Hothouse Orchid (Holly Barker 6)

“I was surprised. You didn’t tell me what you were doing.”

“Then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.”

“I guess not.”

“Look, I can always withdraw my application, if you don’t want me around, but I have to say, I thought you’d be pleased.”

“I am,” she admitted. “My life at Langley has been all about work since I’ve been there. It’ll be nice to change that a little.”

“I’ll do what I can to help,” Josh said, squeezing her thigh.

“How did you even know there was a medical division at the Agency?” she asked.

“They tried to recruit me near the end of my surgical residency,” he said.

“Why didn’t you accept?”

“I wanted to make some money before I went into… public service.”

“And why did you reapply now?”

“You have to ask?” Josh asked.

Holly smiled. “You’re sweet.”

“Do you think I’ll be accepted?”

“If they don’t find out that you’ve been a North Korean sleeper since grade school.”

“Oh, God, I didn’t think they would check on that!”

She laughed. “My recommendation won’t hurt.”

“You recommended me?”

“I did, just this afternoon.”

“I guess that must mean you want me around.”

She took his hand. “It does.”

He smiled.

“Something you should know, though,” Holly said.

“What’s that?”

“You’re going to have to work hard at the Agency; you may not have much time to see me.”

“I’ll figure something out,” he said.

“And, if you don’t, I will,” she replied.

56

Hurd Wallace telephoned his nominal superior, Colonel Timothy Wyatt, who was head of the state police. Hurd effectively reported only to the governor, but he made a point of making equipment and personnel requests through Wyatt, as a courtesy and to maintain good relations for situations like the one he now faced.

“Good morning, Hurd,” Wyatt said without warmth.