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

I glanced at the calendar of baby animals I’d hung on the wall—nothing like screwing with the minds of whoever the Company sent down here to periodically toss my office looking for God alone knew what. They probably had no idea I was aware of their little games.


The CIA also wasn’t aware the clock was ticking down: the past two weeks were my last two weeks.


Quinn—Mann—had told me we were taking off Christmas and the week that followed and wouldn’t have to come back to Langley until January 2. And didn’t that fucking sound like we were a couple who were planning on spending that time together?


It did to me, and that was why this was where it ended today. Tonight.


Mann would have no problem finding another partner. He was easy to work with, easy to get along with. A class act all the way.


It was after eight, and this part of the building had that quiet feeling, as if no one was there. Only at least two people were still here—me and Mann.


Chapter 16