“Likable people,” Michel continued, ignoring the question, “are informed. They say please and thank you. They ask for directions. They are punctual. You’re going to be all these things, or you’re not going to be able to do your job. At best, the people you’re sent to observe will reject you. At worst, they’ll find out you’re not who you claim to be and kill you very slowly.” Michel sighed, finishing his beer and telling himself he shouldn’t drink another one. “You’re not a spy,” he said. “You’re going to be what we call a ‘passive informant.’ You’ll become someone else, immersing yourself
...more

