As I closed on the booth, my confusion was quickly dispelled when I saw a small emerald earring hanging underneath the old gentleman’s designer shades. Openly wearing an emerald is a coded symbol of a covert Robert Charles’ operative. Given how chummy and informal Aunt Rita looked in his presence, I presumed that this man must also be a senior leader in our organization. Both rose up from the table and greeted me with wordless handshakes before Aunt Rita, motioned for me to have a seat next to her.
“Achim, this is Mr. James Quest,” she detailed with her slow country drawl.
“Mr. Quest runs things up here in the Northwest, so I thought it would be a good idea to meet with him today.”
“James, this is my play nephew, Achim Jeffers.” Aunt Rita explained with a proud smile.
“Achim and my
