Colin didn’t respond. He sat back, legs out straight with his hands linked across his flat stomach. The Agent stood and opened a wall panel, hitting all switches, and then pulled a screen down over the mirrored panel.
“There. Nobody can see or hear our conversation, and we are not being recorded. Everything said now will stay between the two of us.”
Colin gave a single nod, wondering about the sudden secrecy.
“I’ve no right to ask anything of you,” Agent Abernathy continued. “But I’d like to make you an offer. A very rare sort of offer. Many laws were broken while you pursued your vigilante ways, and we’re washing your record clean of those, but I’m wondering if you’d be interested in getting paid to use your…unique skills.”
This peaked Colin’s interest. Without moving or changing his expression he said, “Go on.”
“I’m offering you the opportunity to become an undercover agent with MI-6.”
Colin laughed, but Abernathy ignored him and kept talking.
“We have an elite unit of personnel, unknown even among our own ranks. You’ve made quite a name for yourself, so you’d continue to work under the name Colin Douglas with your art as your cover story. But you would be an informant for us. It’s increasingly difficult and time consuming for our agents to infiltrate themselves the way you’ve done. They’re expected to abide by the law and follow certain protocol—all of which would not be expected of you.”
“Why would I do this for you?” Colin asked. “I don’t need the money.”
“I think we have the same agenda when it comes down to it, Mr. Douglas: justice. As one of our undercover elite there’s certain protocols you’ll have to adhere to, but you’ll have freedoms regular agents do not. You’ll be thoroughly trained in weapons and defense, but you’ll report to me and only me. Few will know of your involvement, and you’ll be paid in cash. Under the table. Aye?”
Colin probably should have asked for time to think about it, but he was good at reading people, and he knew Abernathy wasn’t blowing smoke up his arse. His offer filled Colin with visions of James Bond scenarios, which he knew was ridiculous, but it gave him a jolt of excitement nonetheless. In essence, he was being given permission to do the exact thing he planned to do anyhow—destroy the types of people who took Graham. But in this case he’d have training and additional resources at his disposal.
“Aye. And if we try this and decide it doesn’t work for us?” Colin asked.
“Then we go our separate ways. We’re not the mafia. You won’t work against your will, and nobody will attempt to take you out if you quit. But while you’re with us, we do require complete loyalty, and for the rest of your life we require the upmost secrecy. We have no leniency for traitors.”
Especially traitors not on the payroll, Colin thought, understanding the threat clearly.
Colin half-grinned. Abernathy half-grinned. And together the men struck a deal.
I’m not sure how long it took me to break down and eat the bread but it was pathetically short. An hour maybe. I hated myself for giving in, even though that made no sense. How was I hurting anyone other than myself by not eating? I needed to choose my battles better. My body was weak from being drugged, and I really could have used that meal. I stared at the cold plate now with regret, out of hand’s reach.
My heart accelerated when I heard footsteps and male voices nearing. I sat up straighter, wary.
Marco entered with another nicely-tailored middle aged gentleman, also of Latin descent. They both looked me over and I dropped my eyes. Then they began conversing in Spanish, talking about me like an object of property.
“Attractive,” the other man said. “A blonde American would be an excellent asset if you can get her to cooperate.”
Marco grunted his agreement. “I’m afraid my son has ruined her. She may not be worth the effort. If I cannot get her to cooperate, I will need your assistance. You know that is not my particular area of expertise. I will pay kindly to have this burden removed swiftly and silently.”
My stomach sunk as the men shared a knowing look, and I struggled not to show emotion on my face. Then the other man chuckled and spoke.
“Always a lover, not a fighter.” He clapped Marco on the shoulder. “When have I ever denied you services, friend? Eh? If the girl is unusable, she will disappear and never be found.”
Terror slid like a cool knife down my spine.
I was glad I hadn’t eaten the full meal because I might have lost it then. This man was obviously some sort of criminal business partner who did the dirty work for Marco. The way they spoke so callously of ending my life left no doubt that they’d kill me without reservation. I worked hard not to react. To control my breathing and facial expressions as the men looked me over.
The nameless man said, “You should test her out. Don’t let her get too comfortable. The sooner you begin training her, the better.”
Marco ran his thumb over his lips in thought, then nodded, calling out, “Luis!”