Is this fact or conjecture? she said.

Everything Ive said is fact, Luke said. My partner and I interviewed the diplomat this morning, but he was being protected by Homeland Security for reasons I know nothing about. We were forcibly removed from the scene before we could get much from him.

She smiled and shook her head. Was that the torture incident? I was briefed about that on my flight in from Los Angeles this morning. If it werent for everything else thats happened, you and your partner would probably be one of the biggest news stories in America right now.

It was either the hostility in her tone, or the coffee hitting his system, but whatever it was, Luke started to rouse from his fog. Less than an hour ago, he had saved this womans life. Being fickle was one thing, but…

We questioned him, he said. He was a reluctant subject, and lives were at stake. Including, as it turns out, your life, the Presidents life, and the lives of all the people at the White House. Believe me when I say that given the circumstances, we went easy on him. If Id had a crystal ball, I would have gone harder.

She nodded. Thats very brave of you to admit, considering how much torture is frowned upon these days. Its also quite courageous of you to decide that this was a Muslim attack, since we really dont know anything yet. In fact, given the current state of international relations, to simply announce that the Iranians did it is more than just brave or courageous. Its dangerously premature.

I said an Iranian organized it. He purchased drones. He paid the people involved. I stand by that.

Do you recognize that we are on the verge of war with Iran, and that there are members of Congress who want to impeach the President if we dont go to war? Do you also recognize that a war with Iran likely leads to war with Russia?

Luke shook his head. Thats not my department. Im just telling you what I know.

The room erupted in background chatter.

The President raised his hands. Okay, okay. He looked directly at Luke. Tell us straight out. We dont have to act on your opinion, but I personally would like to have it. Do you believe the Iranian government is behind this attack?

I dont make leaps of faith like that, Luke said. What I know is an Iranian organized the attack. I know that hes a diplomat attached to their U.N. mission. And the last I knew, he is alive and still on American soil.

The President looked around the room. Again, we dont have to act on Agent Stones information. But I would like him to continue gathering that information, and report his findings to this group, even if it results in some controversy.

It might be difficult for me to do that, Luke said.

Why?