‘I think you know why I’m calling.’
‘Yes, sir, I do.’
Professor Ziegler pressed ‘Opening Statement’. The Director and Deputy Director held their breath.
‘I felt I had to call and let you know just how important I consider this assignment to be.’ Pause. ‘Because I have no doubt that you’re the right person to carry it out.’ Pause. ‘So I hope you will agree to take on the responsibility.’
Ziegler pressed the ‘Wait’ button.
‘I appreciate your confidence in me, Mr President,’ said Connor, ‘and I’m grateful to you for taking the time to phone personally …’
‘Number 11,’ said Ziegler, who knew all the replies by heart.
‘I felt it was the least I could do in the circumstances.’ Pause.
‘Thank you, Mr President. Although Mr Gutenburg assured me of your involvement, and the Director herself called later that afternoon to confirm it, as you know, I still felt unable to take on the assignment unless I was certain that the order had come directly from you.’
‘Number 7.’
‘I can quite understand your anxiety.’ Pause.
‘Number 19.’
‘Perhaps when this is all over you and your wife would come and visit me at the White House - that is, if the Director will allow it.’ Pause.
‘Number 3,’ said Ziegler sharply. There was a burst of loud laughter.
Connor moved the phone slightly away from his ear. ‘We would be honoured, sir,’ he said once the laughter had died away.
‘Closing statement,’ said Ziegler.
‘Good. I’ll look forward to seeing you as soon as you return.’ Pause. ‘I often think it’s sad that America doesn’t always appreciate its unsung heroes.’ Pause. ‘It was good talking to you. Goodbye.’
‘Goodbye, Mr President.’
Connor was still holding the phone when Joan came into the room. ‘So that’s another myth exploded,’ she said as Connor replaced the receiver. He looked up at her and raised an enquiring eyebrow.
‘That the President always calls everyone by their first name.’
11
GUTENBURG HANDED HIM a large brown envelope containing four passports, three airline tickets and a bundle of notes in different currencies.
‘Don’t I have to sign for all this?’ asked Connor.
‘No. As it’s all been a bit rushed, we’ll deal with the paperwork when you get back. Once you arrive in Moscow, you’re to go to Zerimski’s campaign headquarters and show them your credentials as a freelance reporter from South Africa. They’ll give you a press pack detailing his schedule for the runup to the election.’
‘Do I have a contact in Moscow?’
‘Yes. Ashley Mitchell.’ Gutenburg hesitated. ‘It’s his first big assignment, and he’s been briefed strictly on a need-to-know basis. He’s also been instructed only to get in touch with you if it’s a green light, in which case he’ll supply you with the weapon.’
‘Make and model?’
‘The usual custom-made Remington 700,’ said Gutenburg. ‘But if Chernopov stays ahead in the polls, I don’t expect your services will be needed, in which case you’re to return to Washington the day after the election. I’m afraid this mission may turn out to be a bit of a non-event.’
‘Let’s hope so,’ said Connor, and left the Deputy Director without shaking hands.
‘I’m afraid my arm was twisted so far up my back that I couldn’t say no,’ said Connor, putting another blue shirt in his suitcase.