53
A CIA PENETRATION
NSA Headquarters.
The next morning, Pete Buck walked into Bill’s office to find him head down on his desk, snoring.
Buck knocked on the open door, but there was no response.
“Sir? Mr. Tarleton?”
Bill’s head rocketed upright. “No, no! I’m coming, Mom. I’ll be right there. I can’t find my books . . .”
“Sir? Mr. Tarleton, you all right?”
Bill rubbed his eyes. “Oh s**t. I was dreaming I was late for school and couldn’t find my books. Jesus, after all these years chasing terrorists you’d think dreams of being late for a final exam would be replaced with bombs going off or something. What is it, Buck? Hey, you don’t look so good.”
“You’re right about that.”
“You’re three shades of green, son. Have a seat. Well, have a seat if you’re not about to hurl, that is.”
“H
