Page 47 of Fox in Plain Sight

“Just hear me out.”

“Michelle, you’re not meeting him alone. That’s suicide.”

“I have no intention of meeting him alone. But somebody has to go there to set up surveillance.” She pointed to the text message. “He wants to meet on the island that houses Lady Bird Johnson Park. I know it. It’s across from the Pentagon, separated by Boundary Channel.”

“Boundary Channel?” Yankee asked.

“A waterway that connects to the Potomac,” she explained and looked back at Nick. “There are two ways to get on and off the island: via George Washington Memorial Parkway or with a boat. There’s a marina on the southern tip of the island, Columbia Island Marina.”

“What are you saying?” Nick asked.

“Somebody has to set up electronic surveillance there in case he slips through our fingers. We have to be able to track whether he leaves the island by car or by boat. And I’m the only one who has the technical knowledge to do that.”

“So does Yankee,” Nick protested, looking at Yankee for support.

“That’s right. I know my stuff.” Yankee looked insulted.

Michelle tossed him a glare. “I know my stuff better, no offense. Besides, Nick needs you here. You need to guide him once he’s inside. And if something goes wrong, you’ll have to get him out.”

She could see Nick battling with the decision before him. “I don’t like it.”

She sighed. “I know. But I work fast. I’ll be done long before Smith shows up. By that time, you’ll have left Langley and can meet me outside Arlington and then we can surprise Smith together. It’s the best solution.”

Nick glanced at Yankee. His friend nodded after a few seconds.

“She’s right, man. We’re running out of time.”

Nick took both of Michelle’s hands in his. “You go there, set up the cameras and you get out. You hear me? No hanging around there. Just in and out. If you’re not at the Arlington Metro in exactly one hour, I’m going to whip your butt when I catch you. Is that clear?”

She nodded, her heart racing at his impassioned statement.

“Make sure Yankee can get a hold of you while I’m in there. Do you have a cell on you?”

Michelle shook her head. “Only the burner from Smith.”

Nick glanced at Yankee, who already nodded and said, “I’ve got some spares.”

Nodding in agreement, Nick addressed her again, “Take the van. It’s got all the equipment you’ll need.” He turned to Yankee. “I’ll take the Toyota. Yankee, you’ll wait in the Buick and take the communication system with you so you and I can communicate when I’m inside and you can watch my back.”

When Nick turned back to her, his gaze was heated. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her fiercely, then released her just as abruptly.