you considered that?”
“There was a security force hired to protect the congressman when he was in public, as well as his wife and son. I understand you were the one charged with securing these services.”
“You would need to ask them those questions.”
“Well, then, maybe you can tell me where this outfit was when it all went down? Why weren’t they protecting Acres when he went to deliver the ransom? Why weren’t they watching John Jay at school?”
“Again, I’m certain you would have to ask them.”
“I think I will,” Lyons said. “You got the name of this security firm?”
“You can obtain that information from my secretary,” Biinadaz said. “I do not immediately recall the exact name of the firm.”
“So is this a situation where you can’t tell me what happened...or you won’t?”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow you, Agent Irons.”
“You don’t follow? Okay, follow this. It seems to me like a professional protection firm would be a bit more diligent in executing their duties. They’re supposedly on the job and yet they’ve let their primary get killed and nearly robbed of a half-million dollars, not to mention the man’s son is now in the hands of a dangerous trafficking ring.”
“Trafficking ring? You mean like...human trafficking?”
“Yeah, a child-slavery outfit nicknamed the Red Brood. You heard of them?”
Biinadaz shook his head. “No, and I am certainly glad I have not. These sound like very dangerous and evil people.”
Lyons narrowed his eyes a bit. When the hell was this miscreant going to come off the wide-eyed-horror routine? Biinadaz had been raised until his teen years in one of the most violent and unstable regions of the Middle East. Could he really be so egotistical to think that Lyons would believe that he was a cultured and refined moderate? This act only demonstrated Biinadaz was far more than he appeared. In addition to his radical views as an Islamic jihadist, Biinadaz had proved beyond any doubt his direct involvement in what had happened to Maser and Acres.
Lyons decided to play a hunch.
“Are you by any chance a Muslim, Mr. Biinadaz?”
“I am,” Biinadaz said. “Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.”
“If it weren’t for our present circumstances, sir, I might find that question rather offensive. Are you profiling me, Agent Irons? Do you have some reason to suspect me? If so, then perhaps we should terminate this interview and I will contact my attorney. As well as your deputy director. I do believe we have his number in our records.”
Lyons put up one hand and rose. “That’s okay, no offense. I think we’re done here. I was hoping you could provide me with some useful information but it’s apparent you’re as much in the dark as the rest of us.”
“I hope you find and punish these animals,” Biinadaz said as Lyons opened the door to leave.
The Able Team warrior turned back and looked Biinadaz in the eyes. With a frosty smile he replied, “You can rest assured I will, pal.”
* * *
“SO BIINADAZ already knew Acres was dead?” Schwarz asked.
Lyons nodded but didn’t reply until the waitress in the luncheonette across from the federal office building finished pouring the coffee. A tall stack of half-eaten pancakes swimming in syrup sat on the plate in front of Lyons. Schwarz had already finished his food, but Blancanales was still busy mopping up ketchup with what remained of his bacon double cheeseburger. The lunch crowd had long been gone, leaving the three Able Team warriors to talk in peace.
“Yeah,” Lyons continued when the waitress left. “And he knew about John Jay’s kidnapping, the ransom. All of it.”
“So he’s in on it,” Schwarz replied.
“Definitely.”
“No chance Annette Acres told him?” Blancanales said around a mouthful of burger.
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