Chapter 42THE PRESIDENT DIRECTED the secretary to a seat on the couch, and stood facing him. With no niceties, he asked, “Mr. Secretary, are you acquainted with Mason Hamid?”
Noting the coolness of the president's demeanor, no small talk, no how did you sleep? he merely answered, “Yes.”
“You're aware that he's been arrested?”
“I am. Can you tell me why?”
“Are you also aware that he is involved with people trying to tear down the government?”
“Mr. President, with all due respect, that's ridiculous.” The secretary shifted on the couch, but never broke eye contact. “I've known Mason since he was a kid.”
“I've been informed that Mr. Hamid has passed information to you, and that with CIA assistance, you are running a clandestine operation with international terrorists.”
“You have the wro
