"I thought about that," the chief said. "You and Meyer have been on deep undercover assignment, approved directly by my office. Even your captain would have been unaware. So you're back now, all badged up."

"Really? What were we doing undercover? Usually coming back from that is accompanied by a big-assed story of wrongs being righted."

"I can't talk about it. Neither can you. It involves the feds and national security."

"Convenient," I said. "And pretty good thinking."

"So... are you in?"

I knew that I could speak for Meyer. "We're in," I said.

I heard the chief sigh. "Thanks, Johnny," he said. "Can you come in today?"

"Okay," I...