Jim took a large swallow of wine: there wasn't enough wine on the table to blot out the noise of the little man across from him; nor was there enough on the train to mask the hole in the core of his being. And much to West's dismay, Marvin was still talking.

...I've also come up with this handy-dandy button tablet, that when pulled off a vest or jacket and placed in liquid, dissolves into a sleeping drug. There are a lot of things we can use that I've created once we're face to face with the counterfeit ring. Of course, getting on the inside is another challenge altogether, but I have a few ideas that could....."

As Solomon's voice droned on, Jim tried to keep his eyes from crossing in exasperation. How long could the man talk? Eventually he was going to have to take a breath; or at least West hoped so.....

I really think our best shot at luring the counterfeiters out of hiding is to pretend we are their competition--

--Hold it.....that's not bad, Marvin.

The green eyes beneath the spectacles grew widely, Really? You like my idea?

It has possibilities, yes.

The talkative Solomon was suddenly speechless. West tried prompting him.

Well, Marvin?

Well....what, sir?

How are you at deception?

Me, Mr. West?

I don't see anyone else in here....

You mean like false identities, disguises, cloak and dagger stuff...

Jim tried to conceal the smile that was pulling at his lips, Yeah, the cloak and dagger stuff. Are you any good at it?

I...I've never actually gone undercover, Mr. West, I'm not really sure that I'll be at all convincing.

How many assignment have you completed?



Why do you keep repeating me? Just tell me how many times you've been out in the field.

I haven't exactly been out in the field, Mr. West.

West's brow furrowed, Well what exactly did you do in Washington?

I was mostly in a lab, sir.

In a lab...



Jim couldn't keep the aggravation from his voice, Inventing what, Marvin?

Gadgets, mostly.





First Jim couldn't get the man to stop chattering about nothing, and now, it was like trying to pry open a clam in August. Jim shook his head.

Can you be a little more specific, Marvin?

It's classified, sir.

Classified? Jim tried to keep the sneer from showing on his lips.

What is your clearance level, Marvin?

You mean my grade?

What is it?

Four, sir.

Jim looked like a shark moving in on its prey, And I'm a nine, so I think you can tell me in detail what it was you were doing in Washington, Marvin.

I worked on devices that agents use in the field.

But you've never been in the field..... Richmond has lost his mind....

I'm uhm...I'm going to go get some coffee....

Solomon fidgeted nervously, and headed toward the door. He turned to look at West, tripped on a chair, and fell toward the coffee table, barely catching himself on the back of the another chair. Jim just stared at the odd little man.

Would you uh, like some coffee, Mr. West?

No, Marvin. And please, stop calling me Mr. West. Do you think you can manage that?

the man fidgeted nervously, I'm just going to get some coffee then, Jimmy - sure you don't want any?



Marvin slipped out the door before West could recover from the shock he felt. Jimmy? The little pip called him Jimmy. Sighing heavily, Jim sank into the nearest chair, covering his eyes with his hand. Jimmy. How much worse could this become?