covert actions are under his direction. There won't be an agent anywhere in the world that will be able to operate or function without his knowing about it.”

“How and who the hell told you that? Are you positive?” Joseph said nearly spilling his coffee over himself.

“I can't tell you who and for your own safety it is best that you don't know. But it is true I saw a copy of the orders appointing him. They were issued only Saturday. They are genuine and there is no doubt about it.” Barns said. “We have this from some of our most trusted counter spies and undercover agents in the field as well as another reliable source. You friend Fazzi is now the most dangerous man in the world. We want you to know this and I have been ordered to offer you a chance to get out of there. As a 'civilian' I can no longer order you to stay, as I can no longer guarantee your safety. If you were a regular FBI agent I would, but you don't have the training or the obligation to stay. I can see to it that you are safely removed and that you are given a completely new life.”

“Thanks Bill, but I'm not a civilian. This is army as well as FBI….and if it pleases you or not I would like to stay. I'm staying and that settles it. Anything else?”

“No, except that you must promise me that the next time I order you out-- you will obey me without question.”

“Agreed! Now my information and now that I know what you just told me-it all fits together. This past weekend Fazzi was in Dearborn overnight on some business. When he came back he had a meeting with two Syrian diplomats. One of them was the one that removed the bug from my car. They left before I arrived. Last night at dinner Fazzi told me that he is returning to Syria in two months….” And Joseph filled him in on everything that Fazzi told him.

“Yes it all fits. By the way Fazzi has no brother. Never had. He was born and raised in Damascus not a small backwoods village. Something big is about to go down and it will happen in about 2 months.”

“Just as a feeler, I asked Fazzi if he wanted me to go with him to visit Syria. He said no, not at this time. Perhaps in the future, but for now he wanted me to take over the operation of the fund. I think I could get him to take me along if I press him. What do you think?”

“It's a hard call. There are several options. Let's give you a lesson in agent tactics. First we consider the possibilities. Number one: Insist on going and he just might dump you. That would leave us without you in the picture. Something we don't want just yet. Number two: He might just take you and make sure that you find out nothing. In which case nothing has been gained. On the other hand, if you went and found out what was going on, he could dispose of you very easily over there. There would be no way for us to protect you.” He said rubbing his chin in contemplation. “You see how the process works, always consider your options. After a few years of doing this, if you survive, it comes automatic. The answer to the question?--No, you stay here. It's too risky. This