“Actually, Dick,” I responded, emphasizing the Dick (sorry, Jen, I just couldn’t help myself), “I write them.”

I told them as much as I remembered about the murder. The SUV came out of nowhere. It whirled around the corner and aimed right at Amram. It definitely was intentional. I was waiting in a corner, by parked cars, making it impossible for the SUV to hit me without plowing into those cars. The SUV pursued me but I outraced it down the ramp. That’s how I ended up lying in a hospital bed.

Corbin looked at me skeptically. “You’re telling us you outran that SUV down the whole garage? In a wheelchair?”

“Yes, Dick,” I said, “that’s what I’m telling you.”

“Hoo-kay,” he said somewhat dubiously, scraping his thumbnail along the side of his nose, then writing down my answer.

This interview continued considerably longer than I had expected.

When they were done with their questions, Russell said, “Thank you for your time, Mr. Stone. I have to inform you that until we complete our investigation you need to let us know before you leave the area. Just in case we have a few more questions.”

Dick added, “One more thing. You are familiar with the new National Secrets Act, aren’t you?”

I glanced at Reich. He shrugged. “I’m not,” I said.

“Officially it’s a presidential directive rather than a congressional act.” He handed Reich another sheet. “Here, this outlines it. What it does is give the government the right to limit communications when national security is invoked. We are now officially informing you that due to the sensitive nature of these events and legitimate national security concerns, writing or communicating in any format information about this event will be considered a violation of this act and subject you to its penalties.”

“What are you talking about?” I looked at Reich. “What’s he talking about? This is total bullshit.” I turned back to Corbin. “How come I’ve never heard anything about this?”

With a smile that reeked of official power he explained, “The existence of this act is covered by the National Secrets Act.”

I was incredulous. “You’re telling me the Secrets Act is a secret?”

Russell waved a cautionary finger. “That means you can’t discuss it and you can’t write about it. With anyone.”

“Really? Wow.” I considered that, then wondered, “Then how come you’re talking about it?”

“Look, you…” Dick snarled, taking a step forward.

“Stop!” Reich warned him, shocking him back to reality.

“I know the whole thing sounds strange,” Russell said, trying to defuse the situation. “But there are times the government has to take steps to protect the public. This is one of those times.”

I couldn’t believe this. I couldn’t write about the fact that I was almost murdered. “What about the fucking First Amendment? You people just going to ignore that?”

“It isn’t up to us,” Corbin said. “We’re just following orders. And that’s what you need to do.”

I wondered, is calling Dick a dickhead redundant?