The Hostage (Presidential Agent 2)

"Really?"

"He's quite anxious you meet."

Why do I find that menacing?

"That's very flattering. Why?"

"I have no idea. What are you doing now? Where are you?"

"I'm drinking a cup of coffee in a restaurant in San Isidro."

"It would just take a couple of hours, Charley. Can I pick you up? What restaurant?"

"Hold one, Howard," Castillo said, and took the cellular from his ear.

Painful experience had taught him that cellular microphones were very sensitive. He hit a series of keys with his thumb to select the MUTE function, then, for insurance, raised his right buttock, shoved the cellular under, and sat on it. His buttocks was the only object he knew for sure would effectively cover the cellular's mic.

Darby had apparently come to the same conclusion, because he smiled understandingly. Castillo smiled back.

"This is a guy I really should see," Castillo explained.

"I was hoping it was Tony saying they'd heard something."

"Me, too," Castillo said. "Is there some reason you think I should go back to the embassy?"

Darby shook his head. "But I have to get back. I told Jack I'd go with him to pick up his kids at school. You'll be all right to get to your hotel?"

"I'll be fine."

Castillo lifted his rump, reclaimed the phone, and keyed UNMUTE.

"You still there, Howard?"

"What the hell was that all about?"

"I'm in the Kansas restaurant, on Libertador."

"I know where it is. I'll be there in ten, fifteen minutes. Same car. Can I get you to wait on the street?"

"Why don't you go into the parking lot? That will make it easier for the FBI."

"That's not funny, goddammit!"

"Just pulling your chain, Howard."

"Ten minutes, out in front," Kennedy said, and the connection went dead.

Darby looked at him curiously.

"Private joke," Castillo explained. "Somebody else the FBI doesn't like."

Darby nodded. "There's a lot of people like that. Why don't we put our numbers in each other's cellular?"

"If you're going to tell Lowery-or Masterson or the ambassador-what I'm doing down here, that would be a waste of time."

"Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow. But I'm not going to say anything tonight, and then not until I give you warning. And who knows what's liable to happen tonight?"

"Thanks," Castillo said, and handed him his cellular for Darby to punch in his number. [TWO] The black Mercedes-Benz S500 appeared in the flow of westbound traffic on Avenida Libertador, and Castillo stepped off the curb so they would see him. The car pulled to the curb and the rear door was opened from the inside. He saw Kennedy inside.