At that, Smith smiled. “I like that answer. If anyone else asks you the question, give them that answer.”
“I knew you two would like each other,” White said. “And normally I would drop the issue right there, but Mr. Halverson and Ms. McLean have brought a problem. While investigating the attack on Agent Oberton, they have come across information about a suspect through a Native shaman.”
“What?” That made no sense. If Native shamans were involved with the Djedi center, Kavon would know, since he was a council member.
“Our visit yesterday,” Darren said, and Kavon made the connection. Angel hadn’t called them back, but he had said something to bring in a Native shaman.
“Agent Oberton,” Smith said sharply, “please be more circumspect, especially since identifying a Native shaman is a federal crime and you are a federal agent.”
Kavon put a hand on Darren’s arm before he could do anything—like apologize. “We visited an informant yesterday,” Kavon said, “and like many Native people, he knows shamans. We never identified anyone as a shaman, and if identifying someone as Native American is a federal crime, the Census Bureau might have a problem.”
White cleared this throat in a poorly hidden attempt to avoid laughter. “The issue is that the Djedi center is requesting assistance because they do not want this shaman to be placed in a position where he or she might confront a dangerous criminal without any sort of assistance; however, the law requires the FBI to remain officially ignorant of the status of any Native shaman.” White rolled his eyes. Many in law enforcement believed the law was an antiquated relic of the days when the government murdered Native shamans. They didn’t understand that Native shamans functioned differently than the more common Talent shamans. Hell, most people with Talent didn’t know that. Kavon hadn’t until Bennu came into his life.
“We had hoped you could provide backup,” McLean said with a smile that made her appear to be a sweet, white-haired grandmother. Kavon narrowed his eyes.
“Which is difficult, legally speaking,” Smith added. “I understand the importance of following up on leads when it comes to an attack on a federal agent—”
“But there is legal precedent for a federal agency working with Natives.”
“Precedent that goes back nearly a century and involved the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”
“But precedence nonetheless.” Assistant Director White and Smith shot brusque words and sharp looks at each other.
“I understand the political difficulties, gentlemen.” Halverson’s expression hinted at condescension and arrogance. Both men glared at him, but Halverson didn’t seem to notice, or perhaps he simply didn’t care. While Kavon was used to ignoring the disdain of people he didn’t respect, he would have hated to have White stare at him that way.
“Shaman Halverson,” Mr. Smith said, “I appreciate your position, but you have to understand the concerns we have over at the Attorney General’s office. Using these antiquated procedures validates them.”
McLean tilted her head a fraction. “And if we fail to take advantage of the opportunity to work together, the suspect who is currently wreaking havoc by dropping power all over the city will get away.”
Smith didn’t seem terribly upset at the prospect. Kavon knew something he would care about. If the council wanted a law-enforcement alliance for their purposes, Kavon would cooperate for his own reasons. And he knew how to get federal agencies to move.
“The other council members have failed to mention that these sorts of power sinks have shown up in a number of cities, domestically and internationally. Djedi centers worldwide are also reporting increased numbers of powerful guides are choosing to join with shamans. Something is happening, and as a law enforcement agency, we need to find a way to handle the situation or your office is about to be left with hundreds of unsolved cases and skyrocketing crime statistics.”
“What?” Smith’s eyes got large.
McLean sighed. “We were trying to avoid panicking anyone.” She glared at Kavon, but he got the feeling it was an act. He got that feeling a lot around her.
“So, it is getting worse.” Assistant Director White sighed. “The reports have looked increasingly grim ever since the O’Brien case, but I couldn’t be sure without official confirmation from the Djedi center.” White gave Smith a pointed look. “And I try hard to maintain the separation between Kavon Boucher, member of the Djedi council and Supervisory Agent Boucher. It’s a legal fiction that allows this office to work when one of the agents in it has such a high position.”
Smith pressed his lips together. No matter what he said, he was unhappy. Kavon feared that White might suffer the political fallout from this choice, but Kavon couldn’t help with that.
“You are a wise man,” McLean said. “Mr. Smith, we are simply asking that you honor the relationship the government has always had with the Djedi centers.”
Instead of falling for McLean’s line, Smith’s expression turned nearly poisonous. “The government never provided assistance to the Djedi centers. If the BIA worked with Native shamans, that was a necessary evil, given the practical difficulties of policing the reservations last century. I can’t defend returning to those practices, not in court.”
“Then the shaman will not come forward,” McLean said. Her voice turned cold as ice. “And the suspect will continue to drop power and blow up central DC streets. If anyone asks why the centers didn’t help stop this psychopath, I will be sure to bring your name into the conversation.”
“Ms. McLean, this is not a time for threats.”
“Oh, we’re past time for that.” She stood, and even Halverson appeared stunned. “This asshole is headed for mass casualties. When that happens, your name will be forever linked to that disaster. I want you to think about what happened to the intelligence officers who failed to warn the country about 9/11. You are about to join their ranks.” She turned her back and headed for the door.
Smith called out after her, but the door fell shut behind her as she left. Smith looked around, and for the first time he projected genuine concern.
“My colleague might have...” Halverson stopped. “I can’t say she’s overreacting, and she’s not prone to dramatics, but she could have presented that information in a more politically palatable way.” Halverson shrugged, and now Smith seemed even more concerned.
“If there is an imminent threat to the country—”
“There is,” Kavon said. “I suspect Salma al Ghamdi came here because the Egyptian authority knew something about this problem. However, Salma is not likely to discuss the internal politics of her group.”
