The agent sat there stunned. Obviously he was used to being in control of such interviews and I just blew his ass out of the water. He knew I had presidential permission to keep my arms, which was unprecedented. He also knew I flew into Langley on Air Force Two. I could see his mind working on the angles and he eventually came to a conclusion.
"My apologies, Sir. Yes, we at the FBI do tend to take control of interrogations, it is how we are trained. Perhaps we can start again. I am Special Agent Brannigan and I would like to get your input on the situation we have before us, would you be so kind as to tell me everything from the time you were at the awards ceremony?"
I smiled, "Thank you for your polite inquiry. Yes, I will gladly do so. You want a report style or train of thought?"
"Actually, train of thought would be wonderful. Thank you."
I went through all the relevant details from the time we walked into the Club that fateful evening up until we boarded Air Force Two.
"Did you speak with anyone on Air Force Two while you were onboard?"
"No comment."
Brannigan nodded, "So, obviously you did and you were told not to talk about it."
"No comment. Deduce what you wish. I have no comment."
"Is there anything else you wish to comment on before we wrap this up?"
"Just one thing. Be very polite with my family, please. They will react to attempted intimidation or bombastic approaches exactly like I did...and you will end up having to explain why you were unable to get the information you needed when everyone was willing to talk before."
"It is a criminal offense to lie to the FBI, Sir."
"Yes, but the Department of Justice has to prosecute. And the Head of DOJ was just appointed by the President. But, I am sure this will not be an issue because your main objective is to get all the information you can. If you have to be polite to get it, why would you care?"
"And will I get it with politeness?"
"Did you get it from me when you changed your attitude?"
Brannigan cocked an eyebrow, "The Colonel was correct about you. You don't intimidate easily and you are quick on your feet."
I smiled, "So what did the Colonel say when you asked for your sidearm back?"
Brannigan leaned back and chuckled, "He said he would gladly do so as soon as I got my Presidential decree."
"We both know this was a statement. Was that why you came in the way you did?"
"I am a Special Agent for the FBI. I am not happy when the Executive Branch issues me a statement when I am doing my job. But you obviously already had that scoped out."
"I was actually just trying to help you get what you needed. I know my family and your need to project your authority was going to rub everyone the wrong way. Shit is getting real and you don't need to have to struggle to get the information you need because of bad first impressions."
"If all of this was already scoped out by you and it was all intentional, how do I know you were being truthful?"
I laughed, "Check the vocal stress analysis, I am sure they pinged you immediately with my no comment, which was the reason for your followup and for your second reading now."
"You seem to be awfully well informed for being just a civilian."
"Nah, I'm just not stupid."
"Are you affiliated with any other Agencies I should know about?"
"At this time, I am just a Captain in a local Sheriff's Office. Before this, I was a college student going through medical school."
Brannigan smiled mischievously, "I will be talking with your father next."
I winked at him and waved goodbye. Not giving him a vocal response for his fishing expedition.
****
"Hello! Name's Brannigan, may I call you James?"
James tossed him his cell phone and told him, "Call this number, XXX-XXX-XXXX then after the first ring hit $$@1. then put it on speaker."
Brannigan raised an eyebrow and did as he was asked.
"This is the Office of the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, how may I help you?"
This is Spectre 98406731, confirm."
"Voice pattern confirmed. What is your code?"
James winked at Brannigan and gave the code for all clear and not under duress. "I would like to speak with Crypto please."
"One moment, Sir."
****
"Sir, Spectre is on an open line, has given the all clear code, and has requested to speak with you."
"Patch him through."
****
"Crypto is on the line, Sir."
"Crypto! Spectre here. Long time no see!"
"Been too long, Spectre, How they hanging?"
"Low and slow, Crypto, low and slow."
"You up to your ass in this mess, Spectre?"
"Treading water, Crypto."
"I see you are at the Pentagon. What is it you need?"
"Just needed bonafides so this young man knows with whom he is dealing."
"Who are you, young man?"
"Special Agent Brannigan, FBI. And you are, Sir?"
"Crypto is all you get. Take me off speaker and put me to your ear." Brannigan did so, "Spectre has eyes only Security Clearance and is one of our most bad-assed field agents. That information is need to know and you may not keep any copy of that statement on any record. Any questions?"
"How do I know this is legit?"
Crypto hung up and as he handed me back my phone his rang. Brannigan checked the number and sighed, "Yes Director! How can I help you?"