Morrell ignored Harvath and said, “You’ll find your training schedules on your desks, as well a listing of when meals are served at the lodge. The conference center runs movies every night as long as there are no classes using the building. On Friday afternoons we normally do a barbecue, weather permitting, and then there are pickup softball games on Sunday-”

“When do we get to roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories?” interrupted Harvath.

Meg was trying her hardest to be polite, but started to laugh. She didn’t feel like laughing, not after everything that had happened to her, but she couldn’t help it. It was cathartic and she let it come.

Morrell had a short fuse and was trying to keep his temper in check. “We host a lot of international guests here, and it is the Agency’s wish that we convey a healthy and appealing American image. They like to call it hearts and minds; I call it bullshit. We’re not here to play games, and you’d do well to remember that.”

“Duly noted. Anything else?” asked Harvath, glad that Meg was still smiling.

“Yes,” said Morrell as he fished two ID badges from his pocket. “These are to be worn at all times. If you’re caught without one, you’ll be detained, and it’ll be my responsibility to come and get you. I don’t want to have to come get you-either of you,” he stressed, staring at Harvath. “You are not to speak with anyone other than me and the rest of my team. We all have rooms in this building-”

“Which one’s yours?” asked Harvath.

“Not a chance,” said Morrell. “Ms. Cassidy, if you should need anything from me, there’s a phone in your room or you can use any of the facility phones and dial the operator. Wherever I am, I’ll be found and will return your call as soon as possible.”

“Got it. Thank you,” said Meg politely.

“I want to remind you both that this is a highly classified operation,” continued Morrell. “We’ve done our best to isolate you, but should you choose to do something like use the gym or see one of the films, you will most likely come across other trainees. If you do, you are not to provide your names, personal history, or any information about the operation you’re involved with. Is that clear?”

Harvath and Meg both nodded their heads.

“Good. Now, you were both relieved of your cell phones and the in-room phones do not dial off the facility. If you feel you need to make a call, you are to contact me. If I feel the call is warranted, I will make arrangements for you to place said call. Is that understood?”

Once again Scot and Meg both nodded their heads.

“It may seem like I’m being a bit excessive-”

“You? Excessive? Never,” said Harvath.

“-but this is for your safety, Ms. Cassidy, and the security of this installation.”

“I understand,” said Meg, trying to make up for the ground she saw Harvath losing with Morrell every time he opened his mouth.

“That seems to be it, then. Tomorrow’s going to be a very busy day, so I suggest you get something to eat and get a good night’s sleep. If there’s anything you want that we don’t already have in our kitchen here, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Do you have any beer in there?” asked Harvath.

“We don’t allow alcohol on the Point,” replied Morrell as he opened Meg Cassidy’s door and placed her bag inside.

Bullshit, was what Harvath wanted to say, but he kept his mouth shut and slung his bag into his room and closed the door behind him.

Ten minutes later, Meg knocked.

“What’s up? You’re not homesick already, are you? It’s only the first night of camp,” said Harvath.

Meg tried to force a smile.

“Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and the CIA has you right where they want you,” said Scot.

“Doesn’t it bother you that they don’t seem to like you very much?”

“Who? Morrell and company? Are you kidding? They love me.”

“They sure seem to have a hard time showing it.”

“That’s okay. As long as you and I get along, that’s all I care about.”

“So far so good, I guess.”

Harvath could tell by the tone of her voice that she was still upset and was reaching out to him. While he couldn’t go back in time and change what happened, he could at least try to take her mind off of things. “You ‘guess’? I’ll have you know there are many out there that consider me excellent company.”

“Out where? At Harvey Point?”

“You might have to go a bit further afield than that, but my legions of fans do exist.”

Meg was quiet.

“What about dinner? Are you hungry?” asked Harvath.

“Not really.”

“Sure you are. We’ll eat in. The kitchen’s stocked, and I’ll even cook.”

“I think I’ll just turn in early.”

“Meg,” said Harvath as he took her hand in his, “it’s been an overwhelming past couple of days for you, I know, but we’re going to come through this with flying colors, I promise you.”

“You sound so sure.”

“I am. Listen, I understand what you’re feeling and I want you to remember something.” Meg was silent. Harvath gently lifted her chin with his other hand until she was looking him in the eyes. “You are not alone in this. I’m going to be right next to you every step of the way. No matter what happens, you’ll only have to look over and there I’ll be.”

“You promise?” asked Meg as she wiped away the beginnings of the tears she was so desperately trying to keep at bay.

“I promise.”

Finally, she couldn’t hold back anymore and the tears came on full force. Harvath wrapped his arms tightly around her and held Meg Cassidy as she cried.

She felt so good in his arms-her hair against his neck, the smell of her skin. Harvath knew he was in dangerous territory. Eventually, the tears stopped, but neither wanted to break the embrace. Finally, Meg stepped back and reached for the box of Kleenex on his desk. “Able to take out a plane full of hijackers, but cries at the drop of a hat. What a lethal combination, huh?” said Meg, drying her eyes and feeling slightly embarrassed.

“I think you’re just hungry,” answered Harvath, realizing their moment had passed, angry with himself for what he was feeling. “What about dinner?”

“I guess I could eat something.”

“That’s the right attitude. Let’s see what’s in the kitchen,” said Harvath as he swept his hand in front of him and indicated that Meg should lead the way.

While Harvath rummaged through the cabinets, Meg had the base operator track down Rick Morrell. She requested he check on the condition of her people still in the hospital back in Chicago. Five minutes later, Morrell called back. The news was good. Their conditions remained guarded, but improved, especially Judy’s. Meg was relieved to hear it. They were overdue for a piece of good news.

As she hung up the phone, Meg filled Scot in on what she had been told. She then resolved that no matter how long it took, no matter what she had to do, she wouldn’t rest until Hashim Nidal had been put out of business.

Harvath nodded his head in agreement and went back to preparing dinner. Meg Cassidy had turned the corner, and that was good, but she had no idea what still lay ahead of them.