I havent been able to nail it down. But I have my suspicions. The writings been on the wall about SRT for months. Weve got a couple of people who might be looking to jump ship before we go under.

Name one.

Trudy Wellington.

Don…

Don cut him off. Right. I know what youre going to say. Shes our best intel officer. Youre right about that. And you were sleeping with her for a while. I know all about it. So was I. I regret that now. If Margaret ever found out, I think I would die. But its more than that. I told Trudy some things I shouldnt have. Pillow talk. I assume you know how that goes. Im afraid I might have made SRT an open book for others to read. Believe me, I feel very foolish.

Luke didnt respond. He couldnt think of a single thing to say.

Luke, I feel old.

Don

There may be others, Don said. Besides Trudy. Things have gotten out that even she couldnt have known. We sweep headquarters for bugs every week. We encrypt all of our communications. Our network is locked down. And still…

His voice trailed off for a moment.

SRT has become a vipers nest, Luke. Theres no one I can trust anymore. You know what? Part of why I called you last night was so we could ride together again. I wanted it to feel like old times. Maybe we would fly in and put the smack-down on the bad guys one last time.

Luke took a deep breath. He felt like this phone call could go on for another hour, and he might not say another word.

So heres the part youve been waiting for, Don said. Know that I have no choice in this whatsoever. It comes from on high.

Dons voice changed. Suddenly, he sounded like he was reading from prepared remarks. Luke, youre suspected of committing multiple felonies in the course of performing your duties. As such, you are formally relieved of your command at the Special Response Team, effective immediately. You have been placed on administrative suspension pending an investigation into your actions. You may be subpoenaed to testify on your own behalf. Your salary and benefits are intact during this time, but thats conditional and depends on your full cooperation with the investigation.

Luke finally found his voice. I was on a leave of absence, he said.

Youve been the best investigator, the best counter-terrorism agent, and one of the best soldiers Ive ever worked with, Don said. Please surrender your badge and your service firearm to Trudy. Any personal firearms in your possession will require the use of a private concealed carry license, if you have one.

I do, Luke said.

Im sorry about this, Luke. I really am.