The Strivers' Row Spy Read Online Free Page B

Hoover’s desk. Some were group pictures, others of individuals—perhaps government officials or college professors who had influenced him. All of these men, some dressed in military uniforms, likely had leadership roles of some sort. And leadership was something Garvey was craving.
    Glass still in hand, I downed the rest and began pacing again. I understood Garvey’s desire to unify and strengthen coloreds throughout the world, but I was convinced his approach was dangerous.
    Catching me in mid pace, Hoover reentered and took a seat. I eased my way back to my chair, setting the glass on his desk.
    â€œWe’re just about finished here, Sidney. Just a few more items.” He put the file away, made a note on a large desk calendar, then looked back at my file, which he’d left open on his desk.
    â€œApparently this Garvey, who until recently was an unknown figure, is quickly becoming known to the greater public. How do you think this classmate—college reporter—knew about the quote Garvey’d made?”
    â€œI have no idea.”
    But I did know. The past November of 1918, the New York Times had reported on a meeting Garvey had led with five thousand people in attendance. That report had introduced Garvey to America.
    A student reporter began investigating him, looking into his Jamaican past, his rise to a position of leadership in America. I guess since I was one of the only colored students at the school, the reporter came to me with all this information and asked for a response to the quote.
    â€œAre you familiar with Max Eastman?” asked Hoover.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œHe heads up the Liberator . It’s a socialist-leaning magazine in Greenwich Village. He previously ran the Masses , in which he repeatedly railed against the United States’s involvement in the war. He stood trial under provisions of the Sedition Act.
    â€œWe also have every reason to believe he’s a Marxist. Although, I must say, to his credit, he’s been able to sniff out any agents we’ve ever sent to infiltrate his businesses. But perhaps a colored agent wouldn’t draw his suspicion.”
    Now I was truly confused. Was it Garvey or Eastman he wanted me to follow? Maybe it was someone else altogether. I was through trying to predict this young fellow’s intentions for me.
    â€œI’m due over on the Hill here shortly, Sidney.” He paused and cleared his throat. “The Bureau does not provide formal training for its agents, and again, our agents have no congressional authority to carry a sidearm, though most of them carry a weapon for their own protection.
    â€œBesides, I intend to change all this authority, no authority nonsense. We will eventually have a training academy for physical work and classroom study. In the meantime, I’d like you to follow a few of our experienced agents out in the field for some on-the-job training. You could say I’m going to throw you to the wolves for three weeks, Sidney. You’ll also have to pass the official security clearance.
    â€œJames Wormley Jones and two other candidates will also be in the field with you. You’ll be under the direct supervision of an Agent Lexington Speed—a decorated war man. He prides himself on doing rigorous physical training, even when he’s out on assignment for weeks at a time. God knows I’d like for his work ethic and discipline to become the norm around here—to rub off on some of our less fit individuals.
    â€œAnyhow, Agent Speed will be putting you four through his physical routine each morning. It won’t be easy. He’ll also be observing how you handle yourselves in the field. You’ll likely be in some rather tense situations, ones that will test your mental mettle.
    â€œBased upon Speed’s evaluation, I will render my decision on whether you have the makings of a covert agent—assuming you even want to work for us at that point. You may have