Chapter four:

I've got him.

Let me see the list, Smoke said, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. I knew it existed.

Oh, did you know? You don't sound so sure.

It was a theory.

Based off what? The Black Slate has very little activity. It's a very low profile.

True, but I know all these lists pretty well. I've studied the cases, the files, at least what ever I could get a hold of. But there was always something missing. I don't look for they show or say, I look for what they don't show or say. He drummed his fingers on the table and stared at the file. All of those lits I figured were nothing but busywork that hid the real people. Good for the papers. Good for accolades and medals.

But they never bring in the top- dog criminals. He stretched his fingers toward the file. May I? Sidney slid the file. She wanted to give it to him, he seemed so eager, child like even. Not without clearance, and I don't see that happening if you aren't on board with this. Don't fret it. The list isn't in here, just the first assignment. Are you interested or not? Smoke pulled his fingers back. Tell me more. I'm curious. Why does the FBI want to use me as a resource?

All right, I can answer that. Let's just say our resources are stretched and thin. Even though the Black Slate, as you call it, is important, other matters have higher priority: border security, domestic terrorism, cyber attacks, white collar crime. There are so many agents,and they can keep tabs on so many things.

Sure, sure, and I'm supposed to believe the NSA doesn't keep tabs on any of these things? Don't you share information with each other?

Like I said, the FBI has priorities, but the Black Slate is still a threat, it just isn't as high up on DC's agenda.

Ah, Smoke said, Washington D. C home of the greatest truths and the greatest lies.

You have a skewed outlook on things, she said. Where does all of this come from?

I read the books.

What kind of books?

The kind that aren't on the best seller's list.

I see. She nodded. Is there anything you care to recommend?

Nope. Smoke's chair groaned as he shifted. So this character on the wanted list, tell me more about him. Has the FBI tried to catch him?

Yes, for years and without success. I've studied the file. We've gotten close, only to see him slip from our grasp time and time again. And these are veteran agents. They speak as if he's a ghost or something.

Smoke tilted his head. Maybe he is.

I don't think so.

Maybe he's like Bruce Lee and they just can't handle him? He made some quick chops with his hands. Wa- hah!

I'm certain that's not the case, but some agents were wounded in hand to hand combat.

Smoke's eyes widened. Maybe it's the ghost of Bruce Lee?

You're a strange man.

So, do you have a picture? A name? Are you in?

Smoke beckoned with his fingers. Sidney pulled a picture from the file and shoved it over. It was a surveillance shot of a small dark- haired man in a blue suit, stepping out of an SUV. His name is Vaughn, Adam Vaughn. They call him AV.

Smoke's eyes buckled as he studied the picture.

Is this the only one you have?

The only one on me, and it's the best one we have.

This guy's about five foot- five.

Hmmm. and he almost as the uni-brow thing going. Spanish decent. Sharp features. Hard- eyed. He rubbed his chin. Where's the last place they cornered him?

D. C.

And what is he suspected of?

Trafficking.

Trafficking what?

Everything.

So you have testimonials?

Some living and some dead.

Smoke shoved the picture back across the table.

Alright.

Alright. Does that mean you're in?

No, alright as in I'm thinking about it.