“The FBI and CIA investigated the couples thoroughly. They turned out to be retired and living on pensions. Dead ends. None of them even remotely linked by work or social circle to the government or companies that contracted with the government. They were classified as low to no risk to national security and put on a travel watch list. Don’t get me wrong. They were ‘illegals,’ as far as we could tell. Cold War relics based on their ages. Sleepers in the truest sense of the word. But everyone agreed that hauling them in for interrogation or deportation would alert the Russians and possibly create some kind of ripple effect that would undermine ongoing espionage investigations. The FBI was working Operation Ghost Stories at the time. Did you ever work on that one?”

“I had just finished training and reported to the Special Surveillance Group when they made the arrests,” said Devin.

“The FBI’s decision to back off the identified sleepers made more sense in light of those arrests. They took down ten active spies with Operation Ghost Stories, some who were making dangerous inroads within the Beltway—instead of busting a few retired schoolteachers and steelworkers,” said Berg. “Helen had guessed as much and withheld Wilson’s name. She never said why, but she felt there was more to Wilson than the others. One name consumed her for two decades.”

Devin opened his backpack and removed the file his mother had put together.

“My mother says this is an executive summary of her conspiracy,” said Devin, placing it on the table.

Berg looked extremely uncomfortable in the file’s presence. As though its contents might be radioactive.

“Have you looked at it?” asked Berg.

“No,” said Devin, pushing it toward Berg. “You first. I want your opinion before I read it.”

Berg took the file and opened it, just before two sweating bottles of ice-cold beer arrived. Less than a minute later, he closed it and pushed it back across the table—his face impassive.

“You didn’t finish it,” said Devin.

Berg took a long swig from his bottle before answering. “I’ve seen enough to warrant a visit to the Bat Cave.”

“That’s it?” said Devin. “What did it say?”

Berg shook his head. “You need to read it yourself. Then we need to take our lunch to go. We may not be safe here.”