Page 35 of Cross Down
“Your ongoing investigation, of course,” I say. “And Army Intelligence’s too, I’m sure.”
That gets her attention. “What are you saying?”
“The series of terrorist attacks that began last April and include assaults on Fort Leavenworth and Fort Irwin.”
“There was no attack on Fort Irwin.”
“I’ve heard otherwise,” I say. “As to your earlier question, we caught up on old business and talked about old times.”
Agent Wagner says, “Like your trip to Afghanistan?”
An interesting development. “I’m afraid I’m not in a position to comment on any operations conducted in Afghanistan or even if any such operations occurred,” I say.
“You went to Afghanistan as part of a CIA-sponsored operation,” she says. “I would like to know more about that mission, its participants, and its goals.”
“Give the CIA a call,” I say. “In the spirit of interagency cooperation, I’m sure they’ll tell you everything.” She looks hard at me and I add, “That is, if anything did happen over there.”
I let a few seconds slide by before going on. “Why are you so interested in what may or may not have happened in Afghanistan?”
She continues the hard stare.
“Part of your confidential investigation, I imagine,” I say.
Agent Wagner says, “Please answer the question.”
And something odd happens. I see it in her eyes.
Army CID investigators have a tough reputation; they have the duty and responsibility to investigate any and all malfeasance conducted by any soldier, from a private to a five-star general. Yet Agent Wagner seems unsettled.
I give her my best smile. “I’m afraid I’m not in a position to assist you in any aspects of your investigation, Agent Wagner.”
“Try.”
There’s a tone of pleading in that word. What the hell is going on here? Maybe I should stay, spar with her a bit, try to squeeze more helpful information out of her.
Or maybe I should get back to work.
I say, “In the words of the immortal Bartleby the scrivener, ‘I would prefer not to.’ It’s been a delight to make your acquaintance, Agent Wagner, but I must be leaving.”
I stand up and she says, “Sit down!”
“Not happening.”
“Detective Sampson—Sergeant Sampson—I’m ordering you to stay and answer my questions.”
“Agent Wagner, you have no authority over me,” I say. “I’m a member of the Individual Ready Reserve. If I am activated, I have to follow your orders. But since I’m not, I’m leaving.”
Her eyes narrow. “I could get you activated, force you to answer my questions.”
“I doubt you can do that in the next five minutes,” I say. “But in those few minutes, you can return my service weapon. Please.”
“No.”
“You have no authority to hold my weapon. Please return it.”
“I have a feeling you’re violating the laws of pistol ownership in the state of North Carolina.” She sounds like she’s trying everything she can think of to keep me here.
“As you’re not a peace officer in the state of North Carolina, and since the law requires following the law, not one’s feelings, please return my weapon.”
