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"Sir, I know how to do that," Castillo said.
The ambassador indicated the secure telephone on his desk.
Castillo put the receiver to his ear and heard, "Operator."
"My name is Castillo. I need a secure line to the White House. The ambassador's here to clear it, if you need that."
Silvio took the phone from Castillo.
"This is Ambassador Silvio. Mr. Castillo is cleared to call the White House now and at any time in the future."
"Thank you," Castillo said as he took the handset back.
"White House."
"This is the United States Embassy, Buenos Aires. Please verify this line is secure."
Ten seconds later the White House operator said, "This line is secure."
"This is C. G. Castillo. I need the secretary of state on a secure line, please."
This took a little longer. It was thirty-five seconds before a male voice said, "This is the secretary of state's secure line."
"C. G. Castillo for the secretary of state."
"The secretary is asleep, Mr. Castillo."
"I thought she might be. Put me through, please."
Another forty-five seconds passed.
"Put him through, please," Natalie Cohen said.
"Castillo, Madam Secretary."
"Charley, do you realize what time it is here in Washington?"
"Yes, ma'am. Hold one for Ambassador Silvio."
He heard the secretary of state mutter, "Oh, God!" as he handed the ambassador the telephone.
Then he started for the door. The ambassador waved his hand to signal him to stay.
"Ambassador Silvio, Madam Secretary," Silvio said. "I have the sad duty to inform you that the body of Chief of Mission J. Winslow Masterson was found an hour and a half ago. He had been shot twice in the head…" "The secretary wishes to speak to you, Mr. Castillo," Silvio said, and handed him the telephone.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"How come you placed the call, Charley?"
"I knew how to get through to you without going through layers of bureaucrats."
"Do you know anything the ambassador doesn't?"
"No, ma'am. Nobody has any idea what's going on."
"Presumably you've told Matt Hall?"
"No, ma'am. That's next."
