The Shooters (Presidential Agent 4)

"That is wishful thinking. I am surprised you even suggested it."

"All they can say is 'no.' Give it a shot, please."

"I will not be talking to mutual acquaintances about this man," Pevsner said. "It would not only be a waste of my breath, but-and I'm surprised you didn't think of this, too-it would warn them that action is contemplated."

Castillo shrugged, hoping it suggested Pevsner's refusal didn't matter.

He instead was thinking, Now what the hell do I do?

Pevsner took a moment to drain his glass and think.

"You couldn't possibly get four helicopters and all the men you say you have into Argentina without at least the tacit approval of the Argentine government," Pevsner went on.

"The Argentine government knows nothing about this," Castillo said, "and if I can work it, never will. And, yes, I can. I already have most of the shooters in country; the rest will be here in a day or two; and so will the helicopters. I'm going to get Agent Timmons back. I hope I can do it without the Evil Leprechaun carrying out the bloodbath he wants, but if that happens…"

"'The Evil Leprechaun'?"

"Reminding you that you're still bound by the Boy Scout's oath of secrecy, his name is Liam Duffy. He's a comandante in the Gendarmeria Nacional. You know him?"

Pevsner shook his head.

"I think I'll have another drink, friend Charley. You?"

Castillo emptied his glass and held it out. "Please."

As Pevsner made the drinks, Castillo heard him say, as if he was thinking aloud, "I almost wish I had given you a beauty mark in Vienna."

"Oh, Alek, you don't mean that! You love me!"

A moment later, Pevsner turned and handed Castillo the drink.

"Unfortunately, I do," he said, sincerely. "But I never dreamed how expensive that would be."

"There's no reason you have to be involved in this," Castillo said, seriously.

Pevsner snorted.

"You h

ad better pray your Evil Leprechaun does what he says he wants to do," he said.

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning that's the only way your noble rescue mission can succeed without bringing yourself down-and me down with you."

"You're going to explain that, right?"

Pevsner raised his glass toward Castillo's and touched rims.

"Oh, God, friend Charley. You do cause me problems."

"That's what friends are for, right?"

Pevsner shook his head and exhaled audibly.

"You're sure that the Argentine government is not involved? Either with you? Or that they're not winking at this man Duffy?"

"The Argentine government has no idea what I plan. And I don't think they know what Duffy plans," Castillo said.