“In your work with ONI, Commander, I assume you’ve acquired intelligence contacts abroad?”

“Yes, sir. I have quite a few friends who could be use …”

“You’re not to get in touch with any of them. You are not authorized to make any contacts at all. The witnesses you’re looking for are undoubtedly nationals of various countries.” The General turned to Keller. “Harrison …”

Keller walked over to a filing cabinet in the corner and unlocked it. He removed a large manila envelope and passed it to Robert.

“There’s fifty thousand dollars in here in different European currencies, and another twenty thousand in US dollars. You will also find several sets of false identifications that may come in handy.”

General Hilliard held out a thick, shiny black plastic card with a white stripe on it. “Here’s a credit card that …”

“I doubt if I’ll need that, General. The cash will be enough, and I have an ONI credit card.”

“Take it.”

“Very well.” Robert examined the card. It was drawn on a bank he had never heard of. At the bottom of the card was a telephone number. “There’s no name on the card,” Robert said.

“It’s the equivalent of a blank cheque. It requires no identification. Just have them call the telephone number on the card. It’s very important that you keep it with you at all times.”

“Right.”

“And Commander?”

“Sir?”

“You must find those witnesses. Every one of them. I’ll inform the Director that you have started the assignment.”

The meeting was over.

Harrison Keller walked Robert to the outer office. A uniformed marine was seated there. He rose as the two men came in.

“This is Captain Dougherty. He’ll take you to the airport. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

The two men shook hands. Keller turned and walked back into General Hilliard’s office.