Free Cobra Clearance by Richard Craig Anderson Page A

“Keys.” The driver handed them over and Michael stepped out and said, “Let’s go.”
    After handing the keys to George, he and Levi frisked the man for weapons, then led him inside to an interview room. Once they were seated, Michael advised him of his Miranda rights, and after getting a signed waiver, he produced the composite sketch, then leaned forward slightly and said, “Talk to me.”
    The driver folded his arms across his chest and looked away. “I tell you, I do not know this man.”
    â€œNo?” Michael reached into another jacket pocket and produced a sheet of paper. “This is a computer print-out of all calls made to and from your cell phone.” He held it up for the driver to see. “The same phone listed for your taxi. You know the name. ‘Halay Taxi Way.’ The ‘Dumb Ass Taxi Way.’” At this the driver looked sharply at Michael. “Which is it?” Michael probed. “Are you the dumb ass? Because I assure you, we are not.” He tapped his finger against the paper while Levi edged his chair closer to the driver from behind, intruding on his space and putting him at a psychological disadvantage.
    The driver’s eyes flashed with defiance, but his lower lip trembled. “I am not dumb.”
    Michael sat back, giving him a degree of space, and dignity. “No. I don’t think you are. I think you’re a survivor. And I think you hate Americans, and got yourself caught in someone’s net. Now you need a way out.” He let his words hang in the air.
    The driver turned surly. He jutted his jaw at the phone log. “That means nothing. Why am I here? I want my attorney.”
    Levi growled from behind him, “Fine. You’ve invoked your rights.” He looked at Michael and said
sotto voce
, “There’ll be no deal. Go ahead. Let him make his call.”
    â€œWait.” The driver fell silent, then wet his lips. “What is this deal?”
    Levi leaned into him, invading his space again. “For conspiracy in a presidential assassination? A good deal, I assure you.”
    â€œPhooey! What conspiracy? I know nothing of conspiracy. I was asked to provide a ride. That is all.”
    â€œLet your conscience help you decide. Here’s the offer: free room and board in a Federal facility, instead of Guantanamo. You know about Gitmo, don’t you?” The driver sniffed and Levi continued. “A comfy Federal facility with three hots and a cot, maybe time off for good behavior.” Levi drew back to let him considerhis options, but added, “Really, I shouldn’t even be talking to you at all. You’ve invoked your rights.”
    The driver waved a dismissive hand in the air. “So I wish now to talk.” He looked into Michael’s eyes. “But I talk only to you—the friend of the Lion of Judah.”
    Michael nodded, then looked at Levi and flicked his eyes at the door. Levi was already walking away when Michael said to the driver, “We’ll start with the man you drove to and from the parking garage.”
    â€œAnd that is all I know about this man,” the driver said fifty minutes later.
    â€œThank you.” Michael sat back slightly. “Now tell me about these phone calls you’ve been receiving. You know the ones. The calls from Zurich.”
    The driver was silent for a moment. Then he said, “It is unfortunate that this President Melchior was murdered. This is true not only for the United States of America but for all peoples.” He glanced at the door. “This man who murdered him, this Amahl, he has a son born out of wedlock. It is a very shameful thing in my country to be born a bastard. So this son remains unknown to the world, yes?” He licked his lips and said, “He is Amahl’s favorite, however.”
    Michael’s pulse quickened. He leaned forward, exerting his willpower to remain calm. “How do you