Brennan gave me the director's personal cell phone number and home address. He would be expecting my call Saturday night.
We were all as nervous as cats at a dog pound. Howie had taken to picking at his fingers when the tension built. He dabbed a bloody cuticle as we discussed how to handle the call. We agreed to limit our test to one phone call. Howie would first go back to earlier in the day and document precise activities of the director; we hoped they'd be sufficient for him to believe our abilities. If successful, I was appointed to request what I felt was needed. We accomplished little the rest of the day.
The director lived in a Georgetown mansion with his wife and two dogs. It was early morning when Howie first intruded. He detailed the man's selection of clothes and the contents of his medicine cabinet as he shaved. He recited a meticulous inventory of everything in the bedroom quarters, including the page number of a book his wife was reading as she remained in bed. Conversation was copied verbatim. Lady luck intervened when the director removed a twenty dollar bill from his wallet for a tip for the maid and Howie was able to record the bill number. We felt we had enough.
We splurged for a motel room in Peabody, a few miles from the LeBlanc's home. Paranoia prompted us to post Martha in the lobby and Quinn in the hall; ready to warn us if storm trooper descend like Custer's army. Betsy and Howie remained with me, each trying to out-nervous the other. Betsy operated a recorder. We'd decided a transcription of our conversation might sometime prove valuable.
"Is this the director?" I asked after a few deep breaths.
"Yes. With whom am I speaking?"
I ignored his question and began to list all Howie had seen during his uninvited visit. Even when I paused to catch my breath, the director didn't interrupt.
"Please write down this number," I said when I'd finished. A few moments passed before he told me to go ahead. I dictated the bill number.
"I didn't believe what Dan Brennan told me and I'm not sure I do now but I'm no fool. This house is as secure as the White House and while I don't appreciate your invading my bedroom, I have to admit this business is beyond my comprehension but that doesn't mean I won't embrace it. What do you want from me?"
"Sworn assurances you or your people will not pursue our identity in any way and you'll do all in your power to protect our anonymity. Forget this little exercise ever happened; it won't be repeated. Tell Brennan he has carte blanch to give us everything within reason we might need. Allow Brennan to operate with total independence and no pressure from you people. Deny any knowledge of us in the future. You know nothing. You're thankful for any and all tips and investigate them regardless of source."