Free The Desert Lion's True Colours by Ikechi Hayden Page B

rested on the back of his tongue.
    Superior Upson gave Leon an unwitting smile to his answer and then said ‘Oh, I wouldn’t thank me just yet. I think I should tell you both why I am here first. You see gentlemen, while the Intel you have been able to provide us regarding Black’s inner workings and other syndicate members has been substantial, you must know that this investigation has not just been about the drugs. If that were the case, we would leave it to the Miami Dade’s own tactical drugs unit and the DEA to take care of all this running around bullshit.’
    ‘My apologies Sir.’ Leon interrupted. ‘I thought this was about getting enough evidence on the family heads, so that we could have an air tight case when we take them to court.’
    Superior Upson made a sound like one of those game show buzzers and then said ‘Wrong answer Agent Ferron… !’ Then turning his attention to Jay said, ‘. . . Would you like to answer the question?’
    Jay replied, ‘I’m sorry Sir, but I don’t understand either. If we’re not trying to bring these guys down for all the dope they flooding this country with. Then with all due respect, what the hell are we doing?’
    Special Agent Upson took his time to answer. He started to rub his chin and then after clearing his throat once again, said ‘You know gentlemen, while it can be said we are fighting against organised crime, the US government is in a war against Terrorism.’
    Jay cut him off, ‘Terrorism! Are you kidding me?’ He scoffed.
    Leon carried the same feelings as his partner. Sure they both knew Terrorism was the FBI’s main priority but no way was Black involved, - not directly anyway. Shaking his head Jay said ‘Sir, with all due respect, we have been working this case for three years and we have never once seen or heard anything to do with Terrorism. Black is solely about the blow.’
    Superior Upson frowned.
    ‘Sorry. I mean Cocaine.’ Jay restated.
    ‘Well, I guess you two are not as good as you think you are.’ Superior Upson replied, ‘Especially you Agent Ferron.’
    Leon did not let it show but that comment grated his nerves. Leon knew he was good at his job; No - scratch that, he was very good .
    Feeling the tension in the room start to rise, Chief Edwards decided it was time he should enter the conversation. ‘Nate, Dean, Black IS involved and before I say another word, understand you can’t get caught up in what you thought you did or didn’t know. Try to remember who you’re working for here – the F.B.I. From top to bottom, we all work on a need to know basis and it is only now, due to circumstances you and Dean need to know.’ He paused, looked directly at Leon and said ‘You’ll do well to remember that.’
    The Chief stopped talking and picked up two folders that were resting on the desk his superior was seated behind. Handing both of them to Jay he pointed to the top one and said, ‘Two weeks ago we managed to intercept several telecommunications over an open line, between Black AKA Mr Darren Arden Writte and another target our NEW-YORK Branch have had a close eye on for the last six years.’
    ‘Who?’ Leon enquired.
    Before his Chief could answer, Jay looked up from the folder and said ‘Arif ‘RED DEATH’ Karim.’
    Leon first looked at his partner, then his Chief and then finally rested his eyes on the Director of the FBI and said, ‘Arif Karim? The arms dealer… ? Why would Black have anything to do with Karim?’
    Superior Upson took it upon himself to answer that question.
    ‘Well, for the last six years, Mr Karim has been keeping a very low profile since our failed sting back in 04.’
    Jay looked up from the open folder in his hand and said ‘Failed? It says here, we seized something like $50,000,000 in that raid.’
    ‘Yes, we did.’ Superior Upson asserted. ‘But $50,000,000 on a wharf, miles away from the person who sent it and the person who owns it doesn’t mean shit. Payments were made, people