“Normally, we go with the rejects from the Academy. Because…because the men and women who apply to the FBI want to make a difference in law enforcement. Recruiting off the street for the most part didn’t work. But we never closed that door. If promising potential recruits come along, we don’t turn them away. I’m not going to try and fool you. It’s dangerous work, and you could get killed. You have to decide if being a good American is worth all that I’m telling you.” His voice still sounded like a politician’s. Sam knew if there was a baby nearby, he would have kissed it for effect.

Slick gnawed at a hangnail on her thumb. “Do we get a gun and a shield?” she asked inanely. “They said I had weak fingers.”

“Of course you get a gun and a shield, but not till your training is completed. This is not a Mickey Mouse operation, Slick.”

Sam knew she was waffling. “What if it doesn’t work out? I won’t have a place to come back to. I don’t like that part of your proposal.”

“We can make arrangements. We always try to work with our trainees if we feel they have potential. All your questions will be answered when we arrive at our destination. We haven’t had anyone wimp out if that’s your next question.” Poke filled his coffee cup. He picked up the portable phone and walked to the doorway. “This might be a good time for you two ladies to discuss my proposal. I can give you ten minutes, then I have to leave. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you the decision you make today will be life-altering. Keep that in mind, ladies. And don’t forget for one minute that you will be doing your country an immense service.”

“Oh, God!” Sam said, the minute the door to the dining room door closed behind Donovan. “What should we do, Slick? Do you think this is one of those covert operation organizations? The kind the agents at the Academy whispered about. An organization that doesn’t exist, that isn’t on anyone’s radar screen. Now, that’s pretty scary if you want my opinion. How the hell did he get those pictures and our records? Not to mention he’s been here before, in this house. He made us coffee in my very own house, and he was in my bedroom for God’s sake. This is freaking me out, Slick.”