The New Year of 2002 starts off with a literal bang, when Mark Vincent is called to WBIS headquarters and learns the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security has been disbanded. He's not happy with the situation, but he's ready to make his own way in the intelligence waters of DC. However, when Trevor Wallace, known as The Boss, requests he accept the CIA's offer of a job, Mark reluctantly agrees. He isn't surprised to find working for the CIA is exactly what he expected, with the Company not allowing him to do his job. Mark lets his resentment be known as he's partnered with one officer after another, with no success. As a result, he's determined to leave the CIA, in spite of his promise to the man whose opinion he valued so highly.<br><br>Quinton Mann is viewed as royalty in the intelligence community. He had a run-in with Mark Vincent a few years before, while Vincent was still senior special agent for the WBIS, and Quinn had developed a healthy respect for him. Now, however, it's his turn to partner with the man considered by the alphabet agencies to be a sociopath.<br><br>Quinn can see what the problem is, and he's aware Vincent might not remain CIA for long. Now, the year is drawing to a close. Will a drink on Christmas Eve change things for both men?

No One Should Be Alone

“Perhaps next time?” Susan jerked my arm. “What was the meaning of that?” she demanded. “Are you going to see her again?”


She scowled at me, and I raised an eyebrow.


“Really, Susan. I had no objection to you dancing with another man—a number of other men. Why do you object when I dance with another woman?”


“Dancing is one thing. Dear God, why are men so blind? I could see she wanted more than that from you. Why couldn’t you?”


“Perhaps because she wanted nothing of the kind from me.” I’d never come so close to losing my patience with her.


Susan stared at me, her mouth agape. “I…I…”


Fortunately, the band returned just then, and the M.C. hopped onto the bandstand and announced the countdown to the New Year.  2


Chapter 3