by Galen Winter
“Clark’s letter also allowed us to protect ourselves. It alerted us to something about the Guatemalan Operation that just didn’t pass the smell test. Clark told us Jacobson tried to kill him in Guatemala. Clark was wounded in Guatemala. At the same time, students were killed in Guatemala. Clark’s letter alerted us and gave us the opportunity to clean up Teddy’s mess in a timely fashion
“I believe it is significant that Clark’s letter didn’t mention Aegis. I don’t think Clark wanted to cause problems for the Agency. Remember, he could have publicly exposed Smith and Jacobson’s operations. If he did, the fat would have been in the fire. Clark elected to advise me privately rather than send a report, say, to the Washington Post.”
The old man scowled when he heard the words: Washington Post. He countered Brewster’s argument. “He wouldn’t send a report to the Post or to anyone else because it would lay him open to a prison term at the very least.” He looked at Brewster and said a single word. “Continue.”
Clearly, Brewster had not convinced the old man to change his mind about the need to eliminate Clark and Grant. “It has been two weeks since Clark left Mazatlán and fell off the face of the earth,” Brewster emphasized. “He’s hiding and we can’t find him. Of course, we’ll keep looking for him, but suppose it takes us two years to find him, or five years?”
“Whenever Clark dies, his exposé will become public. Then we will have to defend ourselves by blaming Smith and Jacobson. Do you think the media or anyone in the House or Senate might question why our investigation was conducted so late after Teddy and Jacobson’s deaths and so soon after Clark’s demise?”
The older man removed his glasses, crossed his arms and looked down at the table while he assessed Brewster’s question. Brewster saw he was beginning to make headway. When the old man raised his head, Brewster was quick to resume his argument.
“When I was a child, much to the consternation of my mother, my grandfather, would put me on his knee and talk to me about the world of business and his rules for success. I use the word ‘consternation’ because grandfather was not always careful with his language. I specifically recall him telling me, ‘It is better to have someone inside your tent pissing out than outside your tent pissing in.’ I believe I could convince Denver Clark to come back inside our tent.”
The old man stifled a laugh and limited himself to a smile. “All right, Cully, you silver tongued devil. I’ll go this far with you. We’ll continue to look for Clark and Grant. You can send out the word they are not to be eliminated without your specific direction. The decision of what to do with them will be postponed.”
He stopped and, with emphasis, repeated “Postponed, Cully, not overruled. Postponed. When we’ve found them, I will want you to personally visit them. If you have any doubts about their sincere commitment to return to the fold, any doubts at all, Cully, I will want them killed, instantly.
“The decision will be yours and yours alone. I’m sure you understand how important that decision will be.” His tone was serious when he added: “I trust you will not allow your personal feelings to guide your judgment.”
Cullen Brewster nodded.
There was nothing else that needed their attention. The older man confirmed it by lifting his glass. “To the shield of the Republic,” he said.
Cullen Brewster nodded in agreement. “Yes,” he responded. “To Aegis.”
Other Books by Galen Winter
LEGENDARY NORTHWOOD ANIMALS
Quasi-Scientific Studies of the Invisible Moose, the Shovel Nosed Beaver, the Blunt Billed Rockpecker and Other Fabled Creatures. Charles Darwin, Roll Over in Your Grave.
THE BEST OF THE MAJOR
A Compilation of Stories of the Shotgunning Pursuits of Major Nathaniel Peabody (USA, ret.), a Bird Hunter, a Rascal and a User of Cigars and Aged Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
THE CHRONICLES OF MAJOR PEABODY
The Questionable Adventures of a Wily Spendthrift, a Politically Incorrect Curmudgeon, an Unprincipled Wagerer and an Obsessive Bird Hunter.
BACKLASH
A Compendium of Lore and Lies (Mostly Lies) Concerning Hunting, Fishing and the Out-of-Doors.
BACKLASH II
Tales Told by Hunters, Fishermen, and Other Damned Liars.