“Khaled was right about this what’s-his-name,” said one of the red ties that had been at Lahouari’s apartment. “Oh, here it is. Kamal.”

“Point of order, if I may,” said a state trooper named Malcolm. “Can we agree to use both names for these individuals? Khaled. Khaled Mohammed? Khaled Abdul? Kamal Something? For those of us not privy to all JTTF three-oh-twos.”

One question into the meeting, April said to herself, and who-shares-what-with-who was started. You were in the Joint Terrorism Task Force, you read the 302s. And everyone here was JTTF.

“We all know the guidelines for dissemination of three-oh-two reports,” said the associate U.S. attorney, who was the Massachusetts Anti-Terrorism Task Force coordinator. “Malcolm, for all practical purposes you get all the three-oh-twos. The foreign intelligence component to this investigation is just starting. And when it goes full throttle, I assure you I will be holding extremely detailed declassified briefings, with written materials, for all concerned.”

“To answer your question, Malcolm,” said the red tie, “Khaled is the last name of our CS. His first name is Lahouari.”

“Can you spell that please?” This from another FBI agent new to the task force from Detroit.

“Okay, it’s L-A-H-O-U-A-R-I.”

“This confidential source,” said a Boston police officer. “Remind me again. Is he someone we learned about from the so-called Charlie Stone?”

“Negative,” the red tie said. “Charlie Stone was unable to gain access to Kamal Gamal. He was on the periphery of the cell but was never able to penetrate. Khaled—excuse me, Lahouari Khaled— came to immigration’s attention because of a hotline tip. He was living in a studio apartment in Revere that had at least eight occupants. Landlord called him in, along with quite a few others.”

“Gentlemen, I think it’s important, for these meetings to be a success, that we all read—and I mean read—the reports in your packets,” said the associate U.S. attorney. “For some of you, this is your first exposure to names of a Muslim or Arabic type. It is not easy, I assure you. But familiarizing yourself with these names can be done.”

April motioned to the red tie who had started the meeting. “Richard,” she said. “Please continue.”