"Harry Harrison - Rebel in Time" - читать интересную книгу автора (Harrison Harry)

The bank manager repeated the words, then nodded and hung up. He passed the ID back to the FBI
agent. 'I was instructed to co-operate with you and to give you any information that you might need about
one of our clients. But I must say that this is not a normal practice…'

'I realize that, Mr Bryce. But you are now involved in a security investigation with a top priority. If you
refuse to cooperate I must go to your superiors and—'

'No, please! That's not what I am suggesting. Please don't misunderstand me. You have my
co-operation, of course. I was just saying that information about our clients is always confidential—in the
normal course of events. But in a matter of national security, very different, naturally. How can I be of
aid?'

Bryce was talking rapidly, unaware when he took the handkerchief from his breast pocket to pat his
suddenly moist forehead. The agent nodded, unsmiling.

'I appreciate that, Mr Bryce. I hope you understand that your voluntary co-operation makes you liable to
prosecution for violation of national security should you mention this to anyone else?'

'Does it? I don't know—but of course, I'll speak to no one.'

'Very good. A few minutes ago a man left this bank after transacting some business. His name is Wesley
McCulloch and he is a colonel in the United States Army. No, don't write that down. You won't have
any difficulty in memorizing this information. You will find the bank employee he dealt with and bring
back the record of any transaction or transactions the colonel may have made. You will tell no one the
reason for your interest.'

'Of course not!'

'We appreciate that, Mr. Bryce. If you don't mind I will wait here until you return.'

'Yes, please, make yourself comfortable. This should not take a very long time.'

The manager returned in less than five minutes with a file folder in his hand. He carefully closed and
locked the door, then opened the folder before him on the desk.

'Colonel McCulloch made a purchase…'

'Did he pay by cheque or with cash?'

'Cash. Large denomination bills. He purchased gold and paid for it in cash. Eight thousand, five hundred
and thirty-two dollars. He took the gold away with him. Is that the information you wanted, Mr Ripley?'

The agent nodded and smiled, ever so slightly.

'Yes, Mr Bryce. That is exactly what I wanted to find out.'

Chapter 2
Sergeant Troy Harmon rode the Metro in from the Pentagon, wondering just what the hell this assignment
was all about. It was so hush-hush that he had been told nothing, absolutely nothing about it. Other than
to get over soonest to this address on Massachusetts just up from Union Station. Transportation was not