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“Yes, we do. I think it’s entirely likely that General White would call me and tell me Lieutenant Winters was in his office, asking to be relieved of his assignment, and asking me what I know about it.
“And I would tell him what I know, that he’s there because he wants to do what his wife wants him to do. And I think General White would ask me what I think he should do. Then I would be forced to say that I don’t want anyone in DCI who doesn’t want to be there. And that if General White doesn’t take him back, I will see that he’s transferred elsewhere.”
“So?”
“How long do you think it will take for General Winters and General . . . whatever his name is . . . your father . . . to learn what’s happened to their son and son-in-law? For the story of your husband trying to use family connections to get out of an assignment his wife didn’t like to make its way, via the Officers’ Ladies Intelligence Network, around the Army establishment? The Regular Army establishment?”
“You sonofabitch!”
“As an Army brat, you should know that an officer’s lady should not call her husband’s commanding officer a sonofabitch. And now, having concluded counseling you, I will say, good morning, Mrs. Winters.”
“What the hell do you want me to do?”
“You’re an Army brat. Figure it out yourself.”
Cronley turned and walked out of the house.
Well, I gave it my best shot.
Which probably fucked things up more than they were already fucked up.
[FOUR]
Hôtel Maison Rouge
Rue des Francs Bourgeois 101
Strasbourg, France
1305 24 February 1946
Commandant Jean-Paul Fortin was sitting where Sergeant Henri Deladier told Cronley he would find him, having lunch with Captain Pierre DuPres in the Maison Rouge.
When Fortin saw him, he righted one of the upside-down glasses on the table and poured wine into it.
“Sit down, James, and have a glass of wine while you tell us what you did to lose your job.”
“You heard about that, huh?”
“I’m a senior officer in the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire, I hear a lot of things. Are expressions of sympathy in order?”
“No, my Colonel. And I’m surprised that a senior officer in the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire believes everything he hears.”
“As I have told you many times, I am but a lowly commandant, not a colonel.”
“I’m surprised that you have risen as high as you have. You lack an essential requirement for someone in our business. You’re a lousy liar.”
Fortin stood up and went to Cronley and embraced him.
“When I heard, James,” he said, “I was distressed that I’d never see you again.”
Deladier also rose and embraced Cronley.
The Frogs are always kissing each other, so why am I touched by this?
“Are you hungry?” Fortin asked, and without waiting for an answer, called for a waiter.
—
