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Groom Lake, Nevada
Area 51
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Cagney came back two hours later with a fresh uniform. He sat down at his desk and grinned at Shannon. He tossed a clipboard onto his desk.
“I assume he gave it up,” she said.
“You assume correctly. He saw the interrogator and shit information like you wouldn’t believe. Didn’t even have to touch him. But we did, of course. After he gave it up.”
“And the interrogator.....was he from Room 7?”
“No, he was from a padded cell at Marion Penitentiary. Rather large dude covered in hair and scars, with one eye, a cleft palate, and one lip. Tends to laugh and drool a lot while he sharpens his knives. He has great persuasive skills. We call him Smiley.”
“I could have brought Coleman and saved him the trip,” Shannon laughed. “I guess Jeffy boy won’t be taking the plane back with us.”
“No, he will not.”
“Remind me never to piss you off,” Shannon said.
“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Cagney said. “I’m all bark and no bite when it comes to you.”
“So where are the bombs?”
“Five major cities. NEST is going to pick them up and bring them back here. He has one helper, who is being brought here as we speak.”
“I wouldn’t want to be that guy.”
“No, you would not.”
“Did he say why he did this?”
“Didn’t ask,” Cagney shrugged. “They just give you some crazy bullshit story about how the world is unfair, or some other horse shit. Guys like him are nuts, and nuts never make sense. Speaking of nuts, would you like a little souvenir?”
“No thanks, I have enough already.”
“Last chance,” Cagney said. “Before we cremate what’s left. Everybody should have a senator’s ball bag in their collection, freshly chewed off by a homicidal maniac.”
“Eeeeuw,” Shannon shuddered. “And I thought my confirmation party was rough. Well, it looks like you have things under control. Guess I’ll head back.”
“Thanks for all you did,” Cagney said. “That was some good detective work. I owe you.”
“Yeah. Maybe this will get you a third star. See you around, Cagney.”
“I hope not,” Cagney grinned.