Afterthoughts

"That's not right, Sir. That's where the danger is, that's what we're supposed to uncover and stop. That's what I am supposed to do."

Burton breathed out his shame. Fundamentally he was a quiet, patient man dedicated to the rules of the game. He let his bucket down deep into that well of cool, dedicated intelligence.

"Let's go at it different, Mr. ...you mind if I call you Ted?...Let's remember what the Admiral said, Ted. This is a political problem, not a spy problem. We're not at war anymore, but the war changed most everything. The Admiral would probably agree that the war and those bomb tests out in the Pacific mean that even war has changed."

Breckinridge reluctantly admitted that was true, or at least surely to be true, but he could recognize a rhetorical ploy as well as other people, so he ignored the reference.

Burton was grateful for that understanding. He dropped the Admiral into his "Respected" file and continued with Coffin.

"Those questions I asked you, Ted, are about the rules of the game. Changes like the war open up all kinds of problems and opportunities. Everybody wants a handle on those changes. The question is do they play by the rules or don't they? Those people you named want the changes to go faster and in different directions than we do; but you got to understand that they play by the rules. Your job is to spot the people who want to change the rules or ignore the rules. You see that? Communists the way your boss defines them are the least of our worries."

Coffin needed time. His certainties were tilting. Burton understood that, put a hand on his arm and eased him into play time.

"We got to get ready for golf, Red. I'd be grateful if you got the pro to get my locker open. I got to pee."

After Coffin left, Burton stood looking at Atwell, Weston and Moore.

"I don't want to spoil your game, gentlemen, but I suggest you set aside some time to think about sidewalks and streetlights and new bus runs-maybe a few new bus jobs for Negroes. Perhaps even some sewers."

Then to the Admiral: "You helped us, Sir. Thank you. Let us go trounce whomever the hell it is we're playing against."

"That covers considerable ground, Mr. Burton."

Burton roared. "Call me Charlie, Admiral. Particularly if you're good around the greens!"

The Admiral was not very good around the greens, but his middle irons were excellent and he could lag a thirty foot putt into gimmie range, so playing best ball he always earned his keep.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

1. Maggie and Mr. Hank
2. The Reverend
3. Squalls Along the Flight Line
4. Flying Home to Church
5. A Visit with The Judge
6. Communion
7. Afterthoughts
8. Monday Morning With The Admiral
9. Into the Dining Room
10. On Toward Walking the Streets
11. Glimpses of An Election
12. The Dream and The Reality of Violence
13. The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
14. Down That Lonesome Road

• Cast of Characters
• Credits and Acknowledgements