Ballots and Blood

Ballots and Blood by Ralph Reed Page A

Book: Ballots and Blood by Ralph Reed Read Free Book Online
Authors: Ralph Reed
Tags: Fiction, General, Political, Religious, Christian
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Greenglass’s five-o’clock shadow and pale skin were the most visible signs of the stress and exhaustion of his job. Seated at the table in a dark gray pinstripe suit and Charvet custom shirt and silk tie was Walter Shapiro, one of the top criminal lawyers in the nation. No stranger to the FBI, he most recently represented G. G. Hoterman in the Dele-gate scandal, helping the uber-lobbyist avoid indictment.
    Smart, thought Mahoney to himself when he saw Shapiro.
    â€œJust to make sure we’re all clear on who’s who, Walt is representing Truman in his personal capacity,” said McConnell. “I represent the White House.”
    â€œThat’s what I assumed, but thanks for the clarification.” He smiled weakly. “Sorry to be the cause of so much lawyering.”
    â€œNo apology necessary,” said Shapiro with a chuckle. “The FBI helped me put three kids through college. So on behalf of my wife and children, thank you.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” replied Mahoney, laughing. “Shall we get started?”
    â€œThe floor is yours,” said McConnell, leveling her gaze.
    â€œI’m here to ask questions related to the FBI’s investigation of Perry Miller’s death. While there is some evidence pointing to his being killed by an employee of Adult Alternatives, we are pursuing every possible lead.” He paused. “That includes the senator’s professional responsibilities. Mr. Greenglass is not a subject or a target at this time. He is considered a witness. We hope he can help us understand Senator Miller’s work as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”
    â€œAt the president’s direction, every member of the EOP will cooperate fully,” replied McConnell, using the acronym for Executive Office of the President.
    Mahoney pulled out a legal pad from his satchel and placed it on the table. It already held series of written notations. “First, Mr. Greenglass, on the Iran sanctions legislation. We understand you requested and Senator Miller agreed to a trigger mechanism that authorized military action in the event the sanctions failed to disarm Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Is that correct?”
    â€œNot entirely.”
    â€œOkay, can you educate me on the Iran sanctions bill?”
    â€œWell, the bill is still in the committee, so the process is underway,” said Greenglass officiously. “The chairman’s mark included language stating the NSC would report to the president and the DNI would report to Congress within twelve months on the efficacy of the sanctions,” said Greenglass. “So it was NSC and the DNI.”
    â€œDNI being Director of National Intelligence. What about the trigger mechanism?”
    â€œI would not use that phrase.”
    â€œWhat phrase would you use?”
    â€œIf NSC and the DNI concluded the sanctions hadn’t ended Iran’s nuclear weapons program, the president was authorized to take additional measures to render it inoperable.”
    â€œIncluding military action?”
    â€œIt did not specify. But all options are on the table.”
    â€œWho drafted the legislative language?”
    â€œWe drafted it and provided it to the committee.”
    â€œWho actually wrote it?”
    â€œExcuse me,” growled Shapiro, his lips pressed into a thin line, fingers fidgeting, the jowly flesh under his neck vibrating with anger. “Is this a seminar on how a bill becomes a law, or are we trying to solve a murder here?”
    Mahoney shot Shapiro a withering look. “Miller was killed the week before he was to bring the Iran sanctions bill to the floor. We’re looking into whether there’s a connection.”
    â€œFair enough. But what does that have to do with my client?”
    â€œI think that will become apparent in fairly short order if I can ask questions without being interrupted,” said Mahoney, his eyes

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