Kennedy from yesterday?”
“Of course.” Michael and Irene shook hands, and then Michael turned to Liz.
“Darling, I’d like you to meet Special Agent McMahon from the FBI and Dr. Kennedy from, ah…”
Kennedy smiled and offered her hand to Liz. “The CIA. It’s nice to meet you.”
McMahon studied Michael’s nose and winced. “I’m sorry to hear about your, ah…”
McMahon tapped his own nose. “It looks pretty bad.”
“As long as I don’t touch it, it’s fine.” McMahon nodded and after a brief silence said, “Director Stansfield and Director Roach would like to talk to both of you for a couple of minutes.” Michael looked at his watch and replied, “We really don’t have any time right now, our flight is supposed to leave any minute.”
“Don’t worry,” McMahon said. “It won’t leave without you. Director Roach asked the tower to hold it for a little while.” Michael looked uncomfortably at Liz and then said, “All right. Let’s go.” McMahon and Kennedy walked on each side of Michael and Liz as they led them to a discreet lounge that was reserved for Congressman and Senators. The bodyguard at the door stepped to the side and let them in. Roach and Stansfield were sitting in the corner of the windowless room with a small coffee table in front of them. In the middle of the table was a mobile jamming unit. If anyone was trying to eavesdrop on their conversation, the only thing they would pick up would be static. The two directors rose to greet Michael and Liz. Michael introduced Liz to the two directors, and then everyone took a chair.
Roach said, “I apologize for holding your flight, but there are some things we need to discuss.”
“Considering the circumstances, I understand,” replied O’Rourke.
“Good.”
Roach nodded and then looked over at Stansfield. “Thomas, why don’t you take it from here.” Stansfield crossed his legs and asked, “Congressman O’Rourke, how many people have you told about the events of the last several days?” Michael thought for a moment and replied, “My brother Tim, my grandfather, and Liz.”
335
“That’s it?” Stansfield studied the Congressman as O’Rourke nodded yes.
Stansfield wanted to be very thorough on this point, so he restated the question.
“Those three people that you mentioned are the only people that you discussed this matter with?” Michael looked into Stansfield’s dark eyes and answered the question again.
“Yes.” Stansfield folded his hands underneath his chin and asked, “Can we trust your brother and your grandfather to stay quiet about it?”
“They understand how serious the situation is.” Stansfield turned his attention to Liz.
“Ms. Scarlatti, have you told anyone about what happened last night?” Liz sat upright.
“No.”
“Do you plan on telling anyone about what happened?”
“No.”
Stansfield responded with a doubtful look. “Sir,” replied Liz, “I have no desire to see
Michael dragged into the limelight over this, and despite my misgivings about not going public with this story, I concede that it would probably do more harm than good. As long as you leave us alone, I will stay silent about this entire affair.” Stansfield studied
Michael and Liz for a minute and then said, “I’ll take your word.”
Stansfield stuck out his hand and Michael shook it first followed by Liz. “When you return from the funeral, I would like to talk to both of you and your grandfather and brother.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” replied Michael. “Good.” Stansfield hesitated for a second. “I would also like to talk to Commander Coleman.”
“I’m sure he would be more than willing to agree to that. When I get back from
Minnesota, I’ll arrange it.”
“Thank you.” Kennedy sat forward. “Congressman, I have one question.
Are you familiar with a covert mission by the code name of Operation Snatch Back?”
Michael did not answer the question. He looked at the other four people one by one and tried to decide the best way to handle it.
Stansfield broke the ice. “We need to know for security reasons and nothing else.
There are certain counterespionage operations that have stemmed from Snatch Back.”
Michael could feel his palms moisten. “I knew about Operation Snatch Back… after the fact that is.”
336
“Did you find out from Senator Olson?” asked Kennedy. “Yes.” Kennedy nodded, let the tension mount for several seconds, and then asked, “Did you know Senator Fitzgerald was the person who leaked the mission?”
Michael nodded. Kennedy looked at her boss and then leaned forward.
“Did you pass that information on to Commander Coleman?” Michael looked at the ground for a second, and then with confidence he looked Kennedy in the eyes. “Yes, I
did.” The room was completely silent for ten full seconds while everyone thought about the events that had
