"Whenever you need me."
Dangerous phrasing.
"Monday work for you?" I asked.
"Monday's perfect."
"Good. Barbara will be here for one more week to train you, then she's off to Maui. Think you can learn everything in that time frame?"
"I'm a fast learner."
I smiled despite myself. "I remember. The horse story was very... educational."
"Was that a test?"
"Everything's a test, Julia. You should know that by now."
"Then I hope I passed."
"You did. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Another pause. Comfortable. The kind that happens when two people are smiling at each other even though they can't see it.
"There is one thing," I said.
"What's that?"
"Stone will need you to come in Friday for a polygraph. Standard procedure for this level of access."
The silence this time was different. Heavier.
"A polygraph," she repeated.
"Problem?"
"No. Of course not. Friday works."
But something in her voice had shifted. Careful. Controlled.
"Julia?"
"Yes?"
"You're not worried about the polygraph, are you?"
"Should I be?"
"Only if you've been lying to me."
"I haven't lied to you, Quentin."
The way she said my name did things to my composure.
"Good," I managed. "Then we'll see you Friday at 10 am for the polygraph. And Monday morning, 8 a.m. sharp, for your first day."
"I'll be there."
"Looking forward to it."
