Investigating 101. Debra Webb

do we need to be?” he asked with the same bluntness Victoria had used.

      “I have a dear friend in nonfiction publishing,” she explained, “who is very interested in genetics, which is one of the main fields of research at Milestone. This friend will allow one of my investigators to open a line of dialogue with Dr. Landon in pursuit of a book about him and his research. Since my friend is genuinely interested, our investigation will set things in motion along that avenue while allowing us to get close enough to make our own conclusions about the good doctor.”

      “And if all goes well,” Todd concluded, “Dr. Landon will get a book deal and we’ll have our answers. Miss Blake will simply have to come to terms with her friend’s disappearance.”

      “This case is too high-profile to approach it any other way,” Braddock put in, apparently annoyed by Todd’s elementary assessment.

      “A.J. is new at the agency as well as in Chicago, making him the logical choice,” Victoria interjected. “There’s little possibility that anyone, including Landon, would recognize him.”

      “How do I fit into this scenario?” Todd liked doing things his own way, but he had a feeling that wasn’t going to happen this go-around.

      “You’ll be introduced as A.J.’s research assistant,” Victoria told him. “This will be your trial run, Mr. Thompson,” she added, her tone direct and to the point. “If we like what we see on this assignment, you’ll stay on. If not…”

      She didn’t have to clarify. “When do we start?” Todd didn’t see the need to waste any additional time. He intended to prove himself beyond a shadow of a doubt. Now was as good a time as any.

      Victoria stood. She stopped him when Todd would have done the same. “I’ll leave you and A.J. to work out the finer points. An initial appointment with Landon has been arranged for nine tomorrow morning. I’ll expect you to let me know if you decide to withdraw, Mr. Thompson.”

      With that ominous statement, she left the conference room. Why in the world would he withdraw?

      “There are a few details we’ll need to iron out, Thompson,” Braddock said, calling Todd’s attention back to him.

      “Shoot.”

      The look in the other man’s eyes had Todd wishing he’d used some other terminology.

      “During the course of this investigation, you will answer to me,” Braddock stated flatly. “You will do exactly what I say when I say. No exceptions. Period. There will be no second chances. Do we understand each other?”

      Todd wondered briefly how much of his military time Mr. Braddock had spent as a drill sergeant. “Perfectly.”

      Braddock pushed in Todd’s direction what on first glance gave the impression of a simple typed report. “This is your cover profile. Study it. Preparation is the key. I’ll pick you up at eight in the morning. If you’ve changed your mind, you will notify Victoria prior to that time and save us both the unnecessary trouble.”

      Why the hell was everyone so concerned with whether or not he would change his mind?

      “Don’t worry, Braddock,” Todd replied without reservation, dropping the “mister” as the older man had done when addressing him. “I won’t change my mind.”

      The hint of a smile cracked the man’s no-nonsense exterior. “Maybe you’d better read the profile before you make that decision.”

      The big guy pushed out of his seat. “Take the rest of the afternoon off, Thompson. Consider long and hard whether you’re cut out for this line of work. The Colby Agency employs only the best. Ask yourself one defining question. Can you, no matter the circumstances or personal sacrifice, be the best?”

      Todd didn’t get up. He just watched the other man leave. Then he picked up the single page that outlined his cover for this assignment.

      “Might as well see what all the fuss is about.”

      Nothing Victoria or Braddock could have said would have properly prepared him for the blow to his ego.