Vaill ignored him. “We’re talking major conspiracy charges here,” he said. “Conspiracy to commit offense against the United States will get you five years and some hefty fines, but, material support to a known terrorist group, that’s another charge you’re facing and that could get you fifteen plus.”

“Not if someone dies,” McCall interjected.

Vaill nodded appreciatively. “Oh yeah, thanks. You’re right. If someone dies then you could be locked up for the rest of your life. But don’t worry. I’m sure you can get posted in the prison infirmary—at least until the guys realize they won’t let you handle any drugs. Then there’ll be no one to protect you.”

“This is crazy. I’m not a terrorist.”

“You are in your government’s eyes. Now, who’s your source?” Again, Lou said nothing. “You don’t have the right to remain silent,” Vaill went on. “You have the right to be charged for a very serious set of crimes. So I’ll ask again. Who is your source?”

“Think about your daughter,” McCall said.

Lou’s eyes sparked. Vaill was locked on him.

“Emily. That’s her name, right?” he said as if congratulating himself for remembering. “Look, Lou, do you think she wants her daddy put on trial as a terrorist? Doctor by day, mass murderer by night. What press.” He dramatized the headline in the stale air. “That’s a terrible thing for a kid to go through.”

“She’d be bullied something awful,” McCall chimed in. “I mean the worst.”

“Probably have to drop out of school.” Vaill’s turn.

“It would most likely ruin her life. You guys are close, right?”

“Keep my daughter out of this!” The back of Lou’s neck was on fire. This whole tact was a ploy, a charade, but it still stung like a swarm of hornets.

“You see, that’s the problem, Lou.” Vaill again. “She would be like collateral damage. There’s no keeping her out of it unless you start talking. Everybody you love, everybody you care about. They’re all going to be questioned. This business is at the head of the government’s to-do list—our list of priorities. We’re going to bring on more manpower to turn over every single stone in the life of every one of them. We’ll dig into their pasts as hard as we’re digging into yours.”

The agents continued with skill and teamwork.