shifted his heavy torso in the chair and gazed at McAllister, with eyes still rigid but without the coldness they had displayed previously, as though he was now asking for understanding. 'At the moment our voices are being taped - it's your constitutional right to know that - but it's a two-sided right. You must swear to absolute secrecy concerning the information imparted to you here, not only in the interests of national security but in the further and conceivably greater interests of specific world conditions. I know that sounds like a come-on to whet your appetite but it's not meant to be. We're deadly serious. Will you agree to the condition? You can be prosecuted in a closed trial under the national security non-disclosure statutes if you violate the oath. '
'How can I agree to a condition like that when I have no idea what the information is?
'Because I can give you a quick overview and it'll be enough for you to say yes or no. If it's no, you'll be escorted out of here and flown back to Washington. No one will be the loser. '
'Go ahead. '
'All right.' Reilly spoke calmly. 'You'll be discussing certain events that took place in the past - not ancient history, but not current by any means. The actions themselves were disavowed, buried to be more accurate. Does that sound familiar, Mr Undersecretary?'
'I'm from the State Department. We bury the past when it serves no purpose to reveal it. Circumstances change; judgements made in good faith yesterday are often a problem tomorrow. We can't control these changes any more than the Soviets or the Chinese can. '
'Well put!' said Havilland. 'Not yet it isn't,' objected Reilly, raising a palm to the Ambassador. The undersecretary is evidently an experienced diplomat. He didn't say yes and he didn't say no.' The man from the NSC again looked at McAllister, the eyes behind the steel-rimmed glasses were once again sharp and cold. 'What is it, Mr Undersecretary? You want to sign on, or do you want to leave?"
'One part of me wants to get up and leave as quickly as I can,' said McAllister, looking alternately at both men. 'The other part says stay.' He paused, his gaze settling on Reilly, and added, 'Whether you intended it or not, my appetite is whetted. '
'It's a hell of a price to pay for being hungry,' replied the Irishman.
'It's more than that.' The undersecretary of state spoke softly. 'I'm a professional, and if I am the man you want, I really don't have a choice. '
'I'm afraid I'll have to hear the words,' said Reilly. 'Do you want me to repeat them?"
'It won't be necessary.' McAllister frowned in thought, then spoke. 'I, Edward Newington McAllister, fully understand that whatever is said during this conference-' He stopped and looked at Reilly. 'I assume you'll fill in the particulars such as time and location and those present?'
'Date, place, hour and minute of entry and identifications it's all been done and logged. '
'Thank you. I'll want a copy before I leave. '
'Of course.' Without raising his voice, Reilly looked straight ahead and quietly issued an order. 'Please note. Have a copy of this tape available for the subject upon his departure. Also equipment for him to verify its contents on the premises. I'll initial the copy... Go ahead, Mr McAllister. '
'I appreciate that... With regard to whatever is said at this conference, I accept the condition of non-disclosure: I will speak to no one about any aspect of the discussion unless instructed to do so personally by Ambassador Havilland. I further understand that I may be prosecuted at a closed trial should I violate this agreement. However, should such a trial ever take place, I reserve the right to confront my accusers, not their affidavits or depositions. I add this for I cannot conceive of any circumstances where I would or could violate the oath I've just taken. '
'There are circumstances, you know,' said Reilly, gently.
'Not in my book. '
'Extreme physical abuse, chemicals, being tricked by men and women far more experienced than you. There are ways, Mr Undersecretary. '
'I repeat. Should a case ever be brought against me - and such things have happened to others - I reserve the right to face any and all accusers. '
'That's good enough for us.' Again Reilly looked straight ahead and spoke. Terminate this tape and pull the plugs. Confirm. '
'Confirmed? said a voice eerily from a speaker somewhere overhead.' You are