You’re sitting at your favorite corner table in a quiet café, fingers tapping away at your laptop. The scent of coffee and the soft hum of conversation provide the perfect backdrop as you polish the final chapter of your latest book. Lost in your creative zone, you barely notice someone approach until a familiar voice interrupts.

“Working on something top secret, or can I take a look?”

You glance up to see Timothy, a special agent from NCIS and, more importantly, a fellow author, standing there with a curious smile. He holds a coffee cup in one hand and a book, his book, in the other.

Caught off guard, you quickly minimize your document. “Just… writing,” you say with a sheepish grin.

McGee chuckles, clearly amused. “Ah, a writer who’s protective of their work. I know the feeling.” He sets his book on the table, the title Deep Six gleaming on the cover. “I guess that makes us kindred spirits.”

A playful spark lights in his eyes as he sits across from you without waiting for an invitation. “What’s your book about? Or is that classified information?”

You hesitate, not out of secrecy, but because explaining your story feels personal. “Let’s just say it’s… a little different from Deep Six.”

“Different, huh?” He raises an eyebrow. “How about a trade? You read mine, I’ll read yours, and we’ll decide whose book is better.”