Juan recognized the voice—it belonged to the driver who had picked him up at his apartment. It was a deep voice befitting the enormity of its owner. The man was easily six foot five and weighed well over two hundred pounds—all chiseled muscle.

“Carl, have you placed Dr. Gutierrez’s things in a secure locker?”

“Of course. It’s all in the security office.”

“Good. Juan and I are almost done here. Get the car warmed up. He’ll be staying at the Ritz on Twenty-Second Street. You know where it is?”

Juan’s eyes widened at mention of the five-star hotel.

“Yes, sir. I’m familiar with it. I’ll pull the car up to the front, be ready in five minutes. Anything else, Dr. Winslow?”

“Juan will also need a pickup at nine in the morning, but other than that, no. That’s it, Carl. Thanks again for understanding and doing this.” Winslow clicked off and turned back to Juan. “Carl is not normally a driver. He’s one of AgriMed’s domestic security folks.”

“That explains it,” Juan said. “If that’s the same guy who brought me here to DC, he doesn’t look like any of the rent-a-cop types we have up in Rochester.”

Winslow laughed and shook his head. “No, indeed. Carl is ex-military. In fact, he’s a former Navy SEAL commander.”

Juan’s cheeks flushed with heat as he felt the pocket knife in his pants pocket. “Oh.”

Winslow stood and motioned for Juan to follow. “Well, let’s get you settled in. I know this has all been rather crazy. For me, too. When the FBI showed up at my house with badges and guns, I nearly shit my pants. I have a lot of explaining to do to my wife when I get back home.”

Juan glanced at Winslow as they hustled through the building, and for the first time, he noticed the man’s worried expression as he relived the FBI’s visit.

Winslow took the lead and pushed open the door at the front of the building. He glanced outside and nodded toward Carl, who was standing at the ready next to a limo. The director turned to Juan and they shook hands. “I’m traveling tomorrow, so I won’t see you, but thanks again for cooperating with me on this situation. We’ll get this under control, I have no doubt.” He patted Juan on the shoulder and said, “Now, get some rest.”

###

Juan found it hard to believe he was relaxing in the plush seat of a limo headed for the Ritz Carlton. If only his mother could see him now.

“So, Carl,” he said. “Dr. Winslow says you’re a former Navy SEAL. Thank you for your service,” he added sincerely.

“No thanks are needed,” the man responded with an unemotional tone. “It’s my privilege to serve my country.”