“What about a scientist named Ahmed Kazimi, do you know him?”

“No,” Lou said again, wincing because he was sure his eyes had darted left. Vaill definitely noticed.

“You and your crazy group are bent on destroying America, aren’t you?” McCall said.

“No! No!” Lou shouted. “I would never do that. I love this country.”

Vaill stood again and came around the table.

“Now we’re getting somewhere,” he said, his voice turning softer. “That’s good, that’s real good, Lou. You love this country. You didn’t mean to create this plague. It just got out of control. You’re trying to set things right by coming up with a workable treatment.”

Lou was feeling flustered and a little unsure of himself. He had no trouble imagining this line of questioning going on for hours, circling back to his prior statements as he became more exhausted by the second. He had no doubt that given enough time, coupled with hunger and lack of sleep, it was possible they would extract some sort of a confession.

“I know about your group’s motives,” McCall said. “I’ve read up on them. You did this for the love of your country. You think you’re doing us Americans a huge favor.”

“Nah,” Vaill said. “I think this guy is doing it for the power. Do you get off on what you’re doing?”

“I’m an American citizen just like you,” Lou countered. “I have rights.”

“We discussed that already,” McCall said. “We’ve slapped you with the public safety exception to the Miranda Act. You know what that is?”

“Miranda? I think so.”

“Being a smart-ass doesn’t suit you, doctor. The public safety exception is for terrorists like you. It means you got very few rights in this situation because we say so. Got that?”

“Then think of me like a journalist. They have the right to protect their sources.”

“So you’re admitting there is a source.”

Lou cringed.

“I’m admitting nothing. I’m just saying that if I had a source I would have the right to protect it.”

Vaill shook his head. “A shield law? Really? That’s the best you can come up with? Sorry, pal, but last I checked, the federal government hasn’t enacted any shield laws, so how about you try again. Who’s your source?”

“Whoever put you on this track missed,” Lou said.

The small room felt like a sauna.

“It’s evident to me,” Vaill said, “that you don’t understand how serious this situation is. Our country—the country you purport to love—is under attack, and you have information critical to our national security. Okay? Is that being clear enough for you?”

Lou decided not to answer.

“It’s sure clear to me,” McCall said.

“Do you know what sort of charges you’re facing?” Vaill asked.

“I haven’t committed any crime! I’m doing research to help my dying friend.”