“We know a good deal about what he does. But we don’t know very much at all about who he is.”

“You fill in my blanks and I’ll fill in yours,” said Condley.

Archer took in a deep breath, measuring Condley. Either he was under specific orders regarding the matter of Andrew Brandywine or he somehow had decided over the past day that Condley represented a way of doing things that repulsed him. Or maybe both. “First, I want you to understand a few things,” he warned. “And I’m very serious about this, Mister Condley. We have limitations on what we can do on foreign soil. We are not the world’s policemen. It is not within our power to solve every problem, criminal or otherwise, that is brought to our attention. When a host government wants our assistance, we can provide it. Sometimes, that is. Within the boundaries of law and policy. And sometimes a host government will assist us if we ask for help. If it fits their own national interest, that is. But there are a lot of things that go on in this world that are beyond our ability to control. Are we in agreement here?”

Condley looked at Muir, and then back to Paul Archer. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do,” said Archer. “That’s what makes me leery of sharing this information with you. You do know what I’m talking about. You’ve operated out here, Condley, so don’t play stupid on me. Shit happens all the time, and if it doesn’t directly affect American interests we’re limited to watching it. That’s all, watching it. Unless we’re asked to play. And we decidedly have not been asked to play in this one.”

“I was going to leave you out of this,” said Condley lightly. “But we got something specific, so I thought I’d let you play.”

“It’s not funny,” said Archer.

“I know. It’s a terrible dilemma. Feel better for telling me?”

“Actually, I do.”

“Ready to continue?”

“No, but I have a lunch back at the embassy, so we may as well get on with it.”

“An honest answer,” said Condley. “I appreciate that, Paul.”

Archer gave a quick look around the bar, ensuring that they were alone. “The ambassador has asked me to inform you that this briefing is classified secret. Any divulgence of the information I provide you can result in your being prosecuted for a felony. Do you gentlemen understand that?”

“Of course we do,” answered Condley. “So, Andrew Brandywine?”

“Apparently an Australian national,” said Archer, flipping through a page or two of his notes. “I’m still working on that.”