By Order of the President (Presidential Agent 1)

"He’s the mayor!”

In other words, the commanding general, right?

“The decision not to tell the mayor was Commissioner Kellogg’s, sir.”

“The mayor should be informed,” General Miller said.

Jesus Christ, is that an announcement that he’s going to tell him?

“I really believe that’s Commissioner Kellogg’s decision to make, sir.”

General Miller thought that over and finally nodded.

“Yes, it is,” he said. “And Dick’s role in all

this? Can you tell me about that?”

"CentCom—General Naylor—put him on TDY to Secretary Hall, sir. We’re working together on this.”

“Why was he relieved for cause in Angola?”

“For doing his duty, sir. And that unjustified relief is being dealt with. There will be nothing on his record about Angola except that he received a letter of commendation from the president.”

General Miller considered that for a moment and then asked, “Is there something I can do to be helpful?”

“Not that I can think of, sir,” Castillo said. “Except . . . you may tell Commissioner Kellogg that I have told you what I have. I don’t know the nature of your relationship with him . . .”

“We have been friends for a very long time.”

“Perhaps you might be helpful to him.”

“Yes,” General Miller said, thoughtfully.

He was about to say something else when there was a knock on the door.

“Hello? Major Castillo?” Sergeant Betty Schneider called, softly.

General Miller opened the door.

“Ah, Sergeant Schneider,” he said.

She ignored him.

“We’ve had a call. We’re going to meet those people we talked about in forty-five minutes.”

“Where?” General Miller asked.

Betty Schneider looked at Castillo for guidance.

“I’ve been bringing General Miller up to speed on what’s happening,” Castillo said.

“A couple of blocks from the North Philadelphia station,” she said. “But we’re going to have to change cars.”

“Change cars? Why?” Castillo asked.

“Because on West Seltzer Street—where we’ll do the meet—a new Ford is either a fool from the Main Line trying to score dope or an unmarked car,” Betty said. “We’re trying not to attract attention, Major.”

“I thought you agreed to call me Charley,” Castillo said.