still caught off guard. The information was concise and clear in its instructions. It was signed, in type, “The Organization.”
There was no wiggle room. She had agreed to their terms, knew the risks, but still had not wrapped her thoughts fully around the mission. Her self-discipline would eventually allow her to complete her task. The rewards were significant, and she had been carefully chosen due to a variety of factors. They had been brilliant in in their selection of Dr. Suzy Chen. Unknown to her, she had been under scrutiny since her days as a coed at the University of Delaware. With impeccable credentials, graduating at the top of her class, getting her PhD in pharmacology and with a stellar recommendation from her superior at the pharmaceutical company where she had worked for five years, she easily landed her position in research and development at the Edgewood Arsenal.
She had her motives, and the Organization had theirs. The blend was perfect. If caught, the price was high, but she had some protection, operating with the help of this secret underground directive. Her skills were valuable to them, and they knew she needed them, as well.
She went into her office on the first floor and unlocked the top desk drawer, She paused only a moment to pick up the two yellowed photos, stare at them purposefully, and then carefully placed them back in the drawer, along with the sealed manila envelope containing the letter. She locked the drawer. Suzy exhaled, tried to shake off her racing thoughts and nervous reaction, and then began her usual at home routine. She changed out of her work clothes and into black running tights, a cotton turtleneck, and white sweatshirt. She would jog to unwind and then have dinner, something frozen, as she formulated her role in the plan and how she would implement it without discovery. She also thought of Max and her overwhelming love and desire for him. Their affair was still new, but images of him filled all her waking moments. They had a date Friday night, only one more night to wait. She knew he felt the same about her, but his job kept him in DC most of the week. She thought only of him as she stepped out of the side door, off the garage, bending to do some light stretching before she started off on her run. She enjoyed the cool temperatures, saw her breath in the air, and then her mind wandered to what she would wear tomorrow night. But the letter began to dominate her thoughts, and she mentally outlined the steps she would take, excited to begin the project. The exhilaration pumped her up. Suzy began a steady quick pace and finished her three-mile run, breathlessly, in record time.
.
13
Mike woke the boys and reminded them to wash their hands and faces, comb their hair, and get dressed. They were ages four and six and enjoyed the days spent with just their dad. They dressed in the clothes their mom had laid out for them—cute navy slacks, white polo shirts, and their favorite cool tennis shoes. All the students at Pembrooke Academy followed the dress code. It was tradition, and the polo shirts had the Pembrooke logo on the front. They felt special and grown up in their school clothes, aware that it was a really neat school. The girls at Pembrooke wore white blouses or pretty white T-shirts and navy Capri slacks or skirts.
Tim was the youngest and very bright, thoughtful, and a bit reserved. Mike Jr., also quite smart, was already acting as the older brother. He watched out for his younger brother, with no rivalry between them. Mike and Maggie loved their boys so much and were proud of them. They were kind and considerate and academically advanced for their ages. Maggie was sure they got their intelligence from their dad, but Mike assured Maggie that she was the smart one. Maggie had done well in college, getting her business degree at the University of Maryland. Mike had gotten his graduate degree there, and that was where they met. He was three years older, and Maggie had quickly fallen for this sexy grad student. He had seen her on campus and made sure to run into her as often as possible, in the student union, cafeteria, or library. He was captivated as well, and after some casual dates, both were sure of their love, and their chemistry was undeniable.
Mike had prepared their favorite breakfast