“I’m only too happy to do whatever I can, General,” Stevens said.
“And, really unofficially, I’m personally curious to know who this fellow Félix Abrego is.”
“I suspect, General, that he’s probably in a federal prison,” Stevens said. “I can find out for you. Actually, I’m curious myself. I can have that information for you probably within the hour.”
“You understand that’s a personal request, not an official one?”
“Understood. Not a problem. You could find out yourself by going to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. But I think I can get the information more quickly through my channels.”
“I’d really be grateful, Mr. Stevens,” McNab said. “Gentlemen, unless you have something for me?”
Colonels Tufts and Dawson chorused, “No, sir.”
“Then thank you for answering my call so quickly,” McNab said, and stood and offered his hand.
When they had left his office and D’Alessandro had closed the door, D’Alessandro turned to McNab.
“Don’t look so pleased with yourself. When Naylor and the DEA CG hear how charming and modest you’ve been, they’re going to smell the Limburger.”
“Mr. D’Alessandro, I have no idea what you’re suggesting. General Naylor may even decide I have considered my wicked ways and have reformed.”
D’Alessandro snorted.
McNab opened his Brick and took out the telephone handset, activated the loudspeaker function, and pushed a button.
“Aloysius? Bruce McNab.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Can you set up a net within the net?”
“To do what?”
“So that I can cut Natalie Cohen out of the loop without her knowing.”
“I thought she was one of the good guys.”
“She is. She’s so good it’s going to be a problem. I suspect she’s not going to like what she might hear.”
“Who do you want on the net?”
“All the Outlaws, plus Vic D’Alessandro and Lammelle.”
“Just them?”
“Just them.”
“And you want the other net to still function?”
“That’s it. Can do?”
“It’ll take me about an hour. I’ll call you back when it’s up.”
“You will get your reward in Heaven, Aloysius.”
[FOUR]
1700 Arizona Boulevard