The Hostage (Presidential Agent 2)

That's the first time he's opened his mouth.

"I think it would be a good idea, Matt," the President said.

"Then I'll be there, sir."

"And you, Mr. Ambassador, presumably we'll see you there, too?"

"Sir, I thought I would ask Secretary Cohen's guidance."

"About what?" the President asked, sounding impatient.

"Sir, Mr. Masterson was our chief of mission. If I came along, and my wife and I would personally very much like to come, direction of the mission would fall on the shoulders of Mr. Darby, our commercial attache…"

"Juan," Secretary of State Cohen said, "I know how you feel, but I think it would be best if you remained in Buenos Aires. We don't want to make it appear as if we're recalling you for consultation."

And that's the first time she's opened her mouth.

"Yes, ma'am," the ambassador replied.

"Your call, Natalie," the President said. "Anything else from anybody?" There was a moment's silence, then the President said, "Thank you, Charley. Thank you, both." [EIGHT] "Schneider."

"Don Juan for Agent Wiener schnitzel."

"I don't think you're funny, Charley."

"Why do I suspect no one can overhear this conversation?"

"As a matter of fact, I'm in the restroom."

"You want me to call you back in a couple of minutes?"

"No. What's on your mind?"

"Roger and I just escaped from the embassy," Castillo said. "It's a circus. Anyway, we're on Avenida Libertador. Roger is going to drop me at the Kansas, go where you are, pick you up, and bring you to the Kansas."

"What's that all about?"

"I want you to see the place, for one thing; and I want to be with you and have a drink, for another; and I thought it would look better if your boyfriend didn't pick you up at work."

"Is that what you are, my boyfriend?"

"I was getting that impression, frankly."

"Okay. You're sure you don't want me to spend the night here? Roger could drive me to the hotel-"

"I'm sure I don't want you to spend the night there."

I want you to spend it with me, frolicking in the nude.

"Getting back to business," Betty said, "I may be able to get to her."

"How so?"

"She's really nice, and we talked some, and then she asked me if I would do her a personal favor, so I said sure, and then she asked me to find the best private security business in Mississippi-she thought the gambling places along the coast would probably have some good ones-or in New Orleans. She said she wanted the best she could get."

"I would, too, in her shoes. So what did you tell her?"

"That I would look into it."