prosecuted, years in prison inevitable." "And if you lost in the courts, there just might follow certain extralegal penalties. A shot in the head while driving in traffic, for example." "The laws are clear," said the undersecretary. "I can't imagine that." "I can. Look in my Four-Zero file. I trained with a man in Honduras. I killed him in Madrid. He was from Indianapolis and his name was-" "I'm not interested in past activities," interrupted Congdon harshly. "I just want us to understand each other." "We do. You can relax, I'm not... breaching any security. I haven't the stomach for it. Also, I'm not that brave." "Look, Scofield," said the undersecretary, leaning back in his chair, his expression pleasant. "I know it sounds trite, but there comes a time for all of us to leave the more active areas of our work. I want to be honest with you." Bray smiled, a touch grimly. "I'm always nervous when someone says that."... Vnat?" "That he wants to be honest with you. As if honesty was the last thing you should expect." "I am being honest." "So am 1. If you're looking for an argument, you won't get it from me.
I'll quietly fade away." "But we don't want you to do that," said Congdon, leaning for-ward, his elbows on the desk.
"Oh?" "Of course not. A man with your background is extraordinarily valuable to us. Crises will continue to arise; we'd like to be able to call upon your expertise." Scofield studied the man. "But not in-territory." A statement. "Not in-strategy." "No. Not officially. Naturally, we'll want to know where you're living, what trips you make." "I'll bet you will," said Bray softly. "But for the recA:)rd, I'm terminated."
"Yes. However, we'd like it kept out of the record. A Four-Zero entry." Scofield did not move. He had the feeling that he was in the field, arranging a very sensitive exchange. "Wait a minute, let me understand you. You want me officially terminated, but no one's supposed to know it.
And although I'm officially finished, you want to maintain contact on a permanent basis." "Your knowledge is invaluable to us, you know that. And I think we're paying for it." "Why the Four-Zero then?" "I'd have thought you'd appreciate it. Without official responsibilities you retain a certain status. You're still part Of us.
"I'd like to know why this way." "I'll be...." Congdon stopped, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face. "We really don't want to lose you." "rhen why terminate me?" The smile left the undersecretary's face. "I'll call it as I see it. You can confirm it with an old friend of yours if you like. Robert Winthrop.
I told him the same thing." "Winthrop? What did you tell him?" "rhat I'don't want you around here. And I'm willing to pay out of budget and predate records to get you out. I listened to your words; you were taped by Charles Englehart in Amsterdam." Bray whistled softly. "Old Crimson Charlie. I should have known it." "I thought you did. I thought you were sending us a personal message.
Nevertheless, we got it. We have a lot to do here and your kind of obstinacy, your cynicism, isn't needed." "Now, we're getting somewhere." "But everything else is true. We do need your expertise. We have to be able to reach you anytime. You have to be able to reach us." Bray nodded. "And the Four-Zero means that my separation is top secret.
The field doesn't know I'm terminated." "Precisely." "All right," said Scofield, reaching into his pocket for a cigarette. "I think you're going to a lot of unnecessary trouble to keep a string on me, but, as you said, you're pay- ing for it. A simple field directive could accomplish the same thing: issue clearance until rescinded. Special category." "Too many questions would be asked. It's easier this way.,, "Really?" Bray lit the cigarette, his eyes amused. "All right." "Good." Congdon shifted his weight in the chair. "I'm glad we understand each other. You've earned everything we've given you and I'm sure you'll continue to earn it.... I was looking at your file this morning; you enjoy the water. God knows your record's filled with hundreds of contacts made in boats at night. Why not try it in the daylight? You've got the money. Why not go to someplace like the Caribbean and enjoy your life?
I envy you." Bray got up from his chair; the meeting was over. "Thanks, I may do that.