Ackerson watched the play of emotions on Wade's face. He was enjoying every second of it. Wade wanted to smash that smug face all over the floor. Yet he was powerless. Ackerson was still an officer and there was too much left undone to risk everything now. He sat back down on the chair. There would be time when the blond man was a civilian.
"Thank you, sir." Allen grinned.
The Secretary extended his hand. "Congratulations again for a job well done." They shook hands.
"Don't forget, Ackerson," Boeman said as Allen hurried to the door. "The next week is mine. Solid interrogation. You're still in the service."
"Yes, Sir."
"And one more thing, Ackerson. I know your communication was working. Why didn't you answer our calls?"
"I thought that would make you sweat a little. I can see that it did."
The door slammed shut.
Neither man spoke when the door closed behind Ackerson. The silence was long. Finally it was Boeman who moved. He opened the top left drawer of the desk and withdrew a small glass and a bottle. He poured a drink and offered it to the Secretary with a glance of his eyes. The Secretary shook his head.