James Brown left his cab, buttoning up his suit. He carried two light suitcases, one of which he gave to the porter, along with a 100 Franc tip. The CIA had three dedicated rooms at the Grand Plaza, each fit for two agents.

He crossed the foyer. In French, he said

"Room 714, please."

The receptionist disappeared from the desk, and came back with a man. His black double-breasted blazer had a crescent-and-arrow lapel pin in it. This was their operative in the hotel.

"Are you Mr. Ace?"

There was no Mr. Ace. It was a code phrase that the CIA issued only to Brown, and the man in the blazer.

"No. Tell Doctor Black that a Mr. Ike has arrived."

They had established identities. James Brown instructed that he would only need the luggage tomorrow, and for the porter to take his time. He kept his other suitcase on him, as he was escorted up to room 714.

He opened the door, and saw a desk, two beds, and a wardrobe. He set down his suitcase on his half of the wardrobe, took out his orders, and began to review the mission.