“Oh.” I attempted to rub the frown away from my forehead. “Exactly what do you want me to do?”
“John Kane will be attending a formal function in Calgary the day after tomorrow.” General Briggs picked up the narrative. “While there, he will be researching the layout and security of the venue in which it is held. A man doing this alone would be too obvious. He needs a female companion to attend with him.” The general gave me an encouraging smile. “I’m told the food and entertainment will be quite magnificent.”
“I’m not sure Kane would want me tagging along,” I objected. “I don’t have the first clue about spy stuff. I’d probably put him in danger just through my own ignorance.”
“You would be fully briefed, of course,” Stemp said. “We would also compensate you for your time. And there would be an allowance for your wardrobe and accessories for the event.” He added that last bit as though it was an irresistible inducement.
I did my best to control my face. He really thought I’d want to go if he bought me a new dress. Poor deluded man. Little did he know I’d happily pay him if he’d let me go in jeans and a sweatshirt.
I shrugged. “If Kane thinks it’s a good idea, I’ll go with him. I’ll help if I can. But if he thinks he’d be better off without me, then I don’t want to be foisted on him.”
“Excellent.” The general nodded with obvious satisfaction. “Please come here for your briefing tomorrow morning at ten o’clock. You should be prepared to leave for Calgary immediately afterward so that you have time to purchase whatever you need for the following evening.” He rose. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Kelly.”
I recognized a dismissal when I heard it. I got up and shook hands again with him and Stemp, and turned to leave the room.
“I’ll see you out,” Spider said, his first words since the introductions. We went down the hall together, and he followed me out onto the front step.
“What the hell, Spider?” I demanded. “Those two big brasses came here just to blow sunshine up my ass and ask me on a date? I don’t think so. What’s really going on?”
He shook his head. “Later.”
“Will they be here for the briefing tomorrow?” I asked.
“Yes.” He regarded me tensely, and I could see I wouldn’t get anything more out of him.
“Okay.” I sighed. “See you tomorrow at ten. Do I have to dress up again?”
“Yes.”
*** End of The Spy Is Cast, Chapter 1 ***
Never Say Spy (The Never Say Spy Series Book 1) Page 33
