“This dick measuring contest is fun to watch, but maybe you two can put them away so we can get to work,” Jay said, leaning against the back wall.
Christ, Jay’s as touched as Gibson.
“How secure is the room?” I asked, tilting my head towards the two walls of windows; one ran along the hall, the other ran along the back, giving us a view of the back lot.
“Sharpe.”
Blackout screens rolled down, shutting out the outside world.
“Sound?”
“Isolated and secure.”
“So, I’m guessing you’re not just handling supply chain logistics?” Jack asked, confirming John and Jay hadn’t shared our secrets.
I looked at Gibson, knowing I couldn’t out myself without outing him. He nodded, confirming our earlier agreement.
“No.” I admitted. “Though I do work for the government. The CIA, to be exact. This is Officer Ryan Gibson.”
Gibson saluted as jaws dropped. They recovered quickly, and I continued.
Skipping small talk, I said, “I need to know what happened today.”
“Two men came into Grannie’s asking about Nina.” Images appeared on the screen behind John.
“I’ll need a copy of the footage.”
“I need an email,” Doug said.
“Gibson?”
“On it.” He talked to Doug while John told me the rest.
I stared at the screen while he spoke.
“They claimed to be old family friends who had information about her parents.”
“Did you get any contact information?”
“Yes.” John handed me a business card. “The number goes to a burner.”
“That’s what I’d do,” Gibson said.
Me too. Using a burner was textbook spy craft.
“Where’s Nina now?”
“At Grannie’s. Robinson’s with Nina and Blaszek is watching her grandmother’s house.”
“Did they see her?”
“No, she was in Mary’s office.”
“Play it again,” I said when the footage ended. I watched, noting their mannerisms and body language.
“They’re pros,” Gibson said before I voiced the same observation.
“CIA?” Jay asked.
