The Hostage (Presidential Agent 2)

DIR OF NATIONAL INTEL

WASHINGTON DC

EYES ONLY DIR MONTVALE

1. CONFIRMING VERBAL ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT TO THE UNDERSIGNED 26 JULY 2005 AND TELECON BETWEEN GEN NAYLOR AND LT GEN MCNAB 2305 26 JULY 2005. 2. BY DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT: * (A) COMMANDING GENERAL XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS/SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND WILL IMMEDIATELY MAKE AVAILABLE SUCH PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY C. G. CASTILLO, CHIEF, OFFICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. * (B) ANY INABILITY TO PROVIDE SUCH PERSONNEL OR EQUIPMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO CINC CENTCOM EYES ONLY GEN NAYLOR BY THE MOST EXPEDITIOUS MEANS, PREFERABLY SECURE TELEPHONE.

NAYLOR, GENERAL, US ARMY

CINC CENTCOM

TOP SECRET-PRESIDENTIAL

Castillo handed the message to Torine, who read it and then handed it back to McNab, who folded it and put it in his pocket.

"So tell me, Chief," McNab said, "what are you requesting besides the three radios, and operators therefor, that General Naylor mentioned last night?"

"That's about it, sir," Castillo replied.

"I have two more questions, Chief," McNab said, "if I may dare to ask them."

"Ask away, sir."

"Thank you, Chief. One, when do I get Vic D'Allessando and my twenty-four shooters back from Mississippi? General Naylor said that decision is up to you."

"Sir, just as soon as other security arrangements can be made to protect the Mastersons. I'm working on that now."

"Will it count as another question, Chief, if I ask you where you're going to get those security arrangements?"

"As soon as I get to Washington, sir, I'm going to call China Post and see who's available."

"What the hell is that?" Fernando asked.

"Some allege, Fernando," McNab explained, "that China Post Number One in Exile of the American Legion-your cousin and I are members-functions as an employment bureau for former and/or retired special operators seeking more or less honest civilian employment." He turned to Castillo. "If you'd like, Charley- excuse me, Chief-I'll give China Post a heads-up call and tell them you'll be calling."

"That'd be great, sir. Thank you very much."

"It would probably help if I could assure them the compensation would be in line with their skills."

"Money is not a problem, sir."

McNab nodded.

"Question two," he went on. "What the hell is going on?"

"Yesterday, sir, immediately upon landing, Mrs. Masterson told me the villains who abducted her and murdered Mr. Masterson…" "So you're going to try to find this Lorimer fellow?" McNab asked, when Castillo had finished.

"Yes, sir. With a little bit of luck, we'll be in Paris late this afternoon."

McNab was silent for a moment, visibly thinking.

"You want to take two radios and operators with you, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Al?" McNab said to Captain Walsh.

"Sir, they'll be at Base Ops by the time we get back over there," Captain Walsh replied.