“For your information, we’re in my, as you call it, homeland.”
“Oh yeah. I forgot,” Johnny said. Fully aware of it.
“I am the boss of your brother.”
“Late brother.”
“I am the equivalent of a chief of mission.”
“So you’re the chief CIA spy for Toronto. It’s not a points situation, Val. You don’t build up years and then cash them in for another man’s life. Listen to yourself. ‘Equivalent.’ Are you the equivalent of a husband? Are you the equivalent of my buddy?”
“Johnny, I am your friend.”
“At a distance. With qualifications. I’ll give you a pity B-plus at faking friendship.”
“I can’t believe you’re saying this.”
“Sure you can. That is exactly what a fake friend would say. I bet your bosses in Washington told you to write a fake memoir in which you trash V and me. You’re a tenant. Y
