“And I’d like to make a few things clear up front. The FBI operates by a set of procedures—procedures that have been carefully refined over a hundred-year history. I follow those procedures, Nick; I live by them, I serve them, and while you’re working for me I expect you to follow them too. Is that clear?”

“I’d like to explain something too,” Nick said. “I believe rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men. From your little speech back there you sound like a micromanager; if you take that approach here, you’ll wear yourself out and you’ll drive the rest of us crazy. These are smart people; they know what they’re doing. You need to trust them and you need to let them follow their instincts, even if the process bends your precious rules a little. Follow the rules when you have to, Danny, but don’t serve them. Serve your people.”

Flanagan paused. “It’s Daniel.”

Nick smiled. “It’s Dr. Polchak.”

Flanagan slowly smiled back. “Thanks for the advice, Nick. I can’t say I’m surprised since, as I said, I read your file. But I’m not sure you understand what I’m telling you here. I wasn’t asking for your opinion on management style or investigative procedure—I was telling you mine. And while you’re working for me you’re going to do it my way— or you won’t be working for me long. Are we clear on that?”

“I heard every word you said. I don’t agree with one of them.”

“You don’t have to. Just do what I tell you and we’ll get along fine.” Flanagan turned and headed for the tech tent. “Five minutes,” he said. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

When Flanagan was out of earshot Nick took out his cell phone again and punched Redial.

“Donovan.”

“Why do you torture me?”

There was a pause. “I’m assuming you just met Agent Flanagan.”

“Did you pick this guy yourself ? What did I do to you?”

“I’m not a king, Nick—I don’t get to name my successor. What’s the problem?”

“He’s an FBI drone, Donovan—he’s been here for five minutes and he’s already given me the ‘rules and regulations’ speech. Didn’t you tell him about me?”

“I tried to.”

“He said you told him I was borderline psychotic—thanks a lot.”

“That’s a lie. I never said ‘borderline.’”

“I can’t work under a guy like this—you know that.”

“You don’t have a choice, Nick.”

“I can quit.”

“Sure you can. You can go back to NC State and maybe pick up a summer session or two. Teaching. Students. Grading papers. Faculty committees—”

“In case you’re unaware of it, extortion is against the law.”

“I’m a little busy here, Nick. Is there a reason for this call?”