:03:01
- I would have called but...
- But what?
:03:04
I didn't want to risk a wiretap.
:03:07
A wiretap? You sound paranoid, Colonel.
:03:11
No, General. Just being cautious.
:03:13
And the reason for this caution?
:03:17
The word just came down this morning.
:03:19
A special directive to all section chiefs.
:03:21
The Inspector General's starting
a full investigation of arms contracts.
:03:26
I see.
:03:29
- You're sure?
- Yes, sir.
:03:34
That's unfortunate.
:03:37
But I suppose it would have
happened sooner or later.
:03:40
- If they find out...
- They won't find out.
:03:43
General, if anyone digs deep enough,
:03:45
they'll discover I've let your
construction company charge a fortune.
:03:49
Offer the standard explanation,
:03:51
unforeseen difficulties
in developing the arms system.
:03:54
It won't stand up. When the IG
sees your bargain-basement bids
:03:58
he'll know I let you
practically steal those contracts.
:04:01
They'll indict both of us.
:04:03
As you say, Colonel,
you're the one that accepted the bids.
:04:07
You approved the overruns.
:04:09
With that much money involved, they'll
know we were in it together. I'm getting out.
:04:14
- Oh?
- I'm leaving for Geneva tonight.
:04:17
- And you might do the same.
- I have a business to run.
:04:24
Besides, I never believed in a forced retreat.
:04:27
Maybe you can bluff them
but I don't have your reputation.
:04:31
You'll have less of a reputation
if you go AWOL. It's an admission of guilt.
:04:35
They won't know it for 30 days. I took leave.
:04:37
It's a small world, Colonel. They'll find you.
:04:40
No way, sir. I'll manage to disappear.
:04:45
And if they do,
just for the sake of argument?
:04:51
Naturally, I'd keep your involvement
to myself. I'd refuse to testify.
:04:56
Not even to shorten a jail sentence
for giving evidence?