Seduction in Session Read Free

back. Three weeks later, the World Trade Center had been attacked, killing six and injuring a thousand after a truck bomb had been detonated under the North Tower.
    “So Langley finally read my report and figured out I was right?”
    A smile split the man’s face. “Oh, I read your report—after the attack, of course. You were right. What kind of high school kid follows terrorist groups?”
    A perverse one. He knew a bunch of kids who were fascinated by serial killers. He’d always wanted to know what made a man do something crazy like strap on a bomb and walk into a crowded plaza. “It’s a hobby.”
    “I’m afraid when we received your report, someone tossed it aside in the ‘kook’ pile. After we pulled it out and dissected it, your conclusions were so spot-on that a faction within my group assumed you were involved in the attack, even though we’d already prosecuted four of the perpetrators and were pursuing two others. They wanted to question you, but I got one of my tingles.”
    “Sounds like you need a shot of penicillin, buddy.” Connor didn’t like the feeling he was getting. Why would the CIA come out here? Why not give him a call? Why wait over a year to question him?
    The man chuckled again. “I’m talking about instincts not STDs, but I enjoy your sarcasm. The Navy won’t. I’ve been studying you and I’ve decided you have exactly what it takes to be an operative.”
    “So you’re not here to accuse me of working with terrorist groups? Because I’m not. I follow them. I believe they’re beginning to get sophisticated. There’s this new thing. The Internet. I know DARPA has had it for years.”
    “Yes, you know that because you managed to hack into the system. You’re the reason they’re developing security to protect themselves. By next year, the Internet will be fully commercialized, and we need a new wave of operatives. You understand that communications is changing. The way we listen is changing, and analysis just got interesting. So you can join up and do the Navy thing for a couple of years, or you can let me pay your way to Yale. You’ll get a degree in communications with a minor in world politics.”
    “Ivory-tower professors know nothing about real world politics,” Connor said with a huff, but his brain was working overtime.
    “No, they do not, son. But a degree from such an esteemed establishment looks good on paper and will help you rise through the ranks.” He smiled. “You’re going to be a spectacular find. What do you say? While you’re getting the degree I mentioned, you’ll also begin a physical training program that will teach you everything you need to know to survive in the field. In exchange, you’ll receive tuition and books, along with room and board. If you live up to your end of the bargain and join the Agency, you’ll receive some information your mother has withheld that might lead to a turn in your financial fortunes.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Secrets, son. Information is power. Power can be turned into money. If you say yes, I can promise you you’ll never worry about money again. And it will be so much fun helping you get your hands on it. You’ll find I never do merely one job when I can do two.”
    The door opened, and Roman strode out wearing his swimsuit and a dress shirt he hadn’t bothered to button up. He had a girl on either arm and a bottle of tequila dangling from his left hand. “You seen Scooter? I have to make sure he doesn’t spend the entire night studying. We just graduated, damn it. Why does he have to go to freaking summer school?” He straightened up when he saw the man standing there. “Hello, sir. I was just taking this bottle out of the house so none of our underage guests can find it and drink it.”
    “Sure you are, Calder. Just make sure no one takes pictures, and don’t talk where someone can record it. And make damn sure Zack Hayes doesn’t inhale.” He turned back to Connor. “Are you