OK, Amanda, Let's go through this again" Billy said.
Amanda cleared her throat and sat up straight.
"My name is Jessica Hagen. I work for the Department of Defense on a part-time basis. I am very unhappy in my job and hate my boss. I don't feel my talents are being put to good use and I am looking for other opportunities."
Billy nodded approvingly.
"Didn't you also tell him that you were willing to do almost anything to get out of that job and make some money?" Francine added.
"Uh, yes. Which is why I said I would get him the launch codes that he asked for." Amanda answered as she saw Lee doing his best to not show his discomfort in the situation.
"Yes, Amanda! Don't forget that part. Remind him that you are willing to do another job for him if there is more money involved. He's more willing to reveal what he wants or who he's selling to if he knows you are desperate for cash." Billy added.
"OK, I won't forget" she said.
Amanda thought for a moment.
"How do we know where he's going to be?" she asked.
"Well, he told you he'd meet at the club. We will have you roam the grounds for a bit and see if he makes contact." Lee said.
"And when he does, I am to.." Amanda questioned.
"Let him drive from that point. Don't be too anxious to offer him anything. I'm sure he will ask for the codes right off the bat. He's definitely going to be selling to the highest bidder. Pierce's name has been on everyone's lips for the past two weeks, and I can assure you that's not a good thing." Billy said.
Amanda let out a sigh.
"Oh, boy. OK, I'll do my best!" Amanda said as she stood up from the impromptu makeup table that was in reality a bale of hay with a mirror.
Amanda smoothed out her mid-thigh length white shorts and tucked in her sleeveless navy top. Grabbing her white sun visor, she took a deep breath and nodded to Lee indicating that she was ready.
"Ah, don't forget these!" Francine handed Amanda a pair of sunglasses. "Latest in spy technology!"
"Thanks, Francine."
"Just try not to tap it against things. We want to be able to hear you."
"Will do."
"And remember, Amanda…all we need for you to do is find out who Pierce is selling the codes to. That's it. We'll take care of the rest." Billy reminded.
"Just find out the details. I can do that" Amanda said as she got back into Lee's Corvette.
"Good luck!" Francine said as the car pulled away.
Lee drove down the service road.
"I'll be right there with you; Amanda so don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous."
"Well, I won't be exactly next to you the whole time, but you know what I mean. I'll be around….watching."
"Lee, I've got this."
Lee swallowed hard. He knew she had this. She seemed cool as a cucumber. It was him that was a nervous wreck inside. Lee pulled the car over to the side of the road.
"Ok, I'm getting out here. You head to the bar. Get yourself a drink and then go for a walk outside. Wait for him to contact you."
Amanda nodded.
"Once he does, let him lead the conversation. When it comes up, tell him you have the codes. Do you have the envelope with the fake codes?"
"Yup, right here." Amanda said indicating to her purse.
"See if you can get him talking about who he is selling the codes to."
"Ok, I can do this. You know I have the gift of gab. I can hopefully get him talking about what we need him to talk about."
Lee let out a frustrated sigh.
"And just remember, Amanda. ALL you need to do is GET the information. Do nothing more. Francine and Billy will be listening in through those sunglasses."
"Yup, I know."
"If you get in trouble, just say 'Boy, my dad would have loved this place' and we will be right there."
"OK"
Lee looked at Amanda and smiled a half smile while his stomach dropped into his feet.
"Be careful."
"I will" she said as she drove way.
Amanda pulled up to the main entrance of the Aqua Turf club. It was a beautiful place with many fountains and perfectly manicured lawns as far as the eye could see. She stepped out of the car and nodded to the valet who came over and took the keys from her.
The mission had begun.