“Okay, I trust you, and I believe you. Do you think Donovan told us the truth when he told you where the bugs were? He said there were only three. I did comb this place from one end to the other and only found three. Which brings me back to my earlier question. How long are we going to hold those two guys prisoners?”

“‘Guests.’ Refer to them as ‘guests,’ Slick. I think we should continue to entertain them until after I talk to Pappy. What do you think?”

“I think you should call this ‘Pappy’ now, before the others get back. Do you know what you’re going to say?”

“I don’t think it’s one of those things you can rehearse. I’ll wing it. I guess I’ll just hit the REDIAL button. Five bucks says he picks up on the first ring.”

“That’s a sucker bet,” Slick replied with a grin. “Take a deep breath. Slow and easy. You’re in the catbird seat. I think the mysterious Pappy knows it, too.”

Sam took a deep breath at the same time she hit caller ID and dialed the number that appeared. She held up her thumb to show that Pappy had picked up on the first ring. “This is Samantha Rainford. Since the rules have changed, tell me what you can do for me.”

“What would you like me to do, Samantha?”

“Nah, nah, don’t ask questions, Pappy. I want answers. We’re going to play my game. I asked you a question. Be a man and answer it. What you say now will help me make my final decision. I speak for the others, by the way.”

The voice that responded was smooth as silk, yet husky-sounding. “Fair enough. I imagine you’re balking at the secrecy. It’s necessary. We’ll deal with your respective properties from our end. Your bank accounts and credit cards will also be taken care of. When—and if—you agree to join us, you will receive a packet explaining how your holdings are being protected. Yes, you will be leaving your little world, but you will be able to go back to it at some point. That point will depend on you. I’ve just upped the deadline. The day after tomorrow, I want all of you at Dulles Airport promptly at noon. Bring your personal papers and bank cards with you as well as your signed contracts. Each person is allowed one duffel bag. No more than a hundred pounds, so choose what you bring wisely. We will provide you with all the essentials. You will be briefed within an hour of your arrival. Is there anything else you want to know?”

“Yes. Whom do you represent?”

“That will be discussed at your briefing.”

Sam looked at Slick and shrugged. “What if we don’t cut it? What happens to us then?”