I tell him of our trip to Montana and of my suspicions regarding Soren – his ability to change his appearance. Of our flight and the turbulence. Of our parting at the airport and the seal he'd given me.
"It could mean anything, his words to you. We can't jump to any conclusions," he says, taking his glasses off and cleaning them with a handkerchief extracted from a pocket.
"She's had dreams, Miguel. He seems to be projecting into her mind."
Vasquez looks at me and leans forward.
"This wasn't in your report. If it's relevant to the case, it should be included. I have to have all the facts before I can determine the proper course of action. This is not personal - none of your work for the SCU or our group is."
I flush, knowing what he says is true, but I was so damn embarrassed to admit my response to the dreams.
"I've talked to Terri about this. I realize I should've put it in my report, but I didn't want it in writing."
"It's a perfect form of torture, to tempt us with desire. You're no different than any other person in this," he says, watching my face closely for my response. I nod at his words. On the way over, I read a brief biography of Vasquez that was part of my files. He knows just what to say - he practiced psychiatry before joining the clergy, and had lived a normal life before becoming a priest.
"I'm sorry that you are faced with this test. Most Adepts are never faced with such temptation. We were so pleased to find you again, Eve. You have so much to offer us because of your gifts. I'm counting on you to weather this and carry on." He rises from his chair and comes in front of me, leaning back on his desk, his hands folded on his lap. "I want you to go to the Palestinian Territories and let him know you're there. Do you feel able to meet this challenge?"
"I..." I hesitate. "I don't know. Michel seemed really worried about my going near him."
Vasquez nods. "He's not unbiased in this. He wanted you for himself. But you serve the Council first and foremost, Eve. As the representative for the Council, I want you to go. Michel's on leave. Julien is a fugitive. I'm your supervisor now. Pray for strength to help you through this. I'll pray for you as I'm sure Terri is already. Call me at any time should you feel a need. Other than that, you'll have to fly to the Palestinian Territories and check out Soren. Place yourself where he can see you so he knows you're following him, that you're aware of his involvement in the peace talks. He may contact you, he may not," he shrugs.
“What about that?” I say and point to the artifact.
"It’s nothing important,” Vasquez says. “Terri," he says, turning to her. "I want you to stay behind and help me. I'm sending someone to Montana to infiltrate the group, to watch Soren first hand. I'm reviewing candidates now and could use your input."
He goes back behind his desk and turns to his files. When I don't get up, he glances at me.
"Was there something else?"
"Soren said the clay was important. What is it?”
“He’s trying to confuse us. This is not your concern.”
“But it is. He gave it to me.”
“When he did, he gave it directly to me. It’s just a diversion. That’s all you need to know.”
I sit there, frustrated. I know Soren wanted me to know what that was.
“Who will come with me to Ramallah?"
"I'm sending one of our older Adepts from Central with you."
I nod, unwilling to challenge his decision. Vasquez's silence is our dismissal and we leave him and go back to our own offices at the SCU. As we drive back, Terri shakes her head, admitting shock at Vasquez's attitude towards my dreams.
"I can't understand why he's sending you. It's like he's dangling you out as bait."
I have the same feeling.
"Will you be all right?" she asks when I get out of the car outside my apartment.
"The security is crazy here."
"Call me if you need to talk. If you want to stay at my place, feel free. I have an extra room now that Joseph's gone to college."
"It won't do any good," I sigh. "But thanks anyway. You're good to me."
"I don't like what I think Vasquez is doing with you. Michel would never allow it. Keep that in mind when you encounter Soren. You may be bait." She looks in the rear- view mirror at the traffic building behind me and I know she has to leave.