Small Town USA Sharons Turn

Arriving at the Forsythe Systems office, she put Grady in the back of the truck and ordered him to stay before entering the building.

"Hello, I don't know if you remember me, but I'm here to see Mr. Ashland."

"Yes, I remember you. Mr. Ashland is currently busy, but you can wait over there," said the receptionist pointing to the area across from her desk.

Sharon chose the seat near the wall adja­cent to Ashland's office. Just as she was sitting down, she heard raised voices coming from Mr. Ashland's office. She leaned back and turned her head to the side so that her right ear, which was equipped with a barely visible listening device, pressed against the wall.

She tried to remain perfectly still, deter­mined to concentrate on the conversation, but the texture of the wall against her ear triggered memories of a time in kindergar­ten. During midday nap she would place her ear on the floor to hear what others were saying or doing. Mrs. Hazelton would scold her. Her mother's voice echoed in her head: "From now on, Sharon, pretend that you're sleeping during naptime."

Sharon learned early on that she could get what she wanted by pretending. She understood how to turn human frailties like lust or bigotry into an advantage. All she needed to do was flaunt those blond curls, tight body and perfect features. Predictably, no one would suspect she was a cunning expert in computer security with a Ph.D. in engineering. She had often used her good looks as cover when working with the FBI. She was so good at it that she was always on demand as an undercover consultant and could name her price. But this assignment was different. She wanted to help her friend Julie - someone who shared her passion for the environment and who was a true friend. She believed in this one and was determined to get these guys at any cost.