“But that’s ridiculous, Tanner. Why not”

I killed time with a sip of Scotch. I finished the drink and while he poured more whiskey into my glass and his I shuffled through my brain looking for a convenient lie. I thought of those star-crossed lovers, Karlis and Sofija, and I stopped shuffling. If I had to do something ludicrous, I might as well do it in a good cause. If I had to go traipsing around the world, I might better traipse to Latvia than to Colombia.

I said, “There’s another trip I have to take.”

“Where to”

“ Eastern Europe.”

“Be more specific.”

“The Baltic States.”

“Which one”

“Does it matter”

He stared intently at me. I was playing a dangerous game, but I had a hunch I might get away with it. From what I knew about his agency (our agency), one had a considerable amount of leeway. His men did not make written reports or follow instructions. They were given a job to do, they made their own plans and established their own contacts, and they went in and did it and came back and announced that it was done. Or they didn’t come back, and the Chief drank a toast to their memory.

“The Baltic States,” he said.

“Yes.”

“An important mission”

“Not government business, really. A favor for a friend.”

“Oh, come now, Tanner!”

I shrugged.

“I’m afraid I know you too well for that, Tanner. You wouldn’t miss a chance at the Colombian job unless it were something very big indeed. There’s a missile center outside of Tallinn. Is that part of it”

“I’d rather not say anything in advance.”

“Mmmm. Something bigger than Colombia. You won’t tell me