Chapter 69 Chapter 68

Rafferty sat on the couch across from Ryan, panting and flushing from the movement of his huge bulk.He put a steaming cup on the table, picked up another cup, and took a sip. "My God, this work is exhausting," he said.He nodded to the glass in front of Ryan and said, "Come on, drink it." Ryan picked up the glass and brought it to his mouth. "Do you feel better now?" After saying this, the policeman fell silent, just looking at Ryan opposite.On the cement wall of the meeting room, water vapor condensed into water droplets.There was a tape recorder between Rafferty and Ryan, but there was no tape in it.

"Your friend, the American, or the Israeli—I'm not sure which country he is." Rafferty put the glass on the table and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket. "He'll tell me what his name is. He's always asking to see a lawyer named Rosenhauer. What's he up to? Who's he?" "He's a Mossad," Ryan said. "What is he?" "Mossad. Israeli agents." "Like a spy?" "more or less." A snort escaped Rafferty's nose. "Holy Mother of God, is it here?" He drew a cigarette from the pack and lit it. "I'm telling you, it's so exciting to me. The cases I've been dealing with a lot in the past have been where cattle have been stolen, or people have had a fight in a bar. I've never had anything like that. The state pays me My salary only allows me to deal with small things, espionage, gold smuggling, etc., I can't control-well, more accurately, smuggling lead bars. There are only three gold bars on the top layer of five boxes. Alright, without further ado, what I'm trying to say is, do I look like a fucking James Bond?" He leaned forward fat, with a cigarette between his thick fingers. "Have you seen that movie?"

"Seen." "I took my wife to see it. When the woman came up wet from the sea, she blindfolded me and wouldn't let me see it. What I can tell you is that that night, I let her Very happy." Rafferty laughed out loud, his stomach contracted and smoke came out of his mouth. Ryan cleared his throat. "I'm going to speak to Ciaran Fitzpatrick from the Intelligence Service." "I've been told that you'll make this request." Rafferty pulled a folded note from the cigarette case. "Unfortunately, Mr. Fitzpatrick is not at present. But, I know, you do have some friends in high places."

He opened the note. There were a few lines typed on it, and a gaudy signature. "This note is from Attorney General Charles Howie, who ordered us to follow the van and arrest the occupants as soon as they landed. This note was delivered about 20 minutes ago. Yes, it says, no interrogation of you about the circumstances, no tape recording, and I'll release you after careful consideration. He wants everything to be done quietly, without alarming the Americans, in case they cancel President Kennedy's visit What do you think of his suggestion?" "I think you should let me go."

Rafferty nodded. "I think I can do this, but it's actually written on the note, after I think carefully. After careful consideration, I don't think so. I think I'll let you stay for a few days, Mr. Ryan." Rafferty's fat body rose to his feet, gasping for breath. "Why?" Ryan asked. "Since you can't interrogate me, why keep me here?" Rafferty bent down and leaned against him, and Ryan felt the heat of his breath immediately. "Because I don't want any troubles on my site, I especially don't like those government officials to dictate to me, but the main reason why I keep you here is because I have the power. Can such an explanation Satisfy you?"