He shrugged. "You know I was in the dark about all that as much as you were. This time it's straightforward. And sanctioned." "Sanctioned by whom?" He looked at me. "By the proper authorities." "All right," I said, taking a sip from the porcelain demitasse. "Tell me." He leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. "After nine-eleven, Congress took the shackles off the Agency. There's a new spirit in the place. We're pushing the envelope again, going after the bad guys-" "The few, the proud?" He frowned. "Look, we're really making a difference now-" "Be all that you can be?" His jaw clenched. "Do you just enjoy pissing me off?" "A bit, yes." "It's petty." I took another sip of espresso. "What's your point?" "I wish you'd just listen." "So far I've listened to five clichés, including something about shackled envelopes. I'm waiting for you to actually say something." He flushed, but then nodded and even managed a chuckle. I smiled at his composure. He had matured since I had last seen him.
( Barry Eisler )
[ Winner Take All ]
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