by Mark Lemke
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With Nick gone, Prichard sat back down in front of Marti.? "So what's next?" he said, not really expecting her to answer but ready to move on.? He didn't want to explain his ideas to her.? Not just then anyway.?
Marti was unprepared for all of this.? It appeared to her that her comment about the feds owning the situation had momentarily left others with the belief that perhaps she, as the federal government representative, had a plan-a perception that couldn't have been further from the truth.? She was a courier only but she didn't want to appear weak right now.?
"I'll get back in touch with NSIR in Washington and see what they'd like to do."?
This was about as noncommittal as she could be while still saying something that sounded action oriented.?
Prichard said, "That's fine," as he stood up, signaling the end to the meeting.? "Please let me know when you've got more.? I'll need input as soon as you have it."
All Marti could think of was, "Yes, sir.? Where will you be when I get some information?"
"I'll probably be right here.? If not, please call my cell.? And Marti?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for your help with this.? This is going to be a trying few days, and I appreciate your support."?
Prichard had a way of making people feel good about helping him.? He did that very well, whether they actually helped him or not.? And it appeared to work.? The compliment eased some of the discomfort Marti was feeling.
"I'll be in my office if you need me," she said.
Walking down the hall to her office, she felt light-headed.? Fear or excitement, perhaps.? Intoxicating to be sure.