Operation Tropical Affair: A Poppy McVie Adventure (Poppy McVie Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

a picture of Special Agent Dalton?”
    The two men looked at each other, blank faced.
    This was starting to feel like some kind of back room, cold war, clandestine mission. Flick the lighter twice, knock once. It was going to be fun. I wanted to rattle off a I’m your Natasha in my best Russian accent. Instead, I said, “It’s all right.”
    Mr. Martin leaned forward on the desk. “Listen, I know this situation isn’t ideal. But Jim assures me you’re up for it.” He set his jaw. “You need to understand the serious nature of the op you’re walking into. One mistake could mean your life or the life of a fellow agent. Got it?”
    I took off the hat. (It was going to be a full-on job to get my mop to fit in that thing.) “I got it.”
    “I mean it, Agent McVie.” He paused for a beat. Then huffed and shook his head. He glared at Mr. Strix. “I hope I don’t regret this.” He turned his glare on me. “Rule number one of undercover work: always keep your cover. The thing is, undercover work is like improv. Don’t take anything personally. You’ve gotta roll with it. You two are newlyweds, so smooch it up. You never know who might be watching.”
    “I understand, sir.” I had the urge to ask if I should pick up some Viagra on the way, but I was already pushing my luck and Mr. Martin didn’t seem to have much of a sense of humor.
    “Rule number two: tell as few lies as possible. Makes it easier to keep things straight. If you liked Barbies when you were seven, then Brittany liked Barbies when she was seven. The key is to be yourself, to act natural. Got it?”
    I nodded. “Barbies. Got it.”
    “Three: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t proceed. Walk away. Be patient. You don’t want to push a relationship. Better to take another day than to blow it. And four: if you suspect you’ve been made, get the hell out of there. Notify your SAC right away.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “If you get the chance to meet George, be cautious. He’s likely going to test you. He’ll scrutinize everything you say and do.”
    “George. Test me. Got it.”
    He stared for a long moment as though it were his last chance to change his mind.  
    “Is that all, sir?”
    He heaved a sigh. “Good luck.”
    Mr. Strix rose to his feet. “I’ll walk you out.”
    I slung the rich-bitch bag over my shoulder and gave Mr. Stan Martin a nod.
    After two right turns and three to the left, Mr. Strix handed me a cell phone. “A Michigan number is programmed under Mom. It will transfer to me. Call if you need anything.”
    “Michigan?” I asked, but as the word came out of my mouth I realized. “No Texas accent. I grew up in Michigan. Got it.” I stopped and turned to him. “Thanks,” I said.
    He smiled.  
    “Has there been any news on my dad’s case?”
    He shook his head. “I’m sorry. Nothing.”
    I walked a few more feet, turned and—nope. I was going to let it go.
    He lifted his glasses to rub his eyes and sighed. “What is it?”
    “Nothing, sir.” I turned to continue on.  
    He gently grabbed my arm. “It’s Special Ops. That’s what you’ve always wanted.”
    “Yes, sir. Thank you for recommending me, sir.”
    “I was glad to do it. You’ll make me proud. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
    We continued on, another left turn. I stopped again. “The wife? Really? I was specifically requested because they need a woman? That’s it?”
    “Listen to me.” He took me by the shoulders like my dad used to do to make me face him. “It’s an opportunity. Take it.” He gave me a hopeful smile. “When you get there, listen to your SAC, follow protocol, and I’m confident, in no time, they’ll see your potential.” He gave me another hug. “Trust me, Poppy.”
    I gave him a smile of thanks and winked. “You can call me Brittany.”

    Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, Costa Rica is the second busiest airport in Central America. This was an advantage. Even someone I knew, like my own