“—to enlist him in our noble cause.”
“Think about it, Ivan,” Cronley said. “What do you think are numbers three and four, after the Soviet Union and the United States, on the Vatican’s worry list?”
Serov considered that for a minute. “You tell me.”
“We think it’s Himmler’s heretic religion, then getting their bank exposed as the depository for the Nazis’ money.”
“You and Super Spook came up with this all by yourselves, did you, Colonel Cohen?”
“Actually, it was Ginger’s idea,” Cronley said.
“Well, they say that when one is faced with a problem, one should seek the counsel of the most experienced person one knows.”
“Fuck you, Ivan,” Cronley said.
“That’s what we’re doing, Ivan,” Cohen said. “We hoped the most experienced person we know in this area of expertise would counsel us vis-à-vis the kidnapping of a Vatican prelate.”
Serov shook his head in disgust. “In one word: Don’t.”
Cohen placed his cup on the table and stood up.
“Oh, have I hurt your feelings?” Serov said, taking a casual sip of tea, before adding, “I am so sorry.”
“That’s good to know. See you around, Ivan.”
“You don’t have to go,” Serov said.
“How am I going to kidnap an archbishop if I sit here watching you drinking tea?”
Cohen turned away. “Ready, Captain Cronley?”
“Yes, sir.”
“We’ll keep you posted, Serov . . . But, on reflection, I don’t see why we should.”
Serov shook his head as he watched them walk out of the coffee shop.
* * *
—
Cronley and Cohen were just about to enter the vestibule of the church when Serov caught up with them. He was a bit short of breath, suggesting that he had been running to catch up to them.
“Let’s talk,” Serov said. “I’ve had second thoughts.”
“Such as?” Cohen asked.
“If you two persist, as I am very afraid you will, our joint plan of operation will be Foo . . . What is that vulgar phrase of yours, James?”
“FUBAR?”
“Precisely. ‘Fouled Up Beyond All Repair.’”
“That’s Fucked Up, Ivan,” Cronley said.
“Vulgarity is something a young officer such as yourself should really try to avoid.”
“So, what are you thinking, Serov?” Cohen asked.