Quinton Mann is CIA through and through. Mark Vincent is WBIS for life. There is no way they could end up as anything other than adversaries -- and yet, Quinn takes Mark out to dinner on his birthday -- the one no one is supposed to know about -- and gives him one hell of a present in the restaurant's restroom. Mark, not to be outdone, has decided to escalate this game, because it has to be a game, right? There's no way it can be anything else.<br><br>But as the game continues, as Quinn shows up to a WBIS funeral, as a friend of Mark’s penetrates the CIA computer network to get information on Quinn, as Mark breaks into Quinn's house and gives Quinn a very interesting encounter, both Quinn and Mark realize that this is becoming the most real thing in their lives.<br><br>Can they find a way to do their jobs and keep this surprising, intriguing connection?

Houseboat on the Nile

“I know you’ve got a file on me, Vincent, and I know you used my mother to get that information. I don’t know why yet, but I intend to find out. I will find out.” I walked to the door, unlocking it, and glanced at him over my shoulder. “Happy birthday, Mark.”


I collected my overcoat and signaled our waiter. “See the gentleman doesn’t forget his dessert.”


He nodded, and I walked out into the damp February night. Vincent’s taste lingered in my mouth. Was he as confused by what I’d done as I was?


“Shall I summon a cab for you, sir?” the doorman asked.


“Hmm? Oh, no, thank you.” My town house wasn’t that far, and I could use the time it took to walk there for a little introspection on my actions this evening.


Chapter 21