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center. We'd like you to begin telling people your husband's cousin is coming this summer, lay the foundation of his relationship. Get people used to the idea.'
    'And how long will your agent stay?'
    'Until we find out where the fields are and who might be responsible. It could be months, maybe a few weeks. The department will pick up the cost of housing him with you, of course.'
    Jenny looked at her visitor, considering the implications of the proposal he had made. Then the thought of marijuana being grown near Palmer, the thought of all the havoc drugs caused helped her make up her mind.
    'Okay, Mr. Brownley, you’ve got a deal. What do I do?'
    'We'll be in touch with all the details as soon as we formulate them. We wanted your co-operation before going further with the planning stage. Thank you for your assistance, Mrs. Warwick.' Brownley stood. 'If you have any questions, or second thoughts, please give me a call.' He handed her a business card. 'If for any reason I'm not there, my secretary can locate me. One more thing. Men who deal in drugs are ruthless and uncaring about any harm they cause. They’ll protect their business at all costs. Don’t tell anyone about my visit or our agent’s mission. Even a best friend could inadvertently let something slip that could mean serious danger for our agent and you.' He glanced at the dog. ‘At least you have some protection.’
    ‘The very best,’ she said, resting her hand on Shasta’s neck.
    Shasta had stood when she did, never taking his eyes from Brownley.
    Jenny walked him out and watched ass the car vanished down her drive. Sitting on the top step, Jenny hugged Shasta. 'So we're to become government agents. What fun!'
    Shasta rested his head on her leg and waited patiently as Jenny sat on the porch, her imagination running riot. Who could be involved in something like this? She reviewed all the families she knew, imagination balking at anyone's involvement. Maybe it was a false alarm. She wished she could talk with Betsy or April. They’d all been friends from kindergarten. But mindful of the inherent dangers, she’d honor Brownley’s wishes and keep silent.

    ***
    Jenny waited more than two weeks before the next call from Mr. Brownley came.
    'I'll come straight to the point.' He was all business, no pleasantries. 'The cover story needs to change a little. Have you told many people yet?'
    'Actually, I only mentioned to my parents that one of Johnny's cousins might be coming this summer. Thankfully it was in a store and they didn’t have a chance to ask questions. I'm not very good at this. I need more information on the background on this guy so I'm ready for the next time I see them. If they buy into to, I’ll tell a few friends, one who is a notorious gossip.'
    'Scrap the writer story, if you can, or change it. This cousin was injured in a motorcycle accident and needs time to convalesce. Fortunately he's a college professor and has the summer off. The accident occurred the day after spring break started, so he's disappointed not to be able to finish the year and take his summer vacation to Europe as he planned, but is grateful his cousin's widow will let him recuperate in the mountains. Think you can handle that one?'
    'Yes, of course. When will he arrive?'
    'Late next week.'
    'So soon? I'd better get to town and casually drop hints around. Good cover story, Mr. Brownley. No one expects an injured man to be fit enough to tramp around in the woods or to be able to tackle criminals.'
    There was a pause on the other end. Jenny thought she detected a trace of amusement when he spoke again. 'Yes. I see you're entering into the spirit of the adventure. A word of caution, Mrs. Warwick.' His voice grew serious, 'This is not a game. The stakes are high. Men have been killed over less. If you see or hear anything suspicious, let our agent know or call me. I appreciate your help, but I don't want anything to happen to you because of it. Am I making myself