Condley thought about that for a moment. “That’s fair,” he finally said, shrugging his agreement. “So let me put it this way, Colonel. I’m going to Moscow to meet with a former Russian soldier who says he was in the Que Son Mountains during the war. I am going, do you understand? The day after tomorrow. It has already been decided. And for the very reasons you just gave me, I believe it would be in the interest of your government to have you come along as a witness to this meeting. In fact, I will allow you to interpret for me, since I don’t speak Russian. And I am comfortable with you providing a complete report to your government about everything that is said in that meeting.”

“What is this man’s name?”

Condley grinned mischievously. “No way, Colonel. I don’t want my man disappearing on me before I even get there.”

Colonel Pham laughed knowingly. “You are very smart, Cong Ly. And I know that you do love Viet Nam, so there is no malice in your heart. I will ask Ha Noi if I can accompany you.”

“Thank you, Colonel. I have nothing to hide. I am only looking for the truth.”

“The truth about what, Cong Ly? The truth can be very evasive. Or sometimes it can be different to different people, depending on whose eyes are seeing it.”

“Then let’s keep it simple,” said Condley, swilling the final half inch of his tea in the little cup. “The truth about Deville. Not who he was, or why he did what he did. But what he did, and where he went after he did it.”

The colonel shrugged deliberately, growing restless in his chair. “As I said, we know nothing about that, and to be very honest, my government has no interest in it either. This man was never a prisoner of war. He was never listed as missing in action. And he never worked for our side. I will ask Ha Noi about going to Moscow because I value your friendship, but this is all beyond our normal jurisdiction.”

He checked his watch and rose from his chair, a deliberate gesture meant to end their conversation. “My daughter is waiting to see you, I think? Let me see what is taking her so long.”

Van spoke from outside the room. “I’m here, Father.”

“All right,” said Colonel Pham, formally shaking Condley’s hand. “Then I will say good-bye, Cong Ly.”