Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

command quite a salary and probably add to it with a few
bribes to keep him silent. Isn’t that so, Eugene?”
“I’ll write a book someday, Senator,” Eugene answered.
“You’ll wait until I’m dead and buried, I hope,” Patriota
countered. “So, tell us what you have found out.”
“The gentleman’s name is Ian Francis, sir.” Eugene paused
as if waiting for a reaction. None was forthcoming. “He holds
a Canadian and American passport. He worked as a consultant
to the Defense Department at one time and he was a professor
at Texas A & M many years ago. Mr. Francis is not drunk. He
is confused. It appears he has fallen on hard times and,
perhaps, suffers to some degree from mental illness.”
“Drugs?” Patriota asked.
“No. Nothing was found on him.”
“Weapons?”
“No, sir. He had a senate pass. It had not been renewed
since the early nineties but security sent him through. A
misunderstanding,” Eugene assured him.
“You see. It is as I said.” Patriota was pleased.
“But did you ask specifically about me or Hannah?” Josie
pressed.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have anything more to tell you.”
Josie was fully aware that his was a non-answer but there
was no time to pursue it further. The senator planted his palms
on the arms of his chair and pushed himself up. He buttoned
his jacket. They were done.
“There. Taken care of. I believe there is a reception where
we are expected. A small thank you to those who have put
themselves out to enlighten us.”
“You’ll only be able to stay ten minutes, sir.” Eugene moved
in on Patriota. “This has set you back twenty on the schedule
and you’re due at–”