“Once our first defense consulting contract clears the committee, our overhead is covered for eighteen months.”

Arthur stood two steps behind them near the pastry cart, holding a cold paper cup of black coffee.

He reached into his vest pocket, took out his gold pocket watch, checked the face, clicked the latch shut, and cleared his throat before sliding it back into his pocket.

He looked at the clock on the lounge wall, cleared his throat again, and took the watch out a second time.

“They have no idea you’re on the program,” Brenda whispered, stepping into the dark alcove beside me with an extra bottle of water.