The people around the show’s table roared with laughter.

Stone’s phone rang. “Hello?”

“It’s Lance.”

“Good morning, Lance,” Stone said. “How is it you are discussing with Bill Eggers my presence on the C-17 the other night and, apparently, blaming me for the loss of your Mercedes?”

“I deny that,” Lance replied.

“I figured you would. Tell me, have you seen the latest film of the car on the morning TV shows?”

“I have.”

“Have you heard the mention of a company called Overseas Info, which is said to be a front for an unnamed American intelligence service?”

“I have.”

“How is that going down upstairs at the Agency? Is everybody just pleased as punch?”

“I don’t need this abuse,” Lance said. “I called to give you some good news, but if you don’t want to hear it . . .”

“There is nothing I would like to hear more,” Stone replied. “Shoot.”

“Would that I could,” Lance said. “I have persuaded people at the State Department to remove the flags on Pablo’s and his family’s passports. I am told that will be accomplished by noon today. Are we all right on that score now?”

“We will be the moment the flags are gone,” Stone replied. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re still on for Monday morning.”

“My people will be at your house this afternoon to sweep the place and begin installing their video and audio equipment.”

“Fine.”

“I should tell you that the video and audio feeds will be transmitted to Langley, where a number of analysts will be watching and listening to corroborate your client’s statements. I assume there will be no objection to that.”

“None from me. I’ll speak to my client about it.”

“Good. Now, if you will excuse me, I have more important work to do.” Lance hung up.

Stone called Pablo.

“Hello?”

“I’ve just heard from Mr. C. that the State Department will remove the flags from your passports by noon today,” Stone said.

“It has already been done,” Pablo replied. “My source just phoned me.”

“Also, Mr. C. wants to feed your interview back to his offices so that some of his colleagues can watch and listen, in order to substantiate the factual nature of your interview. Any problem with that?”

“None whatever,” Pablo replied.

“Did you find the maps you need?”

“In fact, such a map is being FedExed to me from another country as we speak, a map that has been annotated by my source. I think Mr. C. and his colleagues will find it very interesting.”

“Good. Do we need to rehearse what you’re going to say in the interviews?”

“No,” Pablo replied. “But you may feel free to stop me if you think I am incriminating myself beyond the terms of our agreement with Mr. C.”

“I have drawn the agreement to be all-encompassing,” Stone said, “so I don’t think we have to worry about that. With any luck at all, by this time next week you will be free to move about as you please, and your family can join you.”