Alice:  “For some sure.  You ever wonder what it would be like to take matters into your own hands?”

Bette:  “Matters into my own hands?”

Alice:  “Yeah.  Who says we have to wait for the government to tell us when we can protect our homes, friends and families.”

Bette:  “You talking neighborhood watch or something?”

I say with a laugh.  I still have no clue what she’s talking about.  She slides a little closer in the booth we’re sitting in and begins talking in a hushed tone.

Alice:  “You could call it that but not so much.”

I look her in the eye as she suddenly become very serious.

Alice:  “Look, Porter, I like you.  You’re a hard worker and from what I hear one of the best in your class at the academy.”

I still look at her blankly as she continues. 

Alice:  “There are people in the FBI whose interests aren’t necessarily for the people.  As a field worker I have seen first hand the way in which key matters are often swept under the preverbal rug.  It sickens me to see the amount of potentially dangerous matters that go unaddressed because of money.  I’ve found a group of people who aren’t taking it anymore.”

I sit in silence and try to digest what exactly it is she’s trying to tell me.

Bette:  “So let me get this right.  You’re a vigilante?”

Alice finally lightened up.

Alice:  “I haven’t really thought about it that way but I guess you could say that.  I like to call it freedom fighter.”

Bette:  “So what, you want me to join you?”

Alice:  “I’ve seen the way you handle yourself Bette, read your file and psych evaluations, you’re perfect for this.  You’re just as sick of the big unanswered questions as I am.”

Bette:  “True and that’s why I work for the FBI to catch criminals.  Not to become one.”

Alice:  “The government is one of the biggest criminals on the planet.  Don’t pretend to not see that.”

Bette:   “No Alice.  I’ll admit the government may not be the beacon of truth that we all would love for it to be but that’s why people like me enlist.  To try and make a difference.”

I stagger to my feet and its then that I realize that maybe I am a bit more drunk then I thought.

Alice:  “Bette please.  I respect your feelings but could we please keep this between us.”

Bette:  “Sure Pieszecki.  No one would believe me anyway.”

I laugh now when I think about the righteous indignation I felt towards Alice that night.  Yet I kept her secret.  I didn’t even tell Tina when I got home that night.  When I looked into her eyes just couldn’t….Anyway.  That was a very long time ago.  I take a deep breath and board the plane.  Those mental triggers can be a real bitch sometimes.