‘‘Of course, sir,’’ Crookshanks said.
As they walked toward the building which housed Crookshanks’s office, Canidy noticed, amused, that Crookshanks did the little dance military inferiors did to stay in step with their superiors.
As soon as coffee and sweet rolls were served, Baker got down to business.
‘‘What is said here,’’ he announced, ‘‘is not to leave this room. I want you both to understand that.’’
‘‘Yes, sir,’’ Crookshanks said. Canidy nodded.
Baker opened his briefcase, took an envelope from it, and handed it to Crookshanks.
"General Chennault has seen that," Baker said to Crookshanks while Crookshanks was reading.
Whatever it was, Canidy thought, was impressing the hell out of Crookshanks. His eyes actually widened. When he was finished, he looked at Baker, who gestured with his hands to give it to Canidy.
It wasn’t long, but it was certainly impressive:
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON, D.C.
December 8, 1941
Mr. Eldon C. Baker is engaged in a confidential mission of the highest priority at my personal direction. United States military and civilian agencies are directed to provide whatever support he requests. Military and civilian agencies of the Allied Powers are requested
to do so.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Canidy looked at Baker.
‘‘Has this something to do with me?’’ he asked.
‘‘I came here from Washington to see you, Mr. Canidy,’’ Baker said.
‘‘My immediate reaction,’’ Canidy said, ‘‘is that you’ve got the wrong man. This Canidy is a former Navy lieutenant junior grade, now flying for General Chennault.’’
‘‘I know who you are, Mr. Canidy,’’ Baker said. ‘‘You were acquainted with Mr. Chesley Whittaker, I believe?’’
‘‘Yes,’’ Canidy said.
‘‘I’m sorry to have to tell you Mr. Whittaker is dead,’’ Baker said. ‘‘He suffered a stroke on December seventh.’’
‘‘You didn’t come to China to tell me that.’’
‘‘I told you that to show that I know who you are,’’ Baker said. ‘‘I came to China to recruit you for an important mission. ’’
‘‘What kind of a mission?’’
‘‘I can’t get into that just yet,’’ Baker said.
‘‘That’s wonderful!’’ Canidy said, rolling his eyes.
‘‘It comes with the standard caveat,’’ Baker said. ‘‘It is a mission considered of great importance to the war effort, and it entails a high degree of risk.’’
‘‘But you won’t tell me what?’’ Canidy asked.
‘‘For Christ’s sake, Canidy,’’ Crookshanks snapped. ‘‘That letter is from the President!’’
‘‘I saw,’’ Canidy snapped back. He looked at Baker. ‘‘A flying job?’’