"I think I might have enough to get started. But I do appreciate the offer, Bird. It never hurts having friends who know the other side of things. And you played that guy like a fiddle." Knox is clearly impressed, and a bit jealous of her obvious (if feminine) people skills.

"I think I need to get these back to the office, and then to start making some calls. What do you think I should do first, find out who those suits were, or get in touch with my contacts in the defense industry?"