The Shooters (Presidential Agent 4)

"That would be the prudent thing to do," Betsy said. "The intelligent thing. The only thing."

"But he's determined to go to Uruguay, and nothing you or I or anyone else has to sa

y will deter him. Just be grateful that Charley can arrange to carry him there in comfort, and that Charley's friends will be available to provide security."

"Can I offer you a taste of Winslow's whiskey, General?" the ambassador asked. "I'm not a drinking man, myself, but a little belt in the morning is medically indicated for someone my age. Our age."

"I've heard that," General Wilson said. He looked at Castillo. "I think one would be in order, Mr. Ambassador, thank you."

Max trotted up on the porch with the now deflated soccer ball in his mouth and dropped it at Castillo's feet.

[FIVE]

Ozark Municipal Airport

Ozark, Alabama 1710 5 September 2005 When they walked up to General Wilson's Buick, they found an envelope jammed under the windshield wiper.

General Wilson opened it.

"From Beth," he said. "'Please call Randy as soon as you land. Charley's friends from Fort Campbell are waiting for him at the Magnolia House.'"

"That was quick," Castillo said.

"So, knowing neither Randy's number nor that of the Magnolia House, what I think I'll do is call Beth, ask her to call Randy, and tell her to tell him we're back, and that we're going to be at the Magnolia House just as soon as we can drop off our copilot at their quarters and get there."

"Thank you," Castillo said.

Mrs. Randolph Richardson III came out of her kitchen door as the Buick drove up the driveway.

"How was the flight?" she asked.

"Colonel Castillo let me fly most of the way over there," Randolph Richardson IV announced, "and just about all the way back. And Max flattened a soccer ball in his mouth."

"How nice of him," she said with some effort.

"And Randy did very well," General Wilson said. "I'll be back right after I drop Charley and Jamie off."

Mrs. Richardson smiled.

"Take care, Randy," Castillo said, and touched the boy's shoulder. "Maybe we can do it again sometime."

"Oh, yeah! Thanks very, very much, Colonel."

The look in her eyes makes it pretty clear she thinks that's about as likely to happen as is our being canonized for a lifetime of sexual fidelity.

"My pleasure, Randy."

"I won't go in, Charley," General Wilson said, as they drove up to the Magnolia House. "But let's try to get together again while you're here."

"I'll try, sir."

"And thank you for the ride. Randy will never forget it, and neither will I."

"I'm glad it worked out."

"Your dad would have been very proud of you, Charley," Wilson said, as he offered his hand.

"Thank you," Castillo said.