General Cornell held up a hand as if to pacify her. “Forgive our bluntness,” he said. “A matter of national importance has come to our attention. Before we begin the discussion, I need your assurance that this conversation will go no further than the walls of this office.”

“I can’t promise you anything,” she said. “I don’t understand what you’re asking of me.”

General Cornell casually lit a pipe, the sweet scent of tobacco filling the room. “Then let me explain. It has come to our attention that Gray Delacroix holds highly critical views of the American government.”

That was an understatement. “He’s no fan of the Department of Agriculture, that’s for sure.”

General Cornell drew on his pipe with a hint of amusement in his eyes. “What have the farmers and bean counters over at the ag department done to rouse his ire?”

“He believes the government is giving valuable information away for free, and he resents it. He is completely irrational about it, but it’s harmless.”

The shadowy general leaned forward. “What if you learned it wasn’t harmless? That thousands of American lives might be in danger because of Mr. Delacroix’s views?”

“Because he doesn’t like the Department of Agriculture?” She felt silly even saying such a thing.

General Cornell set down his pipe, and he wasn’t smiling anymore. “Miss Larkin, I must ask for your complete confidentiality. What we are about to say may not leave this room, and you can be held accountable if it leaks. Especially if it leaks to Mr. Delacroix.”

She stood. “Then maybe I should leave now.”

Dr. Norwood moved to block the door. “Don’t be hasty,” he said. “We need your help. If you cooperate with the government, I am certain a permanent and well-compensated position can be found for you here in Washington. General Molinaro is correct. I am very much afraid this issue puts thousands of American lives at risk, and we need your help.”

She sat back down. Were they playing a joke on her? What could a specialist in cereal grasses do to save lives? General Cornell’s scrutiny made her uncomfortable, and suddenly it felt very chilly in here.

“Aside from his hostility to the Department of Agriculture, have you heard Mr. Delacroix make other statements hostile to the American government?” the general asked.

“Sometimes,” she admitted. Actually, he’d said a lot. Dating all the way back to his childhood, when Union troops destroyed his ancestral home.

A quick glance was exchanged between the two generals. “Tell us more.”

“Not until you tell me what’s going on,” she replied. “This entire conversation is alarming.”