By the Pale Moonlight

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The flight back to London in the CIA’s private jet was tense.  Claire spoke not a word to anyone.  She remembered she had a book in her purse she ‘borrowed’ from the safe house.

Taking it from her purse. Claire began to read a John Le Carre’ classic, The Spy Who Came In From the Cold. 

Very appropriate!  thought Claire as she became enthralled with the story.

All three agents watched Claire take out the book and begin to read.  They raised their eyebrows but said nothing.

As the jet landed at London’s Heathrow Airport, everybody made ready to disembark.  Claire was led by the two CIA agents as the MI 6 agent followed behind.  A limousine pulled up and they all got in.  Claire sat between Smith and Johnston.  Once again not a word was spoken.

Arriving at CIA Headquarters in London, Claire was led into an elevator and then to an interrogation room.

In the meantime, Daemon had convinced Becker to get him in on the ‘interrogation’ of Claire Mason.  He was waiting in the room when the four arrived.

Claire smiled broadly when she saw Daemon sitting in a chair in that cold room with the harsh lighting.  Relief swept over her like a warm wave from the Caribbean Sea.

“What are you doing here?  Preston Richards was surprised to see Belford sitting at the table.

Daemon leaned back and drew a breath. Folding his arms across his chest he rplied,  “Bill Becker wanted me in on this, due to my acquaintance with Miss Mason.  The Home Secretary agreed.”

Richards was not happy but he knew he had to submit to the Home Secretary's wishes.

Johnston sat in front of Claire and Laura Smith stood behind her.

Okay, here it comes.  Good cop, bad cop and I don’t even know what it’s about!

“Miss Mason,” Johnston began.  “We have reason to believe you have a communique from one of your brother’s friends in Iraq.  We would like to see it.”

“I have never had any letters from Michael’s friends except the one from his Army buddy, Sean.  He told me about how Michael was killed and that he wanted me to have his car and that was just about it.”  Claire replied, truthfully.

‘This would not be from a fellow soldier, but an Iraqi national.”  Richards stated.

Claire opened her hands palms up.  “I'm not aware of anybody like that.”  she answered, clearly unknowing.

“You didn’t know your brother had a very close friend who is Iraqi? Surely he would have told you about him.  You’re his sister!”  Jim Johnston exclaimed with impatience.

“No!”  Claire insisted.  “I didn’t know he had an Iraqi friend!”  What is wrong with these people?  Are they dense?  Claire’s apparent frustration seemed to placate the inquisitors for the moment.

“Right then, Daemon.  You talk to her.”  Richards reluctantly gave control over to him.

Daemon held up his hands.   “She doesn’t know of any Iraqi friend, Preston.  You can’t make her tell you something she clearly doesn’t know.”  He sat back in his chair.

“Let’s go.”  said Johnston, taking Claire by the arm.

“Where?”  Claire asked, trying to remove her arm from his grip.

Daemon stood.  “There’s no need for roughness, Johnston.  Let her go.  Tell her where you’re taking her.  I’m sure Claire will go with you if you at least treat her with respect.”