Black Ops (Presidential Agent 5)

; "Sir, what sort of equipment are we talking about?"

"My testing equipment. There are three rather large soft-sided suitcases. Getting them through customs would have posed a major problem, but your shooter's airplane has solved that. Getting them from Fort Dietrich here is the instant problem."

"Sir, I can--"

"Mr. D'Allessando suggests that Mr. DeWitt and I leave Bragg and fly to Washington today. There is a Delta flight at 1620 to Washington, via Atlanta."

Castillo thought quickly, then said, "As usual, Colonel, Mr. D'Allessando knows what should be done. And I'll have Major Miller--you remember him, sir?"

"Yes. The officer with the injured knee."

"I'll have Major Miller meet your plane, sir."

"That's very kind of you, Colonel, but I can make it from Reagan to my home without assistance, and I'll be happy to have Mr. DeWitt's company. It'll give us a chance to get to know one another, so to speak, before our trip."

"Sir, with respect, this is my area of expertise."

Hamilton was silent a moment, and apparently remembered his offer to listen to suggestions. "Go on, Colonel."

"I will have Major Miller meet you, sir. We have a house in Alexandria--for that matter, we keep a suite at the Mayflower Hotel--where I'm sure you would be comfortable. It's central--"

"I know where it is, Colonel," Hamilton interrupted. "In some circles, it's known as the Motel Monica Lewinsky."

"Yes, sir, I'd heard that. Major Miller can take you to the various embassies, and then out to Fort Dietrich for your equipment."

"How are we going to get that back here to Fort Bragg, Castillo? Have you given that any thought?"

"If you'll bear with me a moment, sir?"

"Go ahead."

"Major Miller will then take the equipment to Baltimore, where a plane will be waiting to bring you and Mr. DeWitt--and, of course, your equipment--back to Bragg."

"Is there some reason that I don't know why Mr. DeWitt and I should come back to Fort Bragg?"

Shit.

"No, sir. I didn't think that through."

"Obviously." He paused dramatically. "Now, once we have our visas, we can be on our way."

"Yes, sir. Major Miller will also arrange your transportation to Africa."

"That would be helpful."

"Mr. D'Allessando will inform Miller of your ETA at Reagan," Castillo said.

There was a long pause as both men thought. Finally, Colonel Hamilton broke it: "That would seem to be it, wouldn't you say, Castillo?"

"I can't think of anything else, sir."

"We'll be in touch, of course."

"Yes, sir."

"How does one hang this thing up, Mr. D'Allessando?"

[SIX]