“Fair enough,” General Cornell said grimly. “We have reason to believe Mr. Delacroix is tightly involved with a group of insurgents fomenting rebellion against the American occupation in Cuba. Last month a rebel leader in Havana was arrested, and his house was searched. Among the man’s papers were the address of Mr. Delacroix’s home in Alexandria as well as that of his business holdings in Fairfax County. The rebel leader had received payments issued from Mr. Delacroix’s bank in Alexandria. All this leads us to believe he is funneling money, information, and support to the Cuban insurgency.”

Her mouth dropped open. This couldn’t be true. “I don’t believe it,” she stammered, but even as she spoke, misgivings arose. Gray had mentioned his fierce opposition to the Spanish-American War and his dislike of the president. Would it run so deep that he would actively engage with the enemy?

“Delacroix has spent too many years abroad,” General Cornell continued. “He’s no longer loyal to the United States. His sister has secured a position in the White House, and she may be part of the plot as well. We have been monitoring telegrams sent to his Alexandria townhouse that make it obvious he is in communication with members of the Cuban insurgency. Gray Delacroix is notoriously reclusive, but he has allowed you unprecedented access to his home. We need you to look for the names of his contacts in Cuba.”

While she sat in stunned disbelief, General Cornell relayed how they’d been watching Gray and noticed his newfound relationship with Annabelle. The army had approached Dr. Norwood for his help in recruiting Annabelle to the investigation.

“If you help us, you will be rewarded,” Dr. Norwood said. “Even if you are unsuccessful, we need you to scour his library and his desk for the names of the insurgents. The army has offered funding to create a permanent position for you here at the Smithsonian.”

“Do you think I would spy for a job?” she cried out. “Why don’t you just offer me thirty pieces of silver?”

General Molinaro stepped out of the shadows. “We expect you to help because you are a loyal American. We have thousands of troops stationed in Cuba, and even more in the Philippines. Momentum is gathering behind the insurgents in Cuba who agitate for the withdrawal of American troops. Malcontents like Delacroix are throwing oil on the fire.”

She sat plastered in her chair, barely able to think or even breathe. Her hands felt icy, and she clenched them together to stop the shaking. “I’m a botanist,” she stammered. “I specialize in wheat and barley. If necessary, I know a little about millet. I’m not a spy.”

“All we need you to do is get inside his study and see if you can find the names of his contacts in Cuba,” General Molinaro said.

“And what if I don’t find anything?”