"You look tired, Ira."
Hagen smiled. "I'm behind on my sack time."
"How do we stand?"
"I've accounted for the identities of all nine members of the ìnner core.' Seven are pinpointed. Only Leonard Hudson and Gunnar Eriksen remain outside the net."
"You haven't picked up their trail from the shopping center?"
Hagen hesitated. "Nothing that panned out."
"The Soviet moon station was launched eight hours ago," said the President. "I can't delay any longer.
Orders will go out this afternoon to round up as many of the ìnner core' as we can."
"Army or FBI?"
"Neither. An old buddy in the Marine Corps has the honors. I've already supplied him with your list of names and locations." The President paused and stare
d at Hagen. "You said you accounted for the identities of all nine men, Ira, but your report only gave eight names.
Hagen seemed reluctant, but he reached inside his coat and withdrew a sheet of folded paper. "I was saving the last man until I could be absolutely certain. A voice analyzer confirmed my suspicions."
The President took the paper from Hagen's hand, unfolded it, and read the single hand-printed name.
He removed his glasses and wearily wiped the lenses as if he didn't trust his eyes. Then he slipped the paper into his pocket.
"I suppose I knew all along but couldn't bring myself to believe his complicity."
"Do not judge harshly, Vince. These men are patriots, not traitors. Their only crime is silence. Take the case of Hudson and Eriksen. Pretending to be dead all these years. Think of the agony that must have caused their friends and families. The nation can never compensate them for their sacrifices or fully comprehend the rewards of their accomplishment."
"Are you lecturing me, Ira?"
"Yes, sir, I am."
The President suddenly became aware of Hagen's inner struggle. He understood that his friend's heart wasn't in the final confrontation. Hagen's loyalty was balanced on a razor's edge.
"You're holding out on me, Ira."
"I won't lie to you, Vince."
"You know where Hudson and Eriksen are hiding."
"Let's say I have a damned solid hunch."
"Can I trust you to bring them in?"
"Yes."
"You're a good scout, Ira."
"Where do you want them delivered, and when?"
"Camp David," the President replied. "Eight o'clock tomorrow morning."
"We'll be there."
"I can't include you, Ira."