The Hostage (Presidential Agent 2)

So have I, Castillo thought. But I better not.

C. G. Castillo and Sergeant Markham were the only two teetotalers, and Castillo suspected that was because Markham was following hi

s noble example. The meeting went well.

Ambassador Silvio solved the problem of whether Mrs. Masterson would be willing to leave for the United States immediately after the ceremony in the Catedral Metropolitana by calling her, suggesting that was what he thought to be the best idea, and getting her approval.

As they waited for the elevator Castillo had an unpleasant thought.

Everything is going very well. Too well. What the hell am I missing? When does the other shoe drop? [SEVEN] The United States Embassy Avenida Colombia 4300 Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina 1705 24 July 2005 "My name is C. G. Castillo. I need Secretary Hall on a secure line, please."

"We've been expecting your call, Mr. Castillo. Hold one, please.

"Mr. Castillo is on a secure line, Madam Secretary.

"Mr. Castillo is on a secure line, Mr. Secretary.

"I have Secretary Cohen, Secretary Hall, and Mr. Castillo for you, Mr. President."

Oh, shit!

"Good afternoon, Charley," the President said. "How are things going down there?"

"Good afternoon, Mr. President. Sir, I'm calling from Ambassador Silvio's office. I thought I should tell you he can-"

"You're on a speakerphone, Charley?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Ambassador," the President said. "Your boss and Charley's are in on this. You all right with that?"

"Yes, of course, Mr. President. Good afternoon, Madam Secretary, Mr. Secretary."

"Let's have it, Charley," the President said.

"Well, sir, to get to the bottom line, Mrs. Masterson and the children will be wheels-up probably no later than noon, local time, tomorrow."

"She's still okay with that medal business in the cathedral?"

"Yes, sir."

"Is she-are they-going to be safe, Charley?"

"Yes, sir. I believe they will be safe. The ambassador and I just came from a meeting with the head of SIDE, and the Argentine government is taking every possible measure to ensure their safety."

"Our people-you-presumably are in on that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Is that right, Mr. Ambassador?"

"Yes, sir. I agree with Mr. Castillo."

"And the investigation, how's that going?"

"Sir, we also met with Special Agent Holtzman, the agent in charge of the FBI team, and…" "Okay, Charley, that seems to be about it," the President said. "If everything continues on track, I'll see you tomorrow night in Mississippi. Natalie and I will. You, too, Matt?"

"If you wish me to be there, yes, sir," Hall said.