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“I’m sensing that you have made your mind up about what we have to do.”
    Tears came to her eyes. “Yes, Mark, I have. I spent the whole miserable day trying to find a way out of this. What happened last weekend was the most beautiful experience that I have ever had. I never knew I could have those feelings. But I just can’t give up the successes I have had here in D.C. This job is the dream of a lifetime for me. I don’t want to hurt you, Mark. That’s the last thing in the world I would want to do. I care about you more than I can express, but this just has to end.” Tears were flowing from her eyes. She kept wiping them away, but more kept coming.
    He felt so badly that she was hurting, especially since he was the cause. He just wanted to go over and hold her in his arms. He started to get up, but she gestured for him to stay seated. That was probably best under the circumstances.
    â€œOf course it hurts me, but mostly because I came to the same decision. This has been the most beautiful experience in my life, too. I wish there could be another way, but we both know there isn’t.” Mark finally stood up and went over to her. She got up and they embraced for the longest time; for the last time. He kissed her on her cheek, getting a taste of her bittersweet tears, then turned away and left the apartment. As he got into his car he thought to himself,
so much for the
“lifetime offer.”
    *
    The next morning they appeared before Colonel Carter and reported their decision. He was pleased that they had made the right decision. “Sometimes the service we are performing for the country requires great personal sacrifices,” he assured them. “What happened is behind us now. It will not be reflected on your records. Continue to do the outstanding work you have been doing so far. I’m very proud of you both for sticking with us. What we‘re doing here is vital to our national security.” Once again, they were dismissed.
    *
    Over time, the hurt lessened. Sue and Mark saw each other at social functions over the next three years, but they always made sure that other people were present to avoid any question of impropriety. Since leaving Washington, they communicated by phone and e-mail, strictly as good friends. Years later, Mark found out that it was Susan who had tipped-off Colonel Carter. She had considered it a lapse in her personal discipline. Something that she had let go too far.
    * * *
    2001
    Hide & Seek disbanded several weeks after George W. Bush was inaugurated as our forty-third President. The track record of the team over four years was exceptional, an acknowledgement of the value of forming special teams under the auspices of the Defense Department. Of course, in reality, they worked on many diverse projects that would not fall under the umbrella of their “mission.” Most of these came directly from the White House. No one ever questioned the rationale behind these assignments. The objective was always to find solutions, and not look for any justification for the requests. Since “Hide & Seek”’s departure, twenty-three teams formed to work on the Defense Department’s special projects needed to keep America safe.

CHAPTER 5
    Saturday morning, Mark hit the road at nine. It was only a two hour ride to Mansfield, but he wanted to get there early, to be at the table when she arrived. He was really looking forward to this meeting, beyond the need for help on his current assignment. He had a special feeling about seeing Sue again that was impossible to describe.
    When you’ve been to one Denny’s, you’ve been to them all. Maybe that’s what he liked so much about them. They made him feel right at home. Mark arrived at the Mansfield Denny’s around ten-thirty. He explained to the hostess that he needed to use the back room for a special meeting that could take several hours, and that they would be having