"Right now, Charley, you are not in a position where you can afford sarcasm."
"Yes, sir. No offense intended. I actually meant it as a statement of fact. Sorry, sir."
The President sighed. "Charley, I have to ask this: Did you personally assassinate or did you set up the assassination of a Russian in Vienna in circumstances designed to make it appear the CIA station chief was the villain?"
"I learned of that, sir, only after it happened."
"Frankly, I didn't believe that one."
"Yes, sir."
"Okay, Charley, here it is. You've earned the right to tell me your side of the incredible things I have been hearing that you have been doing. The question is how to do that? Where are you?"
"In Texas, sir."
"In about an hour, I'm going to Philadelphia. Two speeches, one tonight and one tomorrow at lunch. If you can give me a more precise location than 'Texas,' I'll send a plane to pick you up. I can give you half an hour tomorrow morning. Say, at nine. The Four Seasons Hotel."
"Sir, I'm in Midland, Texas. On my ranch."
"Is that where you'll go after you retire?"
"Possibly, sir. Sir, you don't have to send a plane. I have one."
"I have to ask this, too: You're not thinking of getting on your plane and flying off to, say, Argentina, are you?"
"No, Mr. President, I'm not. I'll see you in Philadelphia tomorrow morning."
"And once more, probably proving that there is such a thing as too much loyalty downward, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."
There was a click.
Castillo, in deep thought, stared wordlessly at the handset.
"Colonel?" Sexy Susan said. "Colonel . . . ?"
"Disaster time," Castillo announced five minutes later. "I just promised the President I would report to him at nine tomorrow morning in Philadelphia. I also told him where I am.
"Priority one is keeping Sweaty and Dmitri out of the hands of the CIA."
He looked at Casey. "I need a really big favor, Aloysius."
"I'll take care of them, Charley."
"I'll need you to fly them to Cozumel . . ."
"I'll take care of them, Charley," Casey repeated.
" . . . as soon as possible."
Casey turned to the AFC. "Casey. Ellwood Doudt."
"Good afternoon, sir," Doudt answered almost immediately.
"Pick me up an hour ago."
"Roger that. On our way, sir."
"Casey out." He looked at Castillo. "Soon enough, Charley?"