“Cut the shit, Ivers. The bottom line here is that this report will make you look like an able administrator. The one you've got will put your career in the toilet.”
Ivers just glared at him.
“Assistant In-House Coordinator of Public Relations. The job is vacant again, Ivers. In case you don't know, that's the guy who's in charge of running the free tours down at headquarters in Washington. Talking to civic groups is also part of the job description. And answering letters from high-school kids who want to know more about the Bureau for their term papers. The guy who's retiring from the job used to be the SAC in Sacramento. McManus is his name. I'm sure you heard the story. He got the job after it was discovered that one of his special agents was running interference for a couple of Russian spies. The poor guy didn't know a thing about it until he heard about it from the Director.”
Ivers's jaw was clenched. He was sweating like a pig. “No . . . I can't . . .”
“Last chance, Ivers. Take the deal or I take my story to the press.”
The SAC's eyes popped out of his head. “You wouldn't dare.”
“Why wouldn't I? My career isn't at stake. I'm retired. I've got nothing to lose.”
“You'll go to jail. The government doesn't look kindly on ex-employees talking out of school.”
“When was the last time you can think of that a reporter gave up his source? Those guys feel very strongly about the First Amendment.”
“You've got all the answers, don't you, Gibbons?”
Gibbons put the report back in his pocket. “All right, have it your way, Ivers. I don't give a shit.” He started for the door.
Ivers suddenly pictured himself on the dais at a Daughters of the Revolution tea. “Goddamn you, Gibbons. Give me that report.”
Gibbons stopped and turned back to see Ivers holding out the old report in his fist. After they traded reports, Gibbons went back to the window, lowered the blinds, and pulled the cord up and down, flashing the blinds. When he looked out again, Tozzi was standing at the curb in front of the bench, nodding and grinning.
Ivers stood up slowly, glanced at Gibbons, then raised the blinds all the way. Out the window, he could see Tozzi waving to him. The SAC sighed deeply and nodded his assent so Tozzi could see. Tozzi nodded back and smiled like a crocodile.
Bad Guys
All Rights Reserved © 1989, 2008 by Anthony Bruno
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