The Hunters (Presidential Agent 3)

“We’re going to Texas and then Buenos Aires,” Castillo said. “Why don’t you get on the horn to your wife and have her pack a bag and your passport?”

“Nothing was said about me going out of the country on a lunatic mission like this,” Doherty said.

“I hope that was an observation rather than an indication you’re going to be difficult,” Castillo said.

“I’d like to go,” Yung said.

“I wouldn’t think of leaving home without you, David,” Castillo said. He looked at Doherty. “I can make you go, Inspector, and you know it. But I don’t want you along if you’re going to be a pain in the ass. Your call.”

Doherty met Castillo’s eyes for a long moment before replying.

“How long are we going to be gone?” he asked, finally.

“Probably less than a week,” Castillo said. “Thank you.”

“What are we going to do about the blackboards?” Doherty asked.

“I was just thinking about that,” Castillo said. “I’d like to have that data at the safe house in Buenos Aires. Is there some way we can photograph them and replicate them down there?”

“Not a problem,” Doherty said.

“Okay, then. You start on that. I’ve got a couple of phone calls to make.”

XVI

[ONE]

Office of the Chief of Operational Analysis

Department of Homeland Security

Nebraska Avenue Complex

Washington, D.C.

0935 12 August 2005

Castillo sat down in the leather-upholstered judge’s chair behind his huge, ornate desk and looked uncomfortably around his luxuriously furnished office. He felt like an intruder. He shrugged and picked up the handset of what Billy Kocian had called his “science fiction radio.”

“Neidermeyer,” he ordered. “Put me through to Sergeant Major Davidson, please.”

“Hold one, Colonel.”

Five seconds later, Davidson’s voice came over the circuit.

“Yes, sir?”

“Jack, there’s reason to believe another attempt to kidnap or take out Eric Kocian is likely to happen.”

“Really?”

“What’s that phrase, ‘Take all necessary precautions’?”

“Consider it done, Colonel.”

“There’s also good reason to think that the bad guys are ex-Stasi, which means you should keep that in mind when you’re taking all necessary precautions. These guys are pros.”

“That’s interesting.”