“Your river, sir.” Carter was incandescent with rage, but the most interesting reaction was from President Clinton.
“Why, Mr. Dillon, is that you?” he said.
IT WAS THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON AND hey were together in Ferguson’s office, the three of them.
There was a look of, unholy joy on Ferguson’s face.
“You cunni-g Irish bastard.” “And you a half one.” “The look on C.arter’s face. Delicious. I had to explain to the President and the Prime Minister, of course, which didn’t help Carter. The President thought it was fantastic. I must tell you that after our previous help to him with the peace process in Ireland last year he had a high opinion of you, Dillon. It’s now even higher. So, how did you do it?” “From the river, Brigadier, but I’d rather not get into details.” Ferguson turned to Hannah Bemstein. “Do you know, Chief Inspector?” “I’m afraid I do, sir.”
“As bad as that, is it?”
“Let’s put it this way. The background to it is so criminal that if I were still working for Special Branch at Scotland Yard I’d have no other choice but to read Dillon his rights and arrest him. However, under the peculiar circumstances of my employment with you, such considerations do not apply.”
“Good God.” Ferguson shOOk his head. “Still, I knew what I was taking on when I recruited you, Dillon, only myself to blame. Go about your business, the both of you,” and he opened a file in front of him. A’I THE SAME TIME AT GREEN RAPIDS DETENtiOn Center Kathleen Ryan and her uncle walked through the park. There were as usual, thanks to the warden’s liberal visitation policy, a large number of visitors. Paolo Salamone walked some little distance behind. He had received aphone call from Sollazo as his lawyer just after b.rkfast.
It had been brief and to the point. “Regarding the matter we discussed the other day and the individual concerned, any further information would certainly help your case.”
Salamone hadn’t known such excitement in a long ‘ time. There was a real chance now, with Sollazo and the Don on his side, that he might get some review of his sentence and anything was worth that, which was why he kept an eye out for the Kelly girl. He knew from talking to her uncle that she mainly worked the night shift at the hospital, which was why
she was able to visit three, sometimes four times a week.
They didn’t seem to be talking much and he saw them stroll toward one of the small rustic shelters beside the lake. Salamone hurried through a small plantation of trees behind the hut and stood at the back. He could hear-them talking quite plainly.
“You seem depressed today, girl.” “And why shouldn’t I be, you in here like a caged animal.” “Little I can do about that, little anyone can do,” “You know, when they transferred you here I was full of hope. That’s why I saw that fella Cassidy you shared a cell with once at Ossining and got the forged passports. I thought there would be a chance of making a break,” Kathleen said.
“Not from here. You know why the regime here is so liberal. Beca—use the security is so tight. Every modern electronic marvel on these walls, cameras scrutinizing every move. I’m going to die here, Kathleen, and that’s the truth ‘df it. Time we talked about your future, time you moved on, and when you decide to go, I’ve things to say.” “Such as” “It can wait.” “Then don’t talk rubbish. How’s your health?” “Not bad. I take the pills, do as I’m told. They’ll be taking me down to Green Rapids General Hospital on Tuesday morning for another heart scan.” “I’m on the night shift, but I’ll go in and look out for you. I’ll see you again tomorrow anyway, I’ve got the time in the morning. Around eleven.” “That’s nice.,’ They got up and walked away and Salamone went back up through the trees.
As they approached the security gates, Kathleen said, “Are you still on the same pills?” “No, a new one.” He took a plastic bottle from his shirt pocket. “There you go.” She checked it. “Dazane?” That’s a new one on me. I’ll check it out at the hospital.” She gave the bottle back to him and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be seeing you.”