“Your father would have been proud of your tradecraft, Eleanor,” he said.

“But he would have hated the cost.”

“The cost was paid three years ago, General,” I said.

“Everything else is just the accounting.”

Albright nodded slowly.

“I have to go to the Hill,” he said.

“The committee wants me to testify on the chain of custody for those files.”

“Will you be safe?”

“I have a place to stay,” I said.

“Mr. Vance,” Albright said, turning to the archivist.

“Keep that logbook locked.”

“The Senate investigators will be here with a congressional subpoena within the hour.”

“It will be ready, sir,” Vance said.

Albright walked out, leaving the door slightly ajar.

I looked at Vance.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small key on a brass ring.

“You should go through the side exit,” Vance said.

“The reporters are already gathering at the Constitution Avenue entrance.”

“Thank you, Mr. Vance,” I said.

“For holding the door.”

“Your father was a good man, Mrs. Harrington,” Vance said.

“He always signed the logbook himself.”

I walked out of the office and down the narrow corridor.