Page 86 of Cry Havoc

“I wanted to make sure there were not any issues with Amiuh or the aircraft. And, Tom, I am also here to ask a favor.”

“What is it?”

“I know you want to accompany Amiuh home, but as you know, Gaston DuBois is important to the Agency’s mission in Vietnam. He has also been courted by the Soviets. He is a businessman, so playing bothsides comes naturally to him. We have an opportunity to use that to our advantage.”

“We?”

“Yes, he feels a strong obligation to both of you for saving his life. Something like this could sway his loyalties toward us. We think this debt of gratitude could lead to a long-term relationship extremely beneficial to the U.S.”

“We think?”

“Okay, I think.”

“And Amiuh?”

“I’m sorry, Tom. DuBois has asked that you and Quinn join him as his guests tonight at his plantation. We can get away with one of you being pulled away, but not both. That would be seen as a sign of disrespect by someone of Gaston DuBois’s standing. Timing is critical, especially after the events of Tet.”

Tom looked at Quinn.

“I recruited Amiuh. It’s only right that I take him home. He would not have been in that convoy were it not for me,” Quinn said.

“Quinn…”

“Remember what Lieutenant Colonel Backhaus said: we have a war to fight. Right now, that is your mission. This is mine.”

“That an order from my One-Zero?”

“If it has to be.”

“It doesn’t feel right. I want to get back to Phu Bai.”

Quinn put his hand on Tom’s shoulder.

“Mission first. I got this. I’ll see you at Phu Bai when you are done down here.”

Tom looked at Serrano.

“How long will I be here?”

“I can’t answer that. We’ll put you up at the Continental. It’s filled with journalists and photographers. After the good press the NVA andVC got on Tet, it’s probably the safest place in the city. I’m sorry, Tom, but we need you.” The CIA man was either sincere or an incredible actor. Perhaps he was both.

“Looks like you got me,” Tom said.

“It’s okay, Tom. Mission comes first,” Quinn reminded him. “I’ll see you at Phu Bai. Don’t get in any trouble down here without me.”

“Now what fun would that be?”

Tom accepted his fate and reached into his pocket to remove the Seiko watch that Amiuh had been so proud of just days earlier. He handed it to Quinn.

“Give this to his boy, would you.”

Quinn took the watch and nodded.

“I will.”

“And this,” Tom said, reaching for the tiger claw necklace.

Quinn placed his hand on Tom’s arm.