The Assassination Option (Clandestine Operations 2)

“And?”

“Mattingly is never going to forgive me for me, not him, being named chief, DCI-Europe,” Cronley replied, “even though I had nothing to do with it. Or forgive you, Captain Dunwiddie, for those new bars on your epaulets.”

“Speaking of which,” Sergeant Phillips said, “they look real good on you, Tiny. Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Tom,” Dunwiddie said.

“Who’s going to be the new Top Kick? Tedworth?” Phillips asked.

“Who else?” Dunwiddie said.

“General, can you tell me what General Smith wanted with you?”

“Of course,” Gehlen said. “Two things. Once it was determined he had the right Captain Cronley—the Army one, not a naval officer—he asked if I ‘was comfortable’ with you being named chief, DCI-Europe. I assured him I was. And then he handed me this to give to you.”

He handed Cronley a business-sized envelope. Cronley’s name and the legend “By Officer Courier” was on it. When he opened it, he saw that it contained a second envelope. This one was addressed:

CAPTAIN JAMES D. CRONLEY JR.

CHIEF, DCI-EUROPE

C/O GENERAL WALTER B. SMITH

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS, EUROPEAN COMMAND

BY OFFICER COURIER

He tore the second envelope open and read the letter it contained.

TOP SECRET PRESIDENTIAL NUCLEAR

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Rear Admiral Sidney W. Souers, USN

Special Assistant to the President

December 24, 1945

Duplication Forbidden

Copy 1 of 2

Page 1 of 8

Captain James D. Cronley Jr.

Chief, DCI-Europe

C/O General Walter B. Smith

Supreme Headquarters, European Command

By Officer Courier

TOP SECRET PRESIDENTIAL NUCLEAR