lookingasQuinn,butthenasfarasIwasconcerned,noonewas.

Iwatchedastheyleftmyoffice.Love’syoungdream.

Iglancedatmywatchandswore.Theeveningwasshot.Quinnwouldhavecanceledour

reservationsfordinner,andIcouldhardlyshowupathisdoor.

Davieswasgoingtopayheavilyforscrewingupmyweekend.

IejectedthecassettefromtheVCRandtorethetapeoutofit.Afterrunningitthroughthe

shredder,Ibaggedthebitsofblackplastic.BeforeIleftforthenight,I’dtakethemdowntothe
incineratorandgetridofthem.

Icrackedmyknucklesandwenttomycomputer.Timetodoalittlehacking.

HAPTER

Whatanasshole,IthoughtasIstudiedmymonitor’sscreen.Daviesactuallybelievedallthe

informationonhisharddrivewassecure?

Ithadbeenpatheticallyeasytohackintohiscomputer,especiallysinceIwentinviahis

assistant’s.AsidefromthenormalfilesandfoldersdealingwiththepublicrelationsaspectoftheWBIS
—makingsuretheorganizationflewundertheradar—hehadoneIfoundparticularlyinteresting.

AlfredHoneycutt,sometimebusinessman,full-timepurveyorofporn,likedtodabbleinpolitics.

IfDavieswantedtobethepowerbehindthethrone,Honeycuttwantedtobetheonetoputthekingthere.

Theyhadgonetocollegetogether,andaccordingtoDavies’srecords,Honeycutthadgottenin

touchwithhimafewweeksago.

ButthemoreIreadintoit,themorepissedIbecame.Thiswasnonefariousschemetoplayhavoc

withtheAmericaneconomy.Theplotwasn’thatchedtoseemoneyandequipmentwasfilteredinto
certaincompaniesbackedbycertaingovernmentofficialsinsteadofgoingtothetroopsinAfghanistan.

Istaredatthescreenindisgustnow.NormallyI’dstayoutofit,butallthisbullshithadnothingto

dowiththegovernment.

ThelongandtheshortofitwastogetMathesonfired,andevenMatheson’sinvolvementwas

purelyincidental.

Asitturnedout,HoneycuttbelievedTheowastheboyonthevideotape,hewantedhim,andhe

woulddowhateverittooktoseehegothim.

Mycellphonerang.Icheckedthescreen,andthentouchedit.“Yeah,Winchester?”

“Mr.Daviesisjustleaving,sir.HehaddinnerattherestaurantintheWilliamHenryHarrison

Hotelwithsomeoldguywho’sachub.”

“Excuseme?”

Heclearedhisthroat.“Sorry,sir.Themanlookslikehe’sinhisfifties,andhehasn’tgoneshort

ofameal.”

“Wereyouabletogetaname?”Andsincewhenisfiftyold?WinchesterwasoneoftheWBIS’s

youngeragents.Heprobablyvieweditthatwaysincehewouldn’tbetwenty-fiveforanotherfourmonths.

“Yes,sir.Iwasabletoborrowanapronandapad,andIbribedawaiterintolettingmereplace

him.I…uh…promisedhimthetip,anditlookslikeit’llcomeoutofmypocket.”

Daviesstiffedthewaiter?Ishookmyhead,eventhoughhecouldn’tseeme.“Putinarequisition

forit.”

“Thanks,Mr.Vincent.”

“Now,whataboutDavies’sdinnercompanion?”

“Theman’snameisHoneycutt.Mr.Daviesslippedhimanenvelope.Iheardhimsaysomething

aboutthatbeingadownpaymentandthattherestwouldbedepositedintoanoffshoreaccountassoonas
Mathesongetstheboot.Um…whyisMathesongoingtobefired,sir?”

“Heisn’t.Anythingelse?”

“No,sir.Idon’tthinkMr.Davieslikedthisguy,though.”HecontinuedbeforeIcouldaskhimto

explain.“Honeycutthadtousethejohn,andthelookMr.Daviesgavehimashewalkedaway….Igot
somegoodpictures.”

“Goodwork.Iwanttheme-mailedtomeassoonasyoucan.Oncethat’sdone,callitanight.I’ll

wantyouintomorrowtowriteupyourreportaboutthis.”

“Yes,sir.”

TheothoughtthetapeI’ddestroyedwastheonlycopy.Ireallyhopedhewasn’tinforabig

disillusionment.

Honeycuttstayedinsuite1276attheHarrisonHotelwheneverhewasintown,andsincehewas

intownnow….

LookedlikeI’dbepayinghimavisit.

BeforeIlefttheWBIS,IhackedintotheHarrisonHotel’scomputersystemandlearnedthatmore

oftenthannot,Honeycuttwouldorderabedtimesnack.Therewasnothingscheduledfortonight,soItook
careofthat.Itookcareofafewotherthingsaswell,andthenjoggeddowntotheWBISgarage.

Vans,pickups,utilityvehicles…theywerestoredinanout-of-the-waycornerofthegarage.

TheHarrisonwasoneofthefewhotelsintheareathat,forreasonsofthemanagement’sown,

didn’thavelaundryfacilitiesonthepremises,whichworkedfineforme.NoonewouldquestionwhatI
wasdoing.Guestswouldn’tcareafuck,andemployeeshadtheirownjobstodo.

IselectedthevanI’dneedandgotontheroad.

***

TheWilliamHenryHarrisonHotelonFStreetNorthwesthadundergroundparking.Ieasedthe

vanintotheemployees’parkinglotandunloadedthelaundrycartI’dbeusinglater.

Justofftheemployees’entrancewasaserviceelevator,andIpushedthecartintoitandpressed

thebuttonforeight.TheWBISkeptasuiteonthatfloorunderanassumedcorporatename,andofcourseI
hadthekeycardforit.Ialsoknewthatunlesssomethingimmediatecameup,noonewouldbeusingthe
suitefortherestofthemonth.

Noonewasaroundjustthen,butthatwasamatterofgood,solidplanningonmypartandnot

luck.ItwasjustshyofmidnightonaFridaynight.Hotelguestswereeitherouthavingagoodtime,orthey
weretuckedawayforthenight.

Andevenifanyonesawme...well,whoreallysawthehelp?

Onceinsidethesuite,Iremovedasuitcasefromthecartandchangedoutofthewhiteuniform

usedbyhousekeepingandintotheblacktrousersandsnugwhitejacketoftheHarrison’sroomservice
staff.

ThenIpresentedmyselfatthekitchen.

“Who’stakingthisupto1276?”theroomservicemanagerdemandedirritably.

“I’lltakecareofthat.”

“DoIknowyou?”

“I’mnew.”Istartedtowheelthecartoutofthekitchenandintothehallway.

“You’reratherold.”

“What?”BetweenthisclownandWinchester,Iwasgoingtodevelopacomplexaboutmyage.

“Themaninthatsuiteisavaluedpatron,andheusuallyprefershisserversagooddealyounger.”

“Yeah?Igottatakethisupwiththeunion?”

“No!Er…no.Makesureeverythingisperfectinthewayyouservicehim.”

Thatsoundedsalacious.Iglancedovermyshoulder,raisinganeyebrow,andhehadthegraceto

blush.

“Imean…Imean….”Healsolookedconfused,andIcouldjusthearhimmuttertohimself,“How

isitthisserveriscausingmetobackdown?”

Iswallowedagrin.He’dneverdealtwithaWBISagent.Iwalkedout,pushingthecartaheadof

me.

Theserviceelevatorwasempty,notthatitwouldhavemattered—IhadtheclutchpieceQuinn

hadgivenmeforChristmasstrappedtomyankle—andtheridetothetwelfthfloorwentsmoothlyand
quickly.Thedoorsslidopen,andthecartandIexited,wentdownonecorridorandaroundthecornerto
anotherone,andtherewas1276.Itwasshowtime.

Itappedonthedoorandwaited.

“What?”

“Roomservice,sir.”

“Ididn’torderany—”

“ComplimentsofaMr.AnsonDavies.”

“Really?Ofcourse,Ican’tsayI’msurprised.”Thesoundofthelockbeingundonewasloudin

thecorridor,andthenheopenedthedoor.

Hewaswearingbrowndressslacksandabeigebutton-downshirt,thedeepgreentiehemust

havewornearliernowdrapedoverachair.Hishairwasanunnaturalblack,asifhe’dtoucheditup.
Therewerenowrinklesatthecornersofhiseyes,nojowlsunderhischinorlinesbracketinghismouth,
andhischeeksweresmoothastheproverbialbaby’sbutt.

Allthatworkandyou’dthinkhe’dbeonsomekindofexerciseregimen—hisguthungoverthe

waistbandofhistrousers.Winchesterwasright.Themanwasprobablyaboutseventy-fivepounds
overweight.

“Idon’tknowyou.”Heranhisgazeoverme.

“I’mnew.”

Hegruntedandturnedhisattentiontothecart.“Whathaveyougot?”heasked,rubbinghishands

togetheravidly.

Iraisedthesalver’slid.“Napoleons,éclairs,chocolatepeartarts,cranberryorangescones,and

ofcoursefreshlybrewedcoffee.”

“Thisdoeslookyummy!Bringitinandsetitrightoverthere.I’lljustwashmyhandsand—”

“Ifyou’lljustsignforthis,sir?”

“Yes,yes.”Helickedhislips,sowrappedupinlustingafterthepastriesthathedidn’tnotice

whenIbackedupagainstthedoor,flippedthelock,andbeganwalkingtowardhim.

***

Itwasabouthalfanhourlater.“Now,I’mgoingtotakethehandkerchiefoutofyourmouth,and

we’lltalk.”I’dstuffedthehandkerchiefintopreventanysoundsfromcomingoutasIdrewpatternson
historsowithmypocketknife.“However,ifyoudoanythingbutnodyourheadyesornoorspeakin
anythinglouderthanawhisper,I’llshoveitdownyourthroatandleaveyouheretosuffocate.Arewe
clear?”

Henoddedhisheadfrantically.Hiseyeswerehuge,thewhites,asbloodshotastheywere,so

visiblehisterrorwasobvious.

ItwasnicetoknowIhadn’tlostmytouch,eventhoughI’dbeenoutofthefieldforalmostayear.

Iremovedthehandkerchief,andwatched,bored,asheendeavoredtoworkupamouthfulofspit,

hislips,tongue,andmouthmovingalmostdesperately.

Iwasn’tgoinganywherejustthen,andIwaiteduntilhecouldspeak.

“Anything!Anything!Justdon’thurtmeanymore!”Honeycuttfinallymanagedtogetthewords

outinahoarsewhisper.“Whyareyoudoingthis?”

“SoyouunderstandI’mnotfuckingaround.”Iswitchedtheknifetomyotherhand,andhisgaze

flickeredfromittomyeyesandback.Iranthebladeoftheknifeoverhislowerlip.“Youknowhow
sharpthisis.Justaslightshiftinangle,andIcouldtakeyourliprightoff.”

“I…I…I’llgiveyoumoney!Girls!Boys!Whateveryouwant!”

“Idon’tneedmoney,Idon’twantgirls,andIdon’tneedaboy.”Ihadaman.

Hewhimperedandtriedtopullhisheadoutofrange.Wasn’tgoingtohappen.Ihadhimright

whereIwantedhim.“Thenwhatdoyouwant?”

“IwanteverycopyofthevideoyougavetoAnsonDavies.”

Helickedhislipsagain,andhiseyesshiftedfromtheknifetotheclosetbehindme.“Youdidn’t

havetodothis.I’llbemorethanhappytosell—”

“Youdon’tunderstand.You’regoingtogivethemtome.Everyoneofthem.Becauseifyou

don’t….”Iletthethreatlinger.

“Allright!Allright!They’re…It’sinthisroom’ssafe.”

“That’sveryfortunateforyou.”Iroseandwenttothecloset.You’dthinkhotelmanagement

wouldshowalittlemoreingenuityinfindingsomeplacetoconcealthesafe.Butthenmaybeallthey
wantedtodowasgivetheirgueststheillusionofsecurity.

“Why…whydoyousaythat?”heaskedasIfiddledwiththekeypad

“Yourbankisclosedovertheweekend,andIhavenointentionofspendingthenexttwoanda

halfdayswithyou.I’vegotbetterthingstodo.”

“Howdoyouknowaboutmybank?”

“It’swhatIdo.”

“You’llneverfigureoutthecombination!”

Icockedaneyebrowathim.

“It’smybirthdate!”

“Sureitis.”Therewasaslightclick,andIopenedthedoor.

“See?I’mcooperating!”

“AndI’vedulynotedthat.”Insidewereacoupleofpassports,oneforhim,theother…Ithada

lotoffalseinformationinit,includingabogusname,butthepicturewasofTheo.“Planningonleaving
thecountry,Honeycutt?”

“I…Ihavesomebusinessoverseas.”

“Andthis?”Iwaggledthesecondpassport.

“He’sacompanion!”

“Yeah.”IsetasidethepassportsandthewalletcontainingawadofBahsranicurrency,andtook

outablackvideocassettecase.WhenIopenedit,Ifoundthetapeinsidelabeled,MyRed-HeadedGreek
BoyToy.“Thisistheoriginal?”

“Yes.”

“Andhowmanycopiesarethere?”

“None.”

“Youexpectmetobelievethat?”

“IgaveacopytoDavies,butthisvideoisavailableonlyondemand.”

“Okay.Sohowmanyothershavedemandedit?”

“None.”Hecouldseemydisbelief.“Oh,allright,there’sasteadydemandforit,butIwon’tsell

copies.”

“Butyouofferedtodothatforme.”

Helookedaway.“Whatdidyouexpectmetosaywhenyouexpressedinterest?Normally,Isetup

aviewing.Champagne,caviar.”

“Why?”

“Thechampagneandcaviar?That’sgoodcustomerrelations.Inaddition,Iofferaboyortwofor

relief.It’saveryhotvideo!”

Whatastinkingsonofabitch.“Whynotsellcopies?”

“Onceaclienthasacopy,itwouldbeeasytomakeduplicates,andthenmyprofitwouldgo

downthetubes.Andbesides,”headdedsullenly,“themoreIwatchedwhatwasonit….IthoughtImight
keeptheboyformyself.”

“Whyapassportforhim?”

“It’snotimportant.”

“I’mgoingtoaskyouonemoretime:whyapassportforhim?”Iclosedtheknife,foldedmy

fingersaroundit,andsluggedhimacrossthecheek,andhecriedout.“Don’tmakemeaskyouagain.”

“Allright!Allright!I…IhaveacustomerinBahsranwho’sseenthetape.Hewantstheboyfor

himself.”

“AndhowlongwouldhekeepSweetcheeks?”

Heshrugged.“That’snotmyconcern.”

No,Iguesseditwasn’t.Ididn’tlikethethoughtofTheobeingtakenintotheMiddleEast.Iliked

evenlessthethoughtofhimdisappearingintothedesert.Notonlywaswhiteslaveryaliveandwellin
thatpartoftheworld,butlifewascheap.

“How’dyougetthevideo?”

Hewasreluctanttoanswer,andIlethimseemyfoldedfist.

“AnacquaintancewholivesinFloridaobtaineditformeasa…abirthdaygiftyoumightsay.

Shedidquiteahealthybusinessoffit.”

“Yeah?”Jesus,Icouldn’tbelievethesesickos!

“SheknowswhatIlike.”Andwhathelikedwasboys.HoneycuttwasunawareofhowcloseI

wastogougingouthiseyes.

“Shemadecopies?”

“Oh,no.Shewastheonewhogavemetheideatosetupindividualshowings.”

“Givemeaname.”MaybeI’dflydowntoFloridaandpaythebitchavisit.

“JaneSmith.AndIknowthatisn’therrealname,butIhadnoinclinationtofindoutwhatitwas.”

Heexpectedmetobuythatbullshit?“WhereinFlorida?”

“Theeastcoast,Ithink.Shetravelsthroughoutthestate.Wedidsomebusinesstogetherin

Miami.”

“Wasthatwhenshegaveyouthetape?”

“Yes.”Sohe’dactuallyseenher.

“Whatdoesshelooklike?”

“Brownhair,browneyes.She…uh…shehadsomeplasticsurgerydone.”

“Where?”

“Theusualplaces—hereyes,hernose,aroundhermouthandunderherchin….”

“Jesus.DidshehavetheplasticsurgerydoneinFlorida?”

“Yes.Thatis,Ibelieveso.”

Innocuousnameandcoloringthatwouldmatchthemajorityoftheworld’spopulation.I’dtalkto

Romero,seeifhehadanygoodiesuphissleevethatcouldhelpmetrackdown“JaneSmith.”Itwas
probablyalongshot,buthecameupwithsomeprettyimpressivetoys,sowhoknew.

“Whatmakesyouthinkshedidn’tkeepacopyofthetapeforherself?”

“Shegavemeherword!She’sveryprotectiveofherreputation,andifshehadcopies,she’dhave

saidasmuch.”

Iwasn’tsurehowmuchofthisIwaswillingtobuy,butforthetimebeingI’dgoonthe

assumptiontherewereonlythesetwotapes.Ifitturnedoutotherwise….

“YouknowSweetsisn’tfifteenanymore?”

“Isawhimrecently.Withalittlework,hecouldpassforthirteen.”Sickfucker.

“Soyouwentlookingforhim?”

“No!IhadnoideahewaslivinginWashington.”Hisgazeshiftedawayfrommine.Thebastard

waslyingthroughhisteeth.Iwaitedtoseewhatelsehehadtosay.“It…uh…justsohappenedIsawhim
afewdaysbeforeValentine’sDay—purelybychance!—andIthoughthelookedfamiliar.”Nowhewas
tellingthetruth.“Baileyknewhim—”

“Who?”

“Theboywhowaswithmeatthetime.IlikethenameBailey!”Heglaredatme,eventhoughI

hadn’tsaidaword.“Itoldhimthatwasthenamehewouldanswertowhilehewaswithme.”

“Whatwashisworkingname?”

“Youcanhardlyexpectmetoremember!”

“Where’dyoupickhimup?”

“Here,inDC.”

I’dhavetocheckwithsomeoneIknew.Itmightnotbeimportant,butthenagain,itjustmight.“So

whatdoesthisBaileyhavetodowithit?”

“AsIsaid,heknowshim.Atanyrate,heverifiedhisidentity.Hewassupposedtocontact

Sweetcheeksandinvitehimtodinewithus.”

“Where’sthisboynow?”Ididn’tliketheideaofTheobeingluredintothiscreep’sweb.

“Ihavenoidea.Forsomereason,thingsdidn’tworkthewayI’dexpected.AndthenBaileywas

gone.”

“Goneasindead?”

“No.”Hebaredhisteethatme,andthatgothisliptobleeding.Itmusthaveremindedhimthathe

wasn’tinagoodpositiontolosehistemper,becauseabruptlyhisexpressionwasconciliatory.“Goneas
ingone.Ihadsomebusinessoutoftown,andwhenIreturnedtoDC,tooursuite,Ifoundhehaddeparted
andleftnothingbehind.Noclothes,nosuitcase.HeevenhadthetemeritytoleavewiththeCartierwatch
I’dboughtforhim.”

Yeah,howdaretherentboymakeoffwithgiftsgivenforservicesrendered?“Okay,sosofar

we’vegotyouwantingSweetcheeksandyourboyBaileyoutofthepicture.Whathappenednext?”

“IcalledinsomefavorstolearnwhatSweetcheeks’sstatusis.ItturnsoutsomeoneinDavies’s

organizationiskeepinghim.”

Davies’sorganization?TheBosswasgoingtobeinterestedtohearthat.

“Iarrangedtohavethemansentoutoftownonbusiness.”

Sonofabitch!SothatwaswhatwasbehindMatheson’slengthystayinCalifornia.Come

Mondaymorning,IwasgoingafterGershomaswellasDavies.

“Why?”Iasked.

“IthoughtifSweetcheekswasn’tdistracted,he’dbemore...amenabletomyapproachinghim.”

“Onlythatdidn’twork.”

“No.AndthenIhadtogooutoftown.”

“Butwhenyoureturned,youstillhadhopesofgettinghim.”

“Yes.Whynot?He’sawhore,sowhyshouldn’tIhavetheuseofhisbodyforawhile?”

WhetherTheowaswillingtogowithhimornot.Istudiedtheknifeinmyhand.“Why’dyougive

acopyofthevideotoDavies?”

“Howdidyou….”Hegulpedandtriedtosmile.“Yousee,Sweetcheeksisveryexpensive.I

understandhisfeesruntomorethanathousanddollarsanight!Oncethepersonwho’skeepinghimis
fired,hewon’tbeabletoaffordhimanymore.”

“AndwhoelsewouldSweetcheeksbewillingtoturntokeephiminthestylehewasaccustomed

tobutyou?”

“Yes.Exactly!”

Itappedthevideocase.“Thisistheoriginal?”

“Itoldyouitwas,didn’tI?”

“Italwayspaystobecertain.”Igrinnedathim,andforsomereasonthatseemedtodisturbhim.

Hepissedhimself.

“Wait!Whyareyoudoingthis?Youdon’thaveto,youknow.I’llsplitthefeewithyou!Andonce

theboyisoutofthecountry,wecanmakeafortunesellingcopies.Ihavealistofmenwho’llpay!”

“Where’sthelist?”

“It’sintheBibleIkeepwithme.Bythebed.Ifyou…ifyoulookcarefully,you’llseecertain

lettersandpassagesareunderlined.”

InthebedsidetablewasapocketsizeBible,andItookitoutandflippedthroughthepages.There

weresomepicturesofanakedguytuckedinitaswell.Ididn’thaveanyreligion,butitseemedashameit
hadbeenputtosuchause.

Honeycuttlickedhislipsagainandforcedasmile.“See?Icancooperate.”

“Yeah,youcan.”IslippedtheBibleintomytrouserpocket.“YouaskedwhyIwasdoingthis.”

“No,no,that’sokay!Youdon’thavetotellme!”

“You’renotcurious?”

“No!”

“NotevenasalittleFYI?Yousee,Sweetcheeksisafriendofmine.Idon’tlikeitwhenanyone

fuckswithmyfriends.Andthemanhe’slivingwith?Heworksforme.Yeah,I’mWBIStoo.”

“Please!”He’dbeenpale,butnowwhatevercolorhadbeeninhischeeksdrainedout,leaving

himalmostgray.“Youcankeepthetape!”

“Oh,Iintendto.”

“I’ll…I’lltellmyclienttherentboy’srealage.He’llloseinterest,Ipromiseyou!Please,justlet

mego!”

“Ican’tdothat,notafterhavinggivenyouallthisinformation.”

“I’llforgetit!Iswear!”Hisvoicewasbecomingstrident.“I’llleavethecountry!You’llnever

hearfrommeagain!I’ll….Whatareyou—”

TherestofhiswordswerecutoffasIstuffedthehandkerchiefbackinhismouthandusedhistie

tosecureitinplace.

Busy,busy.OnceIhadthecoffeecuplookingasifithadbeenused,Ipouredthecoffeedownthe

john,alongwiththepastriesandflushed.Ituckedthevideocaseintothebackofmywaistband,took
Honeycutt’skeycard,andputa“DoNotDisturb”signonthedoor.

“Don’tcry,”IadvisedHoneycutt.Tearswererunningdownhischeeks,andthatwouldsimply

cloghisnose,makingitverydifficulttobreathe.Ipattedhisheadandwheeledthecartoutofthere.

Theroomservicemanagerwasn’taroundwhenIreturnedthecarttothekitchen,andtherewasno

oneelsetoquestionwhyithadtakensolongforasimpledelivery.Iftherehadbeen,I’dhaveaskedfora
mint,rubbedmylips,andsaidtheoccupantof1276hadn’tmindedmyageasmuchasanyonemightthink.

IwentbacktothesuiterentedbytheWBIS,changedfromtheserver’suniformtothatof

housekeeping,andreturnedtotwelve,thistimepushingthelaundrycart.

Iletmyselfbackintotheroom,removedthetiegingerly—bythistimeitwascoveredinsnot—

andtookarollofducttapefromthecart.

Hespatoutthehandkerchief.“Thank…thankGodyoucameback!Icouldhardly—”

Itoreoffalongstripoftapeandslappeditoverhismouth.Thatcutoffwhateverhe’dintendedto

sayandmuffledthepanickysoundshebegantomake.

Hiseyeswentwideandwildandhetriedtojerkhisheadaway.

Itooktheendofthetapeandwrappeditaroundhisheadanumberoftimes,coveringhislower

face,includinghisnose,intheprocess.ThenIheavedhimintothelaundrycartalongwiththepassports,
hiswallet,andhisclothes,andcoveredeverythingwithsheetsandtowelsI’dbroughtalong.Foraminute
orsothecartshookviolently,butgraduallyitlessened.Afteraboutthreemoreminutes,itstopped
completely.

Aglancearoundtheroomshowednothingincriminating.Whensomeonefinallydecidedtolook

intowhatwasgoingonin1276,itwouldlooklikeHoneycutthadtakenoff,andforreasonsunknown,
neverreturned.

Whistlingthroughmyteeth,Iwheeledthecartoutoftheroom,hungthe“DoNotDisturb”signon

thedoorknobagain,andretracedmystepstotheserviceelevator.

“Goingdown.”Isnickered,sinceIwasalone,andpushedthebuttonthatwouldsendtheelevator

downtotheparkinggarage.

IhadtheperfectspotinmindforHoneycutt,downinFortWashington.TherainonThursday

shouldhavesoftenedthegroundenoughsothatIwouldn’tspendwhatwasleftofthenightdigginga
grave.I’dgetthecartintothevanandhittheroadsouth.Normallythiswasatwenty-threeminutedrive,
butatthistimeofnightitshouldn’ttakemethatlong.

Notthatitmattered.I’dbegoinghometoanemptybed.

HAPTER

IshouldhavegrabbedoneofthosepastriesbeforeIflushedthemdownthejohn.BythetimeIgot

home,mystomachwaslettingmeknowhowunhappyitwaswithme.AndbecauseQuinnandIwere
supposedtohavehaddinneratRaphael’s,exceptforthebreadinthefreezer,thecupboardwasdecidedly
bare.

ItlookedlikeI’dbehavingpeanutbuttersandwichestonight.Therewasn’tevenanymarmalade

left.

Andtotopitoff,I’dbesleepingalone.

Iwalkedoutofthestairwellintothethirdfloorcorridor.EventhoughitwasearlySaturday

morning,itwasveryquiet.Oneofthebestthingsaboutthisbuildingwasthesoundproofing.Ofcourseit
helpedthattherewereonlythreeunitsoneachfloor,andtheoccupantswereprofessionalcoupleswho
didn’ttendtothrowwildparties.

Iunlockedthedoortomycondo,letmyselfin,andwasabouttothrowthevariouslocks,whenI

realizedtherewasalightoninthelivingroom.Thesoftmurmurofvoiceswasalsocomingfromthat
direction.JustasIreachedformyGlock,ithitme:thedoorhadn’tbeendamaged.

ThatmeanttheonlypersonwhocouldbeinherewasQuinn.Weweresupposedtospendthis

weekendhere,butIfiguredwiththiscock-upthoseplanswouldbedeep-sixed.Now,tofindhimhere,
waitingforme….

Ilockedthedoorandwalkedintothelivingroom.Thetelevisionwason,buthewascurledup

onhisside,asleeponthecouch.

I’dhadnightmaresaboutfindinghiminmycondowhenIwasn’ttheretolethimin.Thebadones

hadmeshoutingathim.

“Howthefuckdidyougetinhere?”

“Howdoyouthink?”

“But….”

“Mark,I’maverycapablememberoftheCIA.”

“But….”

“Iobservedwhatyouweredoing.”

Ifeltmyselfturncold.“DoyourealizeIcouldhavechangedthesequence?”

“Butyoudidn’t.”

“ButIcouldhave!”

“You’reshaking.”Onlythendidheappreciatehowseriousitcouldhavebeen.

“Goddammit!”Iyankedhimintomyarms.“Icouldhavelostyou!”

“I’msorry.”Heheldontome.“Ididn’tmeantoscareyou.”

“Ifyoueverdosomethingsostupidagain—”Icouldn’tthinkofanythingawfulenoughto

makehimrealizehowseriousthissituationwas.TellhimI’dkillhim?TellhimI’dleavehim?Onewas
ridiculousandtheotherIwouldn’tsuggestifmylifedependedonit.

ButtheworstoneswerewhenIfoundhiminpiecesorinacharredmesslikeSperling.

SoIgavehimthesequencewhenIgavehimthekeystomycondo,andImadesurehehadthe

newsequenceeverytimeIchangedit.

Now,Quinn’sheadwaspillowedononearm,andIhadtocurlmyfingerstorestrainthedesireto

strokebackthehairthatspilledoverhisforehead.TherewassomethingIhadtodobeforeIwokehimup
andgothimintothebedroom.Iremovedthecassettecasefromthebackofmywaistband.Itwasn’tlikely
totiemetoHoneycutt,butitwasn’tsomethingIwantedleftlyingaround.

Thedeskinmystudyhadhiddencompartments,butanyonewithhalfabrainwouldsuspectas

muchandgothere.ThatwaswhyI’dputafalsebackintooneofthelowerstoragecabinetsinthelaundry
room—inadditiontothefactthatQuinnhadbeenawaythatweekend,I’dhadnothingbettertodo.
AfterwardIstockeditwithsomanycleaningsuppliesithadn’tbeennoticeablethatthedimensionsofthis
particularcabinetwereoff.

Iroundedtheislandandwentdowntheshorthallwayleadingintothelaundryroom,flippedon

thelight,andplacedthevideoandtheBibleonthecounter.Ittookaminuteorsotoemptythecabinet,but
withthatdone,Icroucheddownbeforeitandappliedpressuretoonecorner.Thefalsebackswiveled
open,andIreachedforthetapeandtheBible,tuckedtheminside,andmadesurethebackwasshutand
secured.

Withthesuppliesinplaceagain,Iclosedthecabinetdoorandglancedatmywatch.Itwasalmost

threeinthemorning.Iturnedoffthelightandreturnedtothelivingroom.

Quinnhadn’tmovedatall.

Ipickeduptheremoteandturnedoffthetelevision.ThistimeIdidrunmyfingersthroughhis

hair,brushingitoffhisforehead,andheblinkedandrubbedhiseyes.

“Mark?Didyoujustgetin?”

“Yeah.Sorry,Ididn’tmeantowakeyouup,”Ilied.Iremovedmysuitjacketanddrapeditover

thebackofthecouch.

“Iwasjustdozing.”Heroseandstretched,andthenabruptlythrewhimselfintomyarms.

“What…?”

“Iknowyouwantedtocanceldinner,butIhadtoseeyou!”

“Hey,worksforme,baby.”

Heleanedawayfrommeandsmackedmyarm.“Wouldyougetyourmindoutofbedforone

fuckingminute?”

Whoa!Thatwasunexpected.“Quinn,what’sgoingon?”

“It’sDrum.”

“Jesus,whatdidthatassholedonow?”

“It’snotwhathedid—it’swhathewantsmetodo!”Hegavemeabriefrundownofhismeeting

withDrumearlierinthedayattheOIG.

Ibecamequietlyfurious.“He’sdraggingyouintothis?”Drumhatedmygutsandconstantlycalled

measociopath—neitherofwhichparticularlyconcernedme.Itdatedbackyears,whenhe’dwantedto
bringsomeoneIwastrackingtojustice,andI’djustwantedthesonofabitchdead.SinceIwasbetterat
whatIdid,itwounduptomysatisfaction.Drumnevergotoverit,butthatwashisproblem.

ButgettingQuinninvolvedwasunacceptable.

Drumlikedhunting.HefanciedhimselftheDanielBooneofthenewmillennium.Maybehe’d

haveanaccident.Godknewithappenedfrequentlyenough,giventhisadministration.

Fortunately,QuinnhadnoideawhatIwasconsidering.HeknewhowdeadlyIcouldbe,butI

didn’twanttoflauntitateveryturn.

“Hewantsyoubehindbars,Mark,”hesaid,holdingme.“Andhedoesn’tcarewhatittakestoget

youthere.HesaidwhateverIhadtodo,evenifIhadtoresorttomakingsomethingup.”

“Sonofagoddamnedbitch!Heactuallytoldyoutomakesomethingup?”

“OfcourseIwon’t.”

“Ass.Whythehelldidhedragyouintohisbullshit?”Ichewedonmylowerlip.“Thatdoesn’t

soundlikehim.”OneofthereasonsthemajorwassuchapaininmyasswasbecauseofhisGoodyTwo-
shoesattitude—helookeddownhisnoseatanyonewhobenttherulestogetthejobdone.Thathewas
doingthesamethingnow….

Quinnsighedandtightenedhishold.“Iknow.He’sbecomeworsethispastyear.”

“Healwaysthoughtofhimselfasstraight,didn’the?Inspiteofthefacthehasthehotsforyou.

Hey!”He’dsmackedmyarmagain.

“Drumnevercameontome.”

“Butthatisn’ttosayhedidn’twantto,evenifitwassubconsciously.”Iranmyfingersthrough

Quinn’shairagain.Hemusthavebeenheresometime,sinceithadbeendrizzlingwhenI’dputthecar
awayandwalkedtomybuilding,andhishairwasn’tdamp.“Butifhewasthatdeepinthecloset,getting
fuckedbyLynxmayhavepushedhimoffthedeepend.”

“Doyouthink?”

“MaybeIshouldcallPeteandfindoutwhatwenton.”I’dknownLynxandAnacaprihadshot

DrumupwithadrugtheDivisionhadcomeupwith,whichwasguaranteedtomakehimsohornyhe’d
begtobefuckedbyanyoneoranything—IwassupposedtoconvincethemanwhoranPrinzipIwas
trustworthybyinjectingQuinnwiththesamedrug.OnlytheyhadandIhadn’t.

AndnowPrinzipwasathingofthepast,asourtasteinthemouthsoftheworldwideintelligence

agencies.

“Ifyouthinkit’snecessary.”Quinndidn’tseemhappyaboutmegettingintouchwiththeDivision

operative.

“Hey,babe.Peteisafriend,buthewasneveranythingmorethanafuckbuddy.”

“Buthe’dhavelikedtobemore.”

“No.Atonetimehe’dletanyguywholookedhotfuckhim—”

“Includingyou.”

Well,yes,butIhadafeelingitwasn’tmylooksthathadtickledhisfancy.Whenwe’dfirstmet,

he’dtakenmeforabusinessmaninabadsuit.Itwasmyattitudethatpiquedhisinterest.“—buthe’sgot
Reubennow,andIdon’tthinkhe’djeopardizethat.”

“Ifyousayso.Whatareyougoingtodo?”

“I’llkeepaneyeonDrum.Orbetterstill….”

“Iknowthatlook,Mark.Whatareyouplanning?”

“IhaveacontactintheOIG—”

“Isthereanyorganizationwhereyoudon’thaveacontact?”

Iignoredthatquestionasbeingbeneathhim.Heshouldknowbynowtherewasn’t.“I’llhave

themmentionDrumisactingerratic,thatmaybehehasn’trecoveredfromlastyear’strauma.”

Hefrownedatme.“Andwhatmightthattraumabe?Noone’ssupposedtoknowwhatLynxdidto

him.”

“No,buthishalfbrotherrefusedtocomebacktotheStateswithhim.”Drum’sfather,ahighly

decoratedofficer,hadbeentakenprisonerduringtheVietnamWar,andhadsomehowwoundup
transportedtooneofthesatelliteSovietcountries.He’descapedwiththehelpofagroupofresistance
fighters,andhadeventuallygotteninvolvedwithoneofthewomen.ThatresultedinthebirthofDrum’s
halfbrother.KirillAleksandrovhadbeenraisedinaSovietorphanageafterhisfatherandthatpocketof
resistancewaswipedoutinKyrgyzstan.Yearslater,DrumlearnedhehadabrotherandwenttoEuropeto
bringhimhome.Aleksandrov,whobythattimehadbecomeasoldier,declined,butthatwasn’twhat
droveDrumbatshit.Thesamesonofabitchwho’dkidnappedQuinnhadkidnappedDrum’shalfbrother.
Drumhadbeenuselessfreeinghim,butI’dsucceeded—withalittlehelpfromPeteandotherDivision
operatives.Afterward,DrumtriedagaintotalkAleksandrovintoreturningtotheStates,buthe’drefused
andwasnowinChechnyawithhiscompany.

“IfeelsorryforDrum,Mark.”Quinnsighed.“Familyisimportant,andtolearnhehadabrother

onlytolosehimwouldhavetobedevastating.”

“Yeah,andthat’swhatI’llhavemycontactinsinuate.”AlthoughDrumhadknownabouthishalf

brother’sexistenceforafewyearsratherthanafewdays.“She’llletKirkpatrickknowitmightbeagood
ideatogethisfair-hairedboysometherapy.”

Quinnstaredatme,hislipsparted.Ididn’tknowifitwasinsurpriseoraweatmybrilliantplan,

butitdidn’tmatter.Iduckedmyheadandkissedhismouth.Hetastedofsleepandofsomethingthatwas
simplyhim.

Hislipsclung,andthenhedrewback,laughed,andshookhishead.“Allright,Mark.I’llleaveit

toyou.”

“Goodboy.”Ipattedhisass.

“You’resofullofshit.”Hereacheddownandpinchedmyass.

“Hey!”

“Haveyoueaten?”

“No.”

“GoodthingIkeptdinnerwarm.”

“Youdid?”

“Ofcourse.Inthewarmingdrawer.Ihavetotakecareofyou,don’tI?”Hestudiedmyeyes.

“Badnight?”

“I’vehadworse.”

“Ihavethefeelingthismightrankrightuptherewiththem.”Herestedhisfingersagainstmy

cheek.

“Ihavetogoinlaterthismorning.Justforanhourorso.Paperwork.Youknowhowitis.”

“Ofcourse,Mark.”Heranhisthumbovermycheekbone.

Iturnedmyfaceintohispalmandkissedit,andheshivered.Ilovedwhenhetouchedmyface,

andIlovedhisreactiontomylipsonhispalm.ButthenIpulledhimintomyarmsandheldhim,leaning
myforeheadagainsthis.IneverthoughtI’dhaveanyonelikeQuinninmylife;aslongashewantedtobe
there,IknewI’ddoanythingtomakesurenoonetookhimawayfromme.

Mystomachrumbled,andIfeltmycheeksheatup.“Whatarewehavingfordinner?”

“IstoppedbyRaphael’sandpickedupdinnerfortwo.OfcoursethatwaswhenIthoughtwe’dbe

eatingatareasonablehour.I’mafraidatthispointitmightbetooheavy.”

“That’sokay.Wecanburnoffthecalorieslater.”

“Themanwiththeplan.That’swhatIlike.”

“Idomybest.”

“Andeveryoneknowsjusthowexcellentyourbestis.”Heslippedhishandpastthewaistbandof

mytrousersandsqueezedmyass.“Doyouwantasalad?”

“Mmm.”

“Caesarorvinaigrette?”

“Whicheveryou’renothaving.”

“Iorderedtwoofeach.”

“Inthatcase,Caesar.”

“Goodchoice.”

“DoIhavetimeforaquickshower?”

Hestudiedmyeyesforamoment.“Ofcourse.Whenyou’redone,I’llmeetyouinthedining

room.”Hetookhishandoutofmypants

“Notinthebreakfastnook?”

“Nottonight,babe.”

“Okay.”Ilinkedmyfingerswithhisandpulledhimtomeforanotherkiss.Itwassupposedtobe

aquickbrushofourlips,butsomehowitlingered,drewout,andwewounduppressedtogetherfrom
chesttogroin.“Whatdoyousayweskipdinner?”Iaskedagainsthislips.

“I’dlikenothingbetter.”Hepulledback,lookedintomyeyesagain,andthenshookhishead.

“ButIhaveafeelingyouneedtoeat.”Hegrinned.“Ihaveplansforyou.”

“Yeah?”

“Always.”Onceagain,hecradledmycheekinhispalm.“You’vegotaprettyheavyfiveo’clock

shadow.”

“I’llshave.”

“Don’t.”

“Oh?”

Hegavemeaslow,sensuoussmile,ranhisfingertipsovermyfly,andmadeasatisfiedsound.

“Getgoing,toughguy.”

Ileanedinforonelastkiss,andthenmademywayintothebedroom.

AfterIshowered,Idecidedtherewasnoneedtowearanythingfancy,sincewe’dbegoingtobed

afterdinner,soIpulledonapairofsweatpantsandanundershirt,andturnedonthegasfireplace.ThenI
saunteredbarefootthroughtheroomstothearchthatledtothediningroom.

AndIgotthatpunchtomychest.Forsomereason,Quinnwasmakingthisaspecialoccasion.

Thetablewassetwithacoupleofcreamplacemats,oneattheheadandtheothertomyright.

Wineglassesandwatergobletswereoneachcorneroftheplacemats.Forksandknivesframedthe
MikasadinnerwarePortiahadgivenmeformybirthday.Ihadstonewareforeverydayuse,butIwas
touchedQuinnputoutthegoodstuff.

Andinthecenterofthetablewasavasewithabouquetofirisesanddaffodils,flowersthatI

knewhismothergrewinhergardensatGreatFalls.

“Quinn?”

“I’llbethereinasecond.”

“Okay.”ACaesarsaladwasbesideeachplateandaservingplatterwasbetweenus.“What’sfor

dinner?”IaskedasIstudiedthecontents.

“It’sporkwithgnocchiandfennel.Takethis,please?”Hereachedthroughthepass-throughto

handmeabasketofbreadsticks.“Cesarerecommendedit.”

Cesarewasthewaiterwhousuallytookcareofus.Iputthebasketonthetable.

“Beer?Wine?Ibroughtanicemerlotfromhome.”Quinnhadanamazingwinecellar.

“Wineworksforme.”DidIhaveenoughroominthiscondotoholdhiscollection?Therewas

plentyofroominthepantry,andifthatdidn’tworkout...Ididn’thavetohavethebreakfastnook.What
wouldittaketoconvertitintoawinecellar?IcouldgetMathesontowallitoffandrunlinesfor
refrigeration,orwhateverwasneeded.

Asforbreakfast,stoolsfortheislandwouldworkinapinch.I’dgiveitsomethought.

Meanwhile,Quinnwassaying,“Andno,Mark,hedidn’trecommendanythingelse.He’s

straight.”

Huh?Oh,thewaiter.“Ididn’tsayanything.”

“Perhapsnot,butIcouldhearyouthinkingit.”

Iturnedmyheadsohewouldn’tseemegrinning.QuinnhadnoideawhatIwasthinkingabout.I

alsoknewCesaremightsayhewasstraight,buthowcouldanyonelookatQuinnandnotdecideswitching
teamsmightbeagoodidea?Still,itwaslateandIdidn’twanttogetintoitwithhim.

“Areyoujoiningme?”

“AssoonasIuncorkthemerlot.”Hegrinnedatmethroughthepass-through.“Youcanstartifyou

like.”

Ilookedattheplatter.UsuallyI’dwaitforhim,butIwasreallyhungry.Iputabouthalfofiton

myplate—nopointinbeinggreedy—satdown,andpickedupmyfork.

Quinncameintothediningroom.“It’stoolateforeitherofustodrinkmuch,Mark.Justaglassto

complementthemeal.”

“Whateveryousay,”Imumbledaroundafinalmouthfulofsalad.ThenIstartedinonthemain

course.

Hereachedformywineglass,pouredsomemerlotintoit,andswirledittohelpitbreathebefore

puttingitonmyplacemat.Afterpouringaglassforhimself,hetooksomeoftheporkandgnocchi.
“Breadstick?”

“Alreadyhaveone.”

“Raphael’sdoesmakeverygoodbreadsticks.”Heputoneonhisbreadplate.“Whatdoyou—”

Hestartedtolaugh.

“What?”

“Iwasgoingtoaskwhatyouthoughtofdinner.”

“Itwasgood.”Imoppedupthelastofthesaucewithapieceofbreadstick.

“Didyoueventasteit?I’dswearyouinhaledit.”

“Sorry.”Mycheeksfelthot.“Isthereenoughforyou?”

Hereachedoverandranhisfingertipsalongmycheek,ashehadjustashortwhileago.“I’mglad

youlikeit,andyes,there’splenty.Iorderedextra.”Heroseandwenttothesideboard,bringingback
anothercontainer.

“Sorry,”Isaidagain.“Iwasstarved.”

“Obviously.Helpyourself.”Hedidthesame.“Justpleasedon’teatsofastyougiveyourself

indigestion.”

“I’vegotacastironstomach.”

“Havingsharedthatbitofinformationwithme,”Quinnsaid,afaintsmileonhislipsthatIdidn’t

buyforaminute,“ifyoudidhavesomekindofattack,myfirstthoughtwouldbeitwasyourheart.And
I’dbebusytellingyouyou’dbefine,whileIdialed911andinternallykeptassuringmyselfoverand
over,‘He’sgotacastironstomach.It’snotaheartattack.It’snothingmorethangas.’”

Orgallbladder.MinehadacteduponcewhileIwasstillintheArmy.Ithadn’thappenedsince

then,whichwasadamnedgoodthing.ThepainhadbeensobadI’dbeenreadytoremoveitwithmy
pocketknife.

Ilookedintohiseyes.“Idon’twantyouhavingapanicattack,babe.”

“Idon’thavepanicattacks.”

“AndIdon’thaveheartattacks.”Icoveredhishandwithmineandrubbedmythumboverhis

knuckles.

“Seethatyoudon’t.”Heturnedhishandbeneathmineandsqueezedmyfingersbeforelettinggo.

Hepickeduphisforkandbegantoeat.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouhadanythingtoeat?”

“Lunch.”Iputmoreporkandgnocchiontomyplate.

“IthoughttheWBIStookbettercareofitsagents.”Hecockedhisheadandobservedme

thoughtfully.“No,Iknowyouwon’ttalkaboutit.”

Istaredintohiseyes.“YouknowaswellasIdotherearerottenapplesineverybunch.”Itwas

obvioushewassurprisedthatI’dadmitthat,buthedidn’tsayanything,justwaitedtoseeifI’dcontinue.I
putdownmyfork.“Therearetwodirectorswhoareinterferingwithmydepartment.”

Heraisedaneyebrowandputdownhisownfork.“Areyougoingtokillthem?”

“No.Mr.Wallacewouldn’tapprove.”

“Hmm.”

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

“Iknowyou,Mark.Ifhedidapprove,you’dtakethemoutwithoutthinkingtwiceaboutit.”

Ididn’trespondtothat,justresumedeating,althoughataslowerpace.

Hesighed.“Itwouldn’tmakeanydifferencetome.”

“No?”

“Mark,wehadthisconversationonyourisland.Youdowhateveryoufeelyouhavetodo,but

justremember—nomatterwhatthatis,you’llbepartofmylifeforever.”

“Okay.”Istabbedsomeofthepastaandputitinmymouth.

“Okay.So,whatwillyoudo?”

Ididn’thavetogivethatanyconsideration.Ifinishedchewingandsaid,“Iwantthemgone.I’ll

seeifIcanencourageTheBosstochangehispositiononthis.”

“Isthereapossibilityhewon’t?”

“Therealwaysis.”

“Inthatcase,whatwouldyoudo?”

“Walkaway.”

Thatseemedtosurprisehim.DidhethinkI’dusethatopportunitytostageacoup?

“Mark,you’vebeenWBISforthepastsixteenyears.”

“Iknow.I’vegotaprettydecent401(k).”Andtherewasalwaysmyoff-shoreFuckYouaccount.

ButnolongerbeingWBIS….Imovedthefoodaroundonmyplate,myappetitesuddenlygone.“Ihate
likehellthethoughtofleaving.”

Hereachedoveragain,thistimerestinghishandonmine.“Butyouwould.”

“Yeah.Ican’tdomyjobifIhavetoworryaboutmyback.”

“I’d….”Heshookhisheadandaskedagain,“Whatwouldyoudo?”

“Freelance.”Iwonderedwhathe’dbeenabouttosay.ThatIcouldworkwithhim,he’dhavemy

back?Iknewthat,buttheCIAhatedmyguts,andtheFBIandtheNSAdidn’tcareformemucheither.It
didn’tmatterthatI’dbestuckinadeskjob—Ialreadywas.Butthey’dgiveQuinnahardtimeandI’d
havetohurtthemforthat.NotthatIminded.

Ididhaveanotheroption:thecoldop,PierredeBecque,andtheinterrogationspecialistknown

asFemmewouldseeIgotapositionat—

“NottheDivision!”

“No?”IwasstartledatthevehemenceinQuinn’svoice,althoughnotbyhowinsyncourminds

ran.

“Mark!I’mserious.I…Idon’twantyouinEurope.”

“WhathaveyougotagainstEurope?”

Hescowledatme.“Lynxisthere.Theman’saravinglunatic!”

“Don’tgetsobentoutofshape,baby.Itwasjustathought.”IcouldtapintomyFuckYouaccount

untilIfoundsomethinglocal.

“Ifitcomestothat—notthatIthinkitwill.FromwhatI’velearnedofyourMr.Wallace,he’sa

smartman,andhewon’twanttoloseyou.Hewon’tletthingsreachcriticalmass.”

“No?”

“No.Butifhedoes,Idon’twantyoutoletthequestionofmoneydeteryou.I’llsupportyouuntil

youfindsomethingsuitable.”

Iwastouched.“Youwanttobemysugardaddy?”

“Whynot?Motherwasyoursugarmomma,afterall.”Hebroughthisnapkintohismouth,butI

knewhewastryingtohideagrin.

“Idon’tknowwhattosay.”I’dtoldhimhowPortiaandIhaddoneabitofrole-playingwhen

she’dcomewithmelastfalltolookoverthiscondo.InsteadofQuinnscowlingatmefordaringtodrag
hismotherintosomethinglikethat,he’dalmostfallenoffhischair,laughingsohardhehadn’tbeenable
tocatchhisbreath.

“‘Thankyou’willsuffice.SpeakingofMother…Doyouhaveanythingplannedforthesecond

SundayinMay?”

“Idoubtit.”SinceIwasn’tinthefieldanymore,Ihadmostweekendsoff.“Ifthishastodowith

goinghorsebackriding….”

“No.”Hetookthelastbreadstick,toreitinhalf,andusedittomopupthesauceonhisplate.“It’s

Mother’sDay.Iwaswondering…WouldyouhaveanyobjectiontospendingitwithMotherandme?”

“AndNovotny?”Igrousedsohewouldn’tknowhowaffectedIwasbyhissuggestion.I’dnever

hadtheopportunitytocelebratetheday,sincemyoldladywasn’tmuchofamother.Myteachershadus
makecardsandsometimesplantseedssowe’dhaveaflowerforourmothers,butsincemineusually
spentthedayeitherdrunkorrecoveringfromahangover,I’dneverseenanyreasontogivethemtoher.
Evenifshewassoberforachange,she’dtearupthecardandtosstheflowerintothetrash.

“Gregorwillbemakingdinner,soyes,you’llhavetospendthedaywithhimaswell.”

“Okay.”

“That’sit?Noargument?”

“Youwantanargument?”

“No.”

“Thereyougo,then.Uh…thanksforgivingmeenoughtimetocomeupwithagiftforher.”

“Thenyou’llcome?”Hegrinnedintomyeyes.“Andpleasedon’tsay‘Don’tIalways.’Youknow

whatImean.”

“Ido.LookslikeI’llbethere.”

“Great!”Andyeah,hemeantit.“Mark…”

“Hmm?”

“MayIstaythenight?”

“Yeah.”Didhereallythinkhehadtoask,thatI’dsendhimhomeatthistimeofnight?“Canyou

staytomorrownightaswell?”Ifrowned.No,itwasSaturday,soitwouldbetonight.Iopenedmymouth
tocorrectmyself,butfortunately,Quinnfollowedmydrift.

“Yes,I’dlikethat.ImadealistwhileIwaswaitingforyoutocomehome.”

“Beforeyoufellasleep?”

“Obviously.”Henudgedmyankleunderthetable.

“Alistforwhat?”

“Groceries.”

“Soundslikeagoodidea.”Ireachedformywineandbroughtittomylips.“Nowsupposeyou

tellmehowyourdaywas.”

Hestudiedmyeyesthoughtfully.“InspiteofthatincidentwithDrum,itwasbetterthanyours,I’m

willingtobet.Whydon’twefinishourwine?”

“Andthen?”

“IbelieveImentionedhavingplansforyou.”Hislipscurvedandhiseyeslightened.“Andthen

wegotobed.”

***

“Howwasyourday?”Iasked.

“Itwasaday.”Heshrugged,andIstartedgettingsteamed.

“IsthatassholeHolmes…”No,hewasn’twiththeCIAanymore,sohecouldn’tbebothering

Quinn.“Who’sbustingyourhump?”

Hemetmyeyes.“Mark,IassureyouthatIamquitecapableoftakingcareofmyself.”

“Okay,soisitCooper?Ishestillbuggingyoutofindoutwhoyou’reseeing?

“No.”Hesmiled.He’dworkedwithDBCooperforalotofyears,andhadbeenfriendsfor

aboutaslong.CooperwasinarelationshipwithtwoCIAofficers—women—buthewouldn’ttellQuinn
whoaslongasQuinnrefusedtotellCooperwhohewasinvolvedwith.

“Goddammit,Quinn,don’tplayTwentyfuckingQuestionswithme!”

“I’vebeenassignedtemporarilytoourofficeinSydney.”

“Australia?”Fuck!

“I’mafraidso.”

“Howlong?”

“Afewmonthsatmost.”

“Whendoyouleave?”

“Monday.”

Fuckit.Threefuckingmonths.Ninety-fucking-onedays,giveortakea….

“Mark.”Mynamewasawarmbreathinmyear.“Mark!”

“Huh?What?”Isatupinbed,suddenlywideawake.“Quinn,what’swrong?”

“Iwasgoingtoaskthesamethingofyou.”

“What?”

“Youwerehavinganightmare.”

“Ineverhavenightmares.”Ihadnointentionoftellinghimaboutthenightmaresthathadplagued

mewhenI’dtriedtowalkawayfromhimlastyear.

“Justlikeyouhaveacastironstomach?”Quinnsuddenlybecameserious.“Doyoufeelallright?

Yourchest?Yourstomach?”

“I’mfine.”

Hesighed.

Ah,fuckit.Hewasright.“Iwashavinganightmare.”

Hisarmscamearoundmeandherestedhischeekagainstmyhair.“Tellmeaboutit.”

“YoutoldmeyouwerebeingsenttoAustralia.”

“Australia?Why?”

“HellifIknow.”

“Mark,thatwashardlyanightmare.”

“Yeah,itwas.YouwereflyingoutonMonday,andyouweregoingtobegoneforthreemonths.”

Hisgriptightened.“Well,I’mnotgoinganywhere.”

Thiswouldbetheperfecttimetotellhimthatyes,hewas,hewascominghere,hewasmovingin

withme.

Iopenedmymouthtotellhimthat,butwhatcameoutwas,“Ifyoudogo,I’mfuckinggoingwith

you.”

“Youare?”

“Yeah.HumanResourcesisstillgivingmeahardtimeaboutallthetimeIhavecoming.They’d

beoverjoyedifItookthreemonthsoff.”

Hetightenedhisarmsaroundme.“Well,I’dlovehavingyouwithme.Youcouldbemypersonal

assistant.”

“Emphasisonpersonal?”

“Yes.”Icouldhearthesmileinhisvoice.“AndI’dchaseyouaroundmydesk.”

“Youwouldn’thavetochasemetoohard.”

“I’dbecountingonthat.”Hestrokedthestubbleonmycheekandmurmured,“Ilikethis.It

remindsmeofwhenwewereonyourisland.”

“Itwasnice,wasn’tit?”

“Itwas.”Hedroppedakissonmyhair.“Doyouwanttotrytogetbacktosleep?”

“I’vegotabetteridea.”Iturnedmyheadandlickedhisnipple,andheardtherumbleofhisgroan

undermyear.“Whatdoyousay?”

“WhatdoyouthinkI’llsay?Ofcourse!”

HAPTER

WeekendswithQuinnwerealwaysgreat,andhispresencetookthetasteofFridaynight’sevents

outofmymouth.

ButcomeSunday,he’dhavetoleave—hehadhisscheduledridewithhismother,andIdidn’t

wanttointerferewiththat.

I’dplannedtobeintheofficebyeightSaturdaymorning,butbetweendinnerat3:00a.m.andthe

hotsexafterward,Iwasrunninglate.Iwalkedintotheofficeatnine.

Quinnwasstillasleep—I’dwornhimout,Icouldn’thelpthinkingsmugly—andthenIyawned.

He’ddonesomewearingoutaswell.

Istartedapotofcoffeebrewing,hungupmyjacket,andturnedonmycomputer,tofindIalready

hadane-mailfromWinchester.ThetimestamponitwasFriday,11:46p.m.

Well,hehadn’twastedanytime.

Attachedtothee-mailwasajpeg.HewasrightaboutDavies.Theexpressiononhisfaceashe

staredafterHoneycutt’sretreatingbackmadeitclearthattheymighthavebeenfriendsincollege,butat
thispointintime,notsomuch.

Afewminuteslater,Winchesterwalkedintomyoffice.

“Jesus,Winchester,didyouevengohometobed?”

Heyawnedandscrubbedhishair.“IsleptonthefutonIsetupinmyoffice.”

“Uh-huh.Well,gobackandwriteupyourreport.What’sthis?”Hewasholdingoutahandfulof

papers.

“Thereport.IthoughtIshouldgetitdonelastnightwhileeverythingwasfreshinmymind,and

thenIprinteditupforyou.”Hehandedmeathumbdrive.“Thishasacopyofthereport,allmynotes,and
allthepicturesItook.”

I’dreturnedtotheWBISafterspendingtheholidayswithQuinn,andfoundIhadanewcomputer.

ApparentlyHuntingdon,thecompanythatfrontedfortheWBIS,hadbeenfeelinggenerousthispast
ChristmasandhadgiventheWBISaheftybonus.ThatenabledFinancetopurchasethelatestcomputers,
andafterRomeroandhispeopledidalittleworkonthem,everycomputerinthebuildinghaddrivesnot
onlyforfloppydisksandCDs,butUSBportsforflashdrivesaswell.

Itookthepapersandscannedthereport,thensatbackinmychairandstaredathim.“Haveyou

hadbreakfast?”

“Acupofcoffee?”

Ishookmyhead.“Gogetsomethingtoeat.”

“Yes,sir.I’llbebackinaboutforty-fiveminutes?”

“No,thislooksgood.Taketherestoftheweekendoff,butkeepyourcellphoneturnedon.”

“Okay.”Heturnedandwalkedout,andIstartedreadinghisreport.

Thoroughandsuccinct.Iwasimpressedandpleased.

Maybehewouldturnintoadecentagent.

Iuploadedthedataonthethumbdrivetoafileinmycomputerandcheckedthetime.

Iwasdoneherefortheday.

Quinnwaswaitingformeathome,andnothingDaviesdidwasgoingtokeepmeawayfrommy

lover.

***

TheDCrentboysfelttheyowedmeforwhatI’ddoneforPaulStark,formerlyknownasPretty

Boy—Jesus,allI’ddonewasseehegotaroominthehospital.Itwasn’tasifI’dpersonallytakenoutthe
manwho’dsenthimthere.

SoafterIgotbackfromtheWBIS,andwhileQuinnwasworkingonsomethinginthestudy,Itook

mycellphoneintothemasterjohnandmadeacalltotheboywhowasthisyear’sexecutiveadministrator
ofDC’srentboys.Mostlythejobentailedseeingthesmoothrunningofalltheballs,parties,andother
affairsthatwerethrownthroughouttheyear,buttheyalsokepttrackoftheboyswhowereinthecapital.
Theohadtoldmetherehadbeensomekindofcoup,andtherentboywho’doriginallyhadtheposition
hadbeenoverthrown.

Politics.Evenrentboyshadthem,andevenforrentboystheywerefuckedup.

“Kory,it’sVincent.”

“Vincentwho?”

Isighed.“MarkVincent.”

“Vince!Whydidn’tyousayso?WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“Ineedafavor.”

“It’syours.”

“Uh…thanks.”Italwaysleftmedisconcertedthattheyweresowillingtohelpmewithout

knowingwhatIwantedfromthem.“IneedthelocationofaboygoingbythenameofBailey.Ifithelps,
he’sbeenwithaclientwhosename…is...AlfredHoneycutt.”

“IknowHoneycutt.”Kory’svoicetookonacoldnote.“Andifoneofmyboysiswithhim,it’s

notgood.”

“Idon’tthinkthat’sthesituation.Honeycutttoldmetheboylefthim.”

“YoutalkedtoHoneycutt?”

Shit.I’dbeencarefulnottorefertohiminthepasttense.HowcouldIhaveletthatslip?

Korynotedmysilence.“Nevermind,Ididn’thearthat.AndifHoneycuttturnsupinthemorgue

friedtoacrisp,Iwon’thavetheslightestideahowthathappened.”Abruptlyhechangedthesubject.“Can
yougivemeadescriptionofBailey?”

“He’sblond,withhazeleyes.”

“Hecouldbewearingcontacts.Andhishaircouldbedyed.”

“Evenhispubichair?”

“Ifhe’sthorough.”

“Ihavesomepicturesofhimbuck-naked.”TheyweretheonesI’dcomeacrossinHoneycutt’s

Bible.

“Itellyouwhat,Vince.Faxmeacopyofthebestoneyou’vegotandI’llaskaround.Givemea

coupleofhours.”

“Thanks,Kory.”

“Noproblem.”

Quinntappedonthepocketdoorthatclosedofftheclosetandbathroomfromthemaster

bedroom.“Wanttogetsomelunch,Mark?”hecalled.

Iraisedmyvoice.“Sure.”ThenIsaidtoKoryinalowervoice,“Getbacktomeassoonasyou

can.”

“You’vegotit,Vince.Andifyouhaven’tdoneanythingtoHoneycutt,giveitsomethought.Ican

makeitworthyourwhile.He’sbadnews.”Hehungup,andIdidaswell.ThenIflushedthejohn.

Ididn’twantQuinntogetsuspicious.Itwasbadenoughhe’dprobablywonderwhyallofa

suddenIhadtofaxsomething.

***

QuinnandIwerejustfinishinglunchatAuBonPainwhenmycellphonerang,“It’sRaining

Men.”Ididn’treallyneedtolookatthescreentoknowwhoitwas,butIdidanyway,andthengazed
acrossatQuinn.

“Sorry,babe.”Irose.“Ihavetotakethis.”

“Goahead.”

Isqueezedhisshoulderandwalkedoutintothestreet.“Thatwasfast,”IsaidtoKory.

“Irecognizedhim.”

“What’veyougotforme?”

“HeusestheprofessionalnameofConnor.He’sbeenworkingoutoftownforthepastfewyears.

OneofmyboysranintohimattheWilliamHenryHarrison.”

“He’snottherenow.”

“No.Whenhehastopaythetabhimself,ConnorlikestousetheGarlandRoomsonTenthStreet.

Icalledtoseeifhewantedmetosetupanappointmentforhim.”

“And…?”

“He’sbusytonight,buttomorrowatnoon?”

“Thatworksforme.”Itwasperfect.Quinnwouldbelonggone.“ButwhysoearlyonaSunday?”

“What,doyouthinkhe’slikethatcharacterinNeveronSunday?Heworkswheneverhecanget

it.Besides,heexpectstobefed.”

“Fairenough.Thanks,Kory.Ifyougetanyotherinformation,letmeknow.Oh,andsendmeyour

bill.”Histimewasvaluable,evenifhewasn’tservicingajohn.

“Willdo.Gottarun,Vince.Mondaynightismyinauguralball,andIhavetomakesureeverything

isjustthewayitshouldbe.ThelastthingIwanttohearisCharlemagnegloatingthathiswasbiggerthan
mine.Say,ifyouhavesomefreetime,whydon’tyoudropin?It’sgoingtobeattheDolleyMadison
Room.”

“Thanksfortheinvite.”Unlessyouwereahigh-rankingpolitician,adiplomat,orroyalty,getting

oneofthosetookanactofGod.Andforthisaffairitwaseventougher,sinceonlyrentboysattended.

“Oh,andbringsomeoneifyou’dlike.”

“Thanks,”Isaidagain.ShowQuinnoffatanaffairlikethat?I’dlikenothingbetter.Buthe

workedfortheCIA,andinspiteoftherentboys’ownstrictpolicyaboutwhathappenedifyoutalked
aboutwhoyousawatoneoftheirfunctions—youdid,anditwouldbethelastoneyouevergotaninvite
to—thatwouldcausehimnothingbuttrouble.“Bye.”IhungupandwentbackintoAuBonPain.

“Problem,Mark?”

“Iwon’tbeabletogoridingwithyoutomorrow.”IreachedformyPepsi.Washegoingtobe

pissedatmeforbackingout?Istillhadn’tboughtmyselfapairofjodhpurs,goingonthepremisethatifI
didn’t,maybeonedayhe’dstopaskingmetogetonahorse.

Ifrowned.AsmuchasIdidn’tlikeriding,Ilikedthethoughtofhimgivinguponmeevenless.

“Somethingwrong?”heasked.

“I’vegottabuyapairofjodhpurs.”

“No,Ihaveplenty.”

“Forme,Quinn.”

“Yes?”Asmilelithisface.Suchalittlethingtomakehimhappy.I’dhavetodothismoreoften.

“Iknowtheperfectplace.Wecangoshoppingassoonaswe’redonehereifyou’dlike.”

“Okay.ButIstillcan’tgoridingtomorrow.Ihavetolookintosomethingforafriend.”

“Yes?”Hestudiedmyeyes,hissmilestillthere.

Igrinnedandshookmyhead.Ontheonehand,IhadnoproblemtellingQuinnwhatIwasupto,

butontheother,hecouldn’ttalkaboutwhathedidn’tknow.

Hepickeduphisglassofunsweetenedraspberryicedteaandtappeditagainstmine.“Here’s

hopingyoufindwhatyou’relookingfor.”

***

“I’msorrytoeatandrun,”QuinnsaidSundaymorningasheslidhisarmsintohisridingjacket

andshruggeditoverhisshoulders.

“Youdon’twanttobelate.”AndIhadthatnoonappointmenttoseeConnor.

Hiscellphonesuddenlyplayed“TheFlowerDuet.”“WhywouldMother...?”Hetookoutthe

phoneI’dmadehimbuyearlylastfall.“Goodmorning,Mother....Mmm....Ihopeeverythingisallright.
...Oh,yes?...Certainl—Mother,areyousureyou’reallright?...Allright,then,I’llmeetyoutherein
aboutthreequartersofanhour....Iloveyou,too.”Hehungupandgazedintospace,hisbrow—whatI
couldseeofitunderthehairthatwasalwaysspillingoverit—furrowed.

“Everythingokay,Quinn?”

“Hmm?Oh,yes.Motherjustwantedtoletmeknowwewon’tberidingtoday.”Helookeddown

athisridingclothesandsmiledruefully.“I’llneedtochange.ShewantsmetomeetheratCharmaine.”
Hefinallymetmygaze.“I’dhaveaskedifyoucaredtojoinus,butIknowyou’llbebusy.”

“Thanksforthethought.”

“You’rewelcome.”Hereachedupandtuggedmyear.“Well,ifI’mnottokeepMotherwaiting,

I’dbetterhurry.”Heturnedandheadedbacktowardthebedroom.

Oncethere,hesethisphoneonthenighttableandsatonthebed.

Istraddledhislegandyankedoffhisboots,oneatatime,reminiscentofwhenhe’ddonethe

sameforme.Itookthemintotheclosetandstoodthemintheircorner.

“Wantmetopickoutsomethingforyou?”Icalled.

“Ifyouwouldn’tmind?”

Iplacedapairofblackslacksonthebed,alongwithablue-grayshirtandblacksocks.“Leave

yourridingclotheswheretheyare.I’llhangthemuplater.”

“Thankyou,Mark.”

“That’swhatsignificantothersarefor.Now,doyouwantatie?”Iheldupthree,onegraywith

tealhighlights,onegreenwithchocolatebrownhighlights,andthethirdsolidblack

“Yes,perhapsI’dbetter.”Heselectedthegreenone.Itwasafavoriteofmine,sinceitbrought

outthegreeninhiseyes.“HowdoIlook?”Heheldhisarmsoutandturnedslowly.

“Gorgeous.Don’tforgetyourcellphone.”

Heretrieveditandtuckeditintoapocket.“DinnerFriday?”

“Youbet.”Ihadmyarmaroundhisshouldersaswewalkeddownthehallwaytothefrontdoor.

Heturnedintomyembraceandkissedme,tastingofPep-O-Mint.

Igotagriponhisassandpulledhimsnugagainstme.Foraweekendthathadsuchashittystart,

itwasendingwell.

“Quinn.”

“Yes,Mark?”

“Nothing.Just…Quinn.”

Hesmiledandcradledmycheek,andIturnedmyheadandpressedakisstohispalm.Ididn’t

wanttolethimgo,butwebothhadthingstodo.

Iopenedthecoatcloset,handedhimhisjacket,andgrabbedmyown.

WetookthestairsdowntothelobbyandstrolledoutintothecoolMarchmorning.

HiscarwasparkedinthesparespaceI’dbeenallocated,andIwalkedwithhimtoit.

“Drivecarefully,okay?AndtellPortiaIsaidhi.”

“Iwill.AndGregor?”

“Sneerathimforme.Iwouldn’twanthimtofeelleftout.”

Hegaveahuffoflaughter.“Ofcoursenot.”Hetouchedmyarm,andthengotinhiscarand

startedtheengine.

Isteppedbackandwatchedas,withafinalwave,hedroveoff.

HAPTER

GarlandRoomswasathree-storybrownstoneonTenthStreetthathadbeenconvertedintoa

boardinghouse.Connormetmeintheparloronthegroundfloorandletmelookhimupanddownwhile
hesurreptitiouslydidthesame.Heworeskintightjeansandalong-sleevedHenley.Hishairwasamass
ofblondcornrows,andmascaraspikedhiseyelashes.IcouldseewhyamanlikeHoneycuttwouldwant
him.Helookedlikejailbait…untilyousawtheexpressioninhiseyes.

“It’sahundredupfront,andanotherhundredafter.”

“Ijustwanttotalk.”

Heshrugged.“It’sthesamehoweveryouwanttodoit.”

Iraisedaneyebrow.HethoughtIwantedtotalkdirtytohim?Ididn’tsayanything,justtooka

hundreddollarbilloutofmywalletandhandedittohim.

“Andyoustillgivemeextraforlunch.”Heheldituptothelight,lookingforthesilkthreadsthat

wouldindicateitwasn’tcounterfeit,andthentuckeditawayinafrontpocketofhisjeans,deliberately
drawingattentiontothebulgeofhiscock.

“Okay,it’sthisway.”Andheledmeupthestairstohisroomattherearofthethirdfloor,making

sureIgotaneyefulofhisass.

Heflungthedooropenwithaflourish,andIsteppedin.IrememberedhowtidyPrettyBoy’s

roomhadbeen,allthoseyearsago,andhehadn’tbeenexpectingcompany.Thisroom—jeansandshirts
weredrapedoverachairanddumpedinacornerbeneathadoublewindow.Thebedspreadwaslumpy
andwrinkled.Hestretchedoutacrossitwithnegligentease.

HesawthewayIlookedovertheroomandflushed.“You’reearly.Ididn’thaveachanceto

straightenup.”Therewasresentmentinhisvoice.

“Actually,I’mrightontime.Ialwaysam.”

“Fuckit,”hemuttered.“Starttalking.”Hescratchedathisarm.Weretheretrackmarksunderhis

sleeve?

Ishovedtheclothesoffthechair,satdown,andcrossedmylegs.

“YouknowAlfredHoneycutt.”

Heboltedupright.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Theabruptchangeinhisattitudefromblaséto

panickywasalmostlaughable.

“Hewaskeepingyou.”Inoddedtowardthewatchonthebattereddresser.“That’saCartier,if

I’mnotmistaken.Hewasn’tpleasedthatyoutookitwithyouwhenyouleft.”

“Hegaveittome!”

“Buthewantedsomethinginreturn,andI’mnottalkingaboutyourass.”

“I…Idon’t—”

“No.Don’ttellmeyoudon’tknowwhatI’mtalkingabout.Honeycuttwantedarentboyknownin

thebusinessasSweetcheeks.YourjobwastolureSweetsintohisparlor.”

“Whatdoyoucare?”

“Hehappenstobeafriendofmine.”Idrapedanarmoverthebackofthechairandletmysuit

jacketfallopentorevealmyGlock.

“Whatdoyou—Look,forgetaboutlunch.I’llgiveyouyourmoneyback.I’llgiveyouablowjob.

Youcanfuckme!”

Ishookmyheadateachofferandhebecamemorefrantic.

“Please…!”

“Starttalking.”

“What?”

“I’mpayingyoutotalk.”

“Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”

“Let’sstartwithhowyouknewSweetcheeks?”

“I…Iwasinhisstableforawhileafewyearsago.”

“Idon’trememberseeingyou.”

ForasecondIthoughthewasgoingtosneeratme,butthenhisgazedartedtotheGlock,andhe

swallowed.“Iwasn’ttherelong.”

“WhywereyouwillingtosellSweetsout?”

“Iwasn’t…Honeycuttisawealthyman.He’dhavemadeSweets’sfortune!”

“ButSweetsisn’tinthebusinessanymore.”

Hislipstookapetulanttwist.“Forhowlong?Hethoughttheguyhewaslivingwithwouldstay

withhimforever,butthat’sbullshit.”

“Whatdidthatmattertoyou?”Iwasn’tinclinedtoagreewithhim,buthedidn’tneedtoknow

that.

“Honeycuttwasgoingtocutmeloose.Doyouhaveanyideahowlongittookmetogetthatdirty

oldman’snotice?ButhetookonelookatSweets,andhistonguehungout.Thatwaswhenhedecidedhe
wasdonewithme.Hegavehimhisbusinesscard,andeventhoughSweetstoreitup,hestillwantedhim.
Andnowhehasthenervetoaskforhiswatchback?Idon’tfuckingthinkso!”

“Doyouhaveanyideahowluckyyouare?”

“Huh?”

“WereyouawareHoneycuttplannedtosellSweetcheeks?”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Peopledon’tgetsoldnowadays.”Hereallybelievedthat?

“Anyway,Honeycutttoldmehewantedhimforhimself!That’swhyI—”

“Hehadabuyerforhim.Ifyou’dsucceededingettingSweetstoHoneycutt’shotelroom,he’d

havebeendruggedandshippedoutofthecountry.Andconsideringwherehisfinaldestinationwas,do
youwantmetogiveyoutheoddsofhischancesofeverturningupalive?”

Helookedlikehewasabouttothrowup.

“No,Ididn’tthinkso.”Istaredathimthoughtfully.“AccordingtoHoneycutt,hepickedyouup

hereinDC.”

“Thelyingbastard.WehookedupinNewYork.”

“Howlongwereyouwithhim?”

“Aboutfourmonths.”

Yeah,hewasalyingbastard.“Wereyouwithhimwhenhegotthevideotape?”

“Ye-yes.Sortof.”

“Whatdoyoumean,sortof?Didyouseethewomanwhogaveittohim?”

“No.WewereatarestaurantinSouthBeach,Marisol’s.I…Iwenttothemen’sroom,and…and

whenIgotback,hehadit.Hewantedtogotothehotelroomrightawaysohecouldlookatit.”He
glancedaway.“Hefuckedmewhilehewaswatchingit.Hedidn’tevengivemeachancetoshower….”

“DidyourecognizeSweetcheeks?”

“Afterthefourthorfifthtime,yeah.There’soneshotofthesideofhisfacealmostattheend.I’d

seenthatexpressiononhisfaceonce,andsuddenlyitclicked.”

“AndyoutoldHoneycutt.”

Hisshouldersslumped.“Yeah.HewaspissedwhenherealizedI’dtrickedinthemen’sroomand

Iwasdesperatetodistracthim.”Andthatwaswhyhe’dwantedtoshower?

“Y’knowwhat,Connor?Ithinkyou’dbetterleaveDC.AlotoftheboyslikeSweetsandifitgets

outwhatyou’vedone,well,let’sjustsaythistownisn’tgoingtobetoohealthyforyou.”Igotup,tookout
mywallet,andpeeledoffanotherhundreddollarbill.Forwhathe’dhadahandin,hewasluckyIdidn’t
givehimthesametreatmentasHoneycutt.“Asforlunch,thisshouldcoveritforyou.BegratefulI’m
feelinggenerous.”Igavehimatwentyandwalkedout.

I’dhopedhemighthavealeadto“JaneSmith,”butthatseemedtobeawash,sotomorrowI’d

talktoRomero.

NowIhadtogolookingforourMissSmith.

I’dmanagedtocomeupwithacurrentaddressforher,andIdrovetotheFrederickW.de

WoedtkeApartmentsinAnnandale.

Thebuildingswereneutralalmosttothepointofinvisibility,whichwasprobablyappropriate,

givenwho’dchosentolivethere.

Iparkedandwalkeduptothemiddlebuilding.MissSmith’sapartmentwasonthefirstfloor.I

startedtoraponthedoor,andaninterestingthinghappened.

Itswungopen—thelockhadn’tbeenengaged.

IpulledoutmyGlockandusedmyelbowtoeasethedoorfartherback.Thefoyeropenedonto

theliving/diningroom,andaquicksweeprevealeditwasempty.

ButIheardcrooningcomingfromthekitchen.Thesoftsounddidn’thidetheirritationofthe

words,though.“Youmiserable,strimpin’cat,getyourassoverheresoIcanfeedyouandgohome.WhyI
everpromisedBecca…Ahhah!Gotcha!”

IputmyGlockawayandcalledout,“Hello?”

Therewasabang,“Ow!”andthenaheadpoppedupbeyondthepass-through.Theguywasinhis

earlytwenties,andheclutchedagraytabbykittentohischestwithonehand,whileherubbedhishead
withtheother.Thekittenyowled,anditshindlegspistonedinanattempttodoasmuchdamageasthey
could.

“Who’reyou?”Hescowledandswitchedhisgriptothescruffofthekitten’sneck,givingita

shake.“Bastard,”hesnarled.

“Sorry.”Iassumedthatlastwasdirectedatthekittenandnotme.“MynameisJoeWells.And

youare?”

“Uh...I’mRandy.”

“Randy.”I’dhaveofferedmyhandthroughthepassthrough,butthekittenwasintentongiving

himahardtime,andIdidn’twanttogetwithinrangeofitsclaws.“IwaslookingforMissSmith.”

“She’snotintrouble,isshe?”

“Whywouldyouthinkthat?”

“Youlookofficial.”

“Thanks,Ithink,butI’mjustamechanic.”Helookedovermysuit,andIgavehimmymost

harmlessgrin.“I’mdressedlikethisbecauseI’vejustcomefromchurch.”

“Isee.Well,you’vemissedher.”

“That’sashame.Whenwillshebehome?”

“Godknows.”

Okay.“Well,doyouknowwhereIcanfindher?”

“No,”hesnapped,resentmentobviousinhistone.“Shesaidshehadafamilyemergencyandleft

earlyThursdayafternoon.”

SoI’dmissedherbyacoupleofdays.“Willshebeback?”

“Isureashellhopeso!Sheleftthisdemonbehind,andI’mstuckfeedingit.Andisitgrateful?

No,itisn’t!Lookwhatthefuckingthingdidtome!”Heheldouthisfreehand,whichwascrisscrossed
withscratchmarksthatlookedfresh.Andpainful.

Icouldn’tsayIblamedthekitten.Ifthepersonwhowassupposedtobelookingaftermekept

referringtomeasit,I’dbeprettyannoyedtoo.

“Butyoudon’tknow?”

“What,ifBeccawillbeback?”Heshrugged.“ShetoldMr.Cruikshankshe’dgetintouchwith

himassoonassheknewwhatwasgoingonbackhome.”

“Who’sCruikshank?”

“He’sthecomplexmanager.”

“Didsheleaveaforwardingaddress?”

“Ifshehad,don’tyouthinkI’dhaveshippedthis…thisnightmaretowherevershewas?Don’t

youdare!”hesnappedatthekitten,whichlookedlikeitwasgettingreadytostrikeagain.“Look,I’vegot
stufftodo.Sinceyou’rehere,domeafavorandfeedthispainintheass!”Hebarreledaroundthe
peninsulaandintothediningarea,andthrustthekittenintomyarms.Withafinalglareandagrimaceat
thebloodonhishandsandarms,heboltedthroughthefrontdoorandslammeditshutbehindhimbeforeI
couldobject.

“Don’tgetanyideas,”Iwarnedthekitten.“Ilikethissuit,andIdon’twantitshredded.And

pardonmeforthis,butIhavenointentionofreferringtoyouasan‘it’whenIcalltheHumaneSociety.”I
didn’treallyknowhowtotellacat’ssex,butIfiguredballswereballs.Iturneditaroundandraised…
okay,noballs,sohertail.“Withthatoutoftheway,let’sseeifyourformercaretakeractuallygotaround
tofeedingyou.”Istrokedthekitten’sheadandears,andrubbedthespotunderherchin.Shemadeit
obviousshelikedthat,slittinghereyesandpurring,andItookherintothekitchen.

Acanofcatfoodandabowlwereonthecounter.Iputthekittenonthefloor,poppedthelidoff

thecan,anddumpedthefoodintothebowl.

“Hereyougo,Pita.”Icouldn’thelplaughingatthetemporaryname.Itwouldhavebeentoo

convenientifshe’dwornacollarwithanametag,butherneckwasfreeofevenafleacollar.“Now,I’ve
gotacoupleofthingstodo,sostayoutofmyway.”

Ipulledonapairoflatexgloves,wentbacktothedoor,andlockeditbeforedoingathorough

searchoftheapartment.

Accordingtothiscomplex’slistings,itcamefurnished,butMissSmith/Jones/Godard’spersonal

belongingsweregone:clothesandtoiletries,booksandmusic,knickknacksifshehadany.Andtherewas
nosignofacomputer.

Dammit.Adeadend.

Althoughwhythefuckhadsheleftherpetbehind?

Ilookeddown.Thekittenmusthavefinishedeating,becausenowshewaswindingherselfinand

outofmylegs.Icroucheddown,andshesprangup,causingmetolosemybalanceandwinduponmy
ass.Shemadeherselfcomfortableonmythigh.

Shewasaprettykitten,maybeaboutsixmonthsold,withblueeyesthatremindedmeofQuinn’s

mother.

MaybeIwouldn’tbecallingtheHumaneSociety.MaybeI’dgivePortiathiskittenasaMother’s

Daygift.

“Wanttocomehomewithme?”Shebuttedmychin,andIassumedshehadnoobjection.“Well,

let’sseewhatkindofsuppliesyouhave.”Shepattedcautiouslyatthegloveonmyrighthand,probably
uncertainbecauseofthetexture.Iscratchedthespotbetweenherears,setheraside,andclimbedtomy
feet.ImightaswelltakewhateverMissSmith/Jones/Godardhadforthekitten.

Whichturnedoutnottobemuch.Nobed,notoys,noscratchingpost,nocarrier.Notevenany

morefood.ThecanI’dgivenhermusthavebeenthelastone.ItwasagoodthingPitawascomingwith
me.IhadafeelingRandywouldn’thavespentapennyonher.

Therewasahalf-filledbagofcatlitter,butMissSmith/Jones/GodardwasusinganAdidasshoe

boxasalitterpan.Itwasbehindthedoorinthebathroom,piledhighwithlitter,andtheareasurrounding
itwascoveredwiththeclaygranules.Jesus,wasthiskittenashitmachine?

“Isawapetstoreonthewayhere.Lookslikewe’llhavetostopandpickyouupsomestuff.”

Thebowlsforherfoodandwaterseemedtobecerealbowls,moreappropriateforpeople.Iwashed
themoutandplacedthemnexttothesinktodrain.“Butletmetellyousomething,cat.I’mnotdrivingthe
carwithyourunningaroundlooseinit.”ThelastthingIneededwasforhertowraphertailaroundmy
eyesbecauseshe’ddecidedshelikedtheviewfrommyhead.

Iwentlookingthroughtheapartmentagain,thistimesearchingforthelidtothebox.Ihadaroll

ofducttapeintheglovecompartment.I’dpokesomeholesintheboxforventilationandsecurethelid
withthetape,justuntilIcouldbuyacatcarrier.

Ifoundthelidunderthebed.MaybePitahadbeenplayingwithit,becauseotherwiseIhadno

cluehowitgotthere.Ibroughtitintothediningareaandleftitonthetable.

“Stayput,Pita.”

Sheopenedhermouthinasoundlessmeow,beforecontortingherself,bringingherhindlegover

herheadinanalmostninetydegreeangle,andlickingitindustriously.

“Easyforyoutosay.”Ifoundaboxoftrashbagsunderthesinkinthekitchen,andItookouta

bagandplaceditinthetrashcan.NowallIhadtodowasgetthe“litterpan.”

Pitapausedinwhatshewasdoing,thenunwoundherselfandfollowedmeintothebathroom.

“Thisreallyisn’tsomethingyouneedtokeeptrackof,”Iassuredher.Icleanedupthescatteredlitterand
thenpickedupthebox.

Shedidn’tseemtothinkso.ShetrottedatmyheelsbackintothekitchenandwatchedasI

emptiedthelitterintothetrash.

Whatthefuck?Abaggiehadfallenintothecan.Drugs?“Maybeyou’vegottherightidea,cat.”I

retrieveditcautiously.

Notdrugs.Adiskette.

Ihadtogetthishomeandcheckitout.

Istrippedoffthegloves,wentouttothecartoretrievetheducttape,thenreturnedandplacedit

andmypocketknifeonthetable.

ThenIchuckedthecanandlidintothetrashbag,andtieditup—I’dfindadumpsterandgetrid

ofitlater—andstoreditandwhatwasleftofthecleanlitterintheDodge’strunk.Icouldn’ttakeachance
onanyonegettingcurious.

Backintheapartment,Ipunchedsomeholesintotheshoeboxwithmyknife.Ifoldedtheknife

shut,sliditintomypocket,andreachedforPita.ShewasfineuntilsherealizedIintendedtoputherin
thebox.Thatpissedheroff,andshemademeawareofhowunhappyshewasaboutthat—Ibarely
escapedhavingmyhandclawed.

“Thisisn’tforlong,Ipromiseyou!”IsaidasIwrestledthelidontotheboxandwrappedtheduct

tapearoundittoholditclosed.

Withthatdone,Iusedthecuffofmycoattopullthedoorshutbehindme.Fortunately,Pita

decidedtoplanherrevengeinsilenceratherthanyowl.Iputtheboxonthefrontpassengerseat,andthe
kittenandIgotoutofthere.

***

“Goddamnedsonofabitchbastard,”Igrowledundermybreath.I’dparkedtheDodgeinfrontof

mybuilding,andnowthiswasthethirdtripI’dhadtomakefrommycaruptomycondo.Thefirstone
hadbeenwithPitainthecarryingcaseI’dboughtforher,andtheotherswereforeverythingelse.Who’d
havethoughtalittlekittenwouldneedsomuchcrap?

Threehundredandfiftyfuckingdollars.Avisittothevetservicesinthepetstore,whereIwas

informedshewasmostlikelyaMaineCooncatandifIhadnoplanstobreedher,Ishouldmakean
appointmenttohaveherspayed.Thenshewasgroomed,dewormed,hadamicrochipimplantedbeneath
theskinatthebackofherneck,andfinally,hadherclawstrimmed.Thewholeprocesswassomething
elsethatpissedheroff…sheturnedherbackonmeandrefusedtoacknowledgeIwasthere.

Tough.

Ihadtofindashoppingcart,becauseIcouldn’tcarryeverythingthesalesassociateassuredme

wasessentialforhertohave:abed,foodandwaterbowls,anelectriclitterpan,thespeciallitterforit,
andextrawastereceptacles,thecarrier,toys,catnip,acatcondoI’dhavetoassemble....

WhenIgotmyhandsontheGodardbitch,Iwasgoingtoblowherfuckingbrainsout.

Ididn’tbegrudgethemoney;I’dhavehadtospendatleastthatmuchonPortiaforMother’sDay

anyway,butwhythefuckgetapetifyouweren’tgoingtotakecareofit?

Unless…Ithoughtoftheshoebox,ofthepeoplebowls.WasPitaacoverforwhatI’dfound

underthelitterinthebox?

OnceIhadeverythinginside,IopenedthecatcarrierandletPitahopout.“Don’tgettoo

comfortable,”Iwarnedher.“You’rejustvisiting.”

IthoughtgivinghertoPortiaforMother’sDaywouldbeagreatidea.ButfirstI’dhavetofind

outifPortiawasallergic.Whenshe’dbeenbroughttotheemergencydepartmentofGWHospitalafter
that“accident”lastfall,QuinnhadtoldtheEDdoctorshewashealthyasahorse,butdidthatincludenot
havingallergies?I’dcheckwithhimaboutthat.

IfastenedablackandgreenbreakawaycollararoundPita’sneck.Ithadalittlebellonit.Ididn’t

wantNovotnyshootingherifshesurprisedhim.

IsetupthelitterpaninthepowderroomofftheentryandintroducedPitatoit.ThenIfilledher

waterbowl.WhenQuinnandIhadstoppedatSafewaythedaybeforetogetthegroceryshoppingdone,
I’dpickedupsomehamatthedelicounter.NowItoreasliceintobite-sizepiecesandputthemintoher
foodbowl.Shelappedatthewater,sniffedthehamandthenscarfeditdownlikeitwasgoingoutofstyle.
Aftershefinishedit,shewashedherfaceandwhiskers.Neatandtidyoncemore,shedecidedtogo
exploring.

Shestrolledintothemasterbedroom,herlong,plushtailwavinggracefully,andIfollowedherto

seewhatshe’dgetupto.Icouldn’thelpsmilingwhenshewentuptoSamandswattedthepieceofdenim
thatdangledfromhismouth.QuinnhadgivenmethebronzestatueofaRottweilerlastyeartoreplacethe
ceramicSamthathadbeendestroyedwhenSperlingtriedtobreakintomyapartmentinForestHeights.

“Well,havefun.I’vegotthingstodo.”Itookoutthejumpdriveandwasabouttoheadformy

studywhenIrealizedPitawasbesideme.“Wanttokeepmecompany?Okay,buttrustme,thereisn’t
anythinginthestudythatwillentertainyou.”

Somethingwasbotheringher,though,becauseabruptlyherbackwasarched,herearsflattened,

andshestaredattheFrenchdoorsthatopenedontotheterraceandhissed.Icroucheddownandscooped
herup.

“What’sgoingon?”Iranaknucklebackandforthunderherchin.“There’snothingthere,cat.”

Justasabruptly,sherelaxedandbegantopurr.

“Betternow?Okaythen.”Iputherdown.“LikeIsaid,I’vegotsomethingtodo.”Iwalkedinto

thestudywithPitaatmyheels.

Ibootedupmycomputerandinsertedthefloppy,wonderingifourMissSmith/Jones/Godardhad

hadenoughsmartstoencryptitorprotectitwithavirusprogram.Iwasn’tworriedaboutthat.My
antivirusprotectionwasthebestR&DandMathesoncouldcomeupwith.

TurnedoutIdidn’tneedtohaveanyconcernsaboutit,though.Shewaseithersloppy,lazy,orin

toomuchofahurrytodoanythingbutuploadthedocumentsandjpegs.

Anditwasallthere:howDavieshadapproachedhertoundermineMathesonbywhatevermeans

necessary;howwhensherealizedshecouldn’tseducehim,she’dattemptedtogetpastthefirewallshe’d
installedonhiscomputer.How,withfailureonbothcounts—I’dreplacedherwithMs.DiNois—Davies
hadtakenmattersintohisownhands.

TherewerecopiesofdocumentsdetailingDavies’sinvolvementwithnotonlySperling,butwith

otherdirectorswhowouldn’thavemindedreplacingTheBoss.

Iwentcold.AlsoincludedwasinformationaboutoneGermaineNero,whowasahitmanforthe

diGiradimob.ThepicturematchedMatheson’sdescription:sixtwo,oneninety,redhairandblueeyes.
HuntingdonknewhimasJerryBlack.

Thelastfilecontainedasingledocument,datedthispastThursdayandaddressedtome.

Mr.Vincent—

Myfather,whowasanexcellentdoctor,isabrokenman.Hesitsandstaresoutthewindowbut

seesnothing.Iblamedyouforthis,believingyou’druinedthesweetest,kindestmanonearth.Itwas
forthisreasonalonethatIagreedtoassistAnsonDaviesinhisattempttoremoveyoufromtheWBIS.

Butyou’resmarterthanIgaveyoucreditfor,thanDaviesassuredmeyouwere.Ishouldneverhave
believedtheDirectorofPublicRelations.

Hedidhelpmegetoutofthebuildingtoday,buthewon’thelpmeanyfurther.Ihavetoget

awayfromhere.I’mleavingthisinformationforyoutofind.Ifyou’reassmartaseveryonethinksyou
are,youshouldfinditsoon.What’sonthisdiscshouldsettleallscoresbetweenus.I’mgoingtotake
myfatheraway,andyou’llneverhearfrommeagain.

-RebeccaGodard

P.S.Ihaveadegreeinthermonuclearphysics,amongothers.DidyoureallythinkIwasas

stupidasIacted?

Ididn’tblameGodardforwantingrevenge,butIdidblameherforbelievinganassholelike

Davies.Ifshewereassmartassheclaimed,shewouldn’thave.

Ie-mailedthecontentsofthedisctoTheBoss,alongwithanotedetailingwhatMathesonhad

toldme.Itwouldbehisdecisionastowhatwe’ddoaboutthiswholesituation.

Iremovedthediscfromtheharddriveandwenttothelaundryroom,whereIhiditaway.Atthe

sametime,Iremovedthevideotape.IhadtogiveittoTheoandMatheson.

Withthatdone,IgavePitasometoystoplaywithandopenedtheboxthatcontainedthecat

condo.Ilaidoutthepieces,andafteraboutanhour,wonderedifIshouldcallMathesontocomeputit
together.

PitadecidedwhatIwasdoingwasmoreinterestingthanthecatnipmouse,andshecurledupon

mylaptosupervise.

HAPTER

Thecatcondowasfinallyputtogether,andI’donlyskinnedmyknucklestwice.Iwashedmy

handsandputonacoupleofBand-Aids,thenfedPita,broiledacoupleofporkchops,andbakedapotato
formyowndinner.

Afterward,Irinsedthedishesandputtheminthedishwasher.Oncethekitchenwastidiedandthe

cardboardandbagsfrommyshoppingspreetapeduptoberecycled,Icroucheddowntohavea
conversationwiththekitten.

“I’mgoingoutforafewhours.Don’tgetintomischief,okay?”Irubbedherhead,buttobeonthe

safeside,Imadesureallthedoorswereclosed,exceptforthepowderroom,whichPitawouldneed
accessto.

Ilockedthedoorinthecorrectsequenceandwentdowntogetmycar.

Sonofabitch!TherewasastickeronitsayingifIleftitinfrontofthebuildingonemoretime,

theassociationwouldhaveittowed.

Ohyeah?Let’emfuckingtry!

Irippedoffthesticker,balleditup,andtosseditaside.MaybeIwouldrunforaboardposition.

ThedriveintoDCdidn’ttakelong,andwithinfifteenminutesIwasparkinginfrontofthehouse

whereI’dlivedayearago.

Thefirstfloorwasdark…nolightsspilledoutontothesidewalk.Theladiesmustbeeitheraway

ortakingtheeveningoff.

Iclimbedthesteps,unlockedthefrontdoor,andletmyselfin.

“Well.Hello,MarkVincent.It’sbeenalongtime.”Tall,blonde,andcurvy,Laylawasoneofthe

ladieswholivedonthesecondfloorandsawherclientsonthefirst.I’dneverbeenone,althoughshe’d
offeredmeadiscountbecausewebothlivedinthesamebuilding.She’dtakenitwellwhenI’dtoldherI
wasinvolvedwithsomeone.

“Hi,Layla.Iguessithas.How’veyoubeen?”

“Notbad.I’llbegettingoutofthebusinessinaboutamonth.”

“I’mgladtohearthat.”

“I’mgettingtoooldforthis.”Shewasn’tmorethantwenty-fiveortwenty-six,butIknewwhat

shemeant.

“Whatwillyoudo?”

“Oneofmyclientsisinthehousingindustry.ShewasimpressedbythewayIdecoratedthefirst

floorandofferedmeapositioninherfirm.I’llbestagingtheirhousesandcondos.Asamatteroffact,
I’mgoingtoseeherfordrinksrightnow.”

“Well,goodluck.Thehousingmarketisboomingnow,andyoumayaswelltakeadvantageofit.”

“Iknow.AreyousureIcan’tinterestyouinalittle…?”

“Thanks,Layla,but—”

“—you’reinvolved.”Shesmiled,winked,andturned,andIwatchedassheheadeddownthe

stairs.Shehadasweetass,andifIeverdecidedtosailthatsideofthelakeagain,shemightbeoneto
temptme.OfcoursetheoddsofthatwerenilwhileIhadQuinninmylife.

Iresumedmyclimbtothethirdfloor.

Thiswasanamazinghouse,builtbeforetheCivilWarandturnedintoaboardinghouseduring

WorldWarTwo.Therentboyshaditrenovatedafterthey’dpurchasedittwelveorsoyearsago.I’d
enjoyedlivinghere,eventhoughmyapartmentwasintheattic.

IthoughtagainaboutwhatitwouldbelikeifQuinnmovedinwithme.Hell,Ididn’tevenknowif

he’dconsiderit.WhatIdidknowwasthatIwantedhimsharingaplacewithme—everyday,everynight,
andnotjustontheweekends.

MaybenexttimeIsawhim,I’dcasuallybroachthesubject.

Ireachedthethirdfloorlanding,crossedtotheapartment,andleanedonthebell.

Afteraminuteorso,Mathesonopenedthedoor.“Mr.Vincent.”

“Vince.”Theowasrightbehindhim.“Iwasn’texpectingtoseeyou.Wouldyoulikeacupof

coffeeandsomebaklava?”

“Thanks,I’dlikethat.”Itwasagoodenoughexcuse.Andbesides,“Youmakegoodcoffee,

Theo.”

“I’llgetanothercup.”Heseemedpleasedbymycompliment.

“Hisbaklavaisgood.”Mathesonsaid.

Theopreened.“You’lltryit,yes,Vince?I’llgetadessertplatetoo,”hecalledasheheadedfor

thekitchen.

Mathesontiltedhisheadandstaredatme.“I’msureyoudidn’tcometosampleTheo’sbaklava.”

“No,Ididn’t.Ithoughtyoumightwantthis.”Ihandedhimthevideocase.

“Isthis....”Inodded.“Youwon’tmindifIcheck.”Hegrippedthecasesohardhisknuckles

turnedwhite.

Igaveabrusquenod.I’dmindifhejusttookmywordforit.Helefttheroom.

“What’sWillsgoingtocheck?”Theocameinholdingatraywiththeextracup,saucer,andplate.

Acatwithashorttailfollowedhim.

“Thevideo.Ithoughtyoumightwantit.”

“The…”HishandshooksohardIexpectedhimtospillthecontentsofthetrayontothefloor,and

Icaughtitjustintimeandputitonthetable.“Thanks.”Helickedhislips.“…thevideo?”

“Yeah.”

“WhywouldIwantit?”heaskedbitterly.“ToremindWillsofthekindoflifeIlived?”

Hewasreallydistressed,andIrestedahandonhisshoulder.“It’sbetteryouhavethetapethan

thatit’soutthereforanyonetomakecopiesofit.”Especiallysincethiswastapenumbertwo.

“I…Iguessyou’reright.Butthethoughtthathe’slookingatit….”Hiseyeswerebrightwith

tears.

“Youbothneedtobesure.”

“Younevertoldmehowsomeoneinyourcompanygotholdofit,Vince.”Thehandhescrubbed

overhisfacewasstillshaking.“Imean,it’shardlyathreattonationalsecurity.”

Ipickedupthecupandtookasipofthecoffee.“There’snothinglikecoffeefromfreshlyground

beans.”

“Vince….”

Thecatwounditselfbackandforthbetweenmylegs—IwonderedifitsmelledPitaonmy

trousers—andIleaneddownandrubbeditsears.“Hello,cat.”

“ThisisTiramisu.WecallherMissSu.WillsgavehertomeforChristmas.”

Anotherfemale.Isatdown,andshejumpedontomylapandstartedpurring.I’dneverhadapet

—myoldladydidn’twantanyinthehouse,notadogorafishorabird.AndwhenI’dgoneoutonmy
own…well,asI’dtoldQuinnwhenI’dintroducedhimtoSam,itwasn’tfairtoananimalifIdidn’tknow
whenI’dbehome,orevenifIwould.

Mathesonreturnedwiththevideo,hismouthinatightline.“It’sthetape.”Heputitdownonthe

tablewithasnap.“What’sgoingon,sir?”

ItoldthemwhatIcouldwithoutcompromisingthesituation—theydidn’tneedtoknowI’d

canceledthemanbehindthis.MathesonacceptedtheterseexplanationbecausehewasWBIS;Theo
accepteditbecauseasaformerrentboy,heknewbetterthantopressforanswers.

“Iwantitgone.Please,Wills.Idon’twantanyremindersofthattime!”

“We’llgetridofithoweveryousay,babe.”Mathesonwenttohim,wrappedhisarmsaround

him,and,unmindfulofmypresence,kissedhim.Theowasthetallerofthetwo,butjustthenitdidn’tseem
thatway.MathesonmurmuredsomethinginTheo’sear,holdingontohimandstrokinghishair.

OnceMathesonagreedtodisposeofthetape,Theoregainedcontrolofhimselfandrelaxed

enoughtositdownandnibbleonhiscookie.

Itdidn’tlastlong,though.

“Letmegetyouanothercupofcoffee.”Hestartedtorise.

“No,I’mgood.”

Beforehecouldsitdown,Mathesonsmiledathim.“I’llhaveanothercup,babe.Ifit’snottoo

muchtrouble?”

“Nothing’stoomuchtroubleforyou.”Theoleanedoverandbrushedakissoverhischeek.“He’s

marryingme,Vince.Isn’tthatthegreatestthingyou’veeverheard?”

“Yeah,it’sprettynifty,”Iagreed.Helefttheroom,almostbouncing.“Didyoureallyneedanother

cupofcoffee?”

“No.”Mathesonturnedandregardedmesomberly.“Isthistheonlytape,sir?”

Imethisgaze,pleasedwithhowwellthisseniorspecialagentwasshapingup.“No.Idestroyed

theoneDaviesgavemeonFriday.”

“Sothisisacopy.”Helookedtired.

“Honeycutttoldmeit’stheoriginal.”

“Yousawhim?”

“That’swhereIgotthisfrom.”Itappedthetape.

“Ifthereweretwo,therecouldbemore.”Matheson’smouthwassetinagrimline.“I’lltryto

reassureTheo,butheknowshoweasyitistoduplicatethesefuckingthings.Sorry,sir.”

“Forgetaboutit.”

“IjustwishIcouldgetmyhandsonHoneycutt.”

“Forgetabouthimtoo.”

“Forgetaboutwho?”TheoputthecupdowninfrontofMatheson,thendrapedhimselfoverhis

fiancé’sbackandnuzzledthesideofhisthroat.

Thiswouldbeagoodtimetoleave.Igottomyfeetandnoddedtowardthetwonotepadsonthe

table.“Iseeyou'remakingoutyourguestlist.”

“You'reonit.”

“Good.MindifIbringaguest?”

“Bringwhoeveryouwant.You'renotgonnatellmehowyoufoundoutaboutConnor,areyou?”

Igrinnedathimandturnedtomyagent.“I'llseeyouinthemorning,Matheson.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Andplanonworkingnextweekend.Ican'tkeepgivingyoutimeoff.”Iglancedatthetape.

“Iknowwhattodowiththis,Mr.Vincent.”

“Good.”Hewasshapinguptobeadecentagent.Icheckedthetime.Pitamightbegettingantsy.

“I’dbettergo.Thanksforthecoffeeandthecookie.”

Theostraightenedandgavemeapainedlook.“Baklava!”

“Right.Goodnight.”

“’Night,Vince.”

“Goodnight,sir.”

“Mrrow.”

IstoopedandranaknucklewithitsBand-Aidunderthecat’schin.“Goodnighttoyoutoo,cat.”

AsIwalkeddownthetwoflightsofstairs,IwonderedhowQuinnwouldfeelaboutgettingapet.

Iwasn’tsureaboutadog—evenifIdidn’tgenerallyleavethecountrymuchanymore,Iwasstilloutof
thecondoallday.Butcats...theywereprettyself-sufficient.

I’dsurprisehimwithPita’spresenceontheweekendandseewhathethought.Ifhelikedher

enough,wecouldgotooneofPortia’sno-killsheltersandseeaboutpickingoneout.Ormaybetwo,to
keepeachothercompany.

Yeah,thatwasanidea,andIgrinned,thinkingofhowI’dimpressQuinnbyputtingtogetheracat

condowithoutskinningmyknuckles.

HAPTER

Iwasgettingreadyforbedwhenmycellphoneplayed“UntilIt’sTimeforYoutoGo.”Whywas

Quinncallingme…?Itensed,rememberinghismeetingwithPortiathismorning.

“Hi—”

“What’swrong?”

“Nothing.Whywouldyouthinkanythingwas?”Hesoundedsurprised,andIrelaxed.

“Iwasn’texpectingacallfromyoutonight.”

“Well,IwantedtoletyouknowwhatMotherhadtotellmethismorning.”

Ibecametenseagain.“Okay,letmehaveit.”HadNovotnyconvincedPortiaIwasabad

influenceonQuinn?“Butjustsoyouknow,itdoesn’tmatter!”

“I’mverygladtohearthat.Iwasafraiditmight.”

“Well,itdoesn’t,”Isnapped.“You’remine,andyou’restayingmine!”

Hewassilentforasecond,andmymusclestiedthemselvesintoknots.Finallyhesaid,“Of

coursethatmeansagreatdealtome,butIfailtoseewhatthathastodowithMotherandGregor.”

“Huh?”

Hebegantochuckle.“Mark,Ithinkwe’retalkingatcrosspurposes.Motherwantedtoinformme

thatsheandGregorare…involved.”

“Huh?”Howthefuckhadthatslippedpastme?I’dalwaysthoughtNovotnywasprotectiveofher

—IrememberedhowjustbeforeThanksgivinghe’djumpeddownmythroatwhenhethoughtIwas
insinuatingsomethingaboutthetwoofthem,whichIhadn’tbeen,butthatwasNovotny—butthethought
ofthemtogether….“You’reshittingme!”

“No,I’mnot,andIwantyoutopromisenottogiveherahardtimeoverit.”

“Y’know,I’mreallyhurtthatyou’dthinkI’ddosomethinglikethat!”She’dbeenwithoutanyone

sinceNigelMannhadbeenkilledinaplanecrash,twenty-fiveyearsago,andshedeservedtobehappy,
but…Novotny?

“Inthatcase,Iapologize.”

“Whendidthishappen?”

“AccordingtoMother,thedayafterChristmas.”

AndnowtheendofMarchwasheadingtowarduslikeafreighttrain.“Doyourunclesknow?”

“Theydobynow.Tonyhadtoknowfirst,sincehe’stheoldest,soshewasgoingtowaituntilit

wastwoonthiscoast.”AndofcourseTonywouldtellBryan,theyoungestbrother,whosharedthat
mansionwithhim.“Andonceshefilledhiminonwhatwashappening,sheplannedtocallJefferson.”

Jesus,IwasgladIwasanonlychild.Familypoliticswereabitch.

“Howcomesheneversaidanything?”

“Shewantedtohavethistoherselfforawhile.YouknowhermeetingwithFatherwasarranged

bymygrandfatherandUncleTony.TheyputalotofpressureonMother,firsttogooutwithFather,and
thentokeeptherelationshipasexual.”

Ichoked.

“Yes,Iknow.Childrenaren’tinclinedtorealizewhattheirparentsdo,butevenasachildIwas

awareofthedeeplovetheyhadforeachother.Afterwelosthim…Mother’sbeensoalone.Mark,Idon’t
begrudgeherthismeasureofhappinessintheleast.”

“Well,Iwanthertobehappytoo.”InspiteofthefactthatNovotnywas...Novotny,Portiahad

goodtaste,andifshecaredabouthim….

“Thankyou,Mark.”

“Sincewe’retalkingaboutyourmother,canyoutellmeifshe’sallergictocats?”

“Wheredidthatcomefrom?”

“Justwondering.”

“Mark.”

“Okay,IwasthinkingofgivingherakittenforMother’sDay.”

“Hmm.ThereareplentyofbarncatsatShadowBrook,andshe’salwaysbeenfinewiththem.”

“So…uh…doyouthinkit’sagoodidea?”

“Doyouknow,Ithinkitis!”

“Cool.NowgettingbacktoPortiaandNovotny…Aretheyregisteredanywhere?MaybeIought

tobuyNovotnyabreakawaythong.OroneofthoseG-stringswithapouch....”

“Mark,they’renotgettingmarried!Andpleasekeepinmind...thisismymother’scompanion

we’retalkingabout!OrderhimsomecookwarefromCalphalon.Thatwillbefine.”

“Spoilsport.”

“Really?”Ishouldhaveknownbyhistoneofvoicethatsomethingwasup.“Speakingof

underwear…”Histonedeepened,becamehusky.“Whatareyouwearing,Mark?”

Ilookeddownatmyshorts,whichweresuddenlytented.“Givemetwoseconds,andit’llbe

nothing!”Iputmyphoneonspeaker—I’dneedbothhandsforthis—andgotnaked.

Afterward,Isankbonelessontomybed.OnceIcaughtmybreath,Istretcheduntilmyjoints

popped.

“Iwishwe’ddonethisinperson,”Quinnmurmured,soundingassatisfiedasIfelt.

“Yeah,Iknowwhatyoumean.AfterdinneronFriday,wewill.”

“Ilookforwardtoit.I….”

Iwaited,butwhateverhewasgoingtosaywasobscuredbyayawn.

“Sorry,babe.I’dbettergo.”

“Okay.’Night,Quinn.”

“Goodnight,Mark.”

***

Itwasgoingtobeaninterestingday.ItwouldhavebeenabetterdayifI’dwokenupwithQuinn

besideme—asIchangedPita’swater,openedacanoffoodforher,andpouredmyselfabowlofthefiber
cerealIwashavingforbreakfast,Ipicturedwhatitwouldbeliketoalwayshavehiminmyhome,always
havehimwakingbesideme...maybemeblowinghim,maybehimblowingme….Butwecouldn’talways
getwhatwewanted,especiallywithQuinnworkingfortheC-fucking-I-fucking-A.

NotthatI’dsleptalone.InsteadofusingthecatbedI’dboughther,Pita—apparentlyrecovered

fromwhateverhaddisturbedherthedaybefore—hadjumpedupontomybedandinsistedonsharingit
withme,cradledagainstmystomach.

“Justdon’texpectthiswhenQuinnisover,”Imuttered.

Sheutteredasoftmeowandclosedhereyes.Herpurrvibratedagainstme,andwebothfell

asleep.

Now,Ifinishedthecereal,hopingeventuallyI’ddevelopatasteforit,andrinsedthebowl.The

onlyreasonwhyIatethegod-awfulstuffwasbecauseQuinnhadaskedmeto.Andwhenhe’dsaid,“I
wantyouaroundforalongtime,babe…”Well,howcouldIrefusehim?

Iputthebowlinthedishwasher,dressedforwork,andmadesurethedoorstoalltheroomswere

closed.“I’mtrustingyou,Pita...”She’dstillhaveaccesstothekitchenandlivingroom.“...sobeonyour
bestbehavior.”

Sherubbedherheadagainstmyshin,thenhoppedupontothewindowseat,wrappedhertail

aroundherpaws,andgazedoutatthewaterhazard.

TrafficwaslightforaMonday.AfterastopatMcDonald’s,Idroveontoheadquarters,entered

thebuilding,andjoggeddowntothebasementtoR&D.

“Yo,Vince!”Romero’seyeswidened.“Youcomebearin’EggMcMuffins!”

“Ido.”Ihandedhimthebagbutkeptoneofthesupersizedcoffeesformyself.

Hepawedthroughthebag,tookoutapaper-wrappedbreakfastsandwich,andstaredatitalmost

reverently.HepracticallyinhaledthefirstMcMuffin.

“Mmm!”Heclosedhiseyes,savoringthelastbite.“Thankyou.”Hefoundanapkinandwiped

hismouth.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“I’vegotasituation.”IexplainedwhatitwasashebeganworkingonthesecondMcMuffin.

“Sowe’vegotanamethat’sprobablyanaliasan’afacethat’snottheoriginal.Oh,an’maybeshe

livesontheeastcoastofFlorida.HaveIgotitall?”

“DidIsaymaybe?Butyeah,that’sprettymucheverything.”

HewasheddownthelastoftheMcMuffinwithaswallowofcoffee,andscowledatme.“Why’re

youaskin’metodothis?”

Ileanedbackagainsthisworkstation.“D’youknowwhatTheBoss’sfavoritewordis?Delegate.

Gotit?”

“Yep.It’salongshotthough.”

“Ithoughtsomyself,butifanyonecancomeupwithsomethingthatwilltrackthisbitchdown,it’s

you.”

Hischestpuffedoutatthat.

“Okay.”Ifinishedmycoffeeandtossedtheemptycupintoatrashcan.“Letmeknowwhenyou

findanything.”

“When?Yougotconfidenceinme.”

“Yeah,Ido.”Icheckedmywatch.“I’vegottagettowork.”

“Thanksforbreakfast.We’llkeepthatbetweenus.”

“Youbet.Aidastillwantsyoutoloseweight?”Accordingtohiswife,heneededtodropabout

twentypounds.

“DoIlooklikeIneedto?Itellya,Vince.I’mwastin’away!”Hedidn’tlookit,andhemusthave

seenthedisbeliefonmyface.Hepattedhisabdomen.“Thisisallmuscle!”

“Ifyousayso.”

“Hey!”Hesoundedaffronted,andImadesurehedidn’tseemygrin.

“I’mnotAida.Idon’tsleepwithyou.”

“Nooffense,but…Ugh!”

Icouldhavesaidthesame,butdifferentstrokes.“I’llletyougettoit.”

“Okay.Haveagoodday.”

“Youtoo.”Iwalkedout,thinkingofthefilesI’de-mailedTheBoss.Itremainedtobeseenhow

goodthisdaywasgoingtobe.

Ienteredtheouterofficeandcametoadeadhalt.Itwasstilltooearlyformysecretarytobeat

herdesk,butsomeonehadbeen.Astackoffiles,tenorfifteenhigh,satonthesurface,dwarfingher
computer.Theyhadn’tbeenhereonSaturday.Whenthefuckhadtheyarrived?

Apost-itontheoneontopreadAsperTheBoss’sinstructionsinBixby’sscrawl.

Shit.Ineededmorecoffee,andsinceMs.Parkerwasn’tinyet,itlookedlikeI’dhavetomakeit.

Iunlockedmyofficedoor,switchedonthelight,andhungupmyovercoat.

Davieswouldn’tbeinuntilnine,andIdidn’tdoubtthathe’dwaitanhourorsobefore

summoningme.He’dprobablyjerkedoffallweekend,thinkinghehadmebehindtheeightball.

Well,justbecausehekeptbanker’shoursdidn’tmeaneveryoneelseintheWBISdid.

Iwentbacktotheouterofficeandstartedapotbrewing,glaringatthefilesallthewhile.

Ineededalotmorecoffeetodealwiththis.

***

Aboutsixweeksearlier,TheBosshadcalledmeuptohisoffice.“Mark,”hesaid,“youneed

morepeopleinyourdepartment.”

“Oh?”Atthispointitwasme,Matheson,andWinchester,whodidallthemoxnixstuffaround

InteriorAffairs—pushingpencils,luggingstufffromoneofficetoanother,andtheoccasional
surveillance.

AgentsinthisdepartmenthadgrownscarcewhenSperlingwasthedirector,duetohis

incompetence—theyeitherdiedoraskedtobetransferred,willingtojointhejanitorialstaffifthatwas
theonlypositionavailable.SomeofthemhadevenchosentogoovertotheCIA,whichwasdownright
unnerving,andSperlingshouldhavecuthisthroatfordisgracingtheWBISlikethat.

Meanwhile,TheBosswassaying,“HRishavinganoticeplacedinSpyvs.Spookthatpositions

areavailable.”

Thatwasn’tgood.AnoticeintheWBISnewsletterwouldbeseenbyeveryonewithinthe

organization,andthatmeantanyofthemcouldapply.“Whomakesthefinaldecision?”

Hegavemearelaxedsmile.“Youdo,Mark.”Hestoodandheldouthishand.“Goodluckfinding

afewyoucanuse.”

JustwhatIneeded:morepaperwork.Still,ifthatwaswhatTheBosswanted....Ishookhishand

andwalkedoutofhisoffice.

InteriorAffairsdealtwithproblemswithintheforty-eightcontiguousstates,aswellasMexico

andCanada.Mathesonpreferredit,becausehehadfamilyintheStates,butthatcouldhavebeenthe
reasonwhyJosephsonhadjumpedattheopportunityofaEuropeanassignment,nomatterhowmundaneit
provedtobe.Onlyitturnedoutotherwise:thatassignmenthadresultedinhiskidnappingbyPrinzip,the
samerogueantiterroristorganizationthathadsnatchedQuinn.I’dgottenQuinnoutofthere,butithadbeen
toolateforJosephson.

ItwasknownthroughouttheWBISthatImadesuremypeoplecamehomealive,andifthey

didn’t,thattheyhadn’tdiedonabullshitoperationandwereavenged.

Still,maybetherewouldn’tbetoomanyagentsinterested.

Famouslastwords.

Untiltodaytherehadbeennothing,andI’dhopedtherewouldremainnothing,butnow....Why

didn’ttheywanttheglamourthatwasForeignAffairs?

Igrowled,tookthestackfrommysecretary’sdesk,andtransferredthemtothefloorbesidemy

owndesk.Ahuge,fuckingstack.

Iwenttogetacupofcoffee,andreturned,placingittothesideofmykeyboard.

Well,notimelikethepresent.Ipickedupthefirstfileandbeganreadingthroughit.

Oh,fortheloveof....Thisone’sscoresontherangewerepathetic.Itosseditasideandreached

forthenextone.

Oh,nowthisone…Itintriguedme.GreyRayne.

Sothatwashisname.

Witheverythingthathadgoneon,Ihadn’thadmuchtimetopracticefootworkorbladework,so

justaftertheNewYearI’dgoneuptothegym.M.BélangerwasfencingwithsomeoneIdidn’trecognize.
IwasfamiliarwitheveryonewhofencedintheWBIS,soeventhoughhisfoilmaskconcealedthislittle
guy’sface—Iwassixfootthree,andasfarasIwasconcerned,anyoneunderfivetenwaslittle—IknewI
didn’tknowhim.Hewasgood,though,actuallybeatingbackthefencingmaster.

Theboutcametoanendandtheysalutedeachotherwiththeirfoils.M.Bélangernoticedme.

“Vincent.”Hesignaledhisopponent,andtheyapproachedme.“Ihaven’tseenyouinawhile.”

“Youknowhowitiswiththeholidays.”I’dbeenoutofthecountrywithQuinn,showinghimmy

islandoffCostaRica,andthenwe’dspentNewYear’sEveandNewYear’sDaywithhisfamily.“Who’s
this?”

“ThisisRayne.”

“Helookedlikehehadyouontherun.”

Forsomereason,M.Bélangerfoundthatamusing.“Wouldyoucaretocrossswordswith

Rayne?”

“Iuseanépée.”

“Icanswitch,”Rayneofferedinahuskytone.

Iraisedaneyebrow,butthemaskhidhisface.Idecidedtoignoretheinnuendo.“That’sokay.”

Quinnusedafoil,andsometimeswe’dpracticewiththem.“Letmesuitupandwecanhaveamatch.”

Thelittlesonofabitchwasgood.Ihadthefeelingitwasonlymyextendedreachthatenabled

metogetthelasthit.Westeppedbackandsalutedeachother.

“Let’sgrabashower.Iwanttotalktoyou.”

“Ah,IneedtospeakwithRayne,Vincent,”M.Bélangersaid.“Yougoahead.”

“Okay.”

ButRaynedidn’tshowupintheshower,andwhenIleftthelockerroom,hewasgone.I’dhave

questionedM.Bélanger,butIcouldseehiminhisoffice,tiedupwithpaperworkandmutteringabout
the

imbécile

who’dsnappedablade,thusrequiringthereport.

Iunderstoodonlytoowellthedemandsofpaperwork,soIdecidednottodistracthim.

Icheckedmywatch.I’dlookintoRayneanothertime.IwashavingdinnerwithQuinnandifI

didn’thustle,I’dbelate.

ThenextdayI’dloggedintomycomputeranddidasearchforRayne,butapparentlytheWBIS

didn’thaveanagentbythatname.Icheckedeverydepartment,incasehewasoneofthesupportstaff,
withoutanyluck.

Iwentbackuptothegym.

“Who’sthisRayneguy?”IaskedM.Bélanger.

“JustsomeoneI’mcoachingfornextyear’sOlympicsinAthens.”

“Ohyeah?Well,he’sgood.Givemeacallthenexttimehe’shere.”

“I’lldothat.”Heseemedtobehavingahardtimenotlaughing.

Ileft,wonderingagainwhatwassofunny.

Rayne’squalificationsweredamnedgood.AformerMarinewho’dlefttheserviceaftersixyears

withtherankofE5,anexcellentshot,andamorethancapablefencer….

AndnowIknewwhathadamusedM.Bélanger.

Onthefilewasapost-itfromTheBoss.Itindicatedhewantedmetoseriouslyconsiderher.

Yeah,awoman.LookedlikeMr.WallacewasgoingtodragtheWBISintothetwenty-first

centurykickingandscreaming.

M.BélangermusthavethoughtRaynewouldbeagoodeditiontotheWBISaswell,becausehis

recommendationwasalsoattachedtothefile.

Isetupaninterviewforthefollowingdayandwentontothenextfile.

HAPTER

Somethinghadbeengnawingatme,andeventuallyIsetasidethefileonamechanicnamed

Johnson,andtookoutmycellphone,dialingalocalflorist.IwantedPortiatorealizeIsupportedher
choice,evenifitwasNovotny.

“CarnationsandRosesandOrchids,OhMy,”thevoiceontheotherendofthelineannounced.

“HowmayIhelpyou?”

“I’dliketoorderanarrangementtobedeliveredtoday,ifthat’spossible.”

“Thedestination?”

“GreatFalls.”

“Thatwon’tbeaproblematall.Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”

Itoldhim—coralroses,ferns,andbaby’sbreathinthenicestvasehehadinstock.

“Ihavesomethingveryniceinsterlingsilver.”

“Okay.”

“Wouldyoulikeacardincluded?”

“Yeah.PutonitHere’swishingyoubothmanyyearsofhappiness.AllMyBest,Mark.”Igave

himPortia’saddressandmycreditcardinformation,jotteddownthetrackingnumber,andhungup.I
wonderedwhatNovotnywouldthinkoftheroses.MaybeIshouldhavesentredones,justtodrivehim
nuts.

Grinningatthatthought,IgotbacktothefileI’dbeengoingthrough.

JohnsonhadalsoworkedinR&DwithRomero,whogavehimaglowingrecommendation,along

withawarningthatIwasn’ttoscarehimoff,thatifIdidn’twanthim,Romerowouldtakehimback.

Huh.

Ms.Parkercameinwithafreshcupofcoffeeforme.

Ireachedforanotherfile,andthenglancedatmywatch.I’dexpectedTheBosstocallmeby

now....Idrummedmyfingertipsonthefileonmydesk.

“Mr.Vincent?”

“Huh?Oh,thanks.”Itookthecup,alittlesurprisedwhenshedidn’treturntoherdesk.Ilooked

upfromthefile.Hereyeswerereddened,asifshe’dbeencrying.“Morrisisgone,soyoushouldn’thave
anymoreproblemsfromHumanResources.”

“Oh,Iheard.Thankyou.”Shehovered.Ms.Parkerneverhovered.

“Anythingelse?”IaskedasIraisedthecoffeetomymouth.

“Um…no.”Sheturnedandhurriedout.

Goddammit,wasshehavingtroublewithGranger?AsmuchasIlikedhim,ifhewasscrewing

withmysecretary,I’dseparatehisballsfromhisbodyandmakehimeathislefttesticle.

Iresumedbeatingarestlesstattooonmydeskwithmyfingertips.Icouldn’taskMs.Parkertoget

Grangeronthelineforme,butIhadhisnumberinmycellphone.Ipulleditupandhitsend.

Itwentdirectlytohisvoicemail,soIleftamessage.“Granger,it’sVincent.Iwanttotalktoyou.

Callmewhenyougetthis.”

Ihungup,tookasipofcoffee,andgotbacktoJohnson’sfile.

Theintercombuzzed.“Yes?”

“Mr.Davieswantsyouinhisoffice.”

Icheckedmywatch.Yep,tenonthenose.StillnowordfromTheBoss,though.“Thanks.Call

Matheson—heisatworktoday,isn’the?”

“Oh,yes.Ari—Ms.DiNoissaidhewas.”

“Okay,then.Inthatcase,callhimandtellhimIwanthimtomeetmeontenASAP.”IslidtheCD

intothedrive,turnedoffmycomputer,andsetmycellphonetovibrate.Ididn’twantanythingtointerrupt
mymeetingwithDavies.

ThenIwentuptodealwithhim.

BythetimeIreachedten,IcouldhearMathesoncomingupbehindme.Isteppedoutofthe

stairwell,andaboutaminutelater,Mathesonexitedaswell.Hewasalittleflushed,buthewasbreathing
easily.

“Sir.”

“I’mwarningyouaheadoftimethatthishastodowithTheo.UnlessItellyouotherwise,keep

yourmouthshut.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Allright.Nowlet’sgetthisshowontheroad.”

IwalkedintoPR’souterofficewithMathesonatmyheels.Bancroftturnedfromhismonitor,a

sneeronhislips.Assoonashesawwhoitwas,hesighedandreplacedtheexpressiononhisfacewith
somethingmoreconciliatory.Thisprobablyfeltlikearepeatoflastyear’sdustuptohim.

“Mr.Daviesisn’texpectingMatheson.”

“Lookslikehe’sgettinghimanyway.LethimknowI’mhere,butdon’tmentionMatheson.”

IwaiteduntilBancroftpassedonthemessageandreleasedtheintercombuttonbeforebypassing

himandopeningthedoorintoDavies’soffice.

Daviesfrownedatme,butIcouldseetheexcitementinhiseyes.“Well,Vincent.Haveyoumade

yourdecision?”

IhadafeelingnomatterwhatItoldhim,heintendedtoseebothMathesonandIwerenolonger

partoftheWBIS.

Andthenhespottedmyseniorspecialagentbehindme.“What’shedoinghere?”

“Heworkshere.”

Forasecond,Ithoughtsteamwasgoingtoshootoutofhisears.“ItoldyouIjustwantedyou!”

Ileanedagainsthisdeskandbattedmylashesathim.“I’minarelationship.”

“You…you….”Hegothimselfundercontrol,andasmuchasitburnedmybutt,Iwaswillingto

givehimonething:hewasanexperienceddirector.Hesatbackandgrinned,asifhehadn’tbeentwo
secondsawayfromameltdown.Butthenheblewitbyaiminghisspleenatmyagent.“Tellme,Matheson.
What’sitlikeknowingyourboyfriendisawhore,thatmostofDChasfuckedhim?”

Mathesonlungedtowardhim,andIcaughthisarm.Hewhirledaround,staringatmewithsuch

furyinhisgaze,IunderstoodwhyAdamshadrecruitedhim.

“Keepyourmanundercontrol!”Daviessnapped.

“Youshouldhaveworriedaboutthatbeforeyouflauntedthatdamnedvideoinfrontofhim.”

“I’mseniordirectorhere,andIdowhateverIchoose!IintendtoseeMathesonoutofhere,

Vincent!I’llseeyoubothoutofhere!”

“Youthink?Thevideotapeyougavemehasbeendestroyed.WhatIwanttoknowishowyougot

it.”

“That’sthisdepartment’sbusiness.Idon’thavetoexplainanythingtoyou!”

“No?”Imadesurehesawmyfingerstwitch,asifIwantedtograbhimbythecollar,draghim

acrosshisdesk,andflattenhisnose,andheshiedback,shovinghischairawayfromme.Wordmusthave
gottenaroundofhowI’dprettymuchdonethattoGershom.“Whothefuckgaveittoyou?”AtthispointI
didn’twanthimtoknowIwasawareofthepartHoneycutthadplayedinthis.

“Doyoumeanthistape?”Heheldupanotherblackcaseandsneered.Thatmusthavebeenwhere

Bancroftgotitfrom.“DidyoubelieveIwouldn’tmakeacopy?”

“No,actuallyIexpectedyoutodojustthat.”IcouldfeelhowantsyMathesonwasgetting,buthe

keptquiet.Ireachedacrossthedesk,yankedthetapeoutofDavies’shand,andgaveittoMatheson.

Daviesgloweredupatme.“Howdareyou?”

Iignoredhim.“Makesureofthis,”ItoldMatheson.

“Yes,sir.”Heopenedthecase,withdrewthetape,andtossedthecaseaside.Thenhewenttothe

TV/VCRcomboDavieskeptinacorner.

Whileitplayed,IkeptmyeyesonDavies.Againweheardthelustintheman’svoiceashe

orderedtheskinnyteen,“Fuckyourselfonmycock!”

AlookofdistastecrossedDavies’sface.“Fag,”hemutteredunderhisbreath.

“It’sthesamevideo,sir,”Mathesonsaid.“It’seasytotellthisisacopy.Thequalityispoorer

thantheoneyoushowedme.”

“Youknowwhattodowithit.”Fortunately,hehadn’theardDavies.Davieswouldhavebeen

deadmeat,andIcouldn’tallowthat.NotwithinthewallsoftheWBIS;itwouldbeapainintheassto
disposeofthebody.

Nottosayitcouldn’tbedone,butitwouldruintherestofourday.

Mathesonejectedthevideoandbeganstrippingthetapefromthecassette.Daviesjerkedasifhe

wantedtograbitawayfrommyagent,butaglanceatmehadhimsinkingbackintohischair.

“Thatmeansnothing.Icangetanothercopy!”

Fuckit.Irolledthedice.“FromHoneycutt?”

“What…HowdoyouknowofHoneycutt?”

“Ihadyoufollowed.”Iwasn’tgoingtosayI’dactuallyconfrontedthesonofabitch.Asfaras

theworldwasconcerned,I’dnevermettheman,andifthatwasthecase,therewasnowayIcouldbe
tiedtohisdisappearance.

“That’simpossible!”

Jesus.“YouhaddinnerwithHoneycuttattherestaurantintheWilliamHenryHarrisonHotel.You

neglectedtotipthewaiter,andHoneycuttmadenoeffortto.Wantmetotellyouwhatyouorderedfor
yourmeal?”

“But...but…”Hisshieldslipped,andhelookedbaffled.“YouknewwhatIcoulddotoyou.Ihad

youontherun!Youwereterrified!”

Mathesonchokedbackalaugh.

“Anson,Anson,Anson.”God,hehatedwhenIcalledhimbyhisfirstname,andwhenIusedit

threetimesinarow,thatreallydrovehimcrazy.“DidyouhonestlythinkIwasafraidofsomeonelike
you?”

“Yousaid….”

“Ilied.Tellmesomething.DidyouhaveanyideawhatHoneycutthadplannedforthatkid?”It

wouldbeinterestingtoseehowdeepintothishewas.

“WhatdoIcare?He’sawhore,aworthlesswhore!”

TherewasacrackingsoundasthecassettebrokeunderMatheson’sgrip.

“Matheson.”Ikeptmytonelevel.“You’redonehere.Gobacktoyouroffice.”

“MayIsaysomething,sir?”

IgrinnedatDavies,althoughImadesuretherewasnothingpleasantaboutit.“Sure.”Maybethat

waswhenDaviesrealizedhe’dpushedhisluckabittoofar.

“Myfiancéisnotworthless,Mr.Davies,andhe’snotawhore.”

“Fiancé?”ForasecondIthoughtDavieswasgoingtostrokeout,whichwouldhavesavedusall

alotoftrouble,butnosuchluck.

Mathesoncontinued,nottakinghisgazeoffDavies.“Hedidn’tdeservewhathappenedtohim,

andhedoesn’tdeservetohaveamiserablepieceofshitlikeyousmuglygloataboutwhatwasdoneto
himwhenhewasaboy.Idestroyedthistape,andMr.VincentdestroyedtheoneyougavehimonFriday.”
HeslidaglancemywaybutsaidnothingaboutthetapeI’dgivenhimthenightbefore.“Myfiancé’sgota
lotoffriends,andifanyofthemfindoutyou’repassingaroundanothercopyofthatvideo,Iwillfindyou,
andwhenIdo,IsweartoGodI’llkillyou.”

“You’llgotoprisonforlife!”

Mathesonshrugged.“Whatdifferencewillthatmaketoyou?You’llbedead.”

Verynicetouch.Iapproved.

Mathesonturnedtome,andalthoughhisexpressionwascontained,Icouldseehishandsshaking.

“Thankyouforlettingmeopenmymouth,sir.”

“Don’tmentionit.Whydon’tyoutaketherestofthedayoff?Spenditinbed.”

“Thankyou,butifIcomehomethisearly,he’llknowsomethinghappened.”

“Yourcall.Butifyouneedtogohome,go.”

Henodded,gaveDaviesafinal,coolstare,andwalkedout.“Oh!”

Therewasthesoftmurmurofvoices.HadherunintoBancroft,lurkingatthedoorway?Itdidn’t

matter.

“Tellmesomething,Davies.Howlongdidyoukeepthattapebeforeyousentittome?Didyou

jerkofftothatpoorkidgettingfucked?”

“Howdareyou!Iwouldn’tfindsomethingofthatnaturearousing!Unlikeyou,I’mnotqueer!”

“No,butyou’reabastard!”

Hegroundhisteeth,andifhewereabettermanthanhewas,he’dhavejumpedoverhisdeskand

attackedme.Buthewasn’tanykindofaman.Afteraminute,herelaxedandsmirked.“TrevorWallaceis
goingtohearofwhat’sgoneonheretoday.You’rethrough,Vincent.You’vejustsignedyourowndeath
warrant!”

“I’llworryaboutthat.”IslidmyhandintomytrouserpocketandpulledouttheknifeIalways

carried.Thebladesnappedout,andDaviesgasped.

“Whatareyou…?”

“IknowwhatGodarddid,Iknowwhatyougothisdaughtertodo.AndIknowwhatyouhad

plannedforTheBoss.”

Whatevercolorwasinhisfaceleachedout.“That’s….”

I’dneverseenanyonelookmorelikeafishoutofwater.

“IwarnedyoutoleaveInteriorAffairsalone.”Iwalkedaroundhisdesk,andwitheachstep

forward,herolledhischairback.Finally,heranoutofspace.Igrabbedhiscollartoholdhiminplace,
broughtthebladetohisface,andrantheflatsidegentlyoverhischeekbone.

“You’reinsane!”

“Youshouldhaveworriedaboutthatbeforeyoudecidedtostickyournoseintomydepartment

again.Howmanytimesdoesthismake?”

“I…you….That’sutterrubbish!”

“Isit?”Iturnedthebladeandwatchedasathinlineofredappearedonhischeek.

“Mark!”TheBossbarked.Howlonghadhebeenstandingthereandhowmuchhadheheard?

AndwashegoingtobringupwhatI’de-mailedhimlastnight?“What’sgoingonhere?”

Inoddedtowardtheribbonoftapethatwasinapileonthefloor.“TheDirectorofPublic

Relationsusedathirteen-year-oldvideoinanattempttodecimateInteriorAffairs.”

TheBossrubbedhisgut.“Isthistrue,Anson?”

“TheWBIScan’taffordtohavepeoplelikeVincentandhisboyfriendinthisorganization!”

Huh?QuinnwasCIA.AndthenIrealizedhewastalkingaboutMatheson.

“Youcan’thaveitbothways,Davies.EitherMathesonisinvolvedwithawhore,orhe’s

involvedwithme.OrdidyouthinkIwashavingathreesomewiththetwoofthem?”God,hismindwas
disgusting.Sure,bothmenwereeasyontheeyes,butIpreferredmylovertobeclosertomyownage.

Mycellphonevibratedinmypocket,butIignoredit.

TheBosswenttothedoor.“Bancroft,gotolunch.”

“It’s…uh…earlyforlunch,sir.”

“Thentakeacoffeebreak.”

“Yes,sir.”Andinspiteofthedistance,wecouldheartheouterdoorclosesoftly.

“Now,Anson,supposeyoutellmeyoursideofthis.Mark,closethatknifeandputitaway.”He

tookaseat,crossedhislegs,andwaitedforDaviestobegin.

“AfriendcontactedmeregardingMatheson.”Daviestookahandkerchieffromhispocketand

blottedthebloodonhischeek.“Itseemshe’slivingwithanotherman.”

TheBosssighed.“Youknowit’sWBISpolicytostayoutofthepersonallivesofouragents.”

Daviesdidn’tlookhappybeingremindedofthat.“Yes,butMathesonislivingwithamale

prostitute.IsimplyinformedVincentofthisfactandthatforthegoodoftheWBIS,suchbehaviorwasn’t
tobetolerated.IaskedhimtoinformMathesonofthissohecouldterminatetherelationship.Iwas
willingtogiveMathesonthebenefitofthedoubt—”

“Bullshit!”

Heglaredatme,andTheBosssighedagain.“Mark.”

Well,itwasbullshit.Andwhywasn’thecallingDaviesonthefilesI’dsenthim?Washegoingto

backthis—Ibitbacktherestofthatthought,alongwithanyfurthercomments.

Daviescontinued.“Frankly,Trevor,I’vehadconcernsabouthimsincelastyear,whenhewas

involvedinthedisappearanceofthemanwhowascontractedtodoworkfortheHuntingdoncomplexin
Phoenix.”

“ThatwouldbeFitzwilliam,Ibelieve.”

“Why…yes.Iwasn’tawareyouwerefamiliarwiththesituation.”

“Anson,theWBISismyorganization.I’mawareofeverythingthatgoesonwithinit.”

“Er…”Davieslookedasthoughhewasunsureifthatwasagoodthingorabadthing.“Yes.

Well,asIwassaying,BillwentmissingthesametimeMathesonwasinPhoenixonsomebullshit
operation.”

“AlotofpeoplewereinPhoenixatthesametime,”Igrowled.

TheBosshelduphishand,andItooktheadviceI’dgivenmyownagentandkeptmymouthshut.

“Thankyou,Mark.Now,tellmesomething,Anson.WhatisyourpositionhereattheWBIS?”heaskedin
hismildesttone.

“Ex-excuseme?”Daviesstammered.TheBossraisedaneyebrow.“YouknowaswellasIdo!

I’mDirectorofPublicRelations.”

“Yes,youare.Andassuch,whatisthescopeofyourresponsibilities?”

“I…IseetoitthattheWBISfliesundertheradar,thatthepublicremainsignorantofour

existence.”

“Precisely.”Hesteepledhisfingersandtappedthetipstogether.“Andyetyoufeltitwas

necessarytoinvolveyourselfinthematterofanotherdepartment.”

“Yes,itwas!Ilovethisorganization.It’smylife.AndI’vebeentellingyousincethatmessin’93

thatVincentisgoingtobetheruinoftheWBIS!”

TheBossturnedtome.“Mark,I’lltalktoyoulateraboutyourhandlingofthismatter.Returnto

yourdepartment.”

“Yes,sir.”Iwasn’tgoingtochallengehiminfrontofDavies,whowassmirkingasiftheball

wasinhiscourt,butthefilesI’de-mailedTheBossshouldhaveprovedbeyondadoubtthatDavieswas
auselesspieceofshit.

AndifhewasstillDirectorofPRattheendoftheday,thenIwasoutofthere.I’dhadit.

HAPTER

IwalkedintomyouterofficetofindMs.Parkerwithherheadburiedonherarms,hershoulders

shakingwithsobs.

“Goddammit!”Ineverknewwhattodowithcryingwomen.

Shejumpedandturnedherfaceaway,snifflingandwipingherpalmsoverhercheeks.“I’msorry,

Mr.Vincent.Ididn’twanttoleavetheofficewithoutanyone…butnowthatyou’reback,I’lljust—”

Ihandedherahandkerchief.“Comeintomyoffice,please.”

Shedriedhereyesandblewhernose.“I’msorry,”shesaidagain.

Iwaiteduntilsheroseandenteredmyoffice.“Sitdown.CanIgetyouanything?”

“No,ohno,I’mfine.”

Couldhavefooledme.

Mycellphonevibratedforthesecondtime,andItookitout.ItwasGranger.Iflippeditopen.

“Whereareyou?”

“Andgoodmorningtoyoutoo,Mark.I’monfive.Macintyre’sgotsomenewgowns,andI’ve

beentryingthemon.Iwanttotellyou,Ilookprettydamngoodinthem!There’sthisgreenlacenumber
—”

“Forgetaboutthemandgetyourassuptoseven.”

“Issomethingwrong?”Hisvoicesuddenlybecameanxious.“Patti?”

“I’mhopingyoucanshedsomelightonthis.Justgetuphere.”Ishutthephoneandputitaway.

“Nowsupposeyoutellmewhat’sbotheringyou,Ms.Parker?”

Hereyeswelledupwithtearsagain.“I…it’s….”Sheattemptedtopullherselftogether.

“Howardhadtocancel.Gershomissendinghimoutonsomelocaljob.”

“Sodidyoureschedulehim?”

Shenodded.“W-Wednesdayatthesametime.”

“Okay.See?It’snottheendoftheworld.There’snoneedtogetupset.”Ipattedhershoulder.

Herlowerliptrembled,andasingletearspilledoverandrandownhercheek.

Jesus,I’dneverseenmyunflappablesecretarysodistressed.

Iclearedmythroat.“You’renotcryingbecauseGershom’sanasshole,areyou?”

Shesmiled.Sheprobablythoughtitwasareassuringsmile,butitmissedthatbyamileandahalf

whenherfacecrumpledandshebegansobbingagain.

Someoneflungopenthedoortotheouteroffice,anditslammedagainstthewall.That’sgonna

leaveadentIthoughtasIreachedformyGlock,halfexpectingoneofGershom’sgoonstocometearing

intomyoffice,readytoblowmyheadoff,butitwasMs.DiNoiswhorushedin.ShetookonelookatMs.
Parkerandrantoher,droppingtoherkneesbesideher.“Gabecalledme.”Shetookthehandkerchiefand
moppedupMs.Parker’seyes.“He’llbehereassoonashegetschanged.”Ms.DiNoisstrokedher
shoulderandcontinuedtomurmursoothingly.

Istoodtherewithmyhandstillinsidemysuitjacket.Whatthefuckwasgoingon?

FinallyMs.DiNoisturnedtofaceme.“I’msorry,Mr.Vincent.Witheverythingthat’sbeen

happening,yourcallgotGrangernervous,andsinceI’mjustdownthehallfromyouroffice,heaskedme
tomakesurePattiisallright.Sweet—”Sheclearedherthroat.“Ms.Parker,what’swrong?”

“Nothing.I’mfine.”Ms.Parker’sfacewasred.“I’msosorry.”Sheleanedforwardand

whispered,“It’sthehormones.”

Whatthefuck?Shewastooyoungtobegoingthroughmenopause.

Theslapoffootstepssoundedonthetiledfloorofthecorridor,andthenGrangerskiddedintomy

office,barefoot,outofbreath,andholdingtheskirtsofthegreenlacegownhe’denthusedaboutuparound
hisknees.Iletoutalowwhistle.Hedidhavegoodlegs—eventhoughhewasn’tonthejob,theywere
smooth,tanned,andhairless.

“Gabe?”Ms.DiNoisstaredwide-eyed.

“I...Icouldn’ttakethetimetochange.”Heignoredmecompletely,hisgazegoingfrom

Matheson’ssecretarytomine.Abruptlyhelookedsick.“Thebaby?”Baby?“Mark,getFutéuphere!”

“No,Gabe,Idon’tneedadoctor.I’mfine.”Ms.Parkergavehimawaterysmile.“She’sfine!”

Sherestedherpalmonherabdomen.

“Areyousure?”Hislegsgaveoutfromunderhimandhecollapsedonthefloorbesidethetwo

secretaries,thegownapuddlearoundhim.Andhestartedcrying.

Mydeskphonerang,andIpickeditup.“Yeah?”Igrowled.Ifwhoeverthefuckwasontheother

enddidn’tknowwhothey’dreached,assesweregoingtobekicked.

“It’sMacintyre.IsGrangerthere?”

“Yeah.”

“Well,tellhimtogethisassbackdownhere.Andifthatgowndoesn’tcomebackinonepiece,

I’llhavehisballs.”Heslammedthephonedown.

Igavemyheadashake,eventhoughthatwouldn’tdoanythingfortheringinginmyear.Ihungup

thephone.“Gabe—”

Therewasataponmydoor.Jesus,nowwhat?

“I’msorrytobotheryou,Mr.Vincent,butmysecretaryboltedoutofmyoffice,andIsawher

headthisway.Iwantedtomakesureeverythingwasokay.Nicedress,Granger.”

“Oh,hey,Matheson.Thanks.”Grangerlookedloopy,andIwasgladIhadn’tbeenaroundwhen

Ms.Parkertoldhimshewaspregnant.“We’rehavingababy!”

MathesonlookedfromMs.ParkertoMs.DiNois—itwasadamngoodthinghedidn’tincludeme

inthatlook—andMs.Parkerraisedherhand.“Well.Congratulations.”Hisexpressionbecamethoughtful.

“Mr.Vincent,IthinkIwilltaketherestofthedayoff.”

“Fine,fine.”

“Ms.DiNois,youmayaswellgohometoo.”Shelookedasifshewereabouttoprotest.“Oh,

stayhereaslongasyouneedto.”

“Thankyou,sir.”

Hewavedasidehergratitudeandleft,andIcrossedmyarmsovermychest.“Someonemind

tellingmewhat’sgoingon?”

Ms.ParkerwasbentoverGranger,murmuringtohimandstrokinghishair.Shemetmyeyes.“I’m

sorry,sir.IwasgoingtotellyouI’mpregnant,butIdidn’tknowhowto.”

BecausetheonlykindofmaternitypolicytheWBIShadwasnone.Onceitbecameknownoneof

thesecretarialstaffwaspregnant,shewascongratulated,givenapartingcheckandapatontheback,
and...encouraged...nottoreturn.

Itwastimewejoinedthetwenty-firstcenturyinthismatteraswellandcameupwithsomething

better.

“Shewantstostayaslongasshecan,”Grangersaid,takingthehandkerchieffromMs.DiNois

anddryinghisfaceandeyeswithit.

“I’vegotnoproblemwiththat.”Isureashellwasn’tgivingupanexcellentsecretarylikeMs.

Parker.“Doyouwanttocomeback?”

“I’dliketo.I...Ilikeworkingforyou.”

“Okaythen.I’lltalktoTheBoss,andthenI’llbringitupwithHumphrey.”IfIstillhadajobhere

myself,thatwas.

“Youwill?”Grangerboundedtohisfeet,almoststumblingonthegown’svoluminousskirts

beforehecaughthimself.Thenhepulledmeintoahugandpoundedmeontheback.

“Enough!Enough!”Whythefuckwashesosurprised?“Howlongbeforeyouhavetoleave,Ms.

Parker?”

“I’mfourandahalfmonthsalong,andsinceyou’renotataskmaster—”

“Jesus,don’tletthatgetout!”

“No,sir.”Sheofferedalittlesmile.“MydoctorsaysI’minexcellenthealth.Sounlesssomething

unexpectedcropsup,probablynotforanotherthreeorfourmonths.”

“Okay,onceyou’velefttohavethe—”Threesetsofeyesgavemethefisheye.Whatdidthey

thinkIwasgoingtosay?“—thebaby,I’llborrowMs.DiNois.”

“Um…”Grangerhadthestrangestexpressiononhisface,acombinationofawe,pride,and

disbelief.“MaybeweshouldtellyouthatArianneispregnantalso.Onlyafewweeks,but….”

Iranahandthroughmyhairandstaredathim.Hehadbeenabusyboy.

Iwentaroundmydesk,checkedmycalendar,andsatdownheavily.

Yeah.ItwasMonday.

Mathesonhadgonehome.Ms.Parkerdidn’tstartcryingagain,butGrangerandMs.DiNois

thoughtitwouldbeagoodideatotakeherhome.

“Youcan’tgoaroundinthat,”IwarnedGranger.WasIsupposedtothinkofhimasamanora

womanwhenhewashalf-dressedlikethis?

“No,I’llgetitbacktoMacintyre.”Hetuggedatthesweetheartnecklineofthegown.“Itookout

thefalsiesbeforeIdecidedIdidn’thavethetimetochange.”Heraisedtheskirtsagainsohewouldn’t
triponthem.Hewassixfeettall,butitwasobvioushe’dneedtowearsix-inchfuck-meheelstoprevent
thehemfromdraggingonthefloor.“Arianne,staywithPattiandwaitformetocomebackforyou.”

Ms.Parkerwasintheprocessofshuttingdownhercomputer.“I’mpregnant,notcrippled!Ican

makeitdowntothefirstfloorundermyownsteam,”sheinformedhimacerbically,asharpchangefrom
earlier.

Jesus,IwasgladI’dneverhavetoworryaboutmyloverhavingababy.

Grangerwenttomysecretary,releasedhisgriponthegown,andcuppedherfaceinhishands.

“Humorme,sweet?”

Shewaveredforasecond,andhekissedhergently.

“Whydon’tyouandMs.DiNoisgodownwithhim?”Isuggested.AndtheonlyreasonwhyI

didn’tcallhimonunprofessionalbehaviorwasbecauseIdidn’twantMs.Parkertostartcryingagain.
“You’llbetwofloorsclosertothegroundfloor.”

“Greatidea,Mark.”

“I’msosorry.Ifeellikesuchadunce,”Ms.Parkermurmuredasthethreeofthemwalkedoutof

myoffice,Grangerwithonearmaroundher,thegown’sskirtsbunchedupinhisfreehand,andMs.
DiNoisonherotherside.

Well,someofushadworktodo.AlthoughifQuinnhadthedayoff,I’dgohometoo.

IcalledGershom’soffice.“It’sVincent.Iwanttoseehim.”

“Oh…uh…I’msorry,he’soutoftheoffice.He…uh…won’tbeinfortherestoftheweek.”

Shit.

“MayItakeamessage?”

“Yeah.TellhimIwanttoseehimfirstthingnextMondaymorning.”

“I’lldothat,Mr.Vincent.”

Ihungup,staredatallthefilesIstillhadtogothrough,andgotbacktowork.

HAPTER

Afterabreakforlunchinthecafeteria,Ireturnedtomyofficeandthefiles.

Therewasnofuckingendtothem,andhourslater,Iwasstillreadingthem.

Theywerestackedinthreepilesonmydesk:strongcontenders,possibilities,andnotinthis

fuckinglifetime.Thatpilewasthelargest,butthepossibilitiestookthelongesttogetthrough,because
theremightbesomethingintherethatcouldtipthemintothefirstpile.

Itookthelastfileandopenedit.GillAhrenswastwenty-six.He’dbeenworkingfortheWBIS

forthepastthreeyearsinMedical,and…

Oh,forfuck’ssake,wasthisgoingtobearepeatofthesituationwithMatheson?

Ahrenshadgrownupinadecentneighborhood,theyoungestoffourkids—andtheonlyboy.

He’dbeenavolunteerfiremanfromthetimehe’dgraduatedhighschool,wentontobecomeanEMTand
thenaparamedic.

HowthefuckhadhebeenrecruitedtotheWBIS?

ThephoneonMs.Parker’sdeskrang.Ileftthefileonmydeskandwenttoanswerit.Normally

I’dletitgotohervoicemail,butIwasstillwaitingforTheBosstosummonmeuptohisoffice.

“Vincent,”Iannouncedcurtly.

Therewasamomentofsilence,andthenMs.DiBlasispoke.“I’mnotabouttoaskwhyyou’re

answeringyoursecretary’sphone.”

Goodthing,becauseIhadnointentionoftellingher.“WhatcanIdoforyou,Ms.DiBlasi?”

“Mr.Wallacewouldliketospeakwithyou.Inhisoffice.”

Itwasaboutfuckingtime.“I’monmywayup.”

“He’llbesothrilled.”Shehungup.Itdidn’tsoundlikeshewasmybiggestfanrightnow.

Ilookedaroundtheouteroffice.ThismightbethelasttimeIwasinhere.Thecoffeepotwasstill

on,soIshutitoffandthenreturnedtomyoffice.IflippedAhrens’sfileshut,slidtheCDintoitsdrive,
andshutdownmycomputer.IfIwasoutonmyass,whoevertriedtorebootitwasgoingtobeinforan
unpleasantsurprise.

Afterafinalglancearoundtheoffice,Iputonmysuitjacket,drapedmyovercoatovermyarm,

andwalkedout,lockingthedoorbehindme.

Thecorridortothestairwellwasempty,unusualforthistimeofday.Ipulledopenthedoorand

joggeduptoten,tofindsomethingelseunusual.

ThecorridortoTheBoss’sofficewasdesertedaswell.ThenInoticedpeoplepokingtheirheads

outoftheirofficesandjerkingthembackinwhentheyspottedme.Wordmusthavegottenoutthatallhell
wouldbebreakingloosesoon.Notthatitsurprisedme.Thegrapevineinanyorganizationcouldberabid.

Ms.DiBlasiobservedmesourlyasIenteredtheouteroffice.“Gorightonin.”

“Andgoodafternoontoyoutoo,”Imutteredundermybreath.Ismoothedbackmyhair,turnedthe

doorknob,andwalkedin.

TheBossraisedaneyebrowwhenhesawmyovercoat,butdidn’tsayanything,justnodded

towardachair.

Ifoldedthecoatoverthebackofthechair,satdown,andwaited.

Hegotrightdowntobrasstacks.“Youdoliketostirthingsup,don’tyou,Mark?”

“Iwon’thavemydepartmentfuckedwith.”

“No.That’soneofthereasonsIgaveyouInteriorAffairs.”Hegazedatmebeneathhoodedlids,

andIwaitedforhimtobringupthee-mailI’dsenthim.Instead,hetidiedastackofpapersonhisdesk.
“Bytheway,haveyoucometoanydecisionsregardingthefilesHumanResourcessenttoyou?”

“YouwererightaboutRayne.Sheseemstobeasolidbet.SodoesJohnson.Ahrensispromising,

butIhaven’tfinishedreadinghisfile,andI’vegotsomequestionsabouthisbackground.Asforthe
others….”Ishrugged.“Idon’tknowwhattheywerethinkingtoevenapply.”

“Theprestigeofworkingunderyou,Mark.”

Nopointinbeatingaboutthebush.“Wouldtheybeworkingunderme?”

“Excuseme?”

“Whatdidthatsonofa—whatdidDavieshavetosay?”

“Beyondwhathesaidinyourpresence?Moreofthesame.”

“AndtheinformationIe-mailedyou?”Hedidn’trespondtothat,andIwonderedifthatmeant

anything.“Youknowhedoesn’twantmehere.”

“I’mawareofthat.He’dmuchpreferifitwassomeonelikePhelps.”

“Who?”Istaredathim.“Youmeantheguywhochangesthetoiletpaperinthemen’sroom?”

Hechoked,swallowinghislaughter.“Hedoesn’tquitedothat.Phelpsisagoodman.”

“IfyouwanttogivehimInteriorAffairs—”

“Mark,ifIdidn’twantyoutohaveyourposition,you’dstillbeoutinthefield,andI’dstillbe

pretendingIhadnoclueastoyourrealage.”

“Sir?”I’dbeensothoroughinconcealingmyactualdateofbirth.Howcouldhe…ButthenI

rememberedQuinnhadbeenabletodigitup.Ifaspookcould,socouldthemanwhorantheWBIS.

“You’renotgoingtotellmeyouhavenoideawhatI’mtalkingabout,areyou?”

“No,sir.ButIdon’t.”

Thistimehedidlaugh,andheshookhishead.“Ofcoursenot.”Hisexpressionbecame

thoughtful.“IwasunawareAnsonwasoversteppinghisboundstosuchadegree.Thosefilesinthee-mail
yousentwerequitetheeye-opener.I’vepersuadedhimitwouldbeinhisbestinteresttoretire.”

I’dthoughtTheBosshaddonethatlastyear,butDavieshadturnedupagain,arealpaininmyass

ifevertherewasone.

“Heinsistedontraininghissuccessor—”

Iopenedmymouthtoprotest,andheheldupahand.

“Itoldhimthatwouldn’tbenecessary.Needlesstosay,hewasn’tpleased.”

“TheWBISmeansalottohim.”Orsohe’dsaid.

“Toomuch,apparently,andthat’sjustoneofthethingsthatconvincedmeit’stimeforhimtostep

down.Foramanwhositsbehindadesk,thisshouldbeajob,nothislife.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“You’ll
noticeIclarifiedthat.”

“Sir?”

“Whenyouwereinthefield,thisjobwasyourlife.Andthatwashowitshouldbe.Notonlydid

theWBISdependonyou,butIdidaswell.”Hetuggedonhislowerlip.“I’venoticedsinceyour
promotionthatitnolongeristhecase.”

“Areyouunhappywithmywork?”Itwasn’tthepromotionthathadchangedmypriorities…it

wasbecominginvolvedwithQuinn.

“Notintheleast.I’mverypleasedwithyou,Mark.SoisHumphrey,whenitcomesdowntoit.

He’sthrilledyou’refinallyusingsomeofyourbankedvacationtime.Allworkandnoplay,youknow.”

“Uh…yes,sir.”

“Asamatteroffact,I’mmakingyoumysecond-in-command,withaneyetohavingyoustepinto

myshoeswhenIretire.”

“Sir?”ItwasagoodthingIwassittingdown,becauseotherwiseI’dhavefallendown.

“NotthatI’mplanningonretiringforsomeyears.”

“TheWBISwouldn’tbethesamewithoutyou.”

“Thankyou.OfcourseIintendtogetoutonthegolfcoursemorefrequently.”

Igrunted.

“SeeHumphreyinthemorning.There’ssomepaperworkattachedtothis.”

Wasn’ttherealways?“Yourealizetherearegoingtobesomeunhappydirectorswhenthisgets

out.”

“Iknowwhoyou’retalkingabout,andhavetheyeverbeenanythingbutunhappywhenitcomes

toyou?”Hemusthavemeantthatasarhetoricalquestion,becausehecontinuedbeforeIhadachanceto
comeupwitharesponse.“However,Ihaveeveryconfidenceinyou.”Helookedathiswatch.“It’s
gettinglate.Whydon’tyoujoinmefordinner?Wecandiscussthisinmoredetail.”

“Certainly,sir.”Youdidn’tsay“no”toTheBoss.“WillMs.DiBlasibejoiningus?”

“Notthistime.”Implyingtherewouldbeothertimes?Hegaveatightsmile.“She’stakinga

courseinOrnamentalHorticulture.”

“Yes,sir.”Ifhedidn’twantmetoknowshe’dbedownloadingthefilesoftheday’sworkfrom

everysecretary’scomputer,Iwasn’tgoingtolethimknowIwasawareofit.Ithoughtofmyown

secretary.“There’ssomethingIneedtodiscusswithyou.”

“You’renotgoingtoinsistIsackmoredirectors...ordeputydirectors...areyou?”

ForasecondIconsideredGershom,buttherewastimetogetridofhim.“No,sir.It’saboutthe

WBIS’slackofamaternitypolicy.”

“Oddyoushouldmentionthat.Nolabroughtupthesubjectacoupleofweeksago.”

“Didshe?”Wasitacoincidence,orwassheawarethatithadbecomeanecessity?Ihada

suddenimageofthemdiscussingWBISpoliciesinbed,andIwantedtowashmybrainwithbleach.

“Yes.Shealsosuggesteddaycare.”

Here?IboggledatthethoughtoftheWBISbeingoverrunwithrugrats.

“Well,therewillbeplentyoftimetocomeupwithasolidplan.”

Iwasn’tsosureofthat.Weweregoingtolosetwoofourbestsecretariesbeforetheyearwas

out.AndpossiblyGrangeraswell,ifhedecidedhewantedtotakepaternityleave…orsimplywalked,if
itcamedowntoit.

Unawareofwheremythoughtshadgone,TheBosscrossedtohiscoatclosetandretrievedhis

overcoat.“HaveyoueverbeentoRaphael’s?Iunderstandthevealpiccataisexcellent.”

“I’vebeenthere,sir.Andyes,thevealisdelicious.”Quinnhadordereditformeformybirthday

lastyear.“Sir?”Allofasudden,hedidn’tlookpleased.

“Howlongdoyouintendtocontinuecallingme‘sir’?”

Ibitbackastartledlaugh,recallingwhenPortiahadsaidsomethingsimilarafterI’dcalledher

“ma’am”onetimetoomany.

“Sorry,s-Trevor.”

Hegaveasatisfiednod.“Let’sgothen,shallwe?”

“Butjustsoyouknow,itmaytakemeawhiletogetusedtothat.”Igatheredupmyowncoatand

followedhimoutofhisoffice.

“Aslongasyoudon’tcallmeWally.”

ThistimeIdidlaugh.“Iwon’t.”

“Nola,MarkandIaregoingtodinner.”

Ms.DiBlasilookedupfromhermonitor,frowningathim.“Yourdriverhasleftfortheday,and

I’mnotavailable—”

“Thatwon’tbeaproblem.I’msureMarkwon’tminddrivingmehome.”

Sheturnedthefrownonme,asifchallengingmetorefuseTheBoss.

“Notaproblem,Trevor.”

Sheraisedaneyebrowatthat,butdidn’tcomment.

TheBosstouchedherhand,andherexpressionsoftened.“Don’tworktoolate,”hemurmured.

“Youdon’twanttomissyourclass.”

Iclearedmythroat.“I’llwaitoutinthecorridor.”

HAPTER

TheBossandIhadjustfinishedcheckingourcoatsatRaphael’swhenhiscellphonerang.He

hadoneofthoseringtonesthatsoundedlikeaEuropeantelephone,andIwonderedifthatsignifiedthe
callerwasfromtheothersideoftheAtlantic.

Heglancedatthescreen,frowned,andsaid,“Ihavetotakethis.Excusemeamoment.”He

steppedaside.“Whatisit,Lynx?”

Lynx?RobertLynx,whowasknownthroughouttheDivisionasTactics?Tomyknowledge,the

lasttimehe’dspokentoTheBosshadbeenlastyear,whenI’dbeenvolunteeredtodealwithsomeonein
Calais.

Iwastemptedtoedgecloser,tofindoutwhatIcouldhear,butTheBossdroppedhisvoiceand

walkedfartheraway.

Okay,ifhefeltIneededtoknow,he’dtellme.Meanwhile,I’dbettershutoffmyownphoneand

seeaboutgettingusatable.Iwalkedtowardthehoststand.

Giovanni,themaîtred'ofRaphael’s,smiledwhenhesawme.“Signore,Iamsopleasedtosee

youherenotonaFridayevening.Butyourfriendisnotwithyou?”

“No.”

“Ah.Yourusualtable....”

TheBossjoinedus,slippinghisphoneintoaninnerjacketpocket.“Goodevening,”hesaidto

Giovanni.“We’dlikesomethingsecluded.”Herestedhispalmonmyshoulder.“Wehavealotto
discuss.”

Giovanni’ssmilethinned.DidhethinkIwasscrewingaroundonQuinn?However,hewasthe

quintessentialmaîtred’,andhedidn’tsayawordabouthissuspicions.“Signore,Iregretyourusualtable
isunavailable.”Hesnappedhisfingers,summoningawaiter.“Cesare,showisignoritoatablenear
the...”

Iwaitedforhimtogiveusacrampedtableoffthekitchen,butasI’dsaid,hewasaprofessional.

WewoundupatthetableTheoandMathesonhadhadonNewYear’sEve.

Ourwaiterwasn’tabletoholdittogetheraswell.Hismouthwasinatightlineasherattledoff

theevening’sspecialsandthentookourorderfordrinks.

“Clubsoda,”Itoldhim.

“Doyouwishlemonorlimewiththat?”

“Lime.”

HejotteditdownandturnedtoTheBoss.“Signore?”

“I’llhaveawhiskeysour,”TheBosssaid.

Cesarenodded.“Iwillgetyourdrinksandgiveyouafewminutestomakeyourdecisions.”He

retreatedtothebar,andIfiguredI’dbettertalktohimbeforehespitinourdrinks.

“Excusemeamoment,sir—Trevor.”

“Ofcourse.”DidhethinkIhadtohitthecan?

Notimportant.Ifollowedafterourwaiterandcaughtupwithhimjustashefinishedgivingthe

bartenderourdrinksorder.“Cesare.”

“Signore.”Hemadeitsoundlikeasnake’shiss.

Ididn’taskwhatthefuckhethoughtwasgoingon...itwasobvious.“Iworkforthisman.”

“Ifyousayso,signore.”

Stubbornsonofabitch.Iranahandthroughmyhair.“Look.You’veseenthemanIcomehere

with.”

“Sì.”

“Iwouldn’tdoanythingtobetrayhim.He...uh...he’sagoodman,andhemeansalottome.”

Cesarestaredintomyeyes.Godaloneknewwhathewaslookingfor,butheseemedtothinkhe’d

foundit.“Ibegyourpardon,”hesaid,hisItalianaccentgone.“Healwaysstruckmeasaniceman,and
I’dhavehatedtoseehimhurt.”

“Hewon’tbehurtbyme.”

“You…youlovehim!”Hegavemeabeamingsmile.

Icouldfeelheatriseinmycheeks.HowIdidordidn’tfeelaboutQuinnwasnobody’sbusiness

butours.“Ihavetogetbacktomytable.”BeforeTheBossthoughtI’dfallenintothejohn.

Cesarethrewhisarmsaroundme.“Sì,signore!”SuddenlyItalianagain,hekissedmeonboth

cheeks.

Jesus.

Fortunately,thebartenderdrewhisattentionjustthen.“Headsup,caro.”Heputthewhiskeysour

onatraybesidetheglassofclubsoda.

“Sì,sì.Signore,returntoyourdinnercompanion.Iwillbringthedrinksshortly.”

“Okay.”

TheBosslookedupfromhisphone.“Everythingallright?”

Ipulledoutmychairandmademyselfcomfortable.“Iwasabouttoaskyouthesamething.”He’d

beentexting.

Cesarechosethatmomenttocomebustlingup.“Yourdrinks,signori.”Heplacedthembeforeus,

pulledoutapad,andwaitedforustomakeourselections.

TheBossorderedtheappetizerfirst.“Thecoldantipastoplatterlooksgood.AndthenI’dlikethe

minestronesoup.”

“Andforyourentrée?”

“I’veheardgoodthingsaboutthevealpiccata.IbelieveI’llhavethat.”

“Bravo,bravo.”Cesareshotmeaglance,andIjustshrugged.“Whatkindofpastawouldyoulike

withthat?”

“Fettucciniwithmarinarasauce.”

“Excellentchoices,signore.Wouldyoucareforwinewithyourmeal?”

“Mark?”Ishookmyhead.“None,thankyou.”

Cesareturnedtome.“Andforyou,signore?”

“I’llhavethehousesaladandeggplantparmigiana.”IrememberedQuinninsistingIneededmore

roughageinmydiet.

“Noveal,Mark?”

“Nottonight,sir.”

“Andyourpasta?”Cesareasked.

“I’llgowiththefettuccinialso.”Noneofthatboxedstuff,itwasmadefreshdailybythechef.

“Withmeatsauce.”

Cesarescribbleditdown,flippedhispadshut,andhurriedoff.

“Theyseemtoknowyouhere.”TheBossreachedforhiswhiskeysour.

“Icomehereonceinawhile.”Thiswasgettingintodangerousterritory,andI’dbetterchangethe

subject.“Tellmesomething…Trevor.”Jesus,howlongwasitgoingtotakebeforeIdidn’talmost
swallowmytonguegettinghisnamepastmylips?Isqueezedthelimewedgeintomyclubsoda.

“Toyou,Mark,andmaywehavelongyearsofworkingtogether.”

“Thankyou,Trevor.”

Hetookasipofhisdrink,andthenputhisglassdown.“Ask.”

“WhatdidLynxwant?”

Heblottedhislips.“ApparentlytheScarletChamberisreforming.”

“What,again?”Hadn’tIkilledtheArchbishophardenough?Didn’tfindingtheAbbot,his

successor,atthebaseoftheGrossglocknerinAustriagivethemahinttheyweren’tinahealthylineof
work?“Shit.”Ididn’taskifhewasjoking…TheBossdidn’tjoke.“Who’srunningitthistime?”

“AwomanbythenameofKiska.”

“Howthefuckdid….”Iloweredmyvoice.“Excuseme,sir.ShewassupposedtobePierrede

Becque’smaterial.Hewastrainingher.”

“Itappearsshewasaplant.DeBecqueisafriendofyours,ifIrecallcorrectly.”

“Yeah.”Andhowhadhediscoveredthat?I’dalwaysthoughtPeteandIhadkeptourfriendship

onthedownlow.

“It’ssafetoassumeheknewnothingaboutthis?”

Itensedup.“AreyousuggestingPetehadsomethingtodowiththis?”

“ApparentlyTacticsthinksso.DeBecquehasgoneunderground,alongwithanumberof

Divisionoperatives.”

Ididn’thavetoaskwhichones.IknewwhowasloyaltoPete:Reuben,hismunitions-expert

lover;Babineaux,Division’sresidentcomputerguru,andGiuliani,ahigh-leveloperativewhowashis
lover;Femme,whoranInterrogation,theintelextractionsector,andHommewhowouldbackhertothe
death…

“WhatdoesLynxwant?”Iaskedagain.

“It’sinsurrection,Mark.Hehastoputitdownfast,andhard.”

“ThewayRichardshouldhaveputLynxdownwhenheandhispetpsychopstagedtheirown

insurrection?”

TheBossstaredatmethoughtfully,andthensaid,“Precisely.”Hecuppedhisglassbetweenboth

palmsandrotateditgently.“Youdon’tcareforLynxandAnacapri.”

“Hecan’tcleanuphisownmesses,andshe….”Icurledmylipatthethoughtofherandwhatshe

wascapableof.“Totopitoff,thisisn’tthefirsttimehe’swantedtheWBIS’shelp.”

“No,itisn’t.”

Cesarebroughtusabasketofwarmbreadsticksandaplateofherbs.Hesetthembothonthe

tableanddeftlypouredoliveoilovertheherbs.“Theantipastowillarrivesubito.”

“Thanks,”Isaid.Assoonashelefttoattendtootherpatrons,IturnedbacktoTheBoss,keeping

myexpressionflat.“Isn’tKiskatheoneTacticsshouldbeconcernedabout?”

“Perhaps,butapparentlythethoughtofarebellionwithintheranksconcernshimmore.As

DirectorofInteriorAffairs,Ican’tsendyou…”

Hecouldtryifhewanted,butthiswasoneoperationIwouldflatoutrefusetoaccept.AsThe

Bosswasaware,Petewasafriend,andI’dbedamnedbeforeIhelpedsomeonelikeRobertLynxbring
himdown.

“WhatdoyouknowofStanley’sdepartment?”

Itookabreadstickandtoreoffanend.“It’snotmydepartment.”Imethisgaze,andthenIdipped

thebreadstickintotheoliveoil.

Heraisedaneyebrow,andIexpectedhimtosnapatme.Hedidn’t.“I’mquitefamiliarwiththe

headsofthedepartmentsinmyorganization.”Hedidn’tevensoundirritated.Hehelpedhimselftoa
breadstick,butinsteadoftakingabite,hejusttappeditagainsthisbreadplate.

“YousawwhatIdidwhenDaviesinterferedwithInteriorAffairs.”Imatchedhisraisedeyebrow

withoneofmyown.“DoyouhonestlyexpectStanleytoreactwithanylesshostility?”

“No,butIdoneedtoknowwhoyouthinkwillformupthebestteam.”

“You’replanningonsendingthemtohelptheDivision?”

“Youdon’tapprove?”

“No,Idon’t.That’snotourjob.”

Hesmiled.Thesonofabitchsmiled.

Cesareappearedandplacedtheplatterofantipastoatthecenterofthetable,alongwithanother

whiskeysourforTheBossandaclubsodaforme,eventhoughourdrinkshadbarelybeentouched.Then
heleftus.

“Ihappentoagreewithyou,Mark.PullingtheDivision’schestnutsoutofthefireisn’tour

responsibility.It’snotinourbestinterests,either.”

“ButyoustillplantotalktoStanleyaboutit?”

“Ihavenochoice.”

Therewasalwaysachoice.Iusedaforktostabacircleofdrysausage.

“AsItoldyouonce,LynxsavedmylifewhenwewereprisonersofwarinVietnam.”

“Hedoesliketoplaythatcard,doesn’the?”Iputthesausageinmymouthandchewed.

TheBosspeeredthoughtfullyattheplatterandfinallyselectedachunkofparmigianareggiano

cheese.“Tellme,Mark.Howwouldyoudealwiththissituation?”

“Idon’tthinkyouwanttoknow,sir.”I’dtellLynxtogofuckhimself,butIcouldn’tsaythatto

TheBoss.

“Iaskedyou,didn’tI?”

Iboughtmyselfsometimebyraisingmyglasstomylips.Lynxhadbeenhisfriendatonetime.I

decidedifTheBosswasseriousaboutmebecominghissecond-in-command,thenIhadnochoicebutto
laymycardsonthetable.

Iputtheglassdownwithouttakingasipandmethisgaze.“IthinkLynxhasdroppedtheball.

Frankly,sir,I’dbemoreconcernedwithgettingridofKiskaandshuttingdowntheScarletChamberonce
andforall.”

“Gettingridofher?”heechoed.

Igavehimaflatstare.“Whoseideawasittorecruither?She’sbeenintrainingwiththeDivision

forthepastcoupleofyears.Redflagsdidn’tgoupbeforenow?”Ifshewasabletopullthewooloverthe
eyesofanexperiencedoperativelikePierredeBecque...Yeah,she’dhavetogo.

“AndLynx’srebeloperatives?”

Ishrugged.“Firstthingsfirst.”AssoonasIgothome,I’dsendamessagetoPete’scellphone.

TherewasasixhourtimedifferencebetweenDCandParis,butifthingswereasupintheairasit
sounded,Petewassuretobeawake.Evenifhehadacomputeravailable,itwouldbetoodangerousto
trytoe-mailhim.

AlthoughwithBabineauxonhisside….

TheBosstookouthiscellphoneandtappedawayatthekeys.Thenhehitsendandreturneditto

hispocket.“I’vejusttextedStanley.We’llmeetinhisofficetomorrowatnine.ItmaybetimeforRobert
Lynxtoretire.You’refamiliarwiththeDivision’slayout,yes?”

“Toadegree.”I’dincludedinmyreportlatelastspringthatI’dbeentoDivisionheadquartersin

ordertogetsomehelplocatingPrinzipsoIcouldobtainalittlepaybackforwhatwasdonetoour
operatives—Quinnwasn’tmentionedatall.IwasprettysureIcouldgetmoreintelfromPete,ormaybe
evenfromReuben.Hedidn’tlikeme,buthe’dtakedowntheDivisionbeforeheletthemhurthisloverin
anyway.

“We’lldiscussthebestmethodfordealingwithLynxatthattime.”TheBossfinishedthecheese

andpickedupasliceofprosciutto.“Now,ifwe’veconcludedthisdiscussion?”Inodded.“Verywell.
SupposeyoutellmeaboutthissuddeninterestofyoursinamaternitypolicyfortheWBIS.Youdon’t
needitforyourself,doyou?”

Ialmostchokedonastuffedolive.“Notlikely,sir!”ThelasttimeI’dsleptwithawomanwas

fiveyearsago.Andnomatterwhat,Ialwaysusedcondoms.

Fiveyears.God,timehadawayofflying….

HAPTER

I’djustfinishedajobinEurope,andsinceIhadsomesparetime,ItrackedtheArchbishopto

Belarusandsurprisedhimwithabullettothebrain.God,Ilovedmyjob.

Now,Iwasinmyhotelroom,gettingreadytoheadfortheMinskNationalAirport.

Mycellphonerang,butitwasn’t“BadtotheBone,”soIknewitwasn’tTheBosswithanother

jobformewhileIwashereinEasternEurope.

Icheckedthescreen,andthenflippeditopen,grinning.

“Bonjour,Pete.”I’dmetPierredeBecque,senioroperativefortheDivision,inParistwoyears

earlier,andoddlyenough,we’dbecomefriends,spendingtimetogetherifitturnedoutwewerebothin
thesamecityatthesametime.

Iwaskindofsurprisedthatourfriendshipdeepened.Ididn’thavemanyfriends—myjobwastoo

dangerous,andpeopleweretoofuckingstupid,butPetewassomeoneIlikedandtrusted.

Infact,Itrustedhimenoughtogivehimmycellphonenumber.

Inaddition,hewasfuntofuck.

“Cherm’sieur,Iregrettodisturbyou.”

“Nobigdeal,”Isaid.Iwaspackedandhadabouttwentyminutestokillbeforeitwastimeto

leave.“What’sup?”

“Imustaskforafavor.”

“Goaheadandask.”

“Ineedyoutodoakindnessforafriend.HernameusedtobeZ

henshchina.

”

“She’safriendofyours?”

“Oui.”

I’dheardofher,andIwasimpressed—shewasoriginallyfromtheRepublicofNorthOssetia-

Alania,wasreputedtobethedeadliestwomaninEurope,and—“Holdonaminute.Whatdoyoumean,
hernameusedtobeZ

henshchina?”

“Henri

couldnotpronounceit,andsohebegancallingherÉlisabeth.”

“Andsheallowedit?”Rumorhaditshedidn’tsufferfoolsgladly,andanidiotwhocouldn’t

pronouncehernamewasafoolbeyondmeasure.

“Youmustaskheraboutit.”

Huh.“Who’sHenri?”

“HerantheInterrogationdepartment.”

Hecouldn’thavedoneitwell...I’dneverheardofhim.“She’swiththeDivision?”

“Asamatteroffact,she’sinchargeofInterrogationnow.”

Iworriedmythumbnail.Iwasn’tneededbackintheStatesforafewdays;IcouldflytoFrankfurt

—orViennaifthatairportturnedouttohavetheearlierflight—andgetaconnectingflightfromthereto
Parisinamatterofhours.“Uh...anywayyoucouldintroduceus?”

“Iwouldbeenchantedto.”

“Soon?”Ifeltlikeaboywithhisfirstcrush,andmaybeIshouldhavebeenembarrassedbythat,

but...Z

henshchina

“Ifyouwish.”

Yes!Nootherlivingwomanrousedsuchfearandrespectintheintelligencecommunity.Ienvied

theDivisionforhavingher.FromwhatI’dbeenabletolearn,she’dbeenrecruitedbytheKamitet
Dziarža ǔ najBiaspiekiatanearlyage.IfI’dknownsheintendedtoleavetheStateSecurityCommittee,
I’dhavetriedtorecruitherfortheWBIS.

Igotmyselfundercontrol.“Okay,sowhatsortofkindnessdidyouhaveinmind?”

henshchina!

“Theweekwespenttogether...Youtreatedmewell,inspiteofthefactthatyouthoughtIwasa

rentboy.”

“We’renotgoingoverthatagain,arewe?Itoldyou—”

“Youdid,whichiswhyIaskyoutotreatheraskindly.”

“Ithinkyou’dbetterexplainthistome.”

Hesighed.“Henridecidedhewantedher.Herefusedtotakehernoseriously,andsawnothing

wrongwithalittlechemicalpersuasionintheformofrohypnoltochangehermind.”

“Bastard,”Ispat.Itburnedmybuttwhenshitlikethathappened.“DidTacticspointouttheerror

ofhisways?”IfanythinglikethathadhappenedattheWBIS,TheBosswould’vehadtheperpstrungup
byhisshortandcurlies.

“Therewasnoneed.Henrichokedtodeathonahamsandwichinthecommissary.Afitting

endingforsuchacochon.”

“Didhehurther?”Toobadhewasdead.I’dhavelikedtogetmyhandsonhim.

Hemuttered,“NotasmuchastheDivisiondid,”butbeforeIcouldquestionhimaboutthat,his

nextwordsthrewmeoffkilter.“SheaskedifIwouldhelpherovercomeheraversiontobeingtouched.”

Ichoked.“You,Pete?”

Hegrowled.“Shetendstobeverywrappedupinheroccupation.ShehadnoideaIdidn’tsail

thatsideofthelake.”Hewaitedformetostoplaughing.“AfteritwasdiscoveredwhatHenrihaddone,
AnacapriinsistedFemmebe...treated.”

“Thatdoesn’tstrikemelikeAnacapri.”Thepsychopwasacoldbitch,afittingmatchfor

Tactics.“Wait,who’sFemme?”

“Z

henshchina.”Petesighedagain.“

Sherefusestousethatnamenow,andinsistson

Femme.”

Toobad.Itwasaprettyname.

“Mark…Anacaprihadhersterilized.”

“Sonofabitch!Okay,I’maskingyouagain:whatdoyouneedmefor?”Ifhesaidhewantedthat

bitchcanceled,I’ddefinitelybeonthenextflight.“Whendidallthishappen?”

“Latelastfall.Ithasbeenmorethaneightmonths,andFemmewon’tletanyonenearher.”

Icouldunderstandthat.There’dbeenatimeaboutfiveyearsearlierwhenI’dbeenedgylikethat.

OfcourseIhadn’tbeenrapedandneutered—thatwaswhenmyidiotpartnerhadgottenhimselftortured
andkilled.

“She’snothappythateventhoughhe’sdead,Henristillholdstheleastlittlebitofcontrolover

her.ItoldherIknewsomeonewhoItrustedimplicitly,andifshewanted,I’daskhim.”

“That’sthefavoryouwantmetodo?”

“Yes.”

AlthoughI’dsleptwithwomen,Ipreferredmen,andPeteknewthat.But…

Iwasn’tsurprised

whenIgothard.

henshchina!

Ididn’taskifshewasresponsibleforHenrichokingonthatsandwich.Ifshewasasexceptional

astheysaid,ofcourseshewas,andnoonewouldeverbringitbacktoher.

“Ilikeher,Mark,andIdislikeseeingherlikethis.Fixher,s’ilvousplaît?”

Oh,Jesus,hesoundedlikehewasgoingtocry.

“Getagrip,Pete.Look,Ihavetogettotheairporttochangemyflight.Idon’tknowwhenI’ll

arriveinParis,butI’llmakeareservationatthehôtel

del'Espoir.

”

“Moncher,cherm’sieur!Merci!”

“Yeah,yeah.Don’tmakeabigthingofit.

TellhertomeetmeatLePetitHomme.

”That

wasthebarwherePeteandIhadfirstrunintoeachother.

“Non.Shewillmeetyouattheairport.”

“Pete—”

“Andyouwillwearaflowerinyourbuttonhole.Alavenderrose.”

“Jesus.HowamIsupposedtofindrosesinMinskatthistimeofyear?”

“TryFrankfurt.OrVienna.Itrustyou,Mark.Youareveryresourceful.”

“Don’ttrytobuttermeup.I’mmadatyou.”Arose!Ifeltlikerollingmyeyes.Whatacliché.

“Cherm’sieur,IammoregratefulthanIcansay.”

“Pete…”

“ImusttellFemmeyouagreedandshemustpack.”Hehungup.

Isatonthebedandstaredintospace.IwasgoingtomeetZ

henshchina.

AglanceatmywatchshowedmeIhadtogethopping.

Ibouncedtomyfeet,

grabbedthe

handleofmysuitcase,andheadedoutoftheroomanddowntothelobby.

IwasgoingtomeetZ

henshchina!

TheflighttoViennaseemedtotakeforever.Fortunately,Iwasabletousethetwohourlayoverto

prowltheareaaroundtheairport,searchingforthatdamnedlavenderrose.

HowcouldPetebesocertainI’dfindone?

Iworkedtheroseintomylapel,boughtacoupleofmagazinesfromakiosk,andwentbackinto

theairport.

TheflightfromViennatoParispassedmorequicklyasIenvisionedscenariosofourmeeting.

DidshehaveanyideawhoIwas,otherthanPete’sfriend?

Iwastemptedtoorderascotchrockswhentheflightattendantcamearoundwithherlittlecart,

butthelastthingIwantedtodowasgreetZ

henshchinawithalcoholonmybreath.

I’dhappened

tobringarollofLifeSaverswithme,andIwoundupchewingoneaftertheother.

Finally,IwasinParis.Iretrievedmysuitcasefrombaggageclaimandpreparedtowait,butI

didn’thavelong.

Ispottedherassoonassheenteredthearea,pullingapilotcasebehindherlikeareluctant

puppy.

Shewasmaybefourfootten,foureleventops,andslendertothepointofdelicacy.Shit.How

wasIsupposedtodothis?Idwarfedthewoman.

Theskirtofthedrabbrownsuitsheworefellbelowherknees,andthematchingpumpswerethe

sensiblesortwithflatheelsandthicksoles.HerblondehairwasscrapedbacksotightlyIwastemptedto
winceinsympathy,andherfacewasblank,smoothedofallexpression.Sheworeapairofglasseswith
thickbrownflamesthatshieldedhereyes.I’dalwaysthoughtblackframeswereugly,butcomparedto
thosebrownones,theywereactuallytolerable.

Sheglancedaround,hergazecomingtoahaltwhenshesawme.IthadtobethelavenderroseI

woreinmylapelthatcaughtherattention.MaybePetewasrightwhenheinsistedIneededsomethingso
she’dknowitwasme.

Butshedidn’tcometowardme.Hadshechangedhermind?Didsomethingaboutmylooksput

heroff?

AndthenIsawthebastardwhohadhishandaroundherarm,liftingherupontohertiptoesand

intohisembrace.Hewasn’tbad;I’dgivehimthat.Noonesuspectedtheywereanythingbutacouple
reunitingafteraperiodapart.Well,nooneexceptme.Ileftmysuitcasewhereitwasandstalkedtoward
him.Icouldn’tshoothiminacrowdedairport,goddammit,butthatdidn’tmeanIwasn’tgoingtomake
himsorryhe’deverdecidedtolayahandonher.AsIapproached,IreachedforthepocketknifeIwas
neverwithout.

Abruptly,thesituationchanged.Hiseyeswidened,andhegruntedandpressedapalmtohisleft

side.

“Youwerewarned,”shesnarledsoftly,andsteppedaway,freeofhisgrasp.

“Hey,buddy,”IsaidinFrench.“Itoldyounottohavethatlastdrink.”Islunganarmaroundhis

shouldersandusedmyotherhandtopullhissuitjacketclosed.“Let’sfindyouaseat.”

Icouldfeelthebloodbegintosoakhisclothes,andIknewatanymomenthislegswouldbuckle,

butImanagedtogethimseatedbeforehecollapsed.

“You’refuckinglucky,”Imuttered.“I’dhavekilledyoualotharder.”

“Wha...?”Hiseyestookonavague,glazedexpression.Isqueezedhisshoulder.

“I’mgonnaseeifIcanfindsomeonetotakealookatyou.Sittight.”Ilefthimthereandwentto

retrievemysuitcase,pausingtotakeoutahandkerchiefandwipethebloodoffmyhand.Noonewouldbe
abletohelphim;hewasadeadman.Z

henshchina

hadjammedherownknifeintohisspleen,andI’d

seenthevicioustwistshe’dgivenit.

Iturnedandalmostwalkedintoher

.“Sorry.”

Shetippedherheadbackandstaredintomyeyes.Wasshegoingtoaskmehowtheweatherwas

uphere?“M’sieurVincent?”

Inodded.

“Youhardlyneededtherose,m’sieur,”shemurmuredaswewalkedtowardtheexit.“Yourheight

alonewouldhavealertedmetoyouridentity.”

“YouknowhowPeteis.”

“Pete?”

“DeBecque.Helikestomakesureallbasesarecovered.”

“Ah.”

“Thatwasnicework.Anyideawhohewas?”

“No.NoonewassupposedtoknowI’dlefttheDivision.”Butsomethinginhereyesmademe

wonder.

“DoyouthinktheStateSecurityCommitteemightwantyouback?”

“It’spossible,buttheydon’toperatequitelikethat.”

“Hmm.Well,theasshole’sdead,ornearenoughtoitnottomakeadifference.Nothingtoworry

aboutfromthatdirection.”

“Ofacertainty.”

Iwantedtoseeherhands.Istoppedandextendedmyopenhandslowly,asifofferingtoshake

herhand.Herfingerstouchedmypalm—strong,capablefingersthatcouldslicethefleshfromaman’s
bones.Whatwouldtheyfeellikeonmyskin?Iturnedherhand,broughtittomymouth,andpressedasoft
kisstoherwrist.

Shemadeabreathlesslittlesound.

“We’llgonofasterthanyoudesire.”

“AndifIdonotdesiretogoatall?”

“Thenwewon’t.”

“Pierrehastoldmeagooddealaboutyou.Iwasunsureifhewasexaggerating.”

“Heprobablywas.He’saFrenchman,y’know,andhelikesnothingbetterthanagoodromance.”

“IsthisthesamePierreofwhomwe’respeaking?”

Ismiledather.“We’dbettergetoutofhere.”TalkingaboutPetewasthelastthingIwantedtodo.

“Someone’sboundtorealizesoonthatclownisn’tdrunkorasleep.Wouldyoucaretodine,
Z

henshchina?”

ForasecondIthoughtshe’dobjecttomyuseofhername,butthenshesimply

gavearegaltilttoherhead.

Iescortedheroutoftheterminalandwhistledupacab.Inawhirlwindofmotion,

thedriverhoppedout,grabbedoursuitcases,puttheminthetrunk,andthengotback
behindthewheel,waitingforustogetin.

Ihadjustopenedthedoorwhenweheardthefirstscream.Shemetmygaze,her

eyebrowraised.

“Excellentwork,”ImurmuredinFrench.

“You’renotshocked?No,ofcourseyouwouldn’tbe.”Sheslidacrosstheseat,

andIgotinbesideher.

“

Hôtel

del’Espoir,”Itoldthedriver.

Wehadtostopatthehotelfirstsowecoulddropoffoursuitcases.Gaston,the

eveningdeskclerk,watchedwithwideeyesasIregisteredandtookthekey.Hewasused
toseeingmeherewithmen.Iwinkedathimovermyshoulderandturned
to

henshchina.

“They’vegivenmemyusualroom.Ithinkyou’lllikeit.”

“IhaveneverhadtheopportunitytoseeaParishotelroom.IbelieveIshouldlike

to.”

Iheadedforthestairswith

thedeadliestwomanontheplanet

besideme.Althoughif

FolanaFournaisewerestillalive,itwouldhavebeenanotherstory,becauseinthatcase,it
wouldhavebeenadeadheat.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind.Idon’tcareforelevators.”

“Notatall.”

“ShallItakeyoursuitcase?”

“I’mquitecapableoftransportingit.”

“Ifyousayso,butI’moneight.”Iglancedatherfromthecornerofmyeye.“If

yougrowweary,I’llbemorethanhappytocarryit.Oryou.”Iwaitedtoseehowshe
wouldtakethat.

“Thankyou,butneitherwillbenecessary.”

Asitturnedout,shewasright.Shewasn’tevenbreathingheavilybythetimewe

reachedtheeighthfloor.

Afterweunpacked,ItookhertothesamerestaurantI’dtakenPetewhenIstill

thoughthewasarentboy.Hereyeswidenedwhenshesawtherewerenopricesonthe
menu.

“Orderwhatyou’dlike.”

“Imusttellyou…inspiteofmyappearance,Ienjoymyfood.”

“I’mgladtohearthat.Nothing’sasirritatingasawomanwhoordersgrassand

twigsbecauseshe’swatchingherweight,andthenspendsthemeallustingafterwhat’son
myplate.”

Shelaughed,andIhopedIcouldgethertowantme.IfIcouldn’t…well,Ihoped

Icouldatleastgethertofeelcomfortablearoundaman.

Nothinghappenedthatnight.

I’dofferedtosleeponthesofa—sincethiswasmyusualroom

inthehôtel

del'Espoir,itwasmuchlargerthantheoneI’dsharedwithPete—butshe

insistedwesharethebed.Ikepttotheleftside,uncertainifI’dbeabletogetanysleep
withhernotmorethanacoupleoffeetaway.

ButImusthavefallenasleepatsomepoint,becausewhenIwokeup,shewas

spoonedagainstmyback,herhandpressedovermyheart.

ThenextmorningIboughtacopyofeverynewspaperavailable.

“MayIaskwhy?”

henshchinaaskedasshetuckedintotheenormousbreakfast

she’dordered.

“Iwanttoseeifthere’sanymentionofthejokerfromtheairport.”

“Therewon’tbe.Pierrecalledmycellphonewhileyouwereintheshower.He’d

sentGiulianitomakesureourmeetingwaseffectedwithnotrouble.”

“Yeah?Well,Giulianididapiss-poorjob.”

Shepeeredatmethroughherglasses,whichIknewwereforcamouflage—she

hadperfectvision.HadsheusedthembeforeHenri?Iwassorryhewasdead.Ireally

wouldhavelikedtohavetornhispatheticcockfromhiscarcassandshoveditdownhis
throat.

“Asyousaw,Ihardlyneededhishelp.However,Giulianiwillhavedisposedof

thebody.”Therewasamusementinherblueeyes.“It’stheDivisionway.”

Inodded.ItwastheWBISwayaswell.

Weweretogetherfortwoweeks—I’dreceivedamessagefromtheWBIStellingmetheScarlet

Chamberwas…annoyed…withmefortakingouttheArchbishop,andIwastolielowforthatamountof
time.

IfthemessagehadbeenfromTheBoss,I’dhavedoneasordered,butitwasfromSperling—why

thefuckwashestickinghisnoseintomyworkagain?—soIdidn’tletitinfluenceme.Forthenextfew
days,Z

henshchinajoinedmeinplayingcatandmousewiththem,andtogetherwetook

outenoughScarletChamberagentsthattheydecideditmightbeagoodideatogoplayin
someoneelse’ssandbox.

Withthemoutoftheway,Icouldgetdowntowhatwasimportanttome—Z

henshchina

Therewasalittleshopthatofferedthebestpastriesandcoffeethatwasvirtuallyadessertin

itself,andherpleasureinthemwasalmostorgasmic.

Itookhertoacinemathatwashavingacomedymarathon,andwespentthedayandintothelate

eveningthere,watchingCousin,Cousine,TendrePoulet,whichhadbeenreleasedintheStatesasDear
Inspector,LeGrandBlondavecunechaussurenoire—TheTallBlondManwithOneBlackShoe,and
LaCageAuxFollesandbothsequels.

Sheinsistedwepicniconthebed—Petemusthavetoldheraboutthetwoofushavingdonethat

—andwesatcross-legged,Iinmyboxers,andsheinalittleivoryslipthatbarelycoveredherthighs.We
dinedonpâté,Provençalcheese,warm,crustyFrenchbread,grapes,andpeaches.Thosepeaches…I
slicedoneanddroppeditintoaglassofchampagne,andwetookturnssippingfromthesamespot.After
wefinishedthechampagne,Ifedherthepeachfrommymouth.

Iletherdoallthetouchingsoshecouldgetcomfortablewithmybody.Sheworethatlittlesilk

slip—surprisinglysexyconsideringtheclothessheworeoverit—andwhileIlayonmystomach,she
straddledmyhipsandstrokedheroiledpalmsovermybackandspokeofherwork.

“Formidable,”Igroaned,unabletomove,partlyduetohowbonelesshermassageleftme,but

mostlyduetoaraginghard-on.

Eventuallyshesaid,“Iwanttofuckyou.”AndInearlycamerightthen.

MyhandswereshakingasItoreopenthecondomwrapperandbeganrollingitovermycock.

“Thatisn’tnecessary,youknow,”shemurmuredasshewatchedme.“Icannolongerget

pregnant.”

IstoppedwhatIwasdoingandreachedovertocuphercheek.“Z

henshchina

,inourlineof

work,it’snotagoodideatohavekids,butI’msorrythatoptionwastakenfromyou.I’llkillAnacaprifor

youifyoulike.”

“Willyou?”Shetuggedofftheslipandtosseditaside.Shewasnakedunderit.

“Sure.”

Sheleanedupandkissedme.Herlipsweresoftandwarm,andtheydidn’tclingtominelong

enough.“Thankyou,Mark.ButI’lldealwithherinmyowntime.”

“Justknowyoucancountonme—foranything,atanytime.”

“Andyoualso.”

Ididn’tlaugh.Shewasasmallwoman,butshewasdeadly.

Herhair,outofitstightchignon,waslongandsilkyandflowedaroundhershouldersandover

herbreastslikeablondewaterfall.Icoiledastrandaroundafingerandbroughtittomylips.

Inthatmoment,ifIthoughtshe’dacceptaproposal,Iwouldhaveaskedhertocomeawaywith

me…livewithme,formourownspyagency.

***

Attheendofourtimetogether,Iwalkedoutofthehotelwithhertothecabthatwaswaitingat

thecurb.She’dtoldmeithadbeensentbytheDivisionandthedriverwouldseeshearrivedtheresafely.

Iwalkedaroundtothedriver’ssideandleaneddowntospeaktohim.“Makesureshestays

safe.”IstaredintoGiuliani’seyes.“Ifanythinghappenstoherthistime,I’llcomelookingforyou,and
whenIfindyou,you’llbealongtimedying.”

Hegruntedhisagreement.

“CherMark.”Shepausedbeforegettingintothecab.Ifyouknewwhattolookfor,youcouldsee

thesatisfactioninhereyesbehindthoseuglyglasses,theglowtoherskinfromhavingbeenwell-loved.“I
haveallowedyoutocallmeZ

henshchina

,butImustaskthatyouforgetyoueverknewthatname.”

“Iunderstand.”Ikissedherhand,kissedhercheek,kissedhermouth.“Justaslongasyoudon’t

askmetoforgetyou.”

Thatwasthelasttimeawomanhadbeeninmybed—Femmewasahardacttofollow,andasa

matteroffact,ithadbeenalmostayearbeforeI’dhadsexwithanyone.

Well…I’dbeenbusy.

ButthenQuinncameintomylife,andwiththewaythingsweregoingbetweenus,itwasn’tlikely

anyoneelsewouldeverbethere.

QuinnandIwereexclusive.Wouldhebeinterestedinnolongerusing—

TheBossdisruptedmytrainofthoughtbypushingtheantipastoplattertowardme.“Havean

artichokeheart,Mark,andwe’lldiscussthispolicyofyours.”

HAPTER

Aftersfogliatelliandespresso,TheBosspaidwithacompanycreditcard.“Wetalkedbusiness,”

hesaidblandly.

“Yes,sir.”

IdroppedhimoffinfrontofhisapartmentbuildinginDupontCircleandheadedhome.

ItwasalmosttenwhenIgotthere.Pitametmeatthedoor,meowingtoletmeknowshewas

starvingandheldmeresponsibleforhercondition.ThiswaswhyIwasreluctanttohaveapet.“Sorry,
cat.No,noleftovers.Trustme,youwouldn’thaveenjoyedtheeggplantparmigiana—catsdon’tcarefor
purplevegetables.AndTheBossfinishedhisveal.Justgivemeaminute.”

IwenttothepantryshelfwhereI’dstoredthecatfood,tookoutacan,andpoppedthelid.Once

I’dspooneditintothebowl,Isetitdownonthefloor.ThenIrinsedthecanforrecycling,refilledher
waterbowlwithfreshwater,andplaceditbesideherfood.

“WhenQuinnandIgotodinneronFriday,IpromiseI’llbringyousomethingback.Nowenjoy

yourdinner.I’mgonnabebusy.”

Ihungupmyovercoatandcheckedformessages—justone,Quinnsayingheneededtotalktome.

IsentatexttoPeteandcalledQuinn.

“Hibabe.What’sup?”

“Ijustwantedtomakesureyouwereokay.”Hesoundedalittleonedge.

“Whywouldn’tIbe?”

Didhewantmetocomeoverandhelphimrelax?

Igrinnedandwasabouttoaskhim,whenhesaid,“Iunderstandtherewasaminorbloodbathat

theWBIStoday.”

Shit.Allthoughtsofsexwentdownthetubes.“How’dyouhearthat?”

“AformerWBISdirectorpaidusavisit.He’soutforblood,Mark—yours,mostspecifically—

andhe’swillingtodojustaboutanythingiftheCIAwillhelphimgetit.”

“Bastard.”I’dhavetotellTheBossaboutthis.

“Itdoesn’tlookgood.KirkpatrickandDrumwerethere.IhaveafeelingJennercontactedthem.”

JennerhadbeenbroughtinasatemporaryreplacementforHolmes—andifhedidn’twanttomakeit
permanent,thenIwasamonkey’suncle—buthestillworkedoutofhisoriginaldepartment,whichwas
probablywhyhewasdealingwithDavies.“IfitwasanyagentotherthanyouI’dletthemdoasthey
pleased,but…itisyou.Itriedtoblockthem—”

“JesusChrist!Areyououtofyourfuckingmind?”

Hewassilentforamoment.Thenhesaid,“You’dbetterbegladyou’reontheotherendofthis

line,becauseifyouwerehere,I’dgiveyouasmackinthehead.IcandealwiththeCompany.”

Inspiteoftheseriousnessofthesituation,mycocktwitched.Hewascutewhenhegotirritated.

“Thatwasn’twhatImeant.Quinn,youloveyourjob.ThelastthingIwantisforyoutogetcanned
becauseofme.”

“I’manadult,Mark.Icantakecareofmyself.NowwillyouletmefinishwhatIwastryingto

say?”

“Yes,dear.”

“Wiseass.Iquestionedhowmuchwecouldtrustsomeonewho’dbeenwiththeWBISforso

manyyears.I’mhopingit’sdonesomegood,butitremainstobeseen.JennerwassothrilledIthoughthe
wasgoingtohaveanorgasmrightthere.”

“Notaprettysight,I’mwillingtobet.Sowhat’stheupshot?”

“DaviesistocomeinagainonFriday.They’lldoabackgroundcheckinthemeanwhile.”

ItwasgoingtotakethemfourdaystofindoutwhatDavieswasandwhathehadtooffer?Even

thoughQuinncouldn’tsee,Ishookmyhead.Butthegoodthingwasthiswouldgiveussometimetocome
upwithaplanforhim.

“Mark…They’renotgoingtowaitforFriday.They’llhavesomeonetryingtohackintoDavies’s

computerassoonastheycan,andoncetheybreachhissecurity,they’llhaveaccesstoeverycomputerin
theWBIS.”

DidQuinnthinkitwouldbethatsimple?AssoonasDavieshadbeenescortedfromthebuilding,

hiscomputerhadbeenlockeddown.TheCIAwouldn’thaveaneasytimeofit.

“I’mworriedaboutyou.”

“Don’tbe,babe.”Yeah,Icouldtell.Itwasniceofhim.Unnecessary,butnice.“Ihaven’tdonea

thingtheycanhangonme.”

“WhataboutWexler?”

“Whatabouthim?”

“Mark.”Hewasgettingimpatient.

“Wexlerhadastroke,whichresultedinacaraccident,andifanyonequestionsthatorgoes

fartherandactuallylooksintoit,that’sallthey’lllearn.YouwereinGreatFallsvisitingyourmother—”

“I’mnotconcernedaboutme!”

“—andIwasinCostaRica,fishingoffmyboat.There’snothingwecouldhavedonetotheson

ofabitch,sincewewerenowhereinthevicinity.Seriously,Quinn,Iwon’tletanythinghappentoyou.”

“I’mnotworriedabout—”Hebreathedheavily.“WhydoIarguewithyou?”

“Beatshelloutofme.Hey,guesswhat!”Ineededtodistracthim.“TheBossmademehis

second-in-command!”

“Yes?I’mnotsurprised.Butyoushouldhavetoldmesooner.I’dhavecomeoverwithabottleof

champagne.”

“It’sstillnottoolate,”Isaid,puttingahopefultoneinmyvoice,andthatgothimtolaugh.

“I’mafraiditis.IhaveanearlyflightoutofDullestomorrow.”

“Oh?Whereto?”Ihadn’theardofanyoperationsthatneededhisexpertise.

“London.I’mtakingafewpersonaldays.MotherintendstoseeJackAbberley,andIvolunteered

togowithher.We’llbegoneaboutaweek.I’mafraidI’llhavetotakearaincheckforFriday.”

Well,thatsucked,butIknewhowmuchhismothermeanttohim,andI’dnevertrytogetbetween

them.“Howearlydoyouhavetoleave?”

“ItoldMotherI’dpickherupatthreethirty.”

Ilookedattheclock.Fivehoursandchangeuntilhe’dhavetogetontheroad,andhe’dprobably

betoostressedtogetanysleep.Icoulddosomethingaboutthat.

“Beagoodgirl,”Iwhisperedtothekitten.Igrabbedmykeys,letmyselfout,andlockedthedoor

behindme.

“Didyousaysomething,Mark?”

“Sowhat’sgoingonwithPortia’sgodmother’sson?”Itookthestairstothelobby.

“I’mnotevengoingtoaskhowyou’reawareofwhoheis.Jack’salwayshadafondnessfor

Mother,andnowthatshe’swithGregor…Bytheway,shelovedtheroses.”

“Yeah?I’mglad.”Itonlytookmeafewminutestogettothegarage,putthephoneinhandsfree

mode,andbacktheDodgeout.Acoupleminutesmore,andIwasontheroadtoQuinn’stownhouse.

“It’sagoodthingtheyweren’tred.Gregorwouldhavechallengedyoutoaduel.”

Hewouldn’thavewon.“Babe,ifIwasgoingtosendanyoneredroses,itwouldbeyou.”

Quinnsuckedinabreath.“Really,Mark?”

“Yeah.”Whydidhesoundso….Oh.Redroseswerefor….“Really,Quinn.”Iclearedmythroat.

“So…uh…she’sgoingtobreakittoAbberleythatshe’soffthemarket?”

“Yes,andshewantstotellJackinperson.Jeffersonwasgoingwithher,buthe’scomedownwith

somekindofspringbug,ormaybeit’sfoodpoisoning.WhenIspoketoLudothismorning,hewasn’t
sure.Atanyrate,I’llbegoinginJeff’splace.IfI’dknown….IwishIdidn’thavetobeoutofthecountry
whilethisishappeningwithDavies,but….”

“It’sokay,babe.”Itwasactuallyperfect.Ididn’twanthimcomingunderquestionforwhatwas

goingtohappen.Hedidn’tneedtoknowthatthough.

“Callmeifyouneedme.”

“You’regoingtobeinLondon.”Ipulledupinfrontofhistownhouse.

“Iknow.”Hesighed.

“Theproblemwillmostlikelybesettledbythetimeyoucomehome.”

Hesighedagain.“Callmeanyway?”

“Okay.I’vegottago,babe.Haveasafeflight,andgoodluckwithAbberley.”

“Thanks.”Hesighedforathirdtime.“Bye,Mark.”

“Bye,Quinn.”Idisconnectedthecall,gotoutoftheDodgeandlockedit,andthenjoggedupthe

pathtohisfrontdoor.IthadbeenalmostayearsincethelasttimeI’djimmiedhislock.Idisarmedhis
securitysystemandletmyselfin.Thefirstfloorwasdim.Imadesurehishousewassecurebefore
headingtothesecondfloor,sheddingmyclothesasIwentandleavingthemdanglingfromthebanister.

BythetimeIreachedQuinn’smasterbedroom,allIworewasmyshorts,socks,andclutchpiece.

Ieasedthedooropen.Thelamponthenighttablewastheonlyilluminationintheroom.

Quinnsatontheedgeofthebed,slowlyunbuttoninghisshirt.Hishairwasdisheveled,helooked

tired,andtherewastensioninthelineofhisshoulders.Hesighedandranahandthroughhishair,leaving
itevenmoredisheveled.

“Hey,babe.”Ileanedagainstthedoorframeandstrippedoffmysocks.

Helookedupinshock.“Mark!What—”Hetookinmynear-nakedstate,andsuddenlyhedidn’t

lookastired.

Iskimmedmyshortsoffmyhipsanddownmylegsandlaunchedmyselfathim.

Hecouldhaveshovedmeoff.Hecouldhavesluggedme.Hedidneither.Instead,hewrappedhis

armsaroundmeandturnedhishead,seekingmymouth.

Wewerebothbreathlesswhenwefinallybrokethekiss.Quinndidpushmeoffhimthen.I

proppedmyselfuponanelbowandwatchedashetorealmostfranticallyathisclothes.

Hepausedforasecond,hishandsonhisfly.“Youcouldhelp,youknow.”

“Okay.”Islitheredoffthebed,unlacedhisshoesandremovedthem,andtossedthemaside.Then

Ipushedhimflatonthebedandgothistrousersandshortsoffinonesmoothmovement.“Youcangetyour
shirtoff,can’tyou?”

“Yes,Mark.”

Whilehedidthat,Iopenedthedrawerofhisnighttableandtookoutlubeandacondom.Ihadthe

condomonandslickedup,buthewasstillstrugglingwithhiscuffbuttons.

“Forgetabout’em,”Igrowled.Itugged,sendingthemflyingacrosstheroom,andwrestledhim

outofhisshirt.Itdidn’ttakemuchlubetogethimready,andthenIwasslidingintohim.

Quinngaveamassive,full-bodyshudder.“Oh,God,Ineededthis.”Helockedhisheelsundermy

buttandstrokedandpettedmyshouldersandbackandwhereverhecouldreach.“Iwantedtoaskyouto
come.”

“Notthereyet,babe.”

Helaughedandnippedmyearlobe.“I’mgladyou’rehere.”

“Gottatakecareofmyguy,don’tI?”

“I’mgladyou’remysignificantother.”

“SoamI.”Andwho’dhavethought?Irockedmyhipsforwardandnudgedhisprostate.

Theheatofhischannelsurroundedme,andtherhythmicclenchingofhisinnermusclescaressed

thelengthofmycock.

Icouldn’tdrawthisout,though.Quinnneededtogetsomesleep;he’dneversleepontheflightto

London.

Idroveinfaster,harder,anddippedmyheadsoIcouldlatchontohisrightnipple.Icurledmy

tonguearounditandtugged,whileIwrappedmyfingersaroundhiscockandjerkedhimoff.Hisnipples
weresupersensitive,andafewtimesI’dactuallymadehimcomejustfromtoyingwiththem,butnotthis
time.

Hedughisnailsintomyback,andIknewI’dhavescratchmarksovermyshoulderblades.

They’dstingwhenItookmyshowerinthemorning,butwhofuckingcared?Hissemen,hotandwet,
splashedontomyabdomen,andthatwasallthatmattered.

Andthenhewhisperedsomethinginmyear,andIshiveredintomyownclimax.

Ittookmesometimetocatchmybreath,andthenIsaid,“Quinn?”

“Mmm?”Heunhookedhisankles,groaned,andlayspreadoutbeneathme.

“Didyou…didyoumeanit?”

“Meanwhat?”Heyawnedandstretched,archingintomybody.

“Nothing.”ItwasprobablyjustsomethingthathadslippedoutbecauseI’dmadehimcomeso

hard.“I’vegottogo.”Iwentintothebathroomandwetawashcloth.

“Canyoustay?”

“I’dbetternot.”Icleanedthesemenoffhisbody.“You’vegottogetupearly.”AndIhadtowait

forthatreturncallfromPete.

“Thankyou,”Quinnmurmured.

“Anytime.”

“No,Imeantthankyouforcominghere.”

“Iknewthatwaswhatyoumeant.I’mgonnasetthealarmforthree,okay?”He’dwakeupalert,

andthatshouldgivehimenoughsleepuntilhecouldgettoLondonandcrashforafewhours.

“Soundsgood,babe.Thanks.”

“Welcome.MakesureyoucatchuponyoursleepwhenyougettoLondon.”Ikissedthecornerof

hismouth,thengothimunderthecovers.Hisbreathingwassoftandeven.“’Night,SleepingBeauty.”

“’Night,Rhett.”Therewasasmileonhislips.Washedreamingofmetellinghimheshouldbe

kissedlongandoftenandbysomeonewhoknewhow?Ireacheddownandpattedhisass—nowwasn’t
thetimeforfondling—andfoundmyshortsandsocks.

Ibitbackalaugh.I’dkeptmyclutchpiecearoundmyankletheentiretime.

Iturnedoutthelamp,butcouldn’tresistgoingbackonemoretimetokisshim.“Forever,babe.”

Thatwasn’twhatIreallywantedtosay,butitwouldhavetodo.

Abouttwenty-fiveminutesafterIgothome,myphonerang,thehauntinglyironicnotesof“Cette

VieEnchantée.”Ithadbeenabitchandahalftofindthesong,butitmeantalottomyfriendPete.

“Mark—”

“Soundslikeyou’reindeepshit,Pete.What’sgoingon?”

“Kiska.Ineverthought—”

“Ialwayssaidyouweretoofuckingvain!”IrecognizedReuben’svoice,snarlinginthe

background.“Thatblondewitchbattedherbabybluesatyou,andyouwerewillingtobelieveshewas
ahelplessinnocentwhowasincidentallymadlyinlovewithyou,inspiteofthefactthatyou’regay
andhavealover.”

“Enough,Reuben!YouwererightandIwasafool.Canwegetpastitnow?”

“Notifitwindsupwithusdead!Okay,okay,I’mgonnagomakeussomecoffee.Givemy

regardstoVincent.”

Ilistenedcarefully,buttherewasnocrackofdoom…theworldwasn’tcomingtoanend.

Ontheotherendoftheline,Petegaveaheavysighandspokeintothereceiver.“I’vetriedto

explaintoReuben.It’snotthatIwasdrawntoKiskaphysically.Itwasjustthat.…”Hemuttered
somethingunderhisbreath,andthensaid,“I’maFrenchman.”

“Pete,Idon’twanttosoundcold,butwe’vegotasituationthathastobedealtwith.”

“C’estvrai,monami.Andthingsarenotwellhere.”

“You’reallsafe?”

“Forthemoment.However,Idon’tknowhowtruethatwillbeifyourorganizationthrowsits

weightbehindTactics.”

“Notlikely.TheBosswasn’thappytogetthatmessagefromLynx.”Youdidn’torderarounda

manlikeTrevorWallace,evenifyou’dsavedhisassthirty-threeyearsago.“We’remeetinginthe
morningwiththeDirectorofForeignAffairs.Willyoubesafeenoughwhereyouare?”

“Weshouldbe.WewereabletoliberatesomeoftheoperativeswhowereinLimbo.”

“Onlysome?”Ididn’taskhimifthatwasagoodidea.LimbowaswhereDivisionoperatives

werefigurativelysentwhenthey’dscreweduponetimetoomany.Theirnextassignmentafterthat
generallyresultedintheirdeaths.Evenincompetentoperativescouldbedeadlywhentheyrealizedthey
werestandingonthatproverbialbananapeel,andIdidn’tblamePeteforwantingasmanyonhissideas
hecouldget.

“Eh.ItseemsKiskaistheScarletChamber’sownlittleMachiavelli.”Well,ifshe’ddupedLynx,

ifshe’dgottentoPete….“Shepromisedthatiftheycamewithher,theywouldhaveabetterchanceat
survivalthanwithTactics.”

“Andtheybelievedher.”

“Apparentlyshewasthelesseroftwoevils.Shehasabouteightofthem.”

“Howmanyhaveyougot?”

“Halfthatnumber.”

Itookmyphoneawayfrommyearandstaredatit.HowcouldtheDivisionhavesomany

incompetentoperatives?Unlessthey’dpissedsomeoneoff,andthiswasaneasywaytodisposeofthem?

Meanwhile,Petewassaying,“AstothenumberofpersonneltheScarletChamberhas….”

Fuckit.Itlookedlikeweweregoingtobeinvolvedwhetherwewantedtobeornot.“Doyou

haveanyideawherethey’regoingtobeholedup?”

“Babineauxmanagedtotakeacoupleoflaptopswithhimandhe’sworkingonit.Atthemoment,

therearealmostasmanyoperativeshereasthereareattheDivision.Andno,moncherm’sieur,you
don’twanttoknowwhere‘here’is.”

“Fairenough.Whatabouttheoperativeswhowereonawaymissions?”

“That’ssomethingCarlyleisworkingon.”

“Carlyle?Tactics’sboytoy?”

“Yes.HedidnottakeitwellwhenTacticssethimasidefortheAmerican,soapparentlyhe’s

beenwaitingtoretaliate.Hehelpedhimselftoalaptopandfollowedus.”

“Areyousureheisn’taspy?”

“Aren’tweall?”Petelaughedattheironyofthat.“ButIunderstandwhatyoumean.Giulianiis

keepinganeyeonhim.HehastoldCarlylehewillkillhimaninchatatimeifanythinghappensto
Babineaux.”

Goodman,Jules.Well,aslongasitwasn’tFemmehewassupposedtobeguarding.“Uh…

how’sFemme?”

“Well.Herknowledgeofthehumanbodyhascomeinhandy.SheandHommehavebeenableto

patchupmostofthewounds.Shesendsherregards,bytheway.”

Wounds?“Wounds?”

“Tacticsdidnotsayanythingaboutthebattle?”

“Obviouslynot.”Orhadhe,andTheBossjusthadn’tchosentomentionittome?

“AssoonasTacticslearnedwhatKiskais,heassumedwewereallbehindherandorderedhis

petoperativestotakeusout.Hehasbeenvery…edgy…sincelastyear’sfiascowithPrinzip.”

“Icanimagine.Howbadweretheinjuries?”

“Eh.Fleshwoundsforthemostpart.Threeofmypeopleareoutofcommission.”

Thatwasn’tgood.Hedidn’thavethatmanytobeginwith.“You’reokay?”

“Ofacertainty.However,onemightsayI’malittle…onedge…myself.WhenIseeTactics,I’ll

havemuchtodiscusswithhim.”

IalmostwishedIcouldbetheremyself.TacticsnevertookPeteseriously,possiblybecausePete

hadbeenaValentineopatonetime.“Look,callmeifthesituationchanges.”

“Biensûr,moncherm’sieur.”

“AndPete?Itmightbeagoodideatogivesomethoughttogettingoutofthebusiness.”

“Wouldyou?”

“No.”Butthen,themanIworkedforwasn’t…IthoughtofQuinn’swords…aravinglunatic.

“Goodnight,Pete.”

“Goodmorning,Mark.”

HAPTER

Ms.DiBlasicalledthenextmorningbeforeIevenhadtimetohangupmyovercoatandremove

mysuitjacket.“Mr.WallaceisreschedulingthemeetingwithStanleytoeleven.Meethimthereatthat
time.”

“Yes,ma’am.”

Shesnorted—awomanherageshouldn’tmakesuchaninelegantsound.

“Doeshehavesomesparetime?IhavesomethingIneedtospeakwithhimabout.”

“Hecangiveyouaquarterhournow.”

“I’llberightup.”Ihungupthephone,hungupmyovercoat,andthenscribbledanote,whichI

leftonmysecretary’sdesk,lettingherknowwhereIwas.Itwastooearlyforhertobein,evenmoreso
nowthatshewaspregnant.ForasecondIwonderedhowI’dmissedhermorningsickness.

ThenIshookmyheadandwentuptoten.

Ms.DiBlasiwavedmeintoTheBoss’soffice.HeglancedupandsatbackasIwalkedin.“Ifthis

isabouttheDivision—”

“Itis.IspoketoPierredeBecquelastnight.Wereyouawarethattherewasafirefightbetween

Tactics’sDivisionpeopleanddeBecque’s?”

“No.”Hisexpressionwasquietlyfurious.“ThiswassomethingelseLynxneglectedtoinformme

of.”

“Itsoundslikehemightbegoingoffthedeepend,siccinghispeopleoneachother.Andhehada

dozenoperativesinLimbo.”

“Thatmany?”

“Yeah,that’swhatIthought.”

Hescrubbedhisface.“Allright,we’lldiscussthismorewithStanley.Wasthatallyouneededto

seemeabout?”

“No.”Mytonehadhimstiffening.“We’vegotsomethingclosertohome.IlearnedthatDavieshas

approachedtheCIA.Theskinnyishewantstomakeadealwiththem.”

“Whatkindofdeal?”

“Theygetridofme,andhe’llspillhisgutsaboutallthingsWBIS.”

“Thatsonofabitch!”

Iletoutasurreptitiousbreath.TheBosshadknownAnsonDaviesforalotofyears,andinspite

ofourrecentconversations,Ihadn’tbeencertainhewouldtakemywordforit.

“Howdidyoulearnofthis?”

“I...haveacontactintheCIA.”

Henoddedinapproval,andfortunatelydidn’taskmoreaboutit.“Howmuchtimedowehave?”

“TheywanttoseehimonFriday.They’regoingtorunacheckonhiminthemeantime.”

“Ittakesthemthatlongtodotheirresearch?”Hetuggedonhislowerlip.“Well,thatgivesus

timetodealwiththisdebacle.”

“Doyouwantmetohandleit?”

“No.IfyougotintouchwithDaviesnow,he’dbesuspicious.”Heranahandthroughhishair,

andforthefirsttimeInoticedthesilverstrandsrunningthroughit.Whenhadthathappened?“Fuckwith
myagency,willyou?”Thefuryonhisfacebeliedhisage.“I’llcallhim.”

“Won’thesuspectyou?”

“Unlikely.WhenherealizedIwasmakinghimretireratherthanfiringyou,heinsinuatedImust

bebecomingsenile.”Hepressedakeyontheintercom.“Ms.DiBlasi,wouldyoutellMurphyIneedhim
uphereASAP?Thankyou.”MurphyrantheWBIS’sITdepartment.TheBossmetmygaze.“Itoccursto
methattheCIA,notbeingasstupidaswe’dprefertobelieve,willattempttohackintoDavies’s
computertoseeifitcontainsanythingofinterest.Murphyshouldbeabletocomeupwithsomethingthat
willconvincethemthey’vegotthegoods.”

“Yes,sir.”Ithoughtaboutmyseniorspecialagent.Mathesonhadadegreeincomputer

technology,andhewouldhavebeenidealinIT.OnceagainIwonderedwhatAdamshadbeenthinkingto
makehimawetboy.

“Imayneedyouavailablethisevening,Mark.Andyoumightwanttoconsidernotbringing

Raynewithyou.Therewillbeplentyoftimeforhertoseeher—seehowIdealwiththings.”

WhythefuckwouldI…wait,what?“She’sbeentoldthepositionishers?”Isureashellhadn’t

notifiedher.

“Ofcoursenot,Mark!That’syourdepartment.”

“Ihavehersetupforaninterviewlaterthismorning,”Iadmittedgrudgingly.

“MayIsuggestyoudoitnow?Ibelieveshe’sinthebuilding.Possiblythegym.Shedoesliketo

fence.”

Theintercombuzzed,andhepressedthekey.“Yes,Ms.DiBlasi?”

“Murphyishere.”

“Sendhimin.”Hetookhisforefingeroffthekey.“Allright,then.I’llseeyouinStanley’soffice

ateleven.”

“Yes,sir.”Thismeetingwasatanend.

IhadonethingtodobeforeIwentlookingforRayne,andsinceIwasalreadyonten,I’djust

headonovertoPublicRelations.

Bancroftwasawayfromhisdesk,butsomeonewasinDavies’sformeroffice,crawlingaround

onthefloor.Ileanedagainstthedoorandwatchedashefiddledwiththecomputer’stower.

“Goddammit,”hesnarled.

“Problem?”

Hejumpedandalmostbangedhisheadonthebottomofthedesk.“Whoareyou?”

“Imightaskyouthesamething.”

“I’mAllard.I’mreplacingMr.Davies.Thisismyoffice.”

“I’mVincent.”

“V-Vincent?”Heturnedgreen.“Whatareyoudoinghere?Thisisn’tyourdepartment!”

Nothinglikestatingtheobvious.“Ineedthiscomputer’sharddrive.”

“Well,youcan’thaveit!Imean…Imean….”

Iapproachedhim,andhewhimperedandscootedawayonhisass.WhatdidhethinkIwasgoing

todo?Itookapenoutofmypocketandunscrewedthebase,revealingascrewdriver.ThenIcrouched
besidethecomputerandunscrewedthesidepanel.

“Whatareyoudoing?Youcan’tdothat!”

Iremovedtheharddriveandsliditintomypocket.“I’llseeyougetthisback.”Ireplacedthe

panelandstraightened.

BancroftwasjustcominginasIleftthemainoffice.“Mr.Vincent!I…uh…justwenttogetacup

ofcoffee.”

“SoIsee.Itlookslikeyou’vegotanewboss.”

“Excuseme?”Herushedtotheotheroffice.“Mr.Allard!Youweren’tsupposed—Imean,I

wasn’texpectingyoujustyet!”

Allardslammedthedoorshutinhisface.

“He’snotsupposedtobehere!Mr.Daviesisgoingtobesoangry!Andhe’sgoingtoblameme.”

“Bancroft.”

“Sir?”Heturnedtofaceme.

“Youmightwanttotransfertoanotherdepartment.”

Helookedlikehewasgoingtocry.“That’swhatDevtellsme,butIlikePublicRelations!”

Ishruggedandwalkedout.IhadtofindRayne,andthenIhadtogettheharddrivetoMatheson.

Raynewasinthegym,fencingwithM.Bélanger—inspiteofthemaskshewore,andinspiteof

thefactthatitwasawhilesinceI’dlastseenher,Irecognizedherstyle.

TheypausedwhentheyrealizedIwaswatchingthem.“Sorrytointerrupt.Rayne,showerand

change.Iwanttotalktoyou.”

“Yes,sir!”ShesalutedM.Bélangerwithherbladeandstrodeoff.

“Doesshehavetheposition?”heasked,removinghismaskandplacingitinthecrookofhis

elbow.

“TheBosswantsmetointerviewhernow.”

Herestedhisfreehandonmyshoulder.“Youwon’thavetoworryabouther.She’sasgoodasher

fileindicates.”

We’dsee.“Tellhertomeetmeinmyoffice.”

BeforeIwenttomyownoffice,IstoppedatMatheson’s.Ms.DiNoiswaspouringacupof

coffee.

WewentthroughalotofcoffeeattheWBIS.

“Oh,Mr.Vincent!Ican’tthankyouenoughforyesterday!”

“It’sokay.”Ihatedwhenpeoplethankedme.“Howareyoufeeling?Anymorningsickness?”

“No,it’stooearlyforthat.”Ilookedatmywatch,andshegiggled.“No,Imeanttooearlyinthe

pregnancy.”

Inodded.“IsMathesonin?”

“Yes,sir.Iwasjustabouttobringhimhiscoffee.”

“I’lltakeit.”

Shegavemetheblackmugwith“Geek”acrossitandthedefinitionalongthebottom,andIwent

intoMatheson’soffice.

Helookedupfromhismonitorandrose.“Mr.Vincent.Didwehaveameetingscheduled,sir?”

“No.”Ihandedhimhismug,andhesetitaside.“Wemayhaveasituationhere.You’veheard

Daviesisoutonhisass?”

“Yes,sir.”Mathesonkepthisexpressionbland,butIcouldseethegrimsatisfactioninhiseyes.

“Iwantyoutocomeupwithacomputerprogramthatwillgiveahackertheimpressionthathe’s

gettingvitalintelligence.”Itooktheharddrivefrommypocketandplaceditonhisdesk.

“Isthat....”

“Yeah,it’sDavies’s.”IexplainedwhatelseIneededhimtodo.

Hisgazewentfromit,backtome.“HowmuchtimedoIhave?”

“Notalot.TheBossishavingMurphyworkonit,butasgoodasMurphyis,Ithinkyou’re

better.”

“Thankyou,sir!”Heflushedwithpleasure.

“Thisistoppriority.Anythingelseyou’resupposedtoworkontakesabackseat.”

“Yes,sir.”

Iturnedtowardthedoor.

“Mr.Vincent?IunderstandInternalAffairswillbegettingafewnewagents?”

“Yeah.Andoneofthemmaybeawoman.”

Hegrinned.“Welcometothetwenty-firstcentury.”

“Iguessso.Gettowork.”

ItwasalmostaquartertoninebythetimeIgotbacktomyoffice.Ipulledaboxoffilesfromthe

backofthestorageclosetandpickedouthalfadozen.ThatshouldbeenoughtokeepRaynebusyuntil
lunch.

Ms.Parkerstillwasn’tin,soIleftthedooropen.

Afewminuteslater,Raynetappedontheframe.

“Comein.”

Sheentered.“SorryifI’vekeptyouwaiting,sir.”

Ilookedherupanddown.Shewaswearinganavybluepinstripepantsuitthatlookedlikeithad

beenpurchasedfromBrooksBrothers.Quinnhadonethatwassimilar.Shelookedgood,butnotasgood
asmylover.

“Whodoyouknow?”

“Excuseme?”

“TheWBIShasneverhiredawomanasanagent.Someonethinkshighlyenoughofyoutowant

youtobethefirst.”Iheldupahandwhenshestartedtoprotest.“I’vegotnoobjection,aslongasyoucan
dothejob.”

“Ican.Ipromiseyou,Ican!I’maMarine!”

“YouwereaMarine.”

“No,sir,Iam—onceaMarine,alwaysaMarine!”Shedidn’tbackdownfromthelookIgave

her.

Iappreciatedloyalty,andIcouldgiveherthat.“Bethatasitmay,ifIapproveyourapplication,

you’llbeWBIS,andtheWBIScomesfirst.Ifyoucan’tacceptthat…there’sthedoor.”

“DoestheWBISmeanthatmuchtoyou?”

“TrevorWallacedoes.”

Shehesitatedamoment,thennodded.

“Okay.Sowhoputyouinlineforthis?”

Again,shemetmygaze.“M.Bélangerisa…afriendofmyfather.”

Inodded.AndTheBossthoughtwellofhertoo.“Thatisn’tgoingtoguaranteeyougetthe

position,orifyougetit,thatyoukeepit.”

“No,sir.”

“Iwillsayyouhaveaveryimpressiverecord.”

“Thankyou.”

“Sitdownandlet’sgetthisinterviewoverwith.”

Itdidn’ttakelong.Shewassmartandthoughtonherfeet,butthatdidn’tmeanIwasreadyto

accepther.Iwantedtoseewhatelseshecoulddo.

“Doyouhaveapen?Good.”IroseandpickedupalegalpadandthestackoffilesI’dplacedon

mydesk.“Comewithme.”

IledherdownthecorridortothesmallofficethatwouldbehersifIwassatisfiedwithher

responsetothesamecoldcasesI’dhadMathesonworkonlastyear,whenTheBosstoldmehewasto
replacemeasseniorspecialagent.IwasinterestedinseeingifRaynewouldcomeupwithsimilar
solutions.

“Gothroughthese.Takeasmuchtimeasyouneed.”EventuallyI’dwantspeedy,buttobegin

with,Iwantedthorough.“Whenyou’redone,comebacktomyofficeandtellmehowyou’ddealwith
them.”

Ileftherthere,leaninganelbowonthedesk,herchinproppedontheheelofherhand,beating

outatattooontheblotterwithherpenasshestudiedthefirstfile.

Ms.ParkerwasatherdeskbythetimeIarrivedbackatmyoffice.

“Iwanttoapologizeforyesterday,sir.”

“Noneedto.Ihaven’thadtheopportunitytospeakwithHumphrey…”WasTheBossgoingto

discussthiswithhim?Ifnot,todaymightbeagoodtimeforit.“Domeafavorandmakeanappointment
withhimathisearliestconvenience.YoumightwanttoletGrangerknowI’lltrytoseehe’seligiblefor
paternityleave.”

“Thankyou,sir!”Shesniffled,andIhopedshewasn’tgoingtostartcryingagain.

“You’reawarewemaybegettingadditionalagentsforthisdepartment?”

“Yes,sir.Iunderstandoneofthemmightbeawoman.”Iwasn’tgoingtoaskhowshe’dlearned

ofthat—thestaffgrapevine.

“GreyRayne.She’sworkingonsomethingI’vegivenher.Ifshe’sgotanyquestions,sendherto

—”No,whatMathesonwasworkingonwastoovitalforhimtobedisturbed.“Callme.I’mgoingupto
thegym.”Ineededtoworkoffsomestress.AndIwantedtoknowjusthowcloseafriendofthefamilyM.
Bélangerwas.

Afrownlineappearedbetweenherbrows.“Mr.Vincent,you’resupposedtohaveameetingwith

Mr.Stanleyinafewminutes.”

“Sorry,Iforgottochangethat.Themeetingisateleven.Otherthanthat,thereshouldn’tbe

anythingonmyschedule.”

“No,sir.I’llgetrightonarrangingthatmeetingwithMr.Humphrey.”Shewasreachingforthe

phoneasIleft.

HAPTER

“I’veknownherparentsagoodmanyyears,”thefencingmastertoldmeafterwe’ddueledtoa

drawandwerecoolingdown.“Tea?”

“Idon’tsupposeyouhavecoffee?”Iremovedmymask.Dropsofsweatcurledovermycheeksto

myjaw,andIknewmyhairwasplastereddownfromacombinationofsweatandthemask.

“I’mafraidnot.”

“Inthatcase,EarlGrey?”Iknewtherewereothertypes,butthankstoPortia,I’dactually

developedatasteforthisone.

“Excellentchoice.”Hesentmeasidelongglanceandgrinned.“SincethisisallIhave.”

Ajunioragentcamerushingin.“Excuseme,M.Bélanger.I’mherefor—”Hesawmeandhis

eyesbuggedout.What?Didn’thesweatwhenheexercised?“M-Mr.Vincent!I’msos-sorry!Uh...I’ll
comebacklater!”

“Biensûr.”M.Bélangerwavedhimaway,andheboltedoutofthefencinghall.“Come.”

Ifollowedhimtoasmalllounge.Itcontainedahotplate,amicrowave,andasmallrefrigerator,

aswellassomecupboards.Arollofpapertowelswasonthecounter,andItoreoffasheetandmopped
myhairlineandthebackofmyneck.

Henoddedtowardthetableandchairs.“Haveaseat.”Hesetaboutboilingthewater,andIsaw

whathemeant—insteadofputtingtealeavesintoapottosteep,heputateabagintoeachcup.“Greywas
asurpriseinmorewaysthanone,”hecontinued.“Herparentsneverexpectedachild,andwhenthey
realizedtheyweregoingtohaveone,theyfullyexpectedaboy.However,they’veneverbeenanything
lessthanfullyacceptingofher.They’reveryproudofher.”

Icouldseehewasproudofherhimself.“Whoareherparents?”

“I’mnotatlibertytosay.”

Thatdidn’tmatter.I’dfindout.“HowdotheyfeelaboutthepossibilityofherbecomingWBIS?”

“Aslongasshe’shappywithwhatshe’sdoing….”

“Aretheyawareofourreputation?”

“Ofcourse,anditdoesn’tmattertothem.ButImustask…theyhavetherighttoknowwhatshe’ll

havetodo.”

“AreyouaskingifValentineworkwillbepartofherjobdescription?”I’ddoneitmyself—

sleepingwithatarget—andalthoughintheWBISitwasprettymuchattheagent’sdiscretion,Icouldn’t
tellhimshewouldn’thavetodoit.

“Non,non.”Hepouredtheboilingwaterintoourcups.“Willsheberequiredtokill?”

“Beawetboy?Girl?No.”Heseemedrelieved,andIhatedtobursthisbubble.“Butwhatifshe

doeshavetokillaman?Ifitcomesrightdowntoit,shemighthavetostandcloseenoughtosmellhis

breathandslideaknifebetweenhisribs.”

“Orputabulletinhisbrain?”Henodded.“Iunderstand.Andifsheneedsmoretraininginthat,I

canhelpher.”Hetookacontainerofmilkfromthefridgeandputitonthetablebesidethesugarbowl,
thenarrangedcookiesonaplateandofferedthemtome.“Imadethesemyself,”hesaidwithobvious
pride.

Ibitintooneandchewedthoughtfully.“Lemon?”Theyweregood,dustedwithpowderedsugar

andwithjustahintoftartness.“Mindsharingtherecipe?”I’dbeendoingmorecooking,anditwouldbe
funtosurpriseQuinnwithadessertthatdidn’tcomefromthefreezer.

“Notatall.I’llseeyouhaveitbytheendoftheday.”

“Thanks.”Itooktheteabagfrommycupwiththespoon,wrappedthestringarounditandtugged

gentlytogetthelastbitofliquidfromit,thensetitonthesaucer.“Now,aboutRayne...?”

Hetoldmemoreabouther,someofitnotinherfile.Itsoundedlikeherparentshadgroomedher

forapositionlikethisfromthetimeshe’dbeeninkindergarten.

“...andIdohavehopesforherinthenextOlympics.”

“Ifyouneedanadditionalfencingpartnerforher,feelfreetocallonme.”IftheUShadn’t

boycottedtheSummerOlympicsin1980,I’dhavebeenontheFencingteam.AndI’dhavemetQuinn,
who’dbeenselectedfortheEquestrianteam.Wechattedforawhilelonger,andthenIglancedatmy
watch.“Ineedtogettoameeting.”

“Biensûr.”Heaccompaniedmeouttothefencinghall.

Thejunioragenthadreturnedandwasfidgetingwithhishelmet.“Uh...doIneedtocomeback

again?”

“No.We’redonehere.”I’dgrabashowerandheaddowntoStanley’soffice.Ishookhandswith

M.Bélanger.“Thanksforthematchandthesnack.Andtheinformation.”

AsI’dsuspected,Stanleywaspissed.“TheWBISlostthreegoodmenandBrowne’slittlefinger,

andtheDivisiondidnothing.I’llbedamnedifIhelpthemoutnow.”

Iclearedmythroat.“DeBecqueandhispeopleweresomehelp.”

Hescowledatme.“Onlyafteryousteppedin.Andapparentlythey’renolongerDivision.”

“Wantmetodealwithit,Trevor?”Iaskedcasually.

Stanleylookedsurprised.AtmysuggestionorthatI’dusedTheBoss’sfirstname?

“Noneed,Vincent,”Stanleysaid.“Thisismydepartment.I’lldealwithRobertLynx.”Hesaid

thenamelikeitwasasourtasteinhismouth.

“Well,justcallonMarkifyouneedanyhelp.”TheBossrosetohisfeet,indicatingthismeeting

wasover,andIgotupaswell.

“Huh?”Stanleylookedpuzzled.

“Congratulatehim,David.Ifanythinghappenstome,Markwillbetakingover.”

Stanleystartedlaughing.“That’sgoingtoburnsomebutts.”

“Itwill,won’tit?”Igrinnedathim.IwassureitwouldalsokeepTheBosssafefromanyother

idiotslikeDavieswhowantedhimtohaveanaccident.

“IwanttobringRomerointothis.”Romerodidn’tgooutinthefield,buthemadesuretheagents

whodidwouldn’tbecaughtshort.

“Certainly,David,”TheBosssaid.“KeepmepostedastowhathappenswiththeDivision.Mark,

Iwantyoutoaccompanymetotheelevator.”

WeleftasStanleypressedakeyonhisintercomandinformedhissecretaryheneededtosee

Romero,ASAP.

“I’vecontactedDavies,andI’llbemeetinghimfordrinksafterdinner,”TheBosssaidashe

pressedthecallbuttonfortheelevator.

“Doyouwantmeavailable?”Ieyedhimsurreptitiously.Whywashetakingtheelevatorforone

floor?

“Didyoudoubtit?”Hegaveadoursmile.“Keepyourcellphoneturnedon.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Justoneotherthing.”Theelevatorarrivedandthedooropened.Herestedahandontheedgeof

thedoor,keepingitopen.“IwantyoutokeepmeintheloopregardingGreyRayne.”

“Yes,sir.”Iwasn’tparticularlysurprisedbythis.He’dgivenmeasimilarrequestwhenI’d

startedtrainingMathesonlastyear.

Herestedhishandonmyshoulderforamomentbeforesteppingintotheelevator.“I’mquite

well,Mark.”

“Excuseme?”

“I’mtakingtheelevatorbecauseIhaveameetingwithAllardinabouttwominutes,notbecause

I’monmylastleg.”

“Sorry,sir.”Ikeptmyexpressionblank.HowhadherealizedIwasconcernedabouthim?

Hesmiledandpressedthebuttonforten.ThatwasTheBoss:stilllargeandincharge.Thedoor

slidclosed,andIwenttothestairwell.

HAPTER

ImetwithHumptyDumptyinhisofficeafterlunch,anditwasaninterestingmeeting.“Fillthese

out.”Astackofpagesaboutsixincheshighwasonhisdesk,andhepushedthemacrosstheblotteruntil
theywereinfrontofme.“Norush,butI’llneeditbeforetheendoftheweek.”

“Thankssomuch,”Isaiddryly.

“Don’tmentionit,”herespondedjustasdryly.“Nowtogetdowntothenitty-gritty.It’sabout

timewedidmoreforoursecretariesthankickthemoutaftertheygotpregnant.Andyou’reright.Paternity
leaveisagoodideatoo.Althoughfrankly,itbogglesmymindtryingtopicturesomeofouroperatives
changingadiaper.”Hechewedonhislowerlip.“Everthinkyou’llgiveparenthoodatry,Vincent?”

“GoodGod,no!Incaseit’sescapedyournotice,Ipreferguys.”

Hisjawdropped.Maybeithadescapedhisnotice?Someintheintelligencecommunitymight

thinkIwasstraight,butI’dneverhiddenmyorientationfromthepeopleIworkedwith.

Heshuthismouthandclearedhisthroat.“Youcouldstillgothesurrogacyroute.I’msure

Wallacewouldhelpinanywayhecould.”

“No,Humphrey.No,no,and…inaword…no.”

Hechuckled,andIrealizedhewaspullingmyleg.Hequicklybecameserious.“We’regoingto

needsomeadditionaloperativestocovertheoneswhogoout.”

“WereTraversandSinclaireverreplaced?”TheyweretwooftheForeignAffairsoperatives

we’dlosttoPrinzip.AsforJosephson,hisslotinInteriorAffairsneverhadbeenfilled.

“I’vegotsomeapplicationsthatlookpromising,andI’veturnedthemovertoStanley.”

“Well,I’mprettysureI’llhavethree.”

“OutofalltheonesIsentyou?”

“Yeah,andnexttime,don’tdomeanyfavors.Idon’tknowwhathalfthoseapplicantswere

thinkingof.”

“Sotellme,who’dyouchoose?”

“I’mleaningtowardJohnsonandAhrens,andI’vegotGreyRayneworkingonsomething.”

“Oh?Ithoughtshewasashoo-in.”

“TheBossandM.Bélangerhavenothingbutgoodtosayabouther,butit’smydepartment,sothe

finalchoiceismine.”

“Well,they’regoodchoices.Iwaspleasedwhentheyapplied.”

“How’dRaynefindoutabouttheposition?”

Heshrugged.“Onedayherfilewasonmydesk.”

Ididn’tbotheraskinghowshecouldhaveafileifshe’dneverworkedhere.Withbackingfrom

bothTheBossandM.Bélanger,itwasmoot.

“Togetbacktothematterathand,I’llgiveitsomethought,brainstormwithBixby,andseewhat

wecancomeupwith.”

“Fairenough.ButjustasanFYI,twoofthesecretariesinmydepartmentarepregnant,andifthe

WBISdoesn’tlookafterthem,Iwill.”

“Don’tgetonyourhighhorse.Isaiditwasagoodidea.Now,getoutofhereandletmegetto

workonthis.Changingpolicyisn’tdoneintheblinkofaneye.Oh,anddon’tforgetthisneedstobe
done.”Hetappedthestackofpapers.

Withagrowl,Iscoopedthemupandreturnedtomyoffice,andforthenextfewhoursIfilledin

theblanks.

God,Ihatedpaperwork.

Itwasgettinglateintheday,butIfiguredRayneshouldhavesomeideaofwhatitcouldbelike

workingfortheWBIS.Thiswasn’tanine-to-fivejob,inspiteofwhatsomeoftheseniordirectorsmight
think.

“Whenyoucomeintomorrow,gotoHumanResources.”Iwasabouttosendherhome.“It’son

four.You’llbefillingoutpaperwork.”

“Iwill?”

“Congratulations.You’reWBISnow.”

Ahugesmilestretchedherlips.“Thankyou,Mr.Vincent.”

Itookoutmycellphone.“Letmehaveyourphonenumber.You’llneedtobeavailableatall

times.”

“Yes,sir.”Sherattledoffhernumber,andIloggeditinmyphone.

ThenIgavehermynumber.“Youwillnotusethisunlessit’stheapocalypse.”

“No,sir.”Shekeyedinmynumber,andalthoughherheadwasdown,Icouldheartheamusement

inhervoice.“Youwon’tregretthis,Ipromiseyou!”

IwasprettysureIwouldn’t.

She’ddoneagoodjobonthefiles,actuallycomingtomewithone.“Mr.Vincent,there’s

somethingaboutTravers’sactionslastyearthatconcernsme.”

“Yeah?Tellmeaboutit.”

“His401(k)wasemptiedshortlybeforeheleftforthatassignmentinEurope.Ifyoudon’tmind,

I’dliketolookintothismore.”

“Idon’thaveaproblemwiththat,butyou’llhavetodoitonyourowntime.Andjustremember

TraverswasStanley’sagent.Cometalktomeifitlookslikeyou’regoingtosteponanytoes.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Afteryou’vefilledoutthepaperworktomorrow,I’lltakeyououttotheshootingrangeandyou

canshowmewhatyoucando.”

“ShouldIbringmyBrowning?”

“No,you’llbeissuedaGlock.”Mycellphonerang,playing“BadtotheBone,”andIflippedit

open.“Yes,sir?”

“It’sMr.Wallace?”Shestartedlaughing,tryingtostifleitwhenIgaveheracoolstare.

“Ineedyourhelp,Mark.”TheBosssoundedlikeit,andIstiffened.

“ShouldIbringabodybag?”

“Andashovel.”Hetoldmewherehewas.

“I’llbethereintenminutes.”

“Don’tgetaspeedingticket,Mark.”

“Don’tyoulooksuspicious.”Ihungup,thenusedtheofficephonetocallRogersinSupply.“It’s

Vincent.Ineedabodybaganda—”

“Excuseme,sir.MayIgowithyou?”Rayneasked.

Ilookedherover.Mightaswellthrowherinatthedeepend,inspiteofwhatTheBosshadsaid.

“Andacoupleofshovelsandtwopairsofgloves.I’llberightdowntocollectthem.”

“They’llbereadyforyou.”Heknewbetterthantomakearemarkaboutneedingthemagainso

soonafterFriday.

“Thanks.”Ihungupandturnedtomynewestagent.“Allright,Rayne,justsoyouknow,this

probablyisn’tgoingtobepretty.”

“AreyoutellingmethisbecauseI’mawoman?”Sheactuallyletmeseethatthoughtpissedher

off.

“I’mtellingyouthisbecauseIdon’twantyoufallingapartinfrontofTheBoss.”

“Iwon’tembarrassyouor...orMr.Wallace.”

“Seethatyoudon’t.Ipersonallydon’tcareifyoutossyourcookiesalloverthealley,butThe

Bossseemstothinkhighlyofyou.AndthelastthingyouwanttodoisleaveDNAatthescene.”

Herblueeyesgrewenormous.Theyremindedmeofsomeone’s,butforthemomentIcouldn’t

placethem.“We’regoingonajob?”

“Yeah,andforthetimebeing,that’sallyouneedtoknow.”

“Yousaidsomethingaboutshovelsandabodybag.”Shelookeddownatherself.“AmIdressed

appropriately?”

Ilookedherupanddownagain.Itwouldbeashametoruinthatsuit.“Whatsizeareyou?”

Sheflushed—didshethinkIwascomingontoher?—butsheansweredcoolly.“Thissuitisan

eight.”

IdidsomefastcalculatingasIwenttothestoragecloset.Ipulledoutapairofjeansthatwerea

twenty-nineinchwaist.Anotheronceover,andIdecidedonamediumsweatshirtandapeacoat.

“Whatsizeareyourshoes?”

“Eleven.”Shelookedaway,obviouslyembarrassed.

“Shit.Howmuchdoyoulovethoseshoes?”

“They’recomfortable.Why?”

“Idon’thaveanythingthatwillfityou.”

“Myshoeswillbehonoredtogivetheirall.”Shegavemeacheekygrin.“Theirsnottoreason

why.”

“Yeah,buttheyweretalkingabouttheLightBrigadeatthetime,notshoes.Okay,takethese

clothesandgetchangedintheladiesroom.DoyouknowwhereSupplyis?”

“Onsix,Ibelieve?”

“Meetmethereassoonasyou’reready.”

“Yes,sir!”Shesalutedandhurriedoff.

I’dhavetoremindhershewasn’tintheMarinesanymore.

Iexpectedtohavetowait,soIsentaquicktextmessagetoTheBoss,lettinghimknowImightbe

delayed,butRaynemusthavebeenaquick-changeartist.I’djustcollectedthebodybag,shovels,and
gloveswhensherushedin.

“IhopeIdidn’tkeepyouwaiting,sir.”Shewasholdingthesuitshe’dchangedoutof.“Uh…I

didn’tknowwhattodowiththis.Yourofficewaslocked.”

“ThisisRayne.”IintroducedmynewestagenttoRogers,whowasintheprocessofshutting

downSupplyfortheday.

“Youcanleavethemoverthere,ma’am.”Hepointedtoaclosetofftotheside.

“Thanks.”

Hefollowedherwithhisgaze.“Y’knowsomething,Mr.Vincent?Sheremindsmeofsomeone.”

“Yeah?”

Raynemusthaveoverheard.Shegrinnedoverhershoulder.“IguessIhavethatkindofface.”She

hunguphersuitandreturnedtome.“Allset,Mr.Vincent.”

“Okay,let’sgo.’Night,Rogers.Thanksagain.”

HAPTER

FromthedirectionsTheBosshadgivenme,IknewwhereI’dfindhim.Iwascuriousastohow

thefuckhe’dgottenDaviestothispartoftownwithouthimbecomingsuspicious,butnowwasn’tthetime
toask.

Theredidn’tseemtobeanyonearoundasIapproached,butIwasn’ttakinganychances.Ikilled

thelights,threwtheDodgeintoreverse,andbackeditup,positioningitsowhatwasinthatalleywas
concealed.

RayneandIgotoutandapproachedTheBoss.

Hestoodintheshadows,butIcouldstillseehisshouldershunchedagainstthechillofthenight.

Afewfeetaway,Davieswassprawledonhisback,aneatholebetweenhiseyes.

“Didyouuseasilencer?”IaskedTheBoss.

Hefrowned.“Youhavetoask?”

Yeah.“Sorry.Didyougetsplatteronyou?”

“No.Idon’tknow.”

“Wecan’ttakeanychances.”Thefactthathewasuncertainshookme.“Takeoffyourovercoat

andgiveittoRayne.”

“Rayne?Whydidyoubringherwithyou?”

“Shehastogetherfeetwetsometime.”

Hegrowledunderhisbreath.

“Areyouallright,D-sir?”Rayneasked.

“I’mfine.”Hedidn’tsoundit.Asamatteroffact,hestruckmeaspissed.Heslidaglancemy

way.“Ilikedthatcoat.”

Well,thatwaswhathegotfornotleavingthejobtome.However,Ididn’tsaythat.

“AndIknow,Ideservenothinglessfornotlettingyoudothejob.”

Jesus,how’dhe….Iclearedmythroat.“Doyouhaveaknife,Rayne?”

Sheactuallypattedherselfdown.“No,I’msorry.Imusthaveleftitinmysuit.”

“Nexttimeremembertoemptyyourpockets.”Itossedhermypocketknife.“Don’tcutyourselfon

it.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Cutoutthelining.”IopenedtheDodge’strunk,tookoutthebodybag,andlaiditoutnextto

Davies.“Anyideawhatyouwanttodowithhim?”IaskedTheBossasIwentthroughDavies’spockets.
Agunwiththesafetystillon,hiswalletwithID,insurancecard,anddriver’slicense,amoneyclip
holdingathousanddollars,mostlyinfiftiesandhundreds—Ihelditup.“Doyouwantthisburiedwith

him?”

“No.Youknowwhatfundwe’lldonateitto.”

“Yes,sir.”Itossedittohim,notsurprisedwhenhecaughtiteasily,andwentthroughtherestof

Davies’spockets,removingahandkerchief,ballpointpen,carandhousekeys,andarecordingdevice...
Shit.“Areyouawarehewasrecordingyourconversation,sir?”

“Ihadthefeeling.Hekeptaskingveryleadingquestions.”

IunbuttonedDavies’sshirt,butwe’dluckedout.“Hewasn’tsmartenoughtoasktheCIAtowire

him.Rayne,Ikeepsomeplasticbagsintheconsoleforgarbage.”Iunhookedthehousekeyfromthering
andtuckeditintomypocket.“Assoonasyou’redone,getoneandputthisjunkinit.”

“Yes,sir.”

TheBossclearedhisthroat.“IthoughtwewoulduseourburialsiteatProspectHillCemetery.”

“That’sasgoodaplaceasany,Iguess.”IunzippedthebagandmanhandledDaviesintoit.

Raynecaughtaglimpseofthebackofhisheadandgulpedheavilyatthesightofit—blood,

brains,andshatteredbone.Theentrywoundmighthavebeensmall,buttheexitwoundhadtakenahuge
chunkofskull.Well,she’dhavetogetusedtoit.

“You’renotgoingtoobjecttoburyinghimwithourhonoreddead?”TheBossasked,wrapping

hisarmsaroundhimself.Hehadtobefeelingthechillwithouthisovercoat.

“Ialwaysfiguredonceyou’redead,you’redead,andyoudon’tcarearat’sasswho’sburiedin

theplotnexttoyou.”Iremovedmycoatandhandedittohim.

“Thanks.”

“Don’tmentionit.”I’dhavehadtotakeitoffanywaywhenwegottothecemetery.“Getinthe

car,sir.”

“WehavetodealwithAnson’scar.”

Dammit.“Whereisit?”

“Intherestaurant’sparkinglot.”

“Yourcar?”

“No.Mydriverdroppedmeoff.”

AndTheBossknewI’dbeaphonecallawaywhenheneededme.

“Mr.Vincent,whatdoyouwantmetodowithMr.Wallace’scoatandthe…er…junk?”

“Letmehavethecoat.Takethecarkeysandputthejunkinthecar.”Ifollowedmyown

instructionstoherandmadesurethecoatpocketswereempty,thenrolleditup,stuffeditintothebody
bag,andzippedthebagclosed.“Nowgethisfeet,”ItoldRaynewhensherejoinedme.“We’regoingto
puthiminthetrunk.”

Inspiteofthetrafficpassingby,thenightwassoquietIcouldhearherswallow.“Yes,sir.”She

hadthelighterend,butshestillalmostdroppedhim.Fencersdevelopedstrongarms.Coulditbethiswas

thefirsttimeshe’dhandledadeadbody?

WelcometotheWBIS,Ms.Rayne.

OnceIwassureDavieswastuckedaway,Iloweredthetrunklidandleanedonit,gettingthe

latchtocatchasquietlyasIcould.Thelastthingweneededwasaninquisitivecoppayingusavisit.

“Mr.Vincent,yousaidsomethingaboutnotleavingDNAinthisalley.”

“Yeah.”TherewasbloodandbrainmatterwhereDavieshadfallen.“We’llhavealittlehelp.”I

pointedtowardthebackofthealley,wheretheglowofhalfadozensetsofeyescouldbeseenatvarious
heights.“Didyouknowcatswereopportunisticfeeders?WishI’dthoughttobringsomecannedfoodto
encouragethemtoinvestigate,butsometimesyoucoverthebasesyoucan.”

TheBosschuckled.“NowyouseewhyMarkdoeswhathedoes,Grey.”

“Yes,sir.Um...whatshouldIdowiththelining,Mr.Vincent?”

“Givemetheknife,andthenyouandthelininggetinthecar.”

ShedidasItoldher,andIlookedaround.Exceptforthecats,whowereshowingabitof

curiosity,noonewasthere,notevenanyofthelocalwinos.Ijusthopeditstayedthatwayuntilwegotthe
DodgethehelloutofDodge.

Igotbehindthewheelandswitchedontheignition.Thereweresoft“snicks”asweallbuckled

up.

Inspiteofwearingmyovercoat,TheBossseemedtobeshivering.“Trevor?”

“Sorry.It’sbeenanumberofyearssinceIdidthis,”hesaid.

“Notaproblem.”Iwasgladhedidn’taddthatDavieshadbeenafriend.BetweenDaviesand

Lynx,I’dhavestartedquestioningTheBoss’sjudgmentinfriends.Iturnedontheheaterandletitblast.
“Doyouwantmetotakeyouhome?”

“No.Thisismymess.I’llstaytohelpcleanitup.”

“Okay.Whichrestaurant?”

“TheRibShack.It’saboutfourblocksover.”

“Hmm.”

“You’refamiliarwithit?”

“Yeah.”NotthatI’deatenthere.Quinnhadmentionedhe’dhaddinnerattheRibShackwithDB

Cooper,thespookheworkedwith,ontheeveningSperlinghadblownhimselftolittlebittydirectorbits
andwoundupinthemorgue.

“WhyamInotsurprised?Dropusthere,Mark.Grey,you’lldriveDavies’scar,andI’llridewith

you.Forthetimebeing,itwillbesafestparkingitatheadquarters.”

“D-Mr.Wallace,ifImightofferasuggestion?Iknowsomeonewho’dhavenotroublegettingrid

ofit.Icangiveheracall,anditwillbegonebeforemorning.”

“Excellentthinking,Grey.”TheBosslookedproudofher.“Mark?”

Igrunted.I’dgoalongwithitbecauseitwaswhatTheBosswanted.“Okay,then.”Iputthe

Dodgeindrive,easedawayfromthealley,andheadedtowardtheRibShack,whileinthebackseat,
Raynemadeaphonecall.

RayneandTheBossdroppedoffDavies’scaratthechopshop.Ifollowedandwatchedasa

figureinblackheavedopenagaragedoor.Asinglelightbulbilluminatedtheinteriorofthegarage,and
RaynewaitedforTheBosstogetoutofthecarbeforeshedroveintoit.

“Thanks,G.Ioweyou.”Rayneheldoutherhand,andthefiguretookit.

“Nothanksnecessary,Cloudy,”awarmaltosaid.

Howthefuck—assoonasIhadsomesparetime,Iwasdefinitelydoingsomeinvestigating.

Iputthecarintopark,gotout,andwalkedtothepassengerside,openingthedoorforTheBoss.

“Thankyou,Mark.”

“You’rewelcome,Trevor.Rayne,moveit,willyou?”

“Yes,sir.Takecare,G.I’llbeintouch.”

“Rayne.”

“Yes,sir.”Shestrodetothecarandgotintothebackseat.

Witheveryonebuckleduponceagain,Iheadedforthecemetery.“You’llhavetohelpmedigup

thegrave,”ItoldRayneovermyshoulder.“Wewantthisdonesoonest.”

“That’swhyyoubroughttwoshovelsandtwopairsofgloves?”

“Yeah.”IturnedintotheNorthCapitolStreetentrance,drovetothesectionthatbelongedtothe

WBIS,andswitchedofftheengine.Allashorewhoaregoingashore.Igotoutandopenedthetrunk.
“Here.”IhandedRayneashovelandstrodepastheadstones.“Okay.Thisisthegrave.”

“Sperling’s?”TheBossgaveasourchuckle.

“Ithoughtitwasfitting.HeandDaviescanspendeternitycomingupwithwaystoscrewupother

people’slives.”

IremovedthesodascarefullyasIcould—we’dneedtoreplaceit,andIdidn’twantittoo

obviousthatithadbeendisturbed—andthenwegottowork.

“W-who’sSperling?”Rayneasked,outofbreath.Therewasastreakofdirtacrossherforehead.

“Youdon’twanttoknow,”IsaidasItoedDavies’sbodyintothegrave.Itlandedonthecasket

belowwithathud.

“Shedoes,ifonlytolearnhowtoavoidsomeonelikehim.”

SowhileIshoveleddirtbackintothegrave,TheBosswentintodetailaboutthemanwhose

departmentI’dtakenover.

RayneandIputthesodbackinplace,andthenwetossedtheshovelsandglovesintothetrunk.

“Whereto,sir?Home?Rayne,doyouwantmetodriveyouhomeorbacktotheWBISforyourcar?”

“No,IthinkIowethetwoofyoudinner.There’saPortugueserestaurantonWisconsinAvenue.O

PescadorAlegre.IunderstandyouenjoyPortuguesefood,Mark.”

“Yes,Ido.”IhandedRaynesomehandwipes.“Don’tmissthatspotonyourforehead.Wewant

tolookpresentable.”

“Whataboutyou,Rayne?”

“Uh...sure.Thatwillbefine.Sir.”

Hefrownedatherbeforeturningtome.“Doyouneeddirections?”

“No,sir.I’vebeenthere.”Iheldoutmyhandforthesoiledwipesandthrewthemintoaplastic

bag.Thenwegotinthecar.

Raynetooktherearseatagain,andTheBossrodeshotgun.

Well,atleastthistimeIdidn’thavetoworryaboutawaiterrecognizingmeandbeingpissed

becauseIwasn’twithQuinn.TheyonlyknewmeatthePortugueserestaurantbecausemostlyIdid
takeout.

HAPTER

Ithadbeenalongnight,anditwasn’toveryet,butTheBossandRaynewerebothtuckedupin

theirapartments.

“Whataboutyourcar?”IaskedherafterwedroppedoffTheBoss.

“I’llhavearidetoworktomorrow.”Shesmiledandreachedacrossthefrontseat,offeringme

herhand.Hergripwaswarmandfirm.“Thankyouforgivingmethisopportunity.”

“You’rewelcome.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

Shegotoutofthecar,andIwaiteduntilsheenteredherapartmentbuildingbeforeputtingmy

caringearandheadingforMassachusettsAvenue.

Fortunately,I’dthoughttoleavedryfoodoutforPita.Ilikedthepresenceofthekitteninmy

condo,butthepastfewdaysprovedtomeitwouldn’tbeagoodideahavingapet.

UnlessmaybeIhadsomeonelivingwithmewhowouldn’tmindlookingafterit,whenIwasn’t

around?

Thisapartmentbuildinghadundergroundparking.IfoundDavies’sspotandlefttheDodgethere,

theenginetickingasitcooled.

Thestairwellwasnexttoanelevator,andItookthestairsasusual,butthistimespecificallyto

avoidthelobby.Icouldgetawaywithbeingthere—allIhadtodowasactasifIhadeveryreasontobe
inthisbuilding—butIhadn’thadtimetoapplyanydevicestoaltermyfacialappearance,andtherewas
alwaystheslimpossibilitythatsomehelpfulresidentmightrecallthetallguywiththeprominentears.

SoItookthestairs,joggeduptothetopfloor,whereDavieshadhisapartment,andletmyselfin.

Steppingtotheside,Iputonapairoflatexglovesandgazedaroundtheopenspace.Theentire

apartmentwasabouteighthundredsquarefeetofglass,chrome,andstarkwhitewalls,sosterile-looking
Ialmostexpectedtohearsomeoneaskforascalpel.

Inaddition,heseemedtohaveatasteforcubism.Hehadacoupleofpaintingshangingonthe

wallsthatcouldhavebeenbyPicassoorJeanMetzinger.

TheonlythingDaviespossessedthatmighthavebeentomytastewasaChinesemoonflaskvase,

probablyMingDynasty,onapedestalbesidetheslidingglassdoorsthatopenedontothebalcony.

ButIdidn’thavetimetogivehistasteinbelongingsmuchthought.Ididathoroughsearchofthe

kitchen,bathroom,andliving/diningspace,beforecheckingoutthebedroom.

OnceIwascertaintheplacehadn’tbeenbugged...eitherbyDaviesortheCIA...Iturnedmy

attentiontohiscomputer.Hehaditonadeskinacornerofhisbedroom,andIpulledoutthe
uncomfortablechairandbooteditup.

Itdidn’ttakelongtofindthepasswordhe’dchosen;itwaswrittenonapieceofpapertapedto

thebackofthecenterdrawerofhisdesk.Jesus.BigBossMan1.

InminutesIhadmostofthemoneyinhisbankaccount—howthefuckhadhemanagedto

accumulatesomuch?—transferredtothefundthatsubsidizedthecareofinjuredWBISagents.Therest,
exceptforacoupleofhundreddollarstoeventuallykeeptheaccountopen,Ilefttobeusedtopayhis
mortgageandutilitiesforthenextfewmonths;I’dlearnedhehadhisbillsautomaticallydeductedasthey
camedue.Itwouldlooklikebusinessasusual,andnoonewouldhaveareasontocomelookingforhim.

ThenIputthefirstoffourblankCDsI’dfoundinthesamedrawerasthepaperwiththe

passwordintothedriveandbeganmovingfilesthatshouldn’thavebeenonhiscomputerinthefirst
place.

WhenthelastoftheCDswasfinalized,Imadesurealltraceofthefileswaserased.

WiththatdoneandtheCDsinmyjacketpocket,Iwentbacktothekitchentoemptyhisfridge—a

cartonofEggBeaters,halfagallonofskimmilk,agreenpepperandanonion,andapackageofskinless,
bonelesschickenbreasts.Itwasn’talot,butIknewofsomepeoplewhocouldusethefood.

Istaredthoughtfullyacrossthespaceatthevase.Whywouldsomeonewhosepreferenceseemed

toruntomodernwantsuchanobviousantique?Ipickeditupandnearlydroppeditfromtheunexpected
weightoftheattachedbase,whichshouldn’thavebeenpartofit.

Therewasnotimetoreallystudyit,though.Ireturnedtothebedroom,pulleddownDavies’s

suitcasesfromashelfinhiswalk-incloset,andplacedthevaseinoneofthem,cushioningitwithan
armfulofclothes.ThenIpackedthesecondcasewithenoughstuffsothatifanyonedidcomelooking,it
wouldseemasifhe’dleftonthespurofthemoment.

I’dstorethecasesinacornerofmyguestroomclosetforthetimebeing.AndmaybeifIhadsome

time,I’dexaminethatvasealittlemorethoroughly.

ItwastoobadIcouldn’ttakemore.Thesamepeoplewho’dgetthefoodwouldhavebeenableto

selleverythingandfeedthemselvesforacoupleofmonths.

Well,thatwasthewayitwent,Iguessed.IlockedupDavies’sapartmentandwalkedthe

suitcasesdowntotheparkinggarage.MaybeI’d…Icheckedmywatch.No,itwastoolatetocallQuinn.
I’dgivehimacalltomorrow.

***

Wednesdaystartedoffwellenough.IreturnedtheshovelsandglovestoSupply,Ms.Parker

didn’tcry,Mr.Wallaceleftacrypticmessagethatletmeknowhehadrecoveredfromlastnight’s
adventureandI’dfindmyovercoatinthestoragecloset,andRayneturnedouttobeasexcellentashotas
herfileindicated.

Cometothinkofit,therewassomethingaboutthewayshestood,bracingtheGlockinher

palm....

Wearrivedbackatheadquartersjustafteroneandwenttothecafeteriaforlunch.Acrossthe

room,JohnsonandAhrensweresittingtogether.Theykeptglancingatus.

“What’supwiththem,Mr.Vincent?”Raynewashavingaburgerandsweetpotatofries,andshe

putoneofthefriesinhermouth.

“Withwho?”

“Thosetwohavebeenwatchingussincewesatdown.”Herbackwastothem,butshemusthave

seentheirreflectionsintheglassofalargeframedphotographthatwasbehindus.ItwasofTheBoss,
Davies,andsomeoftheoriginalseniordirectors,includingDouglasMallinson,thefirstmantorunthe
WBIS.Theyworebusinesssuitsthatrangedincolorfromnavytoblacktogray,somepinstripes,some
not.

“I’malsoconsideringtheirapplicationstoInteriorAffairs.”

“Yes?”Shegrinned.“MayIjointhem?”

Iwasdoneanyway.“Knockyourselfout.”

Shepickeduphertrayandstrolledovertothem,andI’dhavesworntheirtongueshungout.IfI

tookthemon,I’dhavetomakesurethethreeofthemunderstoodtheramificationsofscrewingsomeone
theyworkedwith.

Idroppedoffmyplatesandtray,andwentuptotheseventhfloor.

MathesoncalledandaskedtoseemewhenIhadaspareminute.

“I’mfreerightnow,”Itoldhim.Iwascuriousastotheprogresshe’dmadeontheprojectI’d

assignedhim,butIhadnointentionofhoveringoverhisshoulder.Iknewhowthatpissedmeoff,andby
thispoint,Itrustedhimenoughnottoscrewup.

“I’llberightthere.”

Abouttwominuteslater,hewalkedintomyoffice,andIwassomewhattakenaback.Hewassans

suitjacket,butthatwasn’twhatsurprisedme.Hissleeveswererolledup,histiewasaskew,andthetop
threebuttonsofhisshirtwereunbuttoned,revealingagoldchainandthewhiteofhisundershirt.In
addition,hishairwasstickingupeverywhichway,andhischeeksandjawweredarkwithstubble.

I’dneverseenhiminsuchdisarray.

“Didyougohomeatall,Matheson?”Igesturedtowardthechairbesidemydesk,concernedhe

mightfallover.“Haveyouhadanysleep?”

“Uh….”Hesatheavilyandranahandthroughhishair,leavingitevenmoretousled.“No,sir.

Thissoundedlikeitwastimesensitive.”Heyawned.“Sorry.”

“Didyouatleasteat?”

“Oh,yeah.Theobroughtmesomethingfordinner.Ihopethatwasokay?”

Finetimetoask,butIwasn’tgoingtotakehimtotaskoveritnow.“Whataboutbreakfast?

Lunch?”

“Uh....”Heblinked,andIshookmyhead.

“Nevermind.Wereyouabletocomeupwithaprogram?”Irose,wentaroundmydesk,and

leanedagainstit.

“Yeah,”hesaidagain.“Istrippedallthepertinentdatafromtheharddrive,justincasetheirguy

isasgoodasme—notlikely,butIdidn’twanttotakethechance.”

“Goodwork.”Helookedupinsurprise,beforegivingmeasleepysmile.“Andthen?”

“ThenIuploadedtheprogram.Atfirstthey’regoingtothinkthey’vehitthejackpot,butwitha

littledigging,they’llrealizeit’scrap.They’llbelieveDaviesneverhadanyintentionofgivingthemvalid
intelligence,thathewasscrewingwiththemforreasonsofhisown.”

Whichthey’dprobablythinkhadtodowiththeWBIS/CIAdichotomy.“Didyouimplementit?”

Henodded,yawnedagain,andrubbedhischeek.“Ineedtoshave,”hesaidabsently.“Iwentup

toPublicRelationsaboutfivethismorningandreinstalledtheharddrive.AssoonasAllardcameinand
booteditup,itwouldinteractwitheverycomputerinthedepartment.”Hiseyesdriftedshut.

“Goodwork,”Isaidagain.I’dseehegotacommendationforthis.“Canyoudriveyourself

home?”

“Huh?Icandrive,”hemumbled.

“Matheson!Wakeup!”

Hejumped.“Sorry,sir.”

“GodowntoMedical—”

“I’mnotsick!”

“—andtellMaxyouneedtoborrowoneofthebedsinthedoctors’sleepingquarters.Takeanap.

Andthengohome.”

“Yes,sir.”Hegotupandshuffledoutofmyoffice.

NowitjustremainedtobeseenhowtheCIAreactedtothisgambit.

AndspeakingoftheCIA....

Itwasalmostthree,whichmeantitwasalmosteightinLondon.I’dcallQuinn.Ifhewashaving

dinner,I’dleaveamessageaskinghimtocallmewhenitwasconvenient.Preferablythatwouldbewhen
hewasgettingreadyforbed.

Andifhewasn’thavingdinner...no,thatwouldn’tbeanygood.Icouldhardlyjerkoffinmycar

intheWBISparkinglot.

IslidtheCDintoitsdriveandturnedoffmycomputer,thenwentintotheouteroffice.“Ms.

Parker,I’mgoingtostepoutforafewminutes.”

“Sir,yourmeetingwithHoward?”

Fuckit!I’dforgottenallaboutit.Iblewoutabreath.I’dhavetoputoffthatphonecalltoQuinn.

“Inthatcase,never—”Justthenmycellphonerang...“I’llStandByYou,”andIknewitwasPaul

callingfromLosAngeles.

Whywouldhecallnow?ItwasnooninLA,andsincehisshiftinLaborandDeliveryhadbeen

switchedandnowstartedat11:00p.m.,hewasusuallystillasleepatthistime.

Itouchedthescreen.“Hey,Paul.HowarethingsinLA?”

“Vince...Vince!”

Jesus,hesoundedlikehewasgoingtohyperventilate.

“What’swrong?”

“Spikeisn’thome!”

Okay,IknewPaulwasprotectiveofhisyounglover,butIalsoknewhewasn’tonetooverreact.

“Whenwasthelasttimeyousawhim?”

“Yesterdaymorning.HehasasmallroleonCIA,asthefriendofacomputergeekwhohacksinto

animportantlab’smainframe,andtheyweregoingtofilmityesterday.”Itwasameasureofhisdistress
thathetoldmesomethingheknewIwasalreadyawareof.“Hewassoexcited.Idon’tknowwhythey
alwayshavehimplayingkids....”

Mostlikelybecausehewasakid.Spikewouldn’tbenineteenuntilearlyinthefall.Iwalkedto

thewindow—Ms.Parkerhadoneinherofficetoo—andstaredatthebuildingacrossthestreet,notreally
seeingit.“Focus,Paul.We’llworryaboutthatanothertime.”

“Yes.Okay,yes.Iwasjustgoingtobed,andhekissedmeandsaidhe’dbebackearlyandthatI

shouldsleepuntilthen,he’dwakemeupthebestway.”Hisvoicecracked.“Ididn’tsetmyalarm.Well,I
thoughtSpikewould....Butitwastheneighborwhowokemeup.”

“Theonewiththe’69Mustang?”

“Yeah.”

Themusclecarhadabackfirethatsoundedlikeashotgunblast.I’dhearditwhenI’dvisitedthem

acoupleofweeksbefore,andifPaulhadn’tstoppedme,I’dhavegoneaftertheidiotwhodecidedfivein
themorningwasagoodtimetoworkontheengine.

“Iwentlookingthroughtheapartment,andwhenIsawhewasn’thome,Icheckedmyphonefor

messages,buttherewasnothing.Icalledhim,butitwentrighttovoicemail.SoIcalledthestudiotosee
iftherewassomeholdup,butthepersonIspoketosaidproductionhadbeenoverforafewhours.ThenI
calledFallingWater.Spikewasn’tscheduledtowork,buthewasalwayswillingtohelpoutafriend.”

Ididn’tbotheraskingifPaulhadhadanyluckwiththerestaurantwhereSpikewaitedtables.He

wouldn’tbeonthephonewithmenowifhehad.

“Istartedcallinghisfriends,buttheyhadn’tseenhimsincetheweekend.Itriedtheguyshe

workswith,buttheyallthoughthe’dgoneforthedayoncefilmingwasdone.”

“Didyoucheckthehospitals?”ItwasobviousthethoughtthatSpikemightbescrewingaroundon

himneveroncecrossedhismind.Thekidwasdevotedtohim,inspiteofhisage,andascornyasthat
mightsound.

“Ofcourse.Ievencalledthemorgue.ThankGodtherewasnoonematchinghisdescription.”

“Hedidn’tgobacktobleachinghishair,didhe?”AjohnhadoncetoldSpikeheresembledthe

characterfromBuffy,sohe’dtakenthename,becomeablond,andwentaroundsuckinginhischeeks.

“What?No!”PaulsoundedinsultedonSpike’sbehalf.

“Sorry.”

“Huh.Anyway,Icalledthecops.”Hegrowled.“Theysaidthey’dputhiminthesystem,butI

couldtellfromthewaytheysaidit,theyweren’ttakingmeseriously.”

“Theythoughtitwasalover’squarrel?”

“Y-yeah.Iguess.”

“Okay,thatwaslastnight.Whydidn’tyoucallmesooner?”

“Vince,you’vedonesomuchforme.IthoughtIcould...IcalledthehospitalwhereIworkand

toldthemIcouldn’tcomein—”

“Isthatgonnaputyouinabind?”

“No.Itoldthemitwasafamilyemergency.They’rereallygoodaboutthingslikethat.”

“Okay.”Iwouldn’thavetogotalktoanyoneaboutit.“Goon.”

“Idrovearoundtherestofthenightandallmorning,goingtotheplaceshel-likestohangout.

Vince...I’msoscared....”

“Look.I’llgetthefirstflightout.”AndifIcouldn’tbookanything,I’dcharteraflight.Paul,

who’dbeenworkingastherentboyPrettyBoy,hadhelpedwhenI’dcomebacktotheStatesaftermy
idiotpartnerhadgottenhimselfkilled,andnomatterwhat,Iwoulddowhateverwasnecessaryforhim.
“Andlistentome.You’regoingtobegoodfornothingifyoufallapartonme.Fromwhatyou’vesaid,
you’vebeenupalmosttwenty-fourhours.Gotakeanap.”Hopefully,bythetimehewokeup,I’dhave
flownintoLAX.“Paul.Hanginthere,babe.”

“Babe.”Helaughed,softbutsorrowful.“It’sbeenalongtimesinceyoucalledmethat.”

“Don’tletitgotoyourhead.”

Hislaughsoundedbetterthistime.“Thankyou,Vince.”

“That’swhatfriendsarefor.I’vegottago.I’llseeyouinafewhours.”Idisconnectedthecall

andranahandthroughmyhair.

“Mr.Vincent?”I’dtotallyforgottenMs.Parkerwasthere.“I’msorry.Ilistenedinonyourcall.

I’vebookedaflightforyououtofDullestoLAX.Itleavesinanhourandahalf.Ithoughtyou’dwantto
getthereassoonaspossible.I’vealsoreservedacarforyou.Ashuttlefromtheairportwilltakeyouto
therentalcompany.”

“Thankyou.”

“Aftereverythingyou’vedoneforus....Oh,andIcanceledyourmeetingwithHoward.”

Smartwoman.“Thanks,”Isaidagain.IhadnocluehowlongI’dbeontheWestCoast,andI

couldn’tkeeprescheduling.AsforthetapesGershomhadgivenmelastweek—itwasfivedays,andhe
hadn’taskedforthemback.He’deitherforgottenaboutthemorelsehedidn’tfuckingcare.Eitherway,he
couldwaituntilIreturnedtoDC.

“IsthereanythingelseIcando?”

“GetTheBossforme.”

“Yes,sir.”

IwentintomyofficeandpulledouttheduffelIkeptinthebackofthestoragecloset,always

packedandreadytogo.AgunmadeofaplasticpolymerRomerohadcomeupwithwasdisassembled
andtuckedawayinapaddedcompartment,whiletheprojectileswerestoredinanothercompartment.It
wasn’tasdeadlyasmyGlock,butitlookedlethalandwouldmakewhoeverIaimeditatthinktwice.

TheWBISwouldholdmymail;Ididn’thaveanewspaperdelivered;I’dgetridofthestuffinthe

fridgeifitwentbad....

Oh,shit!Thekitten!

WhocouldIgettowatchher?

IpulledoutmycellphoneandcalledTheo.

“TheoBascopolis,accountantatlarge.HowmayIhelpyou?”Thatwasright,itwastaxseason,

andTheowouldbeuptohisearsinreturns.

“Theo,it’sVincent.”

“Vince?What’s—Wills?Isheallright?”

“Yeah,he’sfine.Isenthimtotakeanap.Look,Paul’sintrouble.”Therewasnopointkeeping

thisfromhim.“Spike’smissing,andI’mflyingouttodealwithit.Ineedafavor.”

“Oh,Jesus….WhatcanIdo?”

“Ihaveakitten—”

“Youdo?Sincewhen?”

“Since…Theo,isthatreallyimportant?”

“No,Iguessnot.I’msorry.”

“CanIleaveherwithyou?”

“Sure.Youwantmetocomepickherup?Justleavethekey—”

“No!”Icouldseehimtriggeringthedoor,andtheexplosiontakingouthim,thekitten,andthe

wholefuckingcondo.

“Geez!Youdon’thavetobesojumpy!”

Ifheonlyknew.Icheckedmywatch.Shit.Iwasreallycrunchedfortime.“Look,youknow

wheremycondois.Meetmethere,okay?Waitformeoutsidethegate.”

“I’mleavingrightnow.”

“Thanks,Theo.Ioweyou.”

“Vince,youdon’towemeathing.YougavemeWills!Andbesides,you’redoingthisforPaul.”

“I’llseeyouinaboutfifteenminutes.”Theintercombuzzed.“I’vegottogo.”

“Okay,Vince.”Thelinewentsilent,andIhungupandpressedthekeyontheintercom.

“Whatline?”

“He’sonone,sir.”

Ihitone.

“Whatisit,Mark?”

“Ihopeyoudon’tneedtobeoutoftheoffice,Trevor.I’mflyingouttotheCoast.Something’s

comeup—”

“Oh?”

Isighed.“Familyemergency,sir.”Iwaitedforhimtoobjectandtellmemyfamily—myfather’s

brotherandhiswife,kidsandgrandkids—wasinMassachusetts,andIwasalittlesurprisedwhenhe
didn’t.”

“Fine.ButMark…thatproblemwewerefacing?Murphyishavingahardtimewithit.”

IrealizedhemeantcomingupwithaprogramiftheCIAhackedintoDavies’scomputer.

“It’sundercontrol.Matheson’sdealtwithit.”

“He’sagoodman.Seehegetsacommendationforthis.”

“Thatwasmyintention.”

“Allright.HecanmakesurethingsrunsmoothlyinInteriorAffairs—”

“He’sbeenworkingforthepastdayandahalfstraight,andhe’soutofcommissionuntil

tomorrow.You’llhavetorelyonWinchester.”IfIwasn’tinsucharush,I’dcringeatthethoughtofthat
agentinchargeofthisdepartment.

“ThisiswhyIwantedyoutohavemoreagents.”

“Yeah,well,Rayneisn’tuptospeed,andWinchester’sallwe’vegotrightnow.”

“Lethimknowhecancallonmeifherunsintoanydifficulties.”

“Thankyou,sir.”LikeI’dhavesomeoneinmydepartmentbugTheBoss.“Iappreciateit.”

“Don’tmentionit,Mark.Goodluckwithyourjourney.”

“Thankyou.”Hehungup,andIhittheintercom.“Ms.Parker,getWinchesterinhere.”

“Yes,sir.”

ThreeminuteslaterWinchesterhurriedin.“Youwantedtoseeme,sir?”

Islidmyarmsintomyovercoatandslungthestrapofmyduffelovermyshoulder.“I’mleaving

youtotakecareofInteriorAffairs.”

Hiseyeswidened.“I’mincharge?”

Godhelpus!

“Uh...whataboutMatheson?”

“Hehastherestofthedayoff.”

“So...Iamincharge!”Helookedreadytodanceajig.

“Don’t...”Icouldn’ttellhimnottotouchanything.IfIwasn’twillingtotrusthimtoadegree,the

onlyfairthingtodowouldbetocuthimloose.“Ifyouhaveanyquestions,runthembyMs.Parker.”

“She’sgoingtobemysecretary?”

“No,she’smysecretary.I’mlettingyouborrowherexpertise.Treatherwell,orGrangerwill

haveyourleftball.AndwhenIgetback,I’llhavetherightone.”

“Uh...yes,sir.”

“Okay.”Istartedout.“Oh,anddon’ttouchmycomputer.”

“WillitshutdowntheNetifIdo?”Hechuckled.

“Yeah.”

“Iwasjoking!”

“Iwasn’t.”Intheouteroffice,IsaidtoMs.Parker,“Ifanythinggoeswrong,letTheBossknow.”

“Yes,sir.Mr.Vincent?”

Ipausedatthedoorandlookedbackovermyshoulder.

“Ihopeyoufindyourfriendsafe.”

“Thanks.”IfIdidn’t,Iwasgoingtokillhim.

HAPTER

TheowaswaitingoutsidethegateofAspenReachwhenIgotthere.Iactivatedit,anditswung

openslowly.

Ipassedthrough,withTheoonmytail,anddrovetomybuilding.Iparkedinfrontofthelobby,

andTheoparkedbehindme.

“Idon’thavemuchtime,”ItoldhimasIranakeycardthroughtheswipelockandopenedthe

lobbydoor.

“That’sfine.Youhaven’theardanythingelse,haveyou?”

“No,butIknowsomeonewhoknowssomeoneontheCIAset.I’mgoingtocallhimassoonasI

gettoLA.”IwaitedforTheotoaskwhyIwasn’tcallinghimnow,buthewasstilltooclosetohisrent
boyyearstoquestionme.Wetookthestairsuptothethirdfloor,walkeddownthecorridortomycondo,
andIunlockedthedoor.“Comeonin.”

“Ihavetosaywedidagreatjobonthisplace,”hemurmuredashelookedaround.“It’ssomuch

less…pink.”

“Yeah,itis,isn’tit?Pita!”

“That’syourcat’sname?”

“It’stemporary.I’mgivinghertoafriend’smotherforMother’sDay.”Iwhistledshrilly.

“Thatisn’tthewaytocallacat!”

“No?”Icouldn’thelpgrinningasPitacamestrollingdownthehallway,hertailwavinglikea

plume.

Theoshookhishead.“Okay,Ishouldhaveknownyou’dhaveyourownwaywithcats.Doyou

haveacarrier?”

“Yeah.It’sinmycloset.”Athoughtoccurredtome.“Look,istheregoingtobeaproblemwith

yourcat?”

“MissSu?Nah,she’sasweetheart.I’llintroducethemgradually,butiftheydon’tgetalong,

woulditbeallrightifIaskedtheladiesdownstairstomindPita?”

“No,that’llbefine.Shehastogetusedtowomen.”Whowon’trunoutonher.“Herfood’sinthe

pantryaswell,andshehastoysscatteredthroughoutthecondo.Takewhateveryouthinkyou’llneed.I’ll
gogetherbedandthecarrier.”

“Soundsgood.Don’tworryaboutalitterpan.”

WithintenminuteswehadTheo’sCorvairstockedwiththekitten’sbelongings.Shestaredatme

throughthemeshononeendofthecarrier.

“Iwon’tbegonelong,cat.”Ihoped.“Beagoodgirlanddon’tmakemelooklikeabaddad.”

Theosuddenlyflushed.“Uh…WillsandIaretalkingaboutstartingafamilyoncewe’re

married.”

“Yeah?”SoMathesonhadgoneaheadandbroughtupthetopic.

“Thethingis…doyouthinkI’llbeagooddad?”

“Whywouldn’tyou?”

“Well…theonlythingmyownfatherevertaughtmewashowtothrowoutasonwhowasgay.”

“Jesus,Theo!”Ididn’thavetimeforthis.“Whatdoyouthinkyouweretoalltheboyswhowere

inyourfamily?”

“Huh?Ionlyhaveasister.”

“Alltherentboysyoulookedoutforovertheyears?”

“Theywerepartofourstable.”

“Theywereyourfamily.Youdidgoodbythem,andyou’lldogreatbyanykidyouhave.What

doesMathesonhavetosayaboutit?”

“Um…prettymuchwhatyousaid,exceptabouttheboys.He…uh…hedoesn’treallyknow

aboutthoseyears.”

“Hedoesn’t?Hestruckmeasmoreclued-inthanthat.”

“Ass.”Theopokedmyshoulder.“OfcourseheknowswhatIdid,butIneverreallytalkedabout

BudandMickorPaulandSpikeorTangerineortheKidorevenConnor.”

“Well,that’syourcall,butMathesonobviouslyhasconfidenceinyou.”

“But—”

“Look,Theo,thishypotheticalchildisn’tinyourlivesyet.Worryaboutitthen.I’vegottoget

goingorI’llmissmyflight.”

“Okay,Vince.Keepmeposted,okay?”

“Youbet.Bye,Pita.”Isteppedback.

“Ialwaysknewyouwereabigsoftie!”Theogrinnedoutthewindow.

“Excuseme?”

Stillgrinning,heputthelittlecaringearanddroveoff.

Icheckedmywatch.Jesus,I’dreallyhavetohustle.IgotintheDodgeandheadedforDulles.

Afterparkinginthelongtermlot—IhadnoideahowlongI’dbeinLA—Igotmyboardingpass,

wentthroughsecurity,andfoundthegateI’dbeleavingfrom.

Theairlinerepresentativegotontheaddresssystem.“Flight873nonstoptoLAisnowboarding

passengersneedingassistanceandthosewithsmallchildren.”

Ilookedacrossaspassengerswho’dbeflyingouttoLAwithmeroseandbeganliningup.

They’dhavetowait;itwouldstillbesometimebeforetheycouldboard,buttheywantedtobeready.

ThatmeantIprobablyhadaboutfifteenminutesbeforemyrowwascalled.Thegateacrossthe

wayhadnoflightscheduled,sotheseatswereallempty.Icrossedovertoitandplacedtheduffelona
seat,thenpulledoutmycellphoneandhitoneonspeeddial.

Thephonerangthreetimesandthenfour,andIwonderedifitwasgoingtogotovoicemail.

Maybethiswasn’tagoodtimeforQuinn?IwasmentallycomposingthemessageIplannedtoleave,but
beforehisgreeting...Mann.Go....cameon,hepickedup.

“Quinn—”

“Goodevening,Mark,”hesaid.

“Huh?Oh,yeah,it’snineo’clockwhereyouare.”

“Actuallyit’salmostnine-fifteen.Andhowareyou?”

“I’vegota—uh…I’mgood.Howareyou?”

“I’mquitewell.MotherandIarehavingdinnerwithLordCreighton.”

“Shit.Thisisabadtime.”

“It’sneverabadtime.”

“Isn’titkindoflatefordinner?Orareyougonnatellmedifferentstrokesfordifferentfolks?”

“Jackpreferstodineateight,buttheconversationhasgotten...interesting.”Helaughed,but

quicklybecameserious.“What’sgoingon,Mark?”

“Afriendofminehasbeenmissingsincesometimeyesterday.Noneofhisfriendsorcoworkers

hasseenhim,andhe’snotinanyofthehospitalsorthemorgue,soI’mfiguringsomeone’ssnatchedhim.”

“Yourformerlandlord?”

“Theo?No,he’sokay.HevolunteeredtowatchPitaforme.”

“Who?”

“ThekittenI’mgivingPortiaforMother’sDay.Oh,shit,isshenear?Didshehearthat?Youdon’t

haveyourphoneonspeaker,doyou?Fuckit,Iwantedtosurpriseher!”

“That’squiteallright.I’vesteppedawayfromthetable.Althoughshewouldneverstoopto

eavesdropping.”

“No,shewouldn’t.Sorry,Quinn.”

“No,I’msorry.Ishouldn’ttease,especiallywhenyouhaveaserioussituationgoingon.”

“Y’knowsomething,babe?Ilikewhenyoudo.”

“Nooneelse….”

JustlikenooneelsesawtheheatbelowhisIceManexterior?Theywereallfools.

“Well,Iapologize.”

“AndIforgiveyou.”

“You’retookind.”Hechuckledwryly,andifhe’dbeenhere,Iwouldhavejumpedhim.“How

badisit?Doyouneedme?”

“Always,babe.ButI’vegotthis.OrIwillonceIgetouttoLAandgetitsortedout.I’llneedto

talktoyouruncle.”

“TonyorBryan?”

“Bryan.”Hewastheconsultantfortheshow.“Spikewasworkingonasceneforanepisodeof

CIA,anditsoundslikethatwasthelasttimeanyonecanrememberseeinghim.”

“I’llcallBryanrightnow.Whatelsecanyoutellmeabouttheyoungman?”

“Actingname,Spike,realname—”

“Justasecond.Nolastname?”

“No.AccordingtoPaul—”

“Who?”

“Sorry.Idon’tthinkI’vementionedhim.He’sagoodfriend,andheandSpikehavebeentogether

foracoupleofyears.”

“Ah.Iunderstand.Sorry,pleasecontinue.”

“Okay,Spike’srealnameisValDuchesne—”

“OfthePhiladelphiaDuchesnes?”Hewaschuckling.

“Yeah.Youknowthem?”Iwasn’tsurprised.Quinnwasroyaltyintheintelligencecommunity,

buthewasalsoasclosetoablue-bloodedaristocratasthiscountryhad.Hisfamilyprettymuchknew
everyonewhowasanyone.

“Iwasn’tserious!”

“Iam.”

“Iknowofthem.Mrs.DuchesnewasonanumberofMother’scommittees.”

“Bunchofsuperciliousassholes.”Somepeoplejustshouldn’tbeallowedtobreed.Theonly

thingthatmatteredtothemwastheirperfectonepointeight-sixkids.“Theyfreakedthefuckoutwhenthey
realizedhewasgayandwhenprayingthegayoutofhimdidn’twork,theysenthimtooneofthose
facilitiesthatdoaversiontherapy.OnlySpikedecidedhewasn’thavinganyofit,soheran.Hewas
sixteen,andhewoundupinDC.Hefoundalotofmentherewholikedboys,sohedidwhathehadtoin
ordertosurvive.”

“Jesus.”TherewasaroughnotetoQuinn’svoice.Hewasanhonorableman,andIcouldpicture

howhe’dreacttosomethinglikethat.“Whathappened?”

“Paulfoundhim,whichwasagoodthing.”Iwasn’tgoingtotellQuinnthatatthetime,Paulhad

beenarentboyhimself,goingbythenameofPrettyBoy.“AlthoughhealwayssaysSpikefollowedhim
homeandhedecidedtokeephim.”

“Hesoundslikeagoodman.”

“Heis.”

Theaddresssystemcrackled,andtherepresentativeannounced,“Flight873,nonstoptoL.A.is

nowboardingrowstwentytotwenty-five.”

“Letmemakethisfast.Ourboyisalmostnineteenbutlooksmaybefifteen.He’sfivefootseven,

onethirty-fiveoroneforty,redhair,andthebiggestgrayeyesyou’veeverseen.”

“Oh?ShouldIbeworried?”

“Ass.YouknowIpreferhazeleyes,andbeforeyouask,theonlyhazeleyesIpreferareyours.”

“Thankyou.”

Wassomethinggoingonthatwasmakinghiminsecure?HehadtoknowhowIfelt….“We’lltalk

moreaboutthiswhenwegettogether.”

“Whichwon’tbethisFriday.”

“No.Andletmetellyou...Idon’tbegrudgethetimeyouspendwithyourmother,butwhenIget

myhandsonthesonofabitchwho’sgotSpike….”

“You’recertainhe’sbeenkidnapped?Sometimespeople…”

“Walkaway?Iknow.Butifyoueversawthosetwotogether,youwouldn’tbuyit.AsIsaid,

Paul’scalledeveryhospitalaswellasthemorgue.AndmaybeI’mbarkingupthewrongtree...”

“Butyoudon’tthinkso.”

“No.Spikeisn’tlikethat.He’sasmartkid,andheknowswhathe’sgotwithPaul.”

“Inthatcase,givethesonofabitchapunchformeaswell.”

“Flight873isnowboardingrowsfifteenandhigher,”therepannounced.

“I’vegottago,babe.”

“Go,Mark,”Quinnmurmured.“Haveasafeflight.I’llcallBryanassoonasIgetofftheline.If

heneedstocontactyou…?”

“Givehimmycellnumber,butlethimknowI’llcallhimmyself.I’mscheduledtogetintoLAX

alittleafterseven,PacificTime.”

“Allright.Letmeknowifthere’sanythingIcandotohelp.”

“Iwill.Thanks.Quinn…”IwantedtotellhimhowIfeltandopenedmymouthtosay…

something.

Quinnmusthavebeenamindreader.“Iknow,”hesaid.“Metoo.”

“Good.Bye,babe.”

“Bye.”

Andthentherewasjustdeadair,andmyrowwascalled.Iturnedoffmyphone,hoistedtheduffel

overmyshoulder,andcrossedtotheJetwaytoboardmyflight.

Theflightwassoldout.Peopleshuffledintheaisle,lookingforspaceintheoverhead

compartments.Ms.Parkerhadhadtobookmeawindowseat,whichwasn’tsomethingIwashappywith,
butIsuckeditup.Istashedtheduffel,andtookmyseat.

AndIwaitedforthejettotakeoff.

HAPTER

Fivehourslater,theplanetoucheddownatLAX.IwaiteduntilallthepassengersgotoffbeforeI

stoodup,removedmyduffelfromtheoverheadcompartment,andmademywaydowntheaisleandout
intotheterminal.

Outsidebaggageclaim,Icaughttheshuttlethatwouldtakemetotherentalcompany’ssite.Once

there,I’dpickupthecoupethatMs.ParkerhadreservedformeanddrivetoPaul’sstreet.

I’dbeentothelittleapartmentPaulandSpikesharedonlyacoupleofweeksearlier,whenI’d

hadsomesparetimeafterI’dfinishedajob.WhileIwasthere,Idecidedtopayavisittotheproducer
anddirectorofIntheDarkoftheNight.

EarlyinDecember,theproducerhadspottedSpikewhenhe’dbeenwaitingtablesatFalling

Water,atrendyrestaurantinWestHollywood.He’dofferedSpikethepartaftertestinghimforit,and
althoughPaulwasoverjoyedabouttheyoungestrentboybeinginamovie,Spikehadbeensurprisingly
blaséaboutit.Hispartwasn’tbig,andshootingithadonlytakenhalfaday,butboththeproducerand
directorhadbeenimpressedbyhisacting,callinghimanatural.Theywerealsostraight,whichmightnot
meananythinginthelongrun,soI’djustletthemknowthatifSpikeeverfeltpressuredbyanyonetoput
out,they’dhavetodealwithme.

Thedirectorwavedasidemywarning.“Thecastingcouchisathingofthepast.”

“Thatmightbe,butSpike’sacutekid.Inaddition,he’safriendofthefamily.Keepinmindwhat

Isaid.IfSpikehasanycausetocomplain,I’llseetoityou…”Igrinnedathimandhiseyeswidened.“…
neverworkinthistownagain.”

“You’rethreateningme?”

Icontinuedgrinningathim.

“Youarethreateningme!DoyouhaveaSAGcard?”

“What?”

“AreyouamemberoftheScreenActorsGuild?I’vegotamovieinpreproduction,andthere’sa

partyou’dbeperfectfor!”

Washeshittingme?Myexpressionmusthavegivenhimaclue.

“No?Well,giveitsomethought.Meanwhile,Spikeissafewithus.”

Onlyitlookedlikehewasn’t.ThedirectorshowedtheclipofSpike’scharacterputtinghimself

betweenhisgirlfriendandtheSlashertoafriendwhowastheshowrunnerforCIA.Thescenewas
supposedtobeplayedforlaughs,withSpikefumblingandbumblinghiswaythroughit,butithadn’tcome
acrossthatway.Infact,theshowrunnerwassoimpressed,he’dofferedSpikearoleinafutureepisode.

AndnowitseemedthelasttimeSpikehadbeenseenwasonthatset.

TherewasnoanswerwhenItappedontheapartmentdoor,soIjimmiedthelockandletmyself

in.Theplacewasstuffy,andIfoundthecontrolfortheairconditioningandturnediton.

Paulwaslyingonthecouch,tossinginarestlessslumber.Hisclotheswerewrinkled—Ihadthe

feelingtheywerethesameoneshe’dwornforthepastdayandahalf.Hislasheswerespikedwherethey
layonhischeeks,andIknewhemusthavecriedhimselftosleep.

WrappedinhisarmswastherattieststuffeddogI’deverseen.Aplasticeyewasmissing,thetail

hungbyaliteralthread,andclumpsoffurhadwornoff.

Iguessedweallhadour“Sams.”

Idroppedmyduffelatthefootofthecouch,satbesidehim,andbrusheddamphairoffhis

forehead.

Herolledtowardmeandburiedhisheadagainstmyhip.“Spike?Where’veyoubeen,baby?I

hadsuchabaddream.”

“No,babe.Sorry.It’sme.”

“Vince?”Heboltedupright,nearlyclippingmeinthechin.“Oh,God,I’mgladyou’rehere!”The

dogfelltothefloor,andhewrappedhisarmsaroundmeandheldontight.“Whatarewegonnado?”He
shook,andIranahandupanddownhisback,hopingtosoothehim.

“You’regonnatakeashowerandchangeintoclothesthatdon’tstandupontheirown.I’mgonna

makeyousomethingtoeat.”

“I’mnothungry.”

“Well,Iam,”Ilied.“Andyouwon’tbegoodforanythingifyoucollapsewhenIneedyou.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”Iroseandpulledhimtohisfeet.“Getgoing,andI’llseewhat’sinyourkitchen.”

“Probablynotmuch.I’vebeeneatingatthehospital,andSpike…”Hethrewhimselfatme,andI

caughthimandlethimholdontomeagain.

“Hangon,babe.”

Hesniffedhardandnodded.“I’msorry.Butifanythinghappenstohim,Idon’tknowhowI’llgo

on...ifI’llwanttogoon.”

“We’llfindhim.Nowgoshower.Oh,andgiveTheoacall.He’sprobablyhavingkittens.”

Henoddedagain,brushedthetearsfromhiseyes,andlefttheroom.

Ipickedupthedogandproppeditinacornerofthecouch,thentookoutmyphoneanddialed

Quinn’sUncleBryan.Averyyoungfemalevoiceansweredthephone.“Sebringresidence.”

ThismustbeSunday,who,forashortperiodoftime,hadbeentheoldestSebring’sstepdaughter.

Now,inspiteofthefactthatthemarriagehadbeenannulled,sheandhermotherandhernewdadlivedin
theguestcottageontheproperty.

“I’dliketospeaktoBryanSebring,please.MynameisMarkVincent.”

“UncleMark!YougavemethePrincessShe-RadollforChristmas!Thankyou!”

“Uh…”UncleMark?“You’rewelcome.I’mgladyoulikeher.ButisBryanavailable?”

“I’ll—”

“Who’sonthephone,sweetpea?”

“It’sUncleMark,Daddy!”

“Youdon’thavea….Whoisthis?”themalevoicebarkedinmyear.

“MarkVincent.QuinnsaidhewasgoingtolethisuncleknowI’dbecalling.”

“Right,sorry.ThisisCisco.”JohnCiscowastheformeropwho’dprotectedSundayfromher

drug-dealerdadandthenfellinlovewithandmarriedhermom.“TonyandBryanareout.Bryangot
clearanceforyoutovisitthestudiotomorrow,butheaskedmetomeetyouatFallingWatersoyoucan
bringmeuptospeed...inaboutanhourandahalf?”

“Goodenough.”Themoresosincethatwouldgivemetimetochangeclothes,makesurePaulate

something,anddrivetoCulverCity.Iwantedtocheckoutthestudio,whichwasafifteenminutedrive
fromhere.Itwasanotherfifteenminutestotherestaurant,whereSpikestillworked.Hewasasmartkid;
heknewhistimeinthespotlightcouldlastfifteenyears,butitcouldjustaseasilybeoverinfifteen
minutes.

“I…uh…what’sthiskidtoyou?”

“Who,Spike?Hispartnerisanoldfriend.Why?YouthinkI’mscrewingaroundonQuinn?”

“Youcanhardlyblamehisunclesforbeingconcerned.Youdropeverythingandflyouthere—”

“Idothatforpeoplewhomat—tellmesomething.IfQuinnwasinvolvedwithanyoneotherthan

me,wouldyouallbethisconcerned?”

Hewasquietforafullminute.

“Ididn’tthinkso.”

“Wait,Vincent!I’ll…I’llmeetyouattherestaurant.”

“Inanhourandahalf.”Idisconnectedthecallandwentintothetinykitchen.Thefridgewas

fairlyempty,buttherewasapackageofhotdogsinthefreezer.Nobunsorsauerkraut,butIdidfindacan
ofbakedbeansinthepantry.Thatwouldhavetodo.

Minuteslater,Paulcameintothekitchen.Helookedfresh.Stillworn,butfresh.

“DidyoucallTheo?”

Hehelduphiscellphone.“Iwasjustaboutto.”

“Paul.Putitonspeaker.”

“Okay.”

Weheardthenumberbeingdialed,andthen,“Paul!How’sSpike?”

“Oh,God,babe,Idon’tknow!Ihaven’tseenhimsinceeightyesterdaymorning.Itriedandtried

callinghim,anditgoesrighttovoicemail,andnoneofhisfriendshaveseenhim,andnooneatwork
knowsany—”Hisvoicebroke,andIwenttohimandputanarmaroundhisshoulder.“—anything.”

“IsVincethere?”

“Yes.Hisflightgotinaboutanhourago.Hemadesomephonecalls,andnowhe’smakingdinner.

But,Theo,howcanIeat....”

“Youhaveto,forSpike.”

“Whatifhedoesn’tcomehome?”

IcouldfeelthetremorsrunningthroughPaul’sbody.“He’llbehome,babe,”Itoldhim.“Andas

soonasIgetsomefoodintoyou,I’mgoingtoseesomeone.”

Hesethislipsinafirmline.“I’mcomingwithyou.”

“Jesus.Okay,butyouhavetoeat.TellTheogood-byeandyou’llcallassoonasweknowwhat’s

goingon.”

“Theo—”

“Iheardhim,babe.Go.Justremembertocallme.”

“IpromiseI’llcallassoonas...I’llcall.”

“Okay.Iloveyou,babe.”

“What?”

“Isaid—”

“Youneversaythat!”

“Idonow.”

“Awesome!Theo?Iloveyoutoo.”

Ididn’twanttoburstthebubbleonthismutualadmirationsociety,but,“Dinner’sgettingcold!”

Theysaidgood-bye,andPauldisconnectedthecall.“Vince....”

“Okay,let’sgetsomefoodintoyou.”

Hedidn’thavemuchinterestinthedinnerI’dprepared,andinspiteofwhatI’dtoldhim,neither

didI.

Iscrapedoffthemealwehadn’teatenintothegarbagedisposalandranit,thenchangedintothe

clothesinmyduffel—blackjeans,blackshirt,blackrunningshoes,andmadesureIwasarmed.

“Whataboutme?”Paulasked.Hewasallinblackaswell.

“Canyouhandleagunwithoutshootingyourselfinthefoot?”

“Uh….”

“Here,takethisinstead.”Ihandedhimmypocketknife.“Thisissharp,sodon’tcutyourself.”

“Thanks—”Hisphonerang,andhepickeditup.“Idon’trecognizethenumber.”

“Answeritanyway.”

“Iwasgoingto.”

“Andputitonspeaker.”

Hegavemealookandpressedthebutton.“ThisisPaulStark.”

“StoplookingforVal.”

ItooktheslimcablefrommyphoneandconnectedittoPaul’s.Romerohadaddedsomenifty

attachmentstomyphone,andoneofthemwasadevicethatwouldtrackincomingcalls.

“Vince?”

Itouchedmyforefingertomylipsandthendrewmyfingersapart,indicatingheneededtokeep

theconversationgoingaslongashecould.

Heswallowedandnodded.“Uh…Valwho?”

“Youdon’tevenknowhisrealname?Andyou’vealreadygotsomeonenew.Don’tlietome,I

heardyousayhisname!God,youfagsaredisgusting!Youdon’tcareaboutVal.You’rejusttaking
advantageofhim.”

“Whoareyou?”

“That’snotimportant.I’mtakingValhometohisfamily.He’sagreedtogo.Hewasalwaysa

smartboy,andheknowswhat’sbestforhim.Oh,andbytheway,he’sadmittedheneverlovedyou.”
Therewasamuffledsoundinthebackground,andthenthesoundofaslap.

Paullookedsick,andIsqueezedhisshoulder,givinghimashake.

“Godknowswherehegotthenotionhewasgay.Probablyfromthatqueerbrotherofmine.”

Paulnarrowedhiseyesandhecurledhisfingerslikeapairoftalons.WhoeverhadtakenSpike

hadnoideawhathe’dbittenoff.

“Anyway,we’releavingnow,and…What’sthat?”

Howthehellwerewesupposedtoknow?Paul’sphonesuddenlywentsilent.

“Vince?”

Icheckedthereadoutonmyphone.“We’vegotthelocation.”ItwasthestudioinCulverCity,

whereCIAwasshot—thelastplace,asfarasanyoneknew,whereSpikehadbeenseen.Idisconnected
thecable,letitretractintomyphone,andclippeditontomybelt.“Let’sgo.”

HAPTER

Istaredatthepanoramabeforemeinirritation.Noonewassupposedtobehere—exceptSpike

andthebastardwho’dsnatchedhim—notuntilthemorning.

ParamedicswereworkingonSpike;Ciscowassittingonatall,skinny,twenty-somethingguy

whobuckedfromtimetotime;leaningcasuallyagainstawallwereQuinn’suncles,TonyandBryan
Sebring.

PaulrushedtoSpike.“I’mhere,baby.I’mhere.”

“Glad.”Spike’svoicewasthready.

“What’swrongwithhiswrists?”Hewasstaringatthebandagestheparamedicshadwrapped

aroundthem,andhesoundedshaken.Thewhitewasmarredbybrightredwherebloodwasseeping
through.

“Hekepttryingtoworkhimselffreeofthehandcuffs,andasamatteroffact,hehadsucceededin

freeinghisleftwrist.That’swhytheblood—”

“Handcuffs?OhGod!”

“It’sokay,Paul.I’mokay.”

“No,you’renot!Yourpoorface!Yourpoorwrists!”

“That’snothing.”Spike’sfacecrumpled,andheburieditagainstPaul’swaist.Iwascloseenough

tohearhiswhisperedwords.“Hemademepissmyself.”

Yeah.I’dbeenstruckbythealmostoverpoweringodorofstaleurine,andI’dhadthefeeling

forcingSpiketohaveanaccidentwaspartofthisbastard’splan,whateverthatwas.

“It’sokay,baby.”PaulwrappedanarmaroundSpike’sshoulderandpulledhimcloser.“Vince.I

wantthatsonofabitchdead.”

Itouchedhishair.“Consideritdone.”

TonySebringglancedathiswatch,andthenpushedhimselfawayfromthewallandstalked

towardme.Foranolderman,hemovedeasily.“You’renotsupposedtobehere.”

“Mybad.”Icurledmylipathimandgrowled,“Howlonghaveyoubeenhere?”

Hecurledhislipbackatme.“Notlong.”

Ididn’tbelievehim,butIwasn’tgoingtochallengehimjustnow.“Andhowlonghavethe

paramedicsbeenhere?”PaulandIhadseentheambulanceoutsidethestudio,alongwithafewcars.

“Abouttenminutes.”

“Howbadishehurt?”Paulaskedtheparamedics.IcouldseehewantedtofussoverSpike,but

hewasanurse,andheknewhehadtogivethemroomtowork.Still,hestayedwithintouchingdistance.
“Youcantellme,”Paulassuredthem.“I’manurse.”

“Andhe’smyboyfriend.Youcantellhim.”

IwatchedtheparamedicstoseeiftheircareofSpikewouldchangenowthattheyrealizedhe

wasgay,butitdidn’t.MaybebecausetheywereAngelinos.

“He’salittlebattered—”

Exceptforalividpalmprintonhischeek,itwasjustalittle.IthoughtofPaul’sinjuriesfromthe

beatinghe’dtakenlastspring—acollapsedlung,fourfracturedribs,abrokennose,adislocatedelbow,
cuts,scrapes,andassortedcontusions—andwassurprisedSpikewasn’thurtworse.

Spikeseemedmoretogethernow,andsomehowhemanagedtogetanarmaroundPaul’swaist.“I

knewyou’dcomeforme.AndIneversaidIdidn’tloveyou!”Heleanedaroundhimandglaredattheguy
Ciscowassittingon.

TheparamediccontinuedtoenumerateSpike’sinjuries.“SunnyJimoverthereinjectedhimwith

adrug—”

“Hedruggedyou?Weneverletyouusedrugs!”

“Iknow,Paul.”SpikestrokedPaul’sarm,tryingtoreassurehim.

PaultouchedthebruiseonSpike’scheekwithcarefulfingers,butSpikestillflinched,andPaul

wheeledontheparamedics.“Whatelseiswrong?”

“Yourfriendherehasgotaprettybadheadache,butwecan’tgivehimanythingforthepain

becauseofthedruginhissystem.”

“Whynot?”

“Thesofaoverthere...”TheparamedicnoddedtowardthemanCiscowassittingon.“...refuses

totelluswhatheused,sowe’llhavetowaitfortheresultsofatoxscreen.”

“Listentome,Spike.Focusonme,”Paulsaid,repeatingwhatSpikehadtoldhimwhenhe’dbeen

inthehospitallastyear.“Letthepainwashaway.”

IjoinedCisco,squatteddown,andstudiedthemanonthefloor.“Who’sthisclown?”

“Accordingtohisdriver’slicense,hisnameisGilesStapleton.”

“OfthePhiladelphiaStapletons,”TonySebringsaidwithsomedistaste.“Theyneverwerewell-

thought-of.”

Stapletonstartedtoprotest,butCiscoreacheddownandpinchedhisnoseclosed.“Zipit,

asshole.”

IapprovedofhismethodforshuttingupStapleton.Hell,hecouldhavejammedaknifeintothe

baseofStapleton’sskullandI’dhaveapproved.

ItlookedlikeCiscohadhimundercontrol,soIstraightenedandwenttoQuinn’suncles.“What

areyoutwodoinghere?”

“Thisismyplaceofemployment,”theyoungerSebringsaid.“OfcourseI’dbehereifnefarious

happeningswereafootinthisstudio.”

“AndI’dhavetobeheretokeepaneyeonthesprout.”TonySebringgavemeatightgrin.

IshookmyheadandsentadisgruntledglareinCisco’sdirection.“IthoughtCiscosaidyouwere

out,butthatyou’dhaveeverythingsmoothedoutformetohaveaccesstothestudiotomorrow.”

“Wewere.Allthis...”BryanSebringwavedahandtoindicatethesetandthenSpikeand

Stapleton.“...wouldhavebeensmoothedoutbythetimeyouarrived.Itisallsmoothedout.”

“Jesus,doyouknowwhatQuinnwoulddoifanythinghappenedtoyou?”

“You’renotresponsibleforus,Vincent.”TonySebringcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“And

neitherisournephew.”

Ibitbackanothergrowl.Itwasn’tagoodideatorevealanyemotion,noteventoQuinn’suncles

—Iwasn’ttheIceMan,butIhadareputationforbeingastonecoldagent.IreturnedtoCiscoand
StapletonandkickedStapletonintheribs,ignoringhisyelp,andrejoinedPaulandSpike.

“You’restillourhero,babe.”Paulrubbedmyshoulder.

TherewasnoreasonwhyIcouldn’tgrowlathim,soIdid.Iwasnokindofhero;Ihadn’tdonea

fuckingthing.

“Youcan’tgoaroundkickingguyswhenthey’redown!”oneoftheparamedicsprotested.

“Ohno?Wanttoseemedoitagain?”IturnedbacktoStapleton.

“Shutup!Shutup,beforehecavesinmyribs!”

“Hedidn’tkickyouthathard!”PaulglaredatStapleton.

“Itdidn’tlookthathardtomeeither,”Ciscosaid.

“Somepeopledon’thavemuchofatoleranceforpunishment.”Quinn’sunclesseemedtobe

swallowinglaughter.

Theparamedicgaveitup.“We’retakingthisyoungmantotheERofCenturyCityDoctors

Hospital.”

“Willhehavetobeadmitted?”IcaughtSpike’srighthandandcarefullyturnedhisarmover.

Therewasahuge,painful-lookingbruiseinthecrookofhiselbow.Stapletonobviouslyhadnotalent
whenitcametoadministeringaninjection.

“We’llseewhatthedocthinks.”

“Paul,gowithhim.I’llmeetyouthereafterthismessheregetscleanedup.”

“Thanks,Vince.”Paulkissedmycheekandfollowedtheparamedics.

Oncetheyleft,IwentbacktoQuinn’suncles.“Aretheygoingtocauseproblems?”

“No.”BryanSebringexaminedhisfingernails.“I...informedthemIworkhereandI’dtake

responsibilityforwhathappened.”

“Whataboutcops?”

Thecornerofhismouthcurledinasmuggrin.“You’renottheonlyonewithcontacts,Mark.”

“Okay,nowwhatthefuckdidhappen?”

“Yourfriendcangiveyouthedetailslater,butfromwhatwecanascertain,PrinceCharmingover

there—”

“AllIwastryingtodowasrescueValentineDuchesneandreturnhimtohisfamily.Heneedsto

comebacktoPhiladelphia!That...thatpersonhe’sbeenlivingwithisnothingmorethanahustler!”

Paulhadbeenoutofthebusinessforaboutayear,andunlessStapletonwastossingaround

epithets,hehadtohavebeenkeepingSpikeundersurveillanceforatleastthatlong.

“WouldValhavemadeithomealive?”Bryanasked,andIstaredathim,dumbfounded.Howhad

hereachedthatconclusion?

“Areyouinsinuating...That’slibel!”

“Ithinkthewordyou’relookingforisslander.”

Stapletonbuckedagain,tryingtogetCiscooffhisback.Hewasunsuccessfulagain,andCiscohit

thebackofhisheadwithhiscurledfist.

“Ow!”Stapletonwhined.“You’regoingtohearfrommylawyer!”

Bryanignoredthatthreat.Well,hecould.FromwhatQuinnhadtoldme,theSebringswere

friendlywiththeseniorpartnersofoneofthemostprestigiouslawfirmsinDC.“DoyouknowhowIsee
it,Giles?”HewaiteduntilStapletoncranedhisheadandmethisgaze.“YouwerehappyforValentineto
beoutofthepicture.Asamatteroffact,you’veknownwherehewasthesepasttwoyears.Iimagineyou
hopedhewouldn’tsurvivelifeonthestreet.”

“That’sridiculous!WhywouldI?He’smyfiancée’sbrother!”

“Yes,andinspiteofthefactthathisparentsdisownedhim,hisgrandfatherhadn’t.Aportionof

ArthurMorens’sfortuneisbeingheldintrustforValentine.Itwouldonlygotohissisterifhewas...
deceased.”

Howthefuckdidheknowthis?

AlthoughIhadn’tspokenoutloud,Bryangrinnedatme.“ArthurandIwenttoPhillipsExeterand

remainedfriendlyafterward.Asamatteroffact,hewasoneofmygroomsmenwhenImarried.It’sa
smallworld,isn’tit,Giles?”

“That…that’sallsupposition!AndifMorenshadknownhisgrandsonwasafag—”

IcrossedtowherehewasstillunderCiscoandrestedmyfootonhishead,puttingjustenough

pressureonittogethisattention.“Ifyoudon’tshutyourfuckingmouth,Iwillcrushyourskull.”

“Youwouldn’tdare!”

“Oh,he’ddare,sunshine.”CiscotwistedStapleton’sear,andheyelpedagain.“Youhaveno

idea!”

“Doyouwantthese?”Bryanheldupthehandcuffs.Icouldseethemetalwasstainedwithblood.

“Yeah.Bastard.”

Bryanraisedaneyebrow,andIscowledathim.“YouknowdamnwellIwasn’ttalkingabout

you.”Iremovedmyfootandapproachedhim,myhandextended.

Ciscogottohisfeet,andthenleaneddownandyankedStapletontohisfeet,holdinghimwhileI

slappedthecuffsonhim.“Youwanthim,Vincent?”

“Oh,yeah.Youthreegottohaveallthefunearlier.Nowit’smyturn.”Ishotmycuffsandcracked

myknuckles.“Youmightwanttoleave.”

“Wait!Ihavearighttoanattorney!”

“Didanyofyoureadhimhisrights?”

“We’renotcops.”Ciscoshrugged.“Ashewasatsuchpainstoinformuswhenwefirstarrived

onthescene.”

Andwhenwasthat?Well,I’dfindoutlater.

“Inthatcase,Iguessyoudon’tgetaphonecall.You’reallmine,Stapleton.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Stapletonmusthaverealizedtheshithewasinwasuparoundhis

chin,becausehesuddenlysoundedpanic-stricken.

“Ah,shit.Cisco,doyouhaveaknife?Idon’thavemineonme.”

“I’mdisappointed.”

“Eh.Paulneededtobearmed.”

“Whatareyougoingtodowithaknife?”

“You’reagoodlookingguy.”Iranmygazeoverhim.“IthinkI’llrearrangeyourlooks.Takeoff

yourears,yournose,yourlowerlip.Maybeyoureyelids.”

Therewasahissingsoundashepissedhimself.

“Ican’tletyoudothat,Vincent.”TonySebringapproached.Foramoment,hesoundedsomuch

likeQuinnthatIalmostfoundmyselfbackingoff.

“Thankyou,Sebring!”Stapletonwasalmostintears.“Iknewyouwouldn’tletthis...thislowlife

pieceofscumhurtsomeonelikeme!”

“Lowlifepieceofscum?You’vehurtmyfeelings.”

Tonygaveasnortoflaughter.“Oh,youdon’twanttothankme,Giles.Yousee,thisscumispart

ofmyfamily,andevenStapletonsshouldknowhowweSebringsregardfamily.”

Myjawdropped.AfterwhathadhappenedatShadowBrookonNewYear’sEve,whenI’d

almostwalkedout,takingQuinnwithme,Ihadn’tthoughtQuinn’sunclesthoughtmuchofme.Surethey
appreciatedthefactItookdownPrinziptogettotheirnephew,butmepersonally….

“Mark,closeyourmouth.You’llcatchflies.”

Ishutmymouthwithasnap,feelingaflushrunupmycheeks.Washesayingthatthingabout

familytothrowthefearofGodintoStapleton,orhadhereallymeantit?

“Tellme,Mark.Doyouthinkyoucangetyourfriendtopresscharges?”

“Yeah.”Iwaitedtohearwherehewasgoingwiththis.

“Excellent.FromwhatStapletonherehadtosaybeforeyouarrived,I’mgiventobelievehis

extremehomophobiaisactuallyduetoafearofbeingatthemercyofanotherman.”

Stapletonbegantolookevenmoreuneasy.Maybehewasn’tcompletelystupid.

“Ibelievesendinghimofftoprison,withhisprettyfaceintact,wouldbeamoreefficacious

punishment.”

“You’vegotapoint,”Iadmittedgrudgingly.

“I’mgladyouthinkso.AndI’msureyouhaveacontactwho’llgetthewordouttotheinmate

populationthatStapletonwouldwelcometheirattentions.”

“Yeah.Ofcoursethatdependsonwherehe’ssentto.”ItwouldbesomefacilityinCalifornia,

sincethekidnappinghadtakenplacehere.Ismiled,mentallyconsideringwhowouldbethebestforthis
job.

“Youcan’tdothistome!”

“SureIcan.”Itookoutmycellphone,butBryanputhishandonmyarm.

“Whydon’tyougoseehowyourfriendisdoing?We’lldealwiththis.”

Ilookedoverthetwooldermen.Bryanwasinhisseventies,whileTonywasovereighty,but

theywereingoodshape.I’dseenthatformyselfwhenwe’dgonehorsebackridingonNewYear’sDay.

“Justdon’tgetyourselveshurt.Quinnwouldn’tbehappyaboutthat.”

“Ciscowilldealwithwhateverwecan’thandle.”

Ciscosnortedbutdidn’trespondtothat.

AsIwalkedout,IheardBryansay,“Tony,wouldyoumindcallingyourfriendinthe

department?”

“Notintheleast,littlebrother.Iwantthissortedout.It’sgettinglate,andyouknowhowtestyI

getwhenImissdinner.”

HAPTER

Ileftthebuilding,gotintotherental,anddrovetothehospital.Spikewasstillintheemergency

roomwhenIfoundhim.Hewaswearingajohnnygownandsockswiththerubbergrippersonthesole.

“Itoldthemtogetridofmyclothes,”hesaid.“Icouldn’tstandtohavethemagainstmyskin

again.”

I’dhavetodrivebacktotheirapartmentandgetsomecleanclothesforhimwhenhewasreadyto

gohome,butthatwasnobigdeal.

“Y’know,thisisgettingold.Ihopenextyearwedon’thaveTheointheER.”

“Godforbid!”Paullookedexhausted,andIrestedahandonhisshoulder.“Vince.Ileftmywallet

home.”

“So?I’llspotyouifyouneedanycash.”

“No,it’s….”

Awomanwithaclipboardwalkedintothebay,andIhadanevenstrongersenseofdéjàvu,

rememberingtheself-importantlittlemanatGeorgeWashingtonHospitalwhowasn’thappythatI’dbeen
makingphonecallswithinthehallowedwallsofhisED.

“I’msorry,wehaveabitofaproblem.”

“Yeah?”

“Wedon’thaveanyinsuranceinformationonthisyoungman.”

SothatwaswhyPaulsaidtherewasaproblem.Ireachedformywallet,tookoutmyinsurance

card,andgaveittoher.

HergazewentfrommetoSpike,backtomeandthentoPaul.

“Thesearemyboys,”Itoldher.

Shegavemeanowlishlook.“Well,youmusthavestartedveryyoung!”

“WhatcanItellyou?Iwasprecocious.”

Shewasquietforamoment,thengaveabrisknod.“Yes.Well,I’lljustmakeacopyofthiscard

andgetitrightbacktoyou.”

“Thanks.”

“Vince,areyougonnagetintroubleoverthat?”

Ihunchedashoulder.“IftheygetpissyI’llthrowabunchofcashatthem.Whatdidthedoctor

havetosay?”

“I’mokay.”SpikecorrectedhimselfwhenPaulgavehimagrimlook.“I’llbeokay.Gilesdidn’t

reallyhurtme.”

“No,hejusthumiliatedyouandfracturedyourcheekbone.”

“Goddammit!”I’dbeenunawareofthat.Icouldseethepalmprintstartingtodarken,andthearea

wasstartingtoswellup.

“Allwehavetodoisiceit,”Spikesaidtome.HenarrowedhiseyesandstaredfrommetoPaul.

“Youguysarebothdressedinblack.You’retwins!”

“Areyouhigh?Didtheygiveyousomething?”

“Nevermind.”Hestartedtoshakehishead,thoughtbetterofit,andreachedacrossforPaul’s

handinstead.“DoIstillhavemyjob?”

“AtFallingWater?Idon’tknow,butthemanagersoundedsympatheticwhenIcalledtoaskif

anyonehadseenyou.”

“I’lllookintoit.”WithQuinninLondonandTheBosscoveringthingsattheWBIS,therewasno

reasonformetohurrybacktoDC.

“Thanks,Vince.”Spikeleanedbackagainstthepillowandclosedhiseyes.“Icouldkickmyself.

Gilesismybestfriend’sbrother.WhenDaneandIwereyounger,healwayspickedonus.Well,we’dget
backathimbycallinghimGilesPiles.Ithoughtwhenheturnedupatthestudio,thingswouldbe
different.”Heshrugged.“Theyseemeddifferent.HetoldmeheandEllie—she’smyoldersister—were
engaged,andtheywerehavingasmallweddingandwantedmethere.Iaskedhowmyparentsweretaking
that,because…well,y’know…theydidn’tlikemebeinggay,andhesaid‘Fuck’em.’Youcanunderstand
whyI’dthinkhechanged,can’tyou,Paul?”

“Yes.”PaulslidanarmaroundSpike’sshoulders.“Yes,Ican,baby.”

“Anyway,IinvitedhimtoFallingWaterforlunchandsaidI’ddrive.Wewereheadingouttothe

parkinglot,whenallofasuddentherewasapaininmyneck…”HepointedtoanotherbruiseIhadn’t
realizedwasthere.Jesus,Iwaslosingit.“…andthenextthingIknew,Iwokeuphandcuffedtoabedon
oneofthesoundstagesIdidn’tevenknowwasthere.”

“Didhe…didhehurtyou,baby?”Paul’scomplexionwasgray.

Spike’sbrowfurrowed.“Youknowwhathe…Oh.Youmeandidhefuckme.No,hedidn’t.”

PaulwrappedhisotherarmaroundSpikeandleanedagainsthim.

ImetSpike’seyes.Therewassomethinghewasn’tsaying.

“Howthefuckcouldhedothatwithoutanyonechallenginghim?”Iplannedtolookintothis.

“Idon’tknow.ExceptthisisHollywood.Maybewhoeversawusthoughtwewererehearsingfor

ashow.Allyouhavetodoislooklikeyou’resupposedtobethere.”

Thatwastrue.ItwasalsohowImanagedtoslipintoplacesIwasn’tsupposedtobe,soI

guessedIshouldn’tpissandmoanaboutit.ButitwasonethingwhenIdiditandanotherwhensome
assholewhoseonlyaimwastohurtafriendtriedit.

“DidyoucallTheo?”IaskedPaul.

“No.Ididn’twanttoleaveSpikealone.Nowthatyou’rehere,I’lljustgooutside.”

Spikestaredafterhimashewalkedout.

“Okay,Paul’snothere,soIwanttheGod’shonesttruth.DidStapletonrapeyou?”

“No.ButIhadthefeelinghewasworkinghimselfuptothat.”

Iwasgoingtohavemycontactinprisonfindthebiggest,baddestcontobeStapleton’scellmate.

“Pleasedon’ttellPaul.Idon’twanthimworryingthateverytimeIleavetheapartment,some

bastardisgoingtojumpme.”

“I’llteachyousomeself-defensemoves.”

“Thanks.That’llhelp.Ireallylovehim,youknow.”

“Iknow,kiddo.Youmakeagoodpair.”

“Itwouldkillmeifanythinghappenedtohim.Ijustneverthoughtsomethingcouldhappento

me.”

Yeah.Hewasn’tevennineteenyet.Hewasstillgoingontheassumptionhe’dliveforever.

“Theoreadourfortuneslastyear,whenPaulwasinthehospital.”Spikeshivered,anditwas

clearhewasrememberingthattime.“I’mgladyoukilledthatguy.”

Ididn’tbothertocorrecthim.Whatwasthepoint?Hewouldn’tbelievemeanyway.

Andofcoursethatwasthemomentayoungnursecameintothebay.Shestaredatme,horrified.

“He’sanactor.”IgrinnedandnoddedtowardSpike.“I’mrunninglineswithhim.”

“Sorry.”Shelaughedandshookherhead.“That’sHollywoodforyou.Here’stheicepackthe

doctororderedforyou.Twentyminuteson,twentyminutesoff.”

“Thankyou.”Spiketookitandresteditcarefullyagainsthischeek.“Myheadreallyhurts.MayI

haveanaspirinorsomething?”

Shewenttothechartclippedtotheendofthebedandflippedthroughthepages.“Idon’tseeany

ordersforthat.I’llaskthedoctoroncall,though.”

“Hasthetoxscreencomebackforhimyet?”

“Notyet,butI’llcallthelab.I’llbebackassoonasIhearanything.”

“Thankyou.”

Shesmiledandhurriedoff.

“So,whatdidTheopredictforyou?”

“Huh?Oh,Paulwouldlivetobeninety-five,andminewouldbethelastfacehesaw.”Hestared

intomyeyes.“HiswouldbethelastfaceIsawtoo,becauseifhediesbeforeIdo,I’llslitmywrists.”He
narrowedhiseyes.“Areyougonnatrytotalkmeoutofit?”

“Nope.”Iwouldn’twanttolivepastQuinn’sdyingmyself,soIhadnointentionofgivinghim

griefoverit.“You’lldowhateveryoufeelyouhaveto.”

Paulstrolledin,holdingtwocupsofcoffee.“Sorry,babe,nothingforyouyet.Vince,youtakeit

black,right?”

“Yeah.Thanks.”Itookitandraisedittomylips.Itwasn’thalfbad.

“WhatdoesSpikehavetodo?”

Shit.I’dhopedPaulhadn’theardourconversation.

Spikeshookhisheadfrantically,thenwincedandswallowedacoupleoftimes.

“He’snotsureifheshouldstaywithFallingWaterorjumpintoactingwithbothfeet.”

Spikestaredatmeinawe.What,didn’thethinkIcouldlie?

“Don’tburnyourbridges,babe.”

“You’reright,Paul.”Herestedahandinhislapwhiletheotheroneheldtheicepacktohischeek.

“Well,itwasjustathought.I’llbeawaiterwithaspirations.AlthoughIhavetosay,sinceIletmyhairgo
backtoitsnaturalcolor,I’vebeengettinggoodtips.”

Justthenthedoctorarrivedwiththenurseathisside.“Mr.Wells—”

“It’sjustSpike.”

“Allright.Spike.I’mDoctorCassem.Thelabresultshavecomeback.Therearetracesof

scopolamineinyourblood,andwe’dliketokeepyouhereintheERovernightforobservation.Nancy
saysyou’restillcomplainingofaheadache,soI’mgoingtowriteyouanorderforibuprofenPRN.”

“Huh?”

“Asneeded.”

“HowlongdoIhavetowait?”

“Ihaveitrighthere.”Heheldupthelittlepapercup.“Nancy?”

ShewentthroughtheroutineofcheckingtomakesureSpikewaswhohewassupposedtobe,

gavehimthepapercupwiththetabletinit,andpouredhimaglassofwaterfromthebedsidepitcher.

Heswallowedthetabletandwasheditdown.“Thankyou.”

“It’sabusynight.I’llbebacklatertocheckonyou,”Dr.Cassemsaid,andasheleft,thewoman

fromearliercameinandheldoutsomethingtome.

“What…Oh,thanks.”Itwasmyinsurancecard.ThatexplainedwhythedoctorcalledSpike

“Wells.”Thatwasthenameonit.

“Youhaveexcellentinsurance.”

“Iworkforanexcellentcompany.”

“I’llneedyoutofilloutthisyoungman’spaperwork.”

Almosttwenty-sevenhundredmilesfromDC,andIwasstilldoingpaperwork.“Okay,letme

haveit,andI’llgetittoyouassoonasI’mdone.”

“Myofficeisjustdownthehall.Ihavetogetback.Dr.Cassemisright.Wearebusy.”She

bustledoff.

IplacedtheStyrofoamcoffeecupandtheclipboardonthebedsidetableandputthecardbackin

mywallet,butIcouldn’tgetstartedfillingouttheforms.“Dammit.”Isnappedmyfingers.“Nopen.”

NurseNancywinkedatmeandhandedmeone.

“Thankssomuch,”Imuttered.

“Mypleasure.”

Ibracedafootonthelowerbedrail,leanedtheclipboardonmyknee,andstartedfillingin

blanks.

“IsthereanythingelseIcangetyou?”sheaskedSpike.

“No,thankyou.”

“Ifyoudoneedanything,justletusknow.”Andsheleftaswell.

“Aloneatlast.”Istareddownatthelinethatwantedtoknowhisclosestrelative.Ishruggedand

wrotemyname.TheycouldthinkIwashisdadorhisuncle,fuckifIcared.

Pauldraggedachairover.“Takealoadoff,Vince.”Heclimbedontothebedandstretchedout

besideSpike.

Spikenestledagainsthimandsighed.“That’sbetter.”

“Itis.Vince,canyoustayafewdays?Idon’tthinkI’llbecomfortableleavingSpikealonewhen

Igobacktowork.”

“Icanstay.”HumanResourceswouldbeoverjoyedIwastakingmoretimeoff.

“Cool!Icantakeyoutothebeachandthezoo,andwecangodowntoDisneylandagain—”

“Spike,Idon’tthinkyou’reuptoplayingtourguide.”

“Uh…Maybenot.”Theshortburstofenthusiasmseemedtohavewornhimout,andhelooked

likehewasabouttofallasleep.Iroseandputtheclipboarddownonthechair,thentooktheicepackfrom
him.Itwasabouttwentyminutesanyway.

PaulranhispalmupanddownSpike’sarm,carefultoavoidtheuglybruise,andkissedhis

temple.“Loveyou,babe.”

“Metoo,you,”hemumbled.

“DidyoureachTheo?”

“Yeah.Hewasmakingbreakfast,andIthinkIscaredhim.Itsoundedlikehedroppedthedishes.”

Heyawned.“Therewasahugecrash,andtheyprobablybroke.ButassoonasherealizedIwascry—I
meanIwasjustrelievedthatSpikewasokay,hewasrelievedtoo.I’mgladthisisalloverwith.”

“SoamI.”

“Vince,Ican’tthankyouenough…”

“It’snotnecessary.”

“Icouldn’thavegottenthroughthiswithoutyou.”

“Paul,that’swhatfriendsarefor.Nowtrytogetsomesleep.I’mhere,andI’llkeepwatch.”I

couldhavesavedmybreath.Hewasalreadyasleep.

Iuntiedhisrunningshoes,andonceIremovedthem,Isetthemonthefloorunderthebed,pulled

theblanketupoverthem,andraisedthesiderails.ThenIfoundthebed’scontrolsandlowereditaswell.
Thelastthingweneededwasforoneofthemtorolloverandfalloutofbed.

Isteppedbackandstudiedthem.Paul’sblackhairdidn’tcontrastasmuchwithSpike’sauburn

hairasithadwhenhe’dbeenaplatinumblond,buttheystillmadeacutecouple.Andwiththestress
wipedfromhisface,hedidn’tlookmucholderthanSpike.

Well,theywerealltuckedupforthetimebeing.Iglancedattheclockonthewall.Itwasalittle

after3:00a.m.,whichmadeitjustpast11:00a.m.inLondon.IfIcallednow,Ishouldbeabletoreach
Quinn.

Ipickeduptheclipboardandtheicepackandwenttothenurses’station.“Thiswasforthekidin

bayeleven.Itneedstobereplacedinabouttwentyminutes.”

“I’llseehisnurseisaware.”

“Thanks.Also,heandtheguywithhimareasleep.I’mjuststeppingouttomakeaphonecall,so

iftheywakeupbeforeIgetback,couldyouhavesomeonecomegetme?”

“Youbet.”

“Thanksverymuch.NowIjustneedtodropthisoff.”Ihelduptheclipboard.

“Oh,youcanleaveitwithme.”

“Thankyou.”Ipeeredathernametag.“Betty.Iappreciateit.”

“Enoughtomaybehavecoffeewithme?Igetoffinafewminutes.”

“Thankyouforasking,but…”Iclearedmythroat.“I’vegottomakethatphonecall.Ipromised

myguyI’dkeephimintheloop.”

“Oh?Oh!”Shesmiledruefullyandshrugged.“Well,itwasworthatry.Haveagoodday.”

“Youtoo.”

Iwalkedoutintothenight.Sunrisewouldn’tbeforanothercoupleofhours,andtheairwasstill

cool.IwasgladI’dwornmyjacket.

Itookoutmyphoneandpressedoneonspeeddial.

Quinnpickeduponthefirstring.“Goodmorning,Mark.”Iknewhehadtobealone.

“Hey,babe.Doyouhavetimetotalk?”

“Foryou?Always.”

Thiswasn’ttheplaceforphonesex,buthearinghisvoicewasalmostasgood.

“Firsttellmeyou’reallright.”He’dworried?Iwastouched.

“I’mfine.”

“Inthatcase,proceed.”

“Okay,sohere’swhathappened…”

HAPTER

“SoI’llbeouthereafewmoredays,”ItoldQuinnasIfinishedbringinghimuptodate.“Atleast

untilweknowforsurehowSpikeis.”

“Oh.”

“What’swrong?”

“Nothing.I’mgladyouwereabletorescueVal.”

“Me?Ididn’tdoafuckingthing.Itwasyouruncleswhogottohim.AndCisco.”

“Well,yousetthingsinmotion.”

Isnorted.“Something’sstillbotheringyou.”

“Don’tgetmewrong,I’mreallypleasedthatyourfriendhasbeenfoundsafe.It’sjust....Iwas

ratherhopingI’dseeyoutomorrownight.”

“Butyou’reinLondon.”

“MotherandIarecuttingourtripshort.”

“Howcome?”

“There’snoreasonforustostay.JackAbberleytookthenewsverywell.Asamatteroffacthe

wasn’tasupsetasMotherthoughthe’dbe.Notthatshewantedhimtobeupset,butforthepasttenor
twelveyearshe’dvowedhelovedher.”

“Wantmetokillhim?”

Helaughed.“No,Mark,butthankyoufortheoffer.”

“Well,justletPortiaknowI’mavailableifshewantshimerased.”

“I’llbesuretopassonyourmessage.”

“Sowho’sAbberleyinlovewith?”

“Whatmakesyouthinkhe’sinlovewithsomeoneelse?”

“Quinn,therehastobesomeoneelse.Jesus,ifIdidn’thaveyou,I’dbeinlovewithPortia!”

“Well,I’mgladyouhaveme.”

“Yeah,soamI.Sothewomanhe’sinlovewith?Orisitaman?”

“No,she’saverylovelyyoungIranianwoman,andshe’shishousekeeper.Shehasbeenforthe

pastsevenyears.”

Sothatwasit:proximity.“Howyoungisyoung?”

“She’sabouttwenty-five,Ibelieve.”

AndAbberleywasatleastthreetimesherage.Well,Quinn’sunclehadmarriedawomanyoung

enoughtobehisgranddaughter.Eitherthemarriagewouldlast,or,likeTonySebring’s,itwouldn’t.

“Sowhat’sgotyoubentoutofshape?”

“I’mnot—”Heblewoutabreath.“I’llbehomeinAlexandria,butyou’llbeinLosAngeles.”He

hadapoint.Still….

“That’snobigdeal.You’vegotthetimeoff,don’tyou?FlyonouttoLA.WecanbeSpike’s

bodyguards,andafterwardI’lltakeyoutoDisneyworldandholdyourhandintheHauntedMansion.”

“Wouldyoureally?”

“Youbetyourass.”

“You’retookind.”

“Hey,gottakeepmyguysafe,don’tI?”

“Yes.Thankyou,Mark.”

“Okay,then.Callmeassoonas—”AsoftchirrupindicatedIhadacallcomingin,andaquick

glanceatthescreenshowedmewhoitwas.“Quinn,I’vegotanothercall.Canyouholdon?”

“Certainly.”

“Thanks,babe.”ItouchedtheiconthatputQuinnonholdandtooktheincomingcall.“What’sup,

Pete?”

“Iregrettodisturbyouatthistimeofday.”

“Notaproblem.Iwasupanyway.WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“Imusthopeitwillbesomething,Mark.Thingsarenotgoingwellhere.YourM.Stanleyis

refusingtosendhelpnotonlytoTacticsbuttomygroupaswell.”

“And?”

“Ineedyouhere.”

“Jesus,Pete,you’vegotalmostasmanyyearsinthisbusinessasIdounderyourbelt.Youshould

befine.”IhadnointentionofseeingmyvacationwithQuinngoupinsmoke.

“IhadhopedIwouldn’thavetodothis.”Hesoundedmournful.

“Dowhat?”Isuddenlyhadanuneasyfeeling.

“Unmoment.”

“Goodmorning,Mark.”ItwasFemme.Herlightlyaccentedvoicewascoolandclipped.

Ididn’twaitforhertosayanything.I’dpromisedhermyhelpifsheeverneededit,anditlooked

likemypromisewascominghometoroost.

“Howbadisit?”

“Somehow,TacticshasobtainedthebackingoftheScarletChamber.We’vegonefarther

underground,butifwedon’thaveyouraid,wewon’tbeabletoholdoutforlong.”

“Andyouthinkonemanwillbeenough?”

“Whenthemanisyou,andcombinedwiththebestthatwasoncetheDivision’s?Butofcourse.”

“Okay.Canyoutellmewhereyouare?”

“InthesamebuildingPrinziphaditsheadquarters.”

“Dotheyknowwhereyouare?”

“Babineauxsaysno.”

Andhe’dbetheonetoknow.“It’sgoingtotakemeatleasttwelvehourstogettoParis.I’minLA

rightnow,andI’llhavetomakearrangements.”Godaloneknewhowlongthatwouldtake.

“Wheneveryoucangethere,Mark.Aslongasweknowyou’rewillingtohelp.”

“Igaveyoumyword,Z

henshchina.”

“AndIhadhopednevertohaveaskedforyoutokeepit.”

“That’sthebusinesswe’rein.Howareyou?”

“I’mwell.YouhaveheardofHomme?”

“Yeah.”AlekseiUshakovhadbeenbornonanislandintheBarentsSea.Ataveryyoungage,

he’dbeentakentoatrainingfacilityhereferredtoas“theotherplace.”Itwascoldandgrim,buthe’d
learnedagooddealthere,andeventuallyhewasrecruitedtotheDivisiontoworkunderFemme.

“He’sagoodman,”shesaid.“Iplantokeephim.”

“Lethimknowyouhavefriendsindeadlyplaces.Ifhedoesn’ttreatyouwell,I’llcomeafter

him.”

“Thankyou,myfriend,butthatwon’tbenecessary.Andofcoursethesameholdstrueforyour

M’sieurMann.”

Ifeltcold.“WhoelseknowsaboutQuinn?”

“Pierresuspects,buthe’llsaynothing,andI’llseeitstaysthatway.Justasmalltokentorepay

whatyoudidforme.”

“Iappreciateit.”OtherthanPortiaMann,FemmewastheonlywomanI’dtrustwiththat

information.

“Ilookforwardtoseeingyousoon,Mark.I’dlikeyoutomeetHomme.”

“Yeah,I’mlookingforwardtothatmyself.PutPetebackon,okay?”

“Moncherm’sieur—”

“Don’ttrytosweet-talkme,deBecque.You’veputaseriouscrimpinmyvacationplans.”

“Youhavemyeternalgratitude.”

“Yeah,yeah.Listen.ItoldFemmeit’sgoingtotakemesometimetogettoParis.Fuckingstay

aliveuntilthen,willyou?”

“Wehaveenoughsuppliestolastaweek,andplentyofammunition.”

“Itwon’ttakemethatlongtoshowup.I’llletyouknowwhenIland.”

“Merci,Mark.Mercibien.I’llsendGiulianitopickyouup.”

“Fine.Justremember:don’tgetdead.”

Helaughed.“Biensûr.”

Itouchedtheiconanddisconnectedhiscall.“Quinn,youstillthere?”

“Iam,Mark.Problems?”

“Whywouldyouaskthat?”

“Youkeptmeonholdfortenminutes.”

Jesus,itwasthatlong?“I’msorry.Andyeah,there’saseriousproblem.TheDivisionandScarlet

Chamberhavehookedup.I’vegottogotoParisanddealwithit.”

“Mark,you’renotinthefieldanylonger.Thisisn’tyourproblem.”

“Itis.Afriendiscallinginafavor.”

“DeBecque?”

“No.It’sFemme.”

“Ah.

“Uh…areyoujealous,Quinn?”

“ShouldIbe?”Hesoundedmerelycurious.Therewasnocoolnessinhisvoiceastherehadbeen

whenwe’dfirststartedfuckingwitheachother’smindsmorethanayearago.

“You’retheoneIwantforeverwith.”

“ThenwhywouldIbejealous?”

“Well,I’mdroppingeverythingtoflytoFranceforher.”

“JustasyoudroppedeverythingforVal.Iknowyou,Mark.Aslittleasyou’dlikeotherpeopleto

realizeit,you’reagoodman,anhonorableman.Now,Iimagineyouneedtogetagooddeal
accomplishedbeforeyourflight—”

“Yeah,thatflight.It’stoobadtheConcordeisn’tflyingoutofDullestoday.”

“LetmecallUncleBryan.Heknowssomeonewhofliescharters.She’lldoitforhim.”

“CanshegetmetoParis?”Iwouldhaveobjected,butIfiguredBryanSebringowedmefor

havingallthefuntheeveningbefore.

“Shecan’tmakeConcordetime,butshe’sfast.”

“Thanks,babe.Iappreciateit.”

“I’llgettoitthen—”

“Quinn,wait!”

“Yes?”

“StayinLondon.Well,stayinEurope.Itshouldn’ttakelongtogetthisdone.There’salittlebar

inParisnearthePlacePigalle,LePetitHomme.Meetmethere?”

“Ofcourse,Mark.PlacePigalle,LePetitHomme,”herepeated.“When?”

“Shit.”IhadnocluewhenI’dgettoParisorhowlongitwouldactuallytakemetowrapthisshit

up.

“Nevermind.I’llbethere,andI’llseeyouwhenIseeyou.”

“Thanks,Quinn.I…uh….”

“Iknow.Forever.”

“Well,yeah,but….”Hedeservedmorethanthat.

“We’lltalkaboutitinParis.Nowgetgoingsoyourloverwon’thavetowaitforevertoseeyou

again.Anddomeafavorplease?Don’tgetyourselfkilled.”

“Okay,Quinn.Bye.”

“I’llseeyou,Mark.”

Yeah,hewould.Iendedthecallandstartedformulatingplans.Ineededtomakearrangementsfor

someonetowatchoverSpikeuntilPaulcalmeddown.Mathesonwastiedupwiththatsituationatthe
WBIS;thatleftRayneandWinchester,sinceIhadn’tgivenJohnsonandAhrensthefinalokay.

ButQuinnlingeredinthebackofmymind.Yeah.Hedeservedmorethanasingleword.

Ibookedanairlineticketandarentalcar.Mathesonwasmorethancompetent,buthewasone

man,andIwantedhimtohavesomekindofbackup.Raynewasfindingherbalance,andthiswouldbe
goodforher.

I’dgivethisjobtoWinchester.

Hepickeduponthesecondring.“Lo?”

“It’sVincent.Wakeup.”

Iheardthesoundofwaterrunningandthenspitting.“Sorry,sir.Iamawake.Iwasbrushingmy

teeth.WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“Ineedyoutoguardafriend.”Iwaitedforhimtoobject,toinsistthiswasn’tWBISbusiness.He

didn’tdoeither.

“Yes,sir.”

“Allright.Getdressedandpack—aboutaweek’sworthofclothes,andyou’llcheckthat

suitcase.”Ididn’thavetotellhimtoputhisGlockinhissuitcase.“DrivetoDullesandpickupyour
ticketattheAmericanAirlinescounter.You’reflyingtoLA.Andyou’vegottwohoursbeforeyourflight
departs.”

“I’dbettergethoppingthen,hadn’tI?”Hewasbrightandchipperfor7:00a.m.DCtime,butthen

hewasalwaysbrightandchipper.Meanwhile,I’dbeenupfortwenty-fourhours,anditwasstartingto

catchupwithme.

Jesus,wasIgettingold?Ipushedthatthoughtoutofmymind.

“Callmeassoonasyougetin,andI’llbriefyou.”

“Excuseme,sir,butI’mverygoodatmultitasking.Ifyoudon’tmind,I’llputyouonspeakerand

youcanbriefmewhileIpack.”

“Goahead.”

Icouldhearsomebangingandmuttering,andthenhesaid,“Ready,sir.”

“Okay.IhavetoflytoParis,so—”

“Paris!”Hesoundedawestruck,andIclearedmythroat.“Sorry,sir.”

ItoldhimwhereheneededtobeandwhatIneededhimtodooncehearrivedinLA.“Stayonthe

alert.Thesearefriendsofmine,andIwantthemlookedafter.”

“Iwon’tletyoudown,Mr.Vincent.I’lltakeabulletforthem,ifIhaveto.”Hedidn’thavethat

puppydogenthusiasminhisvoice—hesoundeddeadserious.

“Thanks,Winchester,butthatshouldn’tbenecessary.”ThiswastoreassurePaul,notbecauseI

thoughtsomeonewouldcomeafterSpike.

“Okay,I’mset.Isthereanythingelse,sir?”

“No.AsIsaid,I’llbeinParis,soifthereareanyproblems,contactMatheson.”

“I’llbeonmywaytoDulles,then.”

“Okay.”Wehungup,andIputmyphonebackinmypocket.

***

IheldthecompressagainstSpike’scheek.Myhandwasgettingnumb,butthecompressneededto

staythereanotherfiveminutes.

Myphonerang,andIknewfromtheringtoneitwasQuinn’suncle.“Vincent.”

“QuinntellsmeyouneedaflighttoParis.Doyouhaveanyobjectionstoafemalepilot?”

“No.”

“Good,becauseI’vecontactedChiliValdez.She’sagoodpilot—sheflewmeandTonytoDC

lastspringafterQuinnhadbeentakenbyPrinzip.”

“Thanks,Sebring.”

“Justdon’tgetherkilled.”

“Unlessshe’splanningtoditchusintotheNorthAtlantic,thatshouldn’tbeaproblem.”

“Fine.Herfeeisfivethousanddollars—twenty-fivehundredupfrontandtherestwhenshelands

atCharlesdeGaulle—plusthecostoffuel.”

Thatwassteep,butIwasn’tgoingtohagglewithhim.“Okay.I’vegotsomethingsIhavetotake

careof,but…”Icheckedmywatch;itwasalmostfour.“…Ishouldbegoodtogoinanhourandahalf.”
TherewasastorefrontonSepulveda,neartheairport,runbyaretiredWBISstaffperson—fewagents
livedtocollectSocialSecurity,butthesupportstaffdidprettywell.Ikeptasafedepositboxunderthe
floorboardsinhisbackroom,containingcashandpassports.AndIknewI’dhavetobringalongmore
firepower.

“Allright,then.She’llmeetyouatLAXatfivethirty.”

“Sebring,Iseriouslyappreciatethis.”

“You’rewelcome.Actually,Ishouldbethankingyou.Afterlastnight’sexcitement,Tonydecided

Ishouldtakethedayoff.”

“You’regoingtoworkonthekoipond?”He’dmentionedthepondonNewYear’sEveandhow

itwasforhisoldestbrother,butsomethingalwaysseemedtocomeuptointerruptthework.

Hewassilentforamoment,andwhenhespoke,therewasamusementinhisvoice.“Thattoo.”

“Well,enjoyyourday.”

“Oh,Iwill.”Andhechuckledsoftlyandhungup.

Iputthecompressonthebedsidetable,wentaroundthebedtowherePaullay,andloweredthe

siderailsbeforeIshookhimgently.Ihatedtowakehimup,butIneededtomaketracks,andheneededto
knowIhadn’tjustwalkedoutandlefthim.

“Huh?Wha…?”Herubbedhiseyes,thendriedthemoistureatthecornerofhismouth.“Vince?

What’swrong?”

“Ihavetoleave.”Iraisedahandbeforehecouldsayanything.“I’vegotsomeonecomingin

who’llstaywithSpike.”IscrolledthroughthephotosonmycellphoneandpulledupWinchester’s.“This
istheguyIwantyoutokeepaneyeoutfor.”

“HeremindsmeofWills.”

WinchesterlookednothinglikeMatheson,butwhentheywereworking,theybothcameacrossas

innocuousandanonymous.

“Hey,didyouknowTheoismarryinghim?”

“Yes.”

“I’mgonnabehisbestman!”

“That’sgreat.”Ipattedhisshoulder.

“Areyougoingtothewedding?”

“Yes.”

“Cool!”

“Paul,Ihavetogo.”

“Okay,sorry.Sowhat’sthestorywithWinchester?”

“LikeIsaid,he’lllookafterSpike.Givehimyoursparebedroom,feedhim,anddon’tlethimget

introuble.He’svery…enthusiastic.”

“Oh,youfeltlikeyouhadtowarnme?”

“I’mjusttellingyou.”

“Vince.”Heswungoffthebedandgrabbedme.“Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.”Ipattedhisshoulderagain.“Ihavetogo.Bytheway,you’vegotabout

twentyminutesbeforeyouneedtoputthecompressonSpike’scheekagain.”

“Soundslikeaplan.”HegotbackonthebedandcradledSpike.“I’llseeyouatthewedding.”

“Youbet.”Icheckedmywatchandwalkedouttotheparkinglot.

HAPTER

Goddammit.IhadfiveminutestogettotheareaofLAXwhereIwassupposedtomeetChili

Valdez.Iwascuttingitclose.

Istrodethroughtheconcourseandshruggedmyshoulders.I’dneededseriousfirepower,butthe

cannonundermyarm—aSmith&WessonModel500whose.50-calcartridgescouldpunchaholeina
brickwall—wasgoingtotakesomegettingusedto.MyGlockweighedonlyafractionofthefivepounds
ofthedouble-actionrevolver.

Awomanstoodobservingthepassersby,tappingherfootanddrummingherfingersonherthigh.

Hergazeslidpastme,thenreturned,andsheapproachedme.“Areyoumypassenger?”

“AreyouChiliValdez?”

“Yes.”

“Thenyeah,Iam.Whatgavemeaway?”

“Mr.Sebringtoldmetolookforsomeonedangerous.”

“AndyouthoughtI....”Ishookmyhead.“Here’sthefirsthalfofyourfee.”Itookanenvelope

fromtheinsidepocketofmyjacketandhandedittoher.

Shepeeredintotheenvelope,noddedandputitinherownjacketpocket,andsaid,“Let’sget

going.”

Thefirstlegofourjourneywasoverland,andItookadvantageofitandslepttheentiretime—I

knewIwouldn’tsleeponcewewereovertheAtlantic—givingmetheopportunitytocatchmysecond
wind.

BryanSebringwasright.ChiliValdezwasagoodpilot,andwereachedtheEastCoastinless

thanhalfthetimeitwouldtakeacommercialjet.

WhilesherefueledandfiledtheflightplantoCharlesdeGaulleAirport,Ihittheheadandthen

pickedupcoffeeandsandwichesforbothofus.

Wecaughtagoodtailwind,butevenwiththatandwithasgoodasshewas,theLearjetsheflew

wasn’tanSST.IttooksixhoursbeforethecoastofIrelandappearedtoourleft,andanotherhourbefore
welandedinasmallairportoutsideofPairs.I’dinstructedMs.Valdeztoaltertheflightplanassoonas
wenearedIreland.

Weunfastenedourseatbeltsandclimbedoutofthejet.“Doyouwantmetowaitforyou?”She

lookedintothesecondenvelopeI’dhandedher.

“No,thiswasaone-waytrip.”I’dflyhomewithQuinn.Neitherofuscouldsleepon

transoceanicflights,butweshouldfindsomewaytoamuseourselves.

Shemetmygaze.“ThelasttimeIsawPariswasafewyearsago.IthinkI’llstayawhile.”She

grinnedatmeandtappedtheenvelopeagainstherpalm.“AndIhopeyou’llconsiderflyingAirValdez

again.”

Igaveherasmallsalute,tookoutmyphone,andwalkedaway.“Heybabe,”IsaidwhenQuinn’s

voicemailpickedup.“IjustwantedtoletyouknowI’minParis.I’llcallyouoncethisisclearedup.I…
uh…”Damn.“I’llseeyou.”

Ihungup.IhadtocallPete.He’dbewaitingformetogetintouchwithhim.

Giulianipickedmeup,drivingthesameblackvanI’driddeninlastMay,whenI’dcometoget

myspookawayfromthebastardwho’dkidnappedhim.Thistimetheyhadn’tbotheredblackingoutthe
windows—weweren’tgoingtoDivisionheadquarters.

TwentyminuteslaterwearrivedatthebuildingwhereQuinnhadbeenheldalmostayearago,to

findtheplacelikeananthillthathadbeenstirredup.

Giulianigrabbedanoperativewhodashedby,paleandsweating.“What’sgoingon?”

“Reuben’sbeentaken.”

“What?”

“Hewentoutonareconoperationanddidn’tcomeback.”

“Shit!”

Yeah,Giulianihadthatright.

“Where’sDeBecque?”

“InCommand.”

Igavehimanimpatientlook.“Mindtakingustherenow?”

TurnedoutCommandwastheofficeRichard—who’dheadedupPrinzipbeforeQuinnspeared

himwithascalpel—hadclaimedashisown.Babineauxwasseatedatthehugedesk,hisfingersflying
overthekeyboardofhiscomputer.PetestoodtoBabineaux’sright,studyingthescreen.

Heglancedupandthencamearoundthedeskandembracedme.“Moncherm’sieur.Thankyou

forcoming.”

Ilethimhugme.“IheardaboutReubenjustnow.Anyideawhathappened?”

“Reubenwentouttoreconnoiterwithtwootheroperatives.Noneofthemreturned.Andthen

Tacticscalled.HehasReuben,andhe’swillingtomakeatrade.”

Surehewas.“Whatdoeshewant?”

“BabineauxandFemme.Asfarashe’sconcerned,they’rethemostvaluable.”

“Andeveryoneelse?”

“Hesayswemayreturn.”

“Allisforgiven?”

“Oui.”

“Doyoubelievehim?”

Hisexpressionbecameblank.“Non.He’sgivingusthreehourstocometoadecision.”

Ididn’tpathisback;I’dhavehateditlikehell.“We’llgetReubenback.”

“Ofcoursewewill.We’llfindawaytogetintotheDivision.It’sanoldbuilding,andtheremust

bepassagewaysleadingintothelowerlevels.BabineauxpulleduptheDivision’sarchitecturalplansand
isstudyingthem.”

“Pierre,I’vegotit.”Babineauxlookedtired,andhegaveGiulianiagratefulsmilewhenhislover

wenttohimandbeganworkingthetensionoutofhisshoulders.

“Whatdidyoufind?”PetereturnedtohisplaceatBabineaux’sright.

“ThisantiqueshoponruedeNavarin?Thispassagewayrunsthroughtheshop’scellar,doyou

see?AtonetimeitconnectedwiththelowerleveloftheDivision,butthatopeningwassealedoffwhen
RichardandLindseytookpossessionofthebuilding.”

Petenodded.“Canwegainentry?”

“Alittleplastiqueshoulddothetrick.”

“Itshouldalsomakeenoughnoisetoalertthemthey’vegotvisitors,”IremindedGiuliani.

Petetuggedonhislowerlip.“Ifthereshouldbeanaccidentjustoutside….”

“Doyouhonestlythinkthey’regoingtodropeverythingtorunandsee?”

“Perhapsnot,butifthecarshouldhitthefrontfaçade?”

“IhaveafriendwhoownsaCitroënhe’sretrofitted,”Giulianisaid.“Ifwefillitwithexplosives

andthendriveitintothebuilding—thatwilldefinitelybringthemrunning.”

“Whathappenstothedriver?Yourpeoplemayloveyou,Pete,butwouldtheybewillingto

commitsuicideforyou?”

“I’llbedriving.”Giulianimetmygaze.“AndIpromiseyouI’mnotsuicidal.”Babineauxreached

upandgrippedthehandGiulianihadonhisshoulder.“Wealldowhatweneedtodo.”

Yeah,butthiswasn’tagoodidea.I’dknownitfromthemomentTheBosshadtoldmeabout

RobertLynx’sdemandforhelp.

Still…ifitwasQuinnbeingheld,I’dstormthefuckingbuildingaloneifIhadto.

“Okay,Pete.Whatdoyouneedmetodo?”

Itworked,maybebecausetheoperativeswhostayedwithTacticswereidiots,maybebecausethe

fatesdecidedwedeservedabreak.

Igazeddownthecorridor,whichwaslitteredwithbodies.Theoperativesonbothsideswho’d

beeninLimboweredead.

Well,Iguessedthatmadesense,sinceifthey’dbeenmorecompetent,theywouldn’thavebeen

senttoLimbointhefirstplace.

Oneinterestingthing—noonefromtheScarletChamberwasidentified.WasKiskaplayingher

owndeepgame,anattempttowipeouttheDivision?MorethanoneoftheDivisionoperativeshaddied
cursinghername.

Petecameupbesideme,thelineofhismouthgrim.“We’veclearedeverylevel.There’sonlyone

placetheycanbe.”

“They”wereTactics,Anacapri,andReuben—ifReubenwasstillalive.

“Where’sthat?”Iwipedsweatoffmybrowwithmyforearm.I’dshedmyjacketinthevan

beforeweenteredtheantiqueshoponruedeNavarinandmadeourwaydowntothesubbasement.

“TheDungeon.”

“IalwayswantedtoseeFemme’sworkplace.”

“Letmedothetalking,Mark.”PeteandIhadneverworkedtogether,andIobservedhim

carefully.InspiteofthefactthatTacticsheldhislover,Petewascoolandcontained.

“Thisisyouroperation.”

“Biensûr.Homme.”Petegavehimasignal,andHommefadedoutoftheroom.“He’llsearchthe

otherroomsofthesubbasement.”

ItlookedlikePetewasgettingintothedelegatingthingtoo.

WewentintotheroomFemmecalledtheDungeon

TacticsstoodbehindaPlexiglaspartition.Thesmirkonhislipsmadeitclearthiswasn’t

ordinaryPlexiglas.

“WhereisReuben?”Petedemanded.Hommewasstillsearchingtheotherroomsofthe

subbasement.

Tactics’ssmirkbroadened,andhewavedanegligenthand.“He’saroundsomewhere.Whydon’t

yousendyourpeopletolookforhim?Ohwait.There’sjustyouandtheAmerican.”

“I’dpreferyoutellmewhereheis.Itwillsaveusalltime.Oncewehavehim,wewillleave,

andtheDivisionandScarletChamberwillallbeyours.”

“Oh,they’remine.Andyou’reallgoingtobedead.WhydidyouthinkIhadyoucometothis

chamber?”Heraisedhishandtowardsomethingthatwasoutofview.“Apressofthisbutton,andthis
chamberwillbefloodedwithcarbonmonoxide,aswellasthisentirelevel.You’llallbedead.”

Igroundmyteeth.Tacticswasn’tsuicidal—wecouldn’tbethatlucky.Thatpartitionmustenclose

partofthisroom;itwouldkeepthesonofabitchsafe.

“AndReuben?”Peteasked.

“Hischamberisbeingfloodedevenaswespeak.”

Jesus.Whydidtheseidiotsfeeltheneedtogointolovingdetailabouttheirplans?

“Pete?”

He’dturnedgray,buthewasstillundercontrol.“Yes,moncherm’sieur.”

ThatwastheonlysignalIneeded.WhileTacticswasstillyammeringon,IyankedtheSmith&

Wessonoutofitsholster.

Dammit,itwastoofuckinglong.Thebarrelsnaggedintheharness,andIlostpreciousseconds

wrestlingitout.

Tacticsstartedlaughing.Withhisattentionfocusedonme,Peteslippedout.

Isqueezedthetrigger,andthePlexiglaseruptedinaspiderwebofcracksanglingoutfromthe

contactpointjusttotheleftofTactics’shead.

Heshiedback,thensneeredatme.“Asshole!”

“Comeon,baby.Don’tfailmenow.”Ifiredagain,andthistimethePlexiglasshattered.

Tactics’samusementchangedtodismay.

“Who’stheassholenow?”Isnarledandfiredoncemore.Thisbullethithimsquareinthechest,

punchingaholeinityoucoulddriveasemithrough,andhedroppedlikeamarionettewhosestringshad
beenslicedthrough.

Therewasahigh-pitchedkeening.Iknewitcouldn’tbeTactics—hewasdead.Iwheeledtoward

itjustaswhatsoundedlikeacappistolwentoff,andabulletclippedmeinthemeatypartofmyright
arm.

Myarmwentnumb,andIlostmygripontheSmith&Wesson.“Sonofabitch!”

Carlylewasaimingapistolatme.Hishandsshook,andthenextbullethefiredwentovermy

head.

“IlovedRobertandhelovedme.IonlywentwithdeBecqueandhistraitorsbecauseRobert

askedmeto.”Tearsstreameddownhisface.

“Hetreatedyoulikeshit.”

“No.Powerfulmendothingstheirownway.Helovedme!”Hepulledbacktheslide,thencried

outwhenitbithim—he’dcaughtthewebbingbetweenhisthumbandforefingerintheslide.

Aholesuddenlyappearedbetweenhiseyes,andhefelllikeastonedcrow.

“Stupidboy,”Anacaprispatassheturneda.22cal.Rugeronme.Shefiredagain,andmyleg

foldedunderme.Itfeltasifared-hotpokerhadbeenlaidagainstit.Isatheavily,andgaveabriefglance
atthebloodpouringfrommythigh.

“Sonofabitch,”Isnarledagain.Isensedthepresenceoftwopeoplebehindme,butIcouldn’t

letmyselfbedistracted.

Igrabbedforthehandgun,butmyrighthandwasuseless.Youarenotgoingtodiebeforeyoutell

Quinnyoulovehim,Iorderedmyself.

Twosimultaneousshotswerefired,oneoneithersideofmyhead.

Great.Wasn’tthisakickintheteeth?Anarmthatwastemporarilyuseless—I’dbeenshotbefore

andrecognizedwhatwasgoingon—alegIwasprobablygoingtolose,justlikeStanleyhadlosthis,and

totopitoff,I’dbedeafaswell.

I’dknownthiswasn’tagoodidea.

Femininehandspresseddownonmythigh,andIlostconsciousness.

***

Someonewasholdingmylefthand.“Quinn?”

“Ofcourse.”

Ipeeledopenaneyelid.“It’syou?”

“Didyoudoubtit?”Thegriponmyhandtightened.“IthoughtItoldyounottogethurt.”

“No,yousaidnottogetdead.”Iturnedmyhead.Quinnwasreallythere,sittingbesidethebedI

wasin.Hebroughtmyhandtohismouthandbrushedakissoverit.“Whendidyougethere?”

“IwasattheDivision.”

“You’reshittingme!”

“Hardly,Mark.Whatdoyouremember?”

“Carlylewasaplant.HewasworkingfortheDivisionallalong.”

“And?”

“ThatbitchAnacapriwasgettingsettoblowmyheadoff.”

“And?”

“Andthereweretwogunshotsinstereophonicsound.Hey,Icanhear!”

“Hadtherebeenanydoubt?”

“BeforeIblackedout,allIheardwasringinginmyears.Thegunshotswereclosetomyhead.”

“Iapologize,Mark.Ishouldhave....IwassodeterminedAnacapriwouldn’tputanotherbulletin

you.”

“Where’dyoushoother?”

“Inthehand,forcinghertodrophergun.Femmefiredtheothershot.She...sheblewoffmostof

Anacapri’sface.”

“Didshesayanythingaboutrevengebeingadishbestservedcold?”

“Asamatteroffact,shedid.Femmeisaverydeadlywoman.”

“Yeah,sheis,isn’tshe?”Igrinned,thinkingofthetimesheandIhadspenttogetheryearsago,

huntingScarletChamberagents.

“Doyou...doyouloveher?”

Mygrinfaded.“She’soneoftwowomenI’dputmylifeonthelinefor.”

“Who’stheotherwoman?”Washejealous?

“Portia,Quinn.”

“Ah.”Icouldhearthereliefinthatoneword.

“Sohow’dyougethere?”

“Thatlittlesomethinginmyphoneyouconnectedtoyours?”

Right.Lastfall,whenthatassholeHolmeshadscrewedwithQuinn’scellphoneandI’dmade

himbuyanewone.I’daddedallhiscontactstomyphone,butI’duploadedalittleprogramRomerohad
installedonmyphoneintohis.Ihadn’tsaidanythingaboutthattohim,butIdidn’tbotherwonderinghow
he’dfigureditout.Hewasaverysmartman.

Ishiftedslightlyinbed.“Iknowthisisstupid,butwhereamI?”

“Notstupid.”Herubbedhisthumbovermyknuckles.“You’reinalittleclinicintheDivision.”

“That’sgonnapissoffthepowersthatbe.”

“Notatall.There’snolongeraDivision.”

Ifeltcold,notfortheantiterroristorganization,butformyfriends.“Pete?Femme?”

“They’refine.YourfrienddeBecqueistakingthesurvivorsandstartinghisownorganization.”

“IwonderifIcantalkhimintojoiningtheWBIS.”

“BecomingtheParisbranch?”Thecornerofhismouthcurledinagrin.“CallingittheParis

BureauofIntelligenceandSecurity?”

“Hell,hecancallitwhateverthefuckhewants.”Iscowled.“WhatabouttheScarletChamber?”

“IwishIcouldsayitwasfinishedalso,butI’mafraidnot.”

“No?ThatKiskaisonesmartcookie.”Forthetimebeing,I’dletPeteworryabouther.

“Reuben?”

“He’s...no,Iwon’tlietoyou.He’snotdoingwell.”

“I’msorrytohearthat.Weweren’tfansofeachother,buthemadePetehappy.How’sPete

dealing?”

“He’swithhimrightnow,andIthinkifyouhadn’tblownRobertLynxtoshreds,deBecque

wouldhavetakengreatjoyintakinghimapartonepieceatatime.”

IthoughtofwhatGiulianihadsaid.“Wedowhatwehavetodo.Quinn...Thanksforbeinghere.”

“Ass.”Hesqueezedmyhand.“WhereelsewouldIbe?”

“Uh...howlongwasIout?”

“Almosttwenty-fourhours.Youneededatransfusion.Maxhadtooperateonyourleg.”

“Max?MaxFuté?”Ididn’twanttothinkaboutmyleg.Ithurt,butStanleyhadtoldmeaboutthat

too,andifitwasphantompain—ifthey’dhadtotakemyleg—Ididn’twanttofaceitjustyet.Quinnwas

agoodguy,butwhywouldhesettleforacrippledloverwhenhecouldhavesomeonewhole?

“Yes.Hestitchedupyourarmaswell.TrevorWallace—he’sheretoo,bytheway—”

“What?Who—how—”Igroaned.

“Areyouinpain,Mark?Doyouwantsomething?”

“No,”Igroused.“I’mnotinpainandIdon’twantanything.”Oneortheotherofuswassupposed

tobeattheWBISsoitwouldn’tfallapart.“Whyishehere?”

“Hewasconcerned.”

“Howdidheknowtherewasanythingtobeconcernedabout?”

“Icalledhim.Ifeltheneededtoknowwhatwasgoingon.Frankly,Ididn’texpecthimtoputin

anappearance.”

Well,therewasnothingIcoulddoaboutitnow.And...Ihadtoadmititwasflattering.“What

aboutMax?”

“WallaceflewhimoverontheConcorde.”

“MaxneverwantedtoreturntoFrance.”

“No,buthefeltheowedyou.”

“Jesus.”Thatfuckingannoyedme.“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellhimhedoesn’toweme

anything?Hekeptyoualive,andthatcancelsalldebts.”

“Doesit,Mark?”Quinnstrokedmyhair.

“Youknowitdoes.Andifyoudon’tknow—well,youshould.I....”Icouldn’ttellhimhowIfelt,

notuntilIknewwhathadhappenedtomyleg.“Giveittomestraight,Quinn.DoIstillhavearightleg?”

“Youdo.”

Ifrownedathimsuspiciously.“Isitattachedtomybody?”

“Yes.”

“Whataboutmyleftleg?”

“It’sfine.”Hepattedmythigh,thenhelpedmesitupsoIcouldseeformyself.Yeah,theywere

boththere,stickingoutofthebottomofahospitalgown.

“Isthereabathroominthisplace?Ihavetopiss.”

“You’llneedtoleanonme.”Itwashisturntofrownatme.“Allthetimesyoutookcareofme—

lookedafterme.Nowit’smyturntolookafteryou.”

“Okay,babe.Thankyou.”

“You’renotgoingtogivemeahardtime?”

“DoIlooklikeI’mstupid?”

“No,youwereneverstupid.Exceptwhenyoutriedtobreakupwithme.”Hecamearoundtothe

othersideofthebedandgothisshoulderundermyleftarm—myrightwasinasling—soIcouldhobble

intothebathroom.“Maxsaidsomethingaboutgettingcrutchesforyou.”

“AnyideahowlongI’llneedthem?”

“You’llhavetodiscussthatwithhim.”

“Well,aslongasIdon’tneedawalker.”

“Idoubtthat.Nowholdstill.”Hepositionedmeinfrontofthejohnandheldthehospitalgown

outofthewaysoIcouldpee.

“Now,therearesomepeoplewhowanttoseeyou.”HemadesureIwassettledonthebed,and

thenwenttothedoor.“Comein,please.”

Hismotherenteredfirst.

“Portia.Thankyouforstoppingby.”

“OfcourseIwould,Mark.”ShecametomeandtookthehandQuinnhadheldearlier.“When

you’rewellenoughtoflyhome,you’llstayatGreatFallswithmeandGregor.”Shepattedmyhand,her
expressionbland.

“Iappreciatetheoffer,butreally,thatisn’tnecessary.”

“Mark.”Shesighed.“Youaren’tgoingtomakemegetsternwithyou,areyou?”

Iwasn’tafool.“No,ma’am.”

“Excellent.”

“JustmakesureNovotnydoesn’tputanythinginmyfood.”

“No.”Sheleanedforwardandkissedmycheek.“I’mverypleasedyou’reinmyson’slife.”

“SoamI.”

“Mark.”TheBossstoodinthedoorway.

“Sir?”

Hecametomybedsideandglancedattheotheroccupantsoftheroom.“It’sagoodthingyou’re

outofthefield.Toomanypeopleknowyou.Portia,it’sgoodtoseeyouaftersolong.”Thatwasright,
he’dhadasoftspotforherbackintheday.IwonderedhowMs.DiBlasifeltaboutit.

“Trevor.”

“Andthisisyourson.”

“Yes.Inevertravelalone,andhewassokindastoaccompanyme.”

“Portia,Iknowverywellthatyoursonisinvolvedwithmyagent.”

Shelookedamused.Quinnsimplylookedcool—theIceMan—andIkeptmymouthshut.

“YoushouldhavejoinedtheCIA,Trevor,”Portiasaid.“Yourtalentswouldhavebeen

appreciated.”

“Wouldthathavegivenmeachancewithyou?”

“I’mafraidnot.I’dalreadymetNigel.”

“ThentheCIAcouldn’toffermeanythingtotemptmeawayfromtheWBIS.”TheBosspattedmy

shoulder.“We’lljustkeepthatbetweenus,Mark.AsprogressiveastheWBISisbecoming,Idon’t
believeit’sreadytoacceptaCIAofficerintothefold.”

“No,sir.SpeakingoftheWBIS,who’swatchingthefold?”

“Stanley.IleftMs.DiBlasiwithinstructionsforGershomthatifhedoesanythingmorethan

instructhismentopatrolthecorridorsoftheWBIS,I’dpersonallyseehejoinedSperlinginhisplotin
ProspectHill.”

IalmosthopedGershomtestedTheBoss’sorders.Thatplotwouldbealittlesnug,butifever

threebastardsdeservedtospendeternitytogether,RobertSperling,AnsonDavies,andDonaldGershom
did.

Idecidedtochangethesubject.“WasitagoodideatomakeMaxcometoFrance?”

“He’ssafeenoughwithus.He’llbebylatertoexamineyou.Rightnow,he’slookingafterthe

injuredoperatives.Femmedidanexcellentjobpatchingthemup.”

“Well,thanksfortalkinghimintoit.IwasafraidI’dwakeuptofindmylegsharingashelfwith

Browne’slittlefinger.”

TheBosschuckledandpattedmyshoulderagain.“Andwhenyou’rewellenoughtocomehome,

I’llhaveajetwaitingthatwillflyusallbacktoDC.Thatis,ifyou’rereturning,Portia?”

“Iam,Trevor.IstoppedatClaridge’ssoIcouldpack.Thestaffwasveryhelpful.”Sheglanced

fromQuinntome.“Trevor,Icoulduseacupofcoffee.Doyousupposewecouldfindoneinthisplace?”

“Whateveryoudesire.”

Portiasmiledathim,linkedherarmthroughhis,andurgedhimoutoftheroom,talkingabout

whenthey’dfirstmet.

“Aloneatlast.”Quinntoedoffhisshoes.“Moveover.”

Iedgedtothesideofthebed,andheclimbedonnexttomeandrestedhisheadonmyshoulder.

Althoughmyrightarmwasinasling,Icouldstillcradlehishipwithmylefthand.

“Quinn,there’ssomethingI’vebeenmeaningtosaytoyou.”

“You’renotusingthisasanexcusetobreakupwithme.”

“Okay,babe.”

“Yougaveintooeasily.”Heangledupandlookeddownintomyeyes.“Whatwereyougoingto

say?”

“I….”Iclearedmythroat.“I…uh…knowitisn’tlikelyI’myour‘one,’butIloveyou.”

“Mark,didyouhityourheadwhenyoulostconsciousness?Whywouldn’titbelikely?I’vebeen

tellingyouforthepastweekIloveyou.”

“Youhave?Noyouhaven’t.I’dremembersomethinglikethat.”

“Obviously,youweren’tpayingattention.Iloveyoutoo,Mark.Forever,remember?”

Yeah.Imademyselfcomfortableagainsthim.IhadQuinninmyarmsandhelovedme.

Lifedidn’tgetmuchbetterthanthis.

Evenwithtwobulletholesinme.

ECOMMENDATIONS

Ifyoulikedthisbook,youmightbeinterestedinhowMarkandQuinnmet.

OUSEBOAT

THE

ILE

MarkVincentisWBIS—WashingtonBureauofIntelligenceandSecurity.QuintonMannis

staunchlyCIA.MarkthinkstheCIAisfullofdilettanteswholeavehimandtherestoftheWBIStoclean
uptheirmesses.QuinnthinksmostWBISagentsaresociopathicloosecannons.Sotheydon’texactlyget
along.

Ofcourse,justbecausetheydon’tlikeeachotherdoesn’tmeantheycan’tplaymindgameson

eachother.Orsleeptogether.ButwhenanexplosionatMark’sapartmentsendsQuinntothemorguetoID
abody,hehastoreevaluatehispositionondenial.

PickitupfromDreamspinnerPress

BOUT

THE

UTHOR

Tinneanhasbeenwritingsincethe3rdgrade,whereshewasinspiredtotryherhandatepic

poetry.Fortunately,thatepicpoemdidn'tsurvivethepassageoftime;however,herloveofwritingnot
onlysurvivedbutthrived,andinhighschoolshebecameamemberofthemagazinestaff,whereshe
contributedanumberofstories.

Itwaswiththeadventofthefamily'ssecondcomputer–thefirstintimidatedeveryone–thather

writingtookoff,enhancedinpartbyfanfiction,butmostlybythewonderthatiscopyandpaste.

Whileinvolvedinfandom,shewasnominatedforbothRerunandLightMyFireAwards.Now

sheconcentratesonheroriginalcharactersandhasbeenpublishedbyNazcaPlain,JMSBooks,and
Dreamspinner.Hernovel,TwoLips,IndifferentRedreceivedhonorablementioninthe2013Rainbow
Awards.

ANewYorkeratheart,sheresidesinSWFloridawithherhusbandandtwocomputers.

ErnestHemingway'swordsreflectTinnean'sdevotiontohercraft:Oncewritinghasbecome

yourmajorviceandgreatestpleasure,onlydeathcanstopit.