Of course, the next day Lupin asked me what I'd found out about Joanna and Dex. I told him there was nothing going on and he told me he had seen them together again and this time he followed them to the elevators that went up to the hotel's rooms. I pretended I didn't think there was anything going on, but I was having some doubts.

When Destiny came in, I asked her how things were going with her and Dex.

"Okay, why do you ask?" She gave me a puzzled look.

"Just trying to show an interest in my friends' lives," I lied. I didn't want to tell her I thought her husband was having an affair, but my curiosity was getting the better of my sense of propriety so I asked, "Do you know why Dex and Joanna have been spending time together?" I was embarrassed right after I said it, but my question didn't seem to bother Destiny at all.

"Mind if we take a walk outside? We need to talk in private," was all she said and headed for the door. I followed.

Outside, I asked sheepishly, "I hope I haven't brought up a sensitive subject?"

"Not at all," she smiled. "I'm not sure, but I suspect Dex is trying to recruit Joanna. That is what he does, you know. She's a perfect candidate. She has experience traveling the world, and being in hospitality management is a perfect cover. Think about the things a diplomat might accidentally let slip to a hotel concierge."

She was right, it made perfect sense. And Joanna would certainly be interested. She'd definitely be attracted to the travel, the intrigue, the sense of danger, and her favorite, manipulating people. Then it dawned on me, if Dex was successful, it would mean Joanna would be leaving to work in hotels overseas. The CIA doesn't operate within the United States.

Destiny confirmed my thinking, "Joe, if you are interested in this girl, you need to let her know, because if Dex convinces her to sign up, she won't be around here much longer."