Near Miss

Chapter 38

When Carly came down to the lobby of the Seagram Building, Stone was waiting for her in the Bentley.

“This is unexpected,” she said, sliding in the back seat next to Stone.

“It’s necessary,” Stone said.

“Is Gromyko in jail?” she asked.

“I’m still waiting for that call. In the meantime, there’s another threat to deal with.”

“Now what?”

“Lance Cabot.”

“The head of the CIA?”

“That’s the one.”

“What’s the problem with him?”

“He’s taken an interest in you.”

“What sort of interest are we talking about? Sex?”

“No, nobody’s sure whether Lance does that. He wants to recruit you for the Agency.”

“Well, that’s flattering. Does he always do that personally? I thought he had a nationwide network of recruiters at such places as Ivy League universities.”

“Oh, he does, but he always has an eye out for talent, and when he spots it, he wants it. And he’s spotted you.”

“Is he so hard to say no to?”

“He is, and there’s an element of danger in that.”

“How so?”

“Here’s how it works,” Stone said. “First, he’ll take you to a very good dinner, and he’ll talk the whole time. You won’t even have a chance to ask questions, until he’s finished.”

“Okay, I can handle a good dinner. What then?”

“Then he’ll take you down to a place called the Farm, in Virginia.”

“I’ve read about that; it sounds interesting.”

“Lance thinks you’ll think that, especially when he tells you about the kind of training you’ll get there.”

“For how long?”

“The standard is about twelve weeks, but he would likely pull you out before that.”

“Why?”

“Because he’ll have a special assignment that your training has shaped you for, and it will sound enticing.”

“Okay, then what?”

“From then on, Lance will keep you very busy. You’ll visit exotic places and do work that you feel might just save the planet.”

“Sounds like a dream job.”

“It is, in its way, but it’s dangerous. Survival is a very important part of the work.”

“Why do you know all of this?”

“Because I have attended the Farm, albeit briefly, and I know others who have done so under Lance’s watchful eye.”

“Like who?”

“One of them is currently serving as president of the United States.”

“Holy shit! Sounds like I’d enjoy some of that training.”

“You will, some of it. But you’re no Holly Barker; no one is.”

“I’ll try to hold my ambition in check.”

“Later in your career, it might be worth your while to study under Lance, but not yet. You’re going to have a lot of options in your life, and the Agency is only one of them.”

“Well, that’s flattering.”

“We’re not talking about flattery, here, Carly. We’re talking reality. You’re going to have a lot of fun doing the things you’re still learning to do, but believe me, it’s too early in your young life for you to learn it at the hands of Lance Cabot.”

“Okay, say Lance approaches me. How do I handle it?”

“You give him your undivided attention. Never look bored or inattentive, then while he’s talking, think about why you don’t want to do what he’s suggesting you do. When he’s done, tell him no, in specific, but polite terms. And be firm in your resolve.”

“What if what he’s offering is really, really enticing?” she asked.

“Trust me: you don’t want to do it. You should believe me, because I have your interests at heart, while Lance has only his interests at heart. There’s nothing I want for you but to do well and make good choices.”

“I believe that, Stone,” she said. “And I’ll do as you ask.”

“Good. After Lance has made his pitch, we’ll talk about it, and you’ll see why it’s not a good idea.”

“All right.”

“Home, Fred,” Stone said. “And without getting shot at, if you can manage it.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”