The following morning, Mac got a telephone call from the secretary of Foster Dulles inquiring as to his availability that evening for dinner. Mr. Dulles was tied up in court that day, but he wanted to hear all about what happened at Dannemora. Apparently, Hogan had given Dulles his version, but he was unclear as to what was discussed between Mac and Luciano, when Hogan was not in the room. Arrangements were made for the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel at seven, assuming Mac could make himself available. Mac indicated to Mrs. Schlipp that he would be there, and he went back to his work for the day. On a chance, he tried Sara, again to no avail.
At six forty-five that evening, Mac walked into the Plaza Hotel, with its white marble and gold gilt. The Palm Court in front of him was relatively empty, as afternoon high tea was long over. The few stragglers leaving the airy atrium were seemingly in no hurry to end their experience. Mac turned to the right, traversing the white marble hallway to the dark wood and glass paned door of the Oak Room. He was struck by the fine Italian marble on the floors, the walls, and even the ceilings, with molding and detail of the same material, in the Plaza hallway.
Mac entered the Oak Room, with its impressive German Renaissance style. The walls were of English or Flemish Oak; the frescoes in the arches were of Bavarian castles. The twenty-foot ceilings carried grape-laden chandeliers topped by a barmaid hoisting a beer stein. A marble pedestal, with a carved wood base, held a huge vase of fresh, colorfully exotic flowers, which was the focal point in the middle of the room. The dark wood panels and moldings, and the studded leather rolling chairs, gave the place a look of a men's club, which it was, as women were not allowed between the hours of noon to three in the afternoon.
Mac was approached by the maître d’ asking if he could be of assistance. When Mac told the gentleman that he was there to dine with Mr. Dulles and Mr. Hogan, he was led immediately to their prime table near the marble flower pedestal. The men were already seated, with drinks in front of them, but they rose to shake the young man's hand upon his arrival. Mac was beginning to feel more important in the world.
“So, Mac, tell us what Luciano said,” inquired Dulles after the waiter took their orders. “I hear you spoke to him in Italian without Hogan in the room.”
“I’m sorry about that, sir” Mac said, addressing Frank Hogan. “Luciano would not talk with Mr. Hogan in the room,” continued Mac, now turning back towards Dulles. “He was about to return to his cell. I felt it prudent to go forward with it anyway we could, as it would have been a long trip for nothing.”
“You are being too modest, son,” replied Hogan. “You saved the day by speaking to him in Italian without being told to do so. It was a good idea Foster, to have Mac come along. I almost blew it with my snide remark about his “girls.” You were right to jump in, kid. He certainly seemed to like you.”
“Thank you, sir, but you carried the authority, or nothing would have happened. We made a good team, good guy, bad guy,” concluded Mac, with a smile at Hogan, knowing full well the older man was eating it up.
“OK, enough with the mutual admiration society, gentleman,” Dulles laughed. “What did Luciano say?”
Mac related what had transpired between them, and what he was willing to do for his country.
“And for this largesse, what does he want?” asked Dulles.
“He wants to be released, is what he wants,” jumped in Hogan.
“But that is not what he expects, sir,” added Mac quickly. “He would be happy, for now, if he was moved closer to the city, and if his stay were made more comfortable. We told him what he would have to do to ultimately get released.”
“Well, that sounds like horseshit; he bought that?” asked Dulles.
“We gave our word that we would do our best for him, if he cooperated,” said Mac, somewhat surprised at the vulgar remark made by his ordinarily staid mentor.
“Well, let's see what he does for his country. Remember what I said, Mac; do not get charmed by him. He is a snake. How did you leave it with him?” asked Dulles.
“He said it would take some time. Someone would get in touch with me. I am to meet with his people alone, without Mr. Hogan. Apparently, they will not talk in front of Mr. Hogan about what they can do. He trusts me,” offered Mac, “but his people will not talk in the presence of the District Attorney, for obvious reasons.”
Hogan and Dulles looked at each other.
“Are you willing to meet with them alone, Mac?” asked Dulles.
“Of course, why would they do anything to me that would jeopardize the chances of their boss in getting out of prison?”
“You have nerve, Mac. I’m impressed,” said Dulles, as Hogan shook his head in agreement. “And, you have a point.”
As the men were finishing their dinner, Dulles appeared pensive as he looked at Mac.
“You know, Mac, you should consider joining Naval Intelligence,” said Dulles. “I would hate to lose you, but you certainly have what it takes. If war does break out, we will lose you anyway to some branch of the military. I wonder if I can work something out for you now. We’ll see. Would you be interested, son?”
“Absolutely, sir. I really like my job, but I would have to jump at the chance to serve my country,” offered Mac, just tickled inside at the mere thought of being a spy.
“I will look into it, Mac,” said Mr. Dulles. “Make sure you keep us apprised every step of the way with the Luciano thing. I do not want you going off, meeting with these thugs, without us knowing about it.”