In
an unusual break in standard operating procedures, instead of picking up the
package at the Embassy library the next morning, Jane showed up at my rented
flat in Warsaw (She’d never done that before.) She had my package with her and
asked if she could come in for a minute. Of course I agreed and shut the door
behind her. She hesitated then said, “I have your package for Moscow. Clint
threw it over the partition to me. I wanted to give you a last chance to back
out of this one.” Surprised by her statement and offer, I asked if she could
tell me why my involvement in this delivery concerned her. She told me,
“Getting involved in dis-information to Russian agents is about as close as you
can get to being a full-fledged player. We still use contractors for this stuff
but you have a family in Krakow and we worry you may have agreed to this too
quickly without thinking about it. It puts you on lists that can turn black at
any time. Moscow is currently in one of those periods where the CIA desk is
playing some higher stakes games. A couple of our people are missing. The
Warsaw guys are worried about it and wanted me to remind you that this is a
slightly different game you will be playing with a wholly different set of
players on their side…and our side, too.
“I’ve
done this before, Jane. Same hotel and same recipients. What’s different?”
“Different
type of information and higher caliber recipient…and greater chance of
recipient doing unexpected things. Bill, I know you take this seriously, but
don’t forget that I can have you safely teaching almost full-time if you are up
to it. You don’t have to do this.”
“I
really appreciate the personal attention tonight, Jane. Let’s see how this
goes. It may be my last job based on your revelations.” She smiled and handed
me the package. It was a normal looking thick brown envelope with a string
tie-top. Something like an internal mail pouch for memos or larger documents,
it was not sealed. Jane’s last words as she stepped toward the elevator, “I
suggest you not open it or look at what’s inside.”
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