Page 16 of State of Alert

“How is it possible that I’ve stepped into an ongoing investigation when Lieutenant Commander Rodriguez’s body was found only this morning?”

“Before I say anything else, I need your assurances that what I tell you will remain confidential. People’s lives are on the line, including those of my team members. As a commander yourself, I’m sure you can appreciate my concern for them.”

Sam had never been more confused or more curious as to what in the hell was going on. But she was also torn. How could she promise to keep stuff that might be material to the investigation from her team or from Nick if it involved Juan’s murder?

“Do I have your word?”

From what Sam could tell, the woman seemed to barely blink.

“How am I supposed to give you my word before I know what I’m agreeing to?”

“If you want to know what’s happening, you need to give me your word.”

“You can see why that’s preposterous, right?”

“I can.”

Again with the steely stare.

“You’re asking me to keep things from the people I’m closest to, including my husband.”

“I assume he’d want you to protect national security. Am I correct?”

“Well, yes, but?—”

“There’re no buts when it comes to matters as sensitive as this is.”

“Why did you bring me here if I’m not allowed to do anything with the information you give me?”

“Because I need your help.”

Sam stared her down, but the woman never blinked. She was even better at the steely stare than Sam was, and that was one of Sam’s best features. She’d seen a lot of crazy things on this job, but this—whatever this was—could turn out to be the craziest thing yet. What choice did she have but to cooperate with the agent who seemed to be holding all the cards at the moment?

“I give you my word that I won’t disclose to anyone what I learn here.”

“Including your team, your husband and his team?”

Sam swallowed hard, hoping that was a promise she could keep while not at all confident she could keep a big secret from Nick, national security or not. “Including them.”

“Very well.” Truver knocked on a door on the far side of the office.

The door opened, and Truver gestured for Sam to follow her into another basic room where Juan Rodriguez sat on a sofa under the watchful eyes of another NCIS agent.

Sam did a double take.

What the actual fuck?

Her head whipped toward Truver. “What is happening?”

“Juan is not dead.”

“I see that.” And holy hell, how would she ever keep that information from Nick?Fuck!“Do you mind telling me who’s in my morgue?”

“I’m not at liberty to disclose that information at this time.”

“You expect me to keep this a secret from my team, my husband and everyone else?”

“That’s exactly what you just promised to do. We’re in the midst of a very sensitive situation, and it’s necessary to our investigation to make the rest of the world think that Lieutenant Commander Rodriguez has been murdered.”

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