May 21, 2014

Do What You Gotta Do—Jojo (4:30)

Copper

President Lincoln and General Grant

"Well, General? Have you come up with any way to resolve this situation we seem to have brewing in New York?" The president asked as he leaned back in his chair. "Because I do believe that it is going to spiral out of control within the year."

General Grant stood at attention before the president's desk. "Yes, Mr. President. I think I've found the perfect solution."

Hard eyes stared at him for a moment and then the president waved an arm at the chairs in front of the desk. "For God's sake, man, sit and tell me your plan!"

Grant obligingly sat in one of the indicated chairs. "Mr. President—"

"Stop with the formalities, Uly," the president ordered. "I believe we've known each other long enough to be on a first name basis. Just tell me the plan."

"I've spoken with Generals Greene and Halleck and we believe that the plan with the most chance of success is to plant a small team in New York," Grant began.

"A small team?" Lincoln interrupted in confusion. "You do remember how dire this situation is do you not?"

"Shut up, Abe!" Grant growled. "And just let me speak. Yes a small team. Three men in fact. These three men will return home to New York and go back to their normal lives. But they will keep their eyes open for any suspicious activity with the Southern sympathizers. They'll pretty much have to be free agents though. They may not have time to wait for orders if they find information. I have complete confidence that with the proper briefing these three men will be able to diffuse the situation and bring New York back under our complete control."

Lincoln eyed Grant closely for a few moments and then nodded. "You have the men picked already, don't you, you old goat?"

Grant grinned easily. "Yes sir. They're three of the most sneaky, smart, loyal men I've ever had the honor too meet. They're far more honorable than they seem to be on the surface but they don't mind getting their hands dirty or lying to help the cause. The only flaw that I can possibly foresee with them is that they are more loyal to each other than they are to us."

"Just who are these paragons of virtue, Uly?" Lincoln asked with a chuckle and held out his hand for the files Grant was holding.

Grant let loose a booming laugh. "I wouldn't call them virtuous, Abe. Well, maybe Freeman but Corcoran and Morehouse? Corcoran has his own code of honor and Morehouse is a philandering rouge. But they are good men and the war will not be one by the virtuous. Though I'm sure they'll take credit for it."

"Morehouse," Lincoln sat up straighter. "Isn't that the name of one of the men we're investigating?"

Grant's grin only grew. "Our Morehouse's father," he held up a hand to stall the objection. "There is little love lost between them, sir. He is also in a unique position to investigate Haverford. They're business partners."

Lincoln studied the files for a few minutes before he nodded. "Very well. Have them report to Eva. She'll be the least suspicious person to be their handler."

Grant rose to his feet. "Of course. I'll keep you apprised of any information they send on, sir."