The Hunters (Presidential Agent 3)

“So what can I do for you, Truman? Or the ambassador?” the DCI asked when the trout had been served and the waiter had left the room.

“The president has taken a personal interest in the Argentine affair,” Truman said.

“There’s a rumor that there has even been a Presidential Finding,” the DCI said.

“One wonders how such rumors get started,” Ellsworth said. “And, consequently, the ambassador has taken a very personal interest in that unfortunate business.”

“You don’t want to tell me about the Finding?” the DCI asked.

“If there is a Finding, John, I really don’t think you would want to know the details.”

The DCI pursed his lips thoughtfully but didn’t respond.

“And as the ball bounces down from the pinnacle, I now have a personal interest in the Masterson affair,” Ellsworth said.

“Well, that’s certainly understandable,” the DCI said.

“I don’t suppose there have been any developments in the last couple of hours?”

“No. And since I have made it known that I also have a personal interest in this matter, I’m sure I would have heard,” the DCI said.

“Yes, I’m sure you would have,” Ellsworth said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m here. Should there be any developments—and I’m sure there will be—the ambassador would like to hear of them immediately after you do. I mean immediately, not through the normal channels.”

“Consider it done, Truman.”

“If the ambassador is not available, have the information passed to me.”

The DCI nodded.

“Does the name Castillo ring a bell, John?”

“Major C. G. Castillo?”

Ellsworth nodded.

“Oh yes indeed,” the DCI said. “The chap who stumbled upon the missing 727. Odd that you should mention his name. That rumor I heard about a Finding said that he was somehow involved in the Masterson business.”

“Well, if there were a Finding, I wouldn’t be surprised. The ambassador was at the White House last night where Castillo was promoted to lieutenant colonel by the President himself. Not to be repeated, entre nous, the ambassador told me that if the President were the pope he would have beatified Colonel Castillo at the ceremony.”

“How interesting!” the DCI said. “I wonder why that brings to mind Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North?”

“Possibly because they are both good-looking, dashing young officers who somehow came to bask in the approval of their commander in chief,” Ellsworth said.

“That’s probably it.”

“The ambassador is personally interested in Colonel Castillo,” Ellsworth said. “I have the feeling he likes him and would like to help him in any way he can.”

“Is that so?”

“Now, to help him—which would also mean keeping him from getting into the same kind of awkward situation in which North found himself—the more the ambassador knows about where the colonel is and what he’s up to, the better. Even rumors would be helpful.”

“I understand.”

“The problem, John, is that both Colonel Castillo and the President might misinterpret the ambassador’s interest. It would be best if neither knew of the ambassador’s—oh, what should I say?—paternal interest in Colonel Castillo and his activities.”

“Well, I certainly understand it. And I hear things from time to time. If I hear anything, I’ll certainly pass it on to you. And I’ll spread the word, discreetly of course, of my interest.”

“Not in writing, John. Either up or down.”