Call to Treason - Tom Clancy [66]
"Not when I'm on the taxpayers' clock," McCaskey said.
"Civic responsibility. A sad exception, not the rule," Link said.
"Would you like coffee or tea, Mr.?"
"McCaskey, and no thanks," McCaskey interrupted. He took a notebook from the inside pocket of his jacket. "I just wanted to ask you questions about some of your activities at the Company."
Link smiled. "I have two things to say, Mr. McCaskey. First, you're aware that I am not permitted to discuss any of the work I did, even with a member of an intelligence service."
"Technically, that isn't true."
Link finally glanced up. "What do you mean?"
"The standard CIA employment agreement says that a former employee may not reveal information that might compromise ongoing operations,"
McCaskey said. "You signed such an agreement without riders. I checked. My questions involve personnel you may have worked with who are either no longer with the Company or may be assigned to the D.C. area."
"You abrogate the spirit of confidentiality, Mr. McCaskey."
"People have said worse things about me, sometimes in English,"
McCaskey replied. "What is the second thing you wanted to say?"
"Sidestepping the question of whether you or anyone else has reasonable cause to insist on this interview, I'm curious," Link said. "By what chartered authority is Op-Center here to question me?"
"By the International Intelligence Cooperation Act of 2002," McCaskey replied as he sat at the table across from Link. "A British national has died, Scotland Yard has requested an investigation, and we were the agent they selected By law, I am permitted to ask questions of potential witnesses to the crime or events leading up to it. The senator agreed to an interview with Director Hood, which establishes his understanding of the validity of the IICA. Do you object to my questioning you?"
"Yes, and I also question your interpretation of the law," Link said.
"But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for the moment."
"Thank you. Admiral Link, have you personally hired anyone for the United States First Party?"
"No," Link replied.
"Have you recommended anyone for a staff position, paid or interned, for the United States First Party?"
"Eric Stone, the young man who is managing the convention," Link said.
"That's Eric with a c."
"How do you know Mr. Stone?" McCaskey asked as he wrote the name in his notebook.
"He was my assistant at the Company. Eric is a very good organizer."
"Does he have field experience?"
"As a certified public accountant," Link replied. "Chicago office."
"Have you hired or recommended anyone else?" McCaskey asked.
"Not yet."
"What about the senator's staff?" McCaskey asked.
"I brought in Kendra Peterson," Link said.
"How do you know her?"
"She was a field agent based in Japan but working in North Korea and Taiwan," Link said.
"One of yours?"
"Yes. Strictly ROO."
ROO was recon only operative. However, McCaskey knew that even passive field agents were sometimes used in offensive operations. There was a case in Russia in 1979 when CIA operative Genson Blimline had been exposed by a Soviet mole. Rather than pull him out, the Company sent an observer in to watch the men who were sent to watch him. When they moved against Blimline, the ROO moved against them. Both the ROO and Blimline were able to get to a safe house in Moscow.
"Ms. Peterson's name came up as a possible contact when Striker went over there," said a voice from behind McCaskey. "I can get you that file."
McCaskey turned. Mike Rodgers was standing in the conference room doorway.
"May I come in?" Rodgers asked Link.
"Absolutely," Link replied.
Rodgers entered. His eyes were fixed on McCaskey. "What's the latest on the witch-hunt?"
"I wouldn't call it that," McCaskey replied.
Rodgers did not reply.
"Mr. McCaskey, if you have more questions, would you please get to them?" Link said. "I have real work to do."
Link's smugness was starting to piss McCaskey off. "Admiral, this is a serious inquiry," McCaskey said. "It would be a mistake to think otherwise."
"Sir, you are taking it