Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“I do,” Josie said. “The last time we talked, you told me that
people like Ian Francis needed someone to speak for them.
You joked that, perhaps, he should have hired a lawyer if he
wanted to be heard.
“Senator, I am a lawyer. I am speaking for Ian Francis and
for my mother and my father. I want to tell you about a
conspiracy and crimes committed on those three citizens and
other–”
“I already know, Ms. Bates.” Ambrose interrupted her as if
they had met on the street and he had no time to gossip.
“You know about Ha Kuna House?”
“I do,” the senator said. “Eugene?”
The younger man produced a thick file. He placed it on
Patriota’s desk and stepped back. The senator opened it and
looked at the first piece of paper.
“I have a most disturbing overview of an operation that,
unfortunately, is the last vestige of a terrible time in our
history. CHATTER, Artichoke, MKUltra.” He shook his head
as he lamented the history. “So many more horrendously
executed programs. Our government should be ashamed.”
“The government should be held accountable,” Josie
corrected.
“I understand your mother was one of the unfortunate
victims,” Ambrose went on. “I am distressed to hear that.
Eugene’s research, unfortunately, came too late to help her. I
have been briefed about the fire. My sincere condolences.”
“Yes, there was a fire,” Josie said even as she realized he
was only going through the motions. He was looking right at
her and not seeing the healing burns on her lips, her shorn hair,
and the hand that was still red and swollen. “Senator. Look at
me.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I need you to pay attention to me,” Josie insisted. “First,
the history of this project it is not unfortunate, it is appalling.