“When an agent is sacked, he sometimes gets upset and may make threats to reveal what he knows. A muscleman, or lion tamer, is called in to soften him up. I’m sure none of you will ever have to deal with one.”
That drew nervous laughter.
“Then, there’s the term measles. If a target dies of measles, it means he was murdered so efficiently that death appeared to be accidental or due to natural causes. One method of inducing measles is to use ‘Tabun.’ That’s a colorless or brownish liquid compound that causes nerve paralysis when absorbed through the skin. If someone offers you a ‘music box,’ they’re offering you a wireless transmitter. The transmitter operator is called a musician. In the future, some of you will be operating ‘naked.’ Don’t rush to take off your clothes; it simply means that you’re alone and without any assistance.
“There’s one more thing I want to discuss today. Coincidence. In our work, there is no such animal. It usually spells danger. If you keep running into the same person again and again, or you keep spotting the same automobile when you’re on the move, cover your ass. You’re probably in trouble.
“I think that’s enough for today, gentlemen. We will take up where we left off, tomorrow.”
From time to time, Colonel Johnson called Robert into his office “to have a chat,” as he put it. The conversations were deceptively casual, but Robert was aware of an underlying probing being carried on.
“I understand you’re happily married, Robert.”
“That’s right.”
They spent the next half hour talking about marriage, fidelity, and trust.
Another time: “Admiral Whittaker thinks of you as a son, Robert. Did you know that?”
“Yes.” The pain of Edward’s death was something that would never go away.
They talked about loyalty and duty and death.
“You’ve faced death more than once, Robert. Are you afraid to die?”
“No.” But to die for a good reason, Robert thought. Not senselessly.
The meetings were frustrating to Robert because they were like looking into a trick mirror. Colonel Johnson could see him clearly, but the colonel remained invisible, an enigma cloaked in secrecy.
The course lasted sixteen weeks, and during that time, none of the men was permitted to communicate with the outside world. Robert missed Susan desperately. It was the longest they had ever been apart. When the four months were up, Colonel Johnson called Robert into his office.
“This is goodbye. You’ve done an excellent job, Commander. I think you’re going to find your future very interesting.”
“Thank you, sir. I hope so.”
“Good luck.”
Colonel Johnson watched Robert leave. He sat there for five minutes without moving, then reached a decision. He walked over to the door and locked it. Then he picked up the telephone and made a call.
Susan was waiting for him. She opened the door of their apartment, wearing a sheer negligee that concealed nothing. She flew into his arms and held him close. “Hi, sailor. Want to have a good time?”
“I’m having one,” Robert said happily, “just holding you.”
“God, I missed you so much!” Susan drew back and said fiercely, “If anything ever happened to you, I think I would die.”
“Nothing is ever going to happen to me.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
She studied him a moment, concerned. “You look so tired.”
“It was a pretty intensive course,” Robert admitted. He was understating it. With all the texts and manuals to study, in addition to the practical, hands-on lessons, none of the recruits had been able to sleep more than a few hours a night. There was little grumbling for a very simple reason: They were well aware that what they were learning could one day save their lives.
“I know exactly what you need,” Susan decided.
Robert grinned. “I’ll say.” He reached for her.
“Wait. Give me five minutes. Get undressed.”
He watched her walk away and thought, How damned lucky can a man get? He began to get undressed.
Susan returned a few minutes later. She said softly, “Umm. I like you naked.”
He heard his instructor’s voice, saying, “Some of you will be operating naked. It means you’re alone and without any assistance.” What have I gotten into? What have I gotten Susan into?