“If you can get Phil to let you into the factory, you can override the security system so that we can approach and complete the operation,” Dwayne said. “The methodology is up to you, but I think you know what the most effective one will be.”

I nodded. “Romance him, right?”

“Bingo. The timeframe is not critical at this point; you’ve got thirty days. Here’s the file.” The glove compartment slid open and a folder slid out. I took it and started paging through it.

“One more thing,” Dwayne said. “Don’t get too attached to lover-boy there. After the staff are…reassigned, you won’t see them again. Reasons of security, you understand.”

I nodded absently, already reading up on Phil.

It didn’t take much finesse. A “chance” encounter, my heel breaking and dropping me right into his arms. Getting to talking, then getting to dating—he was a pretty decent guy, really. I felt a little guilty, but I knew it was for a good cause.

Twenty-three days into the mission, he wanted to show me where he worked.