The Hunters (Presidential Agent 3)

“Couple of questions,” Frau Schröder said, now all business. “You want to put the Liechtensteinische Landesbank money in a special account or just deposit it?”

“Just deposit it,” Castillo said. “Fernando’s going to report it as ordinary business receipts.”

“Is that what they call ‘money laundering’?” Görner asked, drily.

“This is in a good cause,” Castillo replied.

Görner shook his head. Frau Schröder picked up the telephone.

Three minutes later, she announced, “Ten million dollars will be available in the Lopez account within twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, and now see if you can get Dick Miller on there, will you, please? And put it on the speakerphone, please.”

“I think I should point out, Karl,” Görner said, “that it’s now about half past six in the morning in Washington.”

“Until they take the bandages off his leg, Dick’s sleeping in the office,” Castillo replied. “He’ll be there.”

Frau Schröder punched in numbers on one of Görner’s telephones and then pushed the button that activated the speaker.

The phone rang twice and then Major H. Richard Miller, Jr., answered it.

“Miller.”

“Good news, sweetheart, we won’t have to sell the dogs and move in with your mother. The money’s in the bank.”

“That was quick.”

“They don’t call me Speedy Gonzales for nothing,” Castillo said. “Any word from Jake about the new toy?”

“He and Fernando and the salesman brought it in here, to BWI, last night. Jake said it would have made waves taking it into Reagan. Jake says the bird’s okay and where do you want to keep it?”

“Let me think about that. Ask Jake what he recommends. Transfer nine really big ones from Sa

lamander to my account in Riggs and then pay for it.”

“That check’s not going to bounce, is it?”

“Nope. I have Frau Schröder’s personal guarantee. Say, ‘Danke schön, Frau Schröder.’”

“Danke shön, Frau Schröder,” Miller said.

“How are you, Dick?” she replied.

“Aside from having more gauze bandage on my leg than a mummy, I’m just fine. Say hello to Otto for me when you see him.”

“How are you, Dick?” Görner said.

“You weren’t listening in, were you, Otto? If so, did the colonel make you stand at attention?”

“And click my heels,” Görner said.

“God, he’s going to be hard to live with.”

“He’s always been hard to live with.”

“Jesus,” Miller suddenly said, “before I forget, Charley, remember that you were here all day yesterday.”

“Why?” Castillo said.