Huston, James W. -2003- Secret Justice (com v4.0)(html) by Secret Justice (com v4.0) Page B

attorney and start playing the defendant, my career here with the SAS is over. Is that about right?”
    Jacobs considered. “I know what the implications are, Rat. You’re the best operator we’ve got. I’ll do anything to help you, but I can’t change the facts.”
    Rat had known this might happen. Even while in Sudan, he had known it might come back to bite him. He had decided it was worth it. He had been willing to risk his life to get Duar, so risking his career, even a little jail time, was well worth it. And now the people who sat behind desks and read books were going to tell him what he should have done. “You coming with me?”
    “Sure.”
    They walked to the conference room where the FBI was waiting. Jacobs spoke quietly to Rat as they walked down the marble hallway. “General counsel for the Agency will be there.”
    “Good.”
    Jacobs walked into the conference room like he owned it. There were three FBI agents, and Christopher Vithoulkas, the CIA’s general counsel. They stood up quickly, surprised by Jacobs.
    One of the FBI agents extended his hand and introduced himself. “Morning. I’m special agent David Dominoff, and this is special agent Lauren Reynolds, and Brent Harvey.”
    “Don Jacobs. This is Kent Rathman,” he said, pointing.
    Rat stood on the other side of the table from the FBI. He made no move to be friendly or shake anyone’s hand.
    “What did you want to see me about?” Rat asked.
    Dominoff looked at Rat, surprised. “Well, I assumed you knew that we’re here to talk about the man that was captured, the one who died aboard the
Belleau Wood
.”
    Rat said nothing.
    “Before going further I must advise you that this is a criminal investigation. We’re here to investigate whether a crime has been committed, and whether any charges should be brought. You are the focus of the criminal investigation. As such, you are a suspect of a crime, although we have not yet decided whether a crime has in fact been committed. This is the investigation phase. Even though it is only the investigation phase, we want to ensure that you understand that you’re entitled to the presence of counsel to represent you even in this investigation phase. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to. If you’d like to consult with an attorney, then let us know. If you say anything at all, it can and will be used against you. Do you want to have an attorney present at these questions?”
    Rat never thought anyone would ask him that question. He was numb. “No.”
    “Very well. As we were saying, you are aware that one of the men you captured in Sudan died aboard the
Belleau Wood
.”
    “I heard that. Last time I saw him, he was walking around and looked fine. Maybe it’s medical malpractice.”
    “Are you aware he died from pneumonia, caused by the ingestion of foreign objects—mostly vomit—into his lungs, which led to infection and death?”
    “I’ve heard that.”
    “Do you know how he happened to have vomit in his lungs?” Dominoff stared at Rat with eyes that would intimidate most witnesses. Rat was not intimidated but he was acutely aware of the implications of what was happening.
    “No comment.”
    “The man—whose name is Mazmin—said you had tortured him. Did you?”
    “Define torture.”
    Dominoff was expecting another “no comment.” He looked at Reynolds, who was taking notes furiously. She looked up. Some kind of understanding passed between them based on a look he gave her. Dominoff spoke slowly, “Well, I’m not sure I can give you an exhaustive definition, but let’s just say it is the use of force or other means of persuasion to get someone to talk against their will. Do you agree with that definition?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Did you do anything like that to this man who is now dead?”
    “Other means of persuasion so they’ll talk against their will? Like asking a question twice?”
    “I wouldn’t think that would be torture.”
    “What about