Page 54 of No Reason to Trust

Jake’s expression must have shown his scorn for that decision, because Diana held up her hand. “Trust me, I know that’s thin. I wanted it to be. I want the higher level moles to be nervous. Worried. I want him or her to wonder what’s going on. I fully expect whoever they report to will try to murder them in prison. That’s why the guards are required to log anyone who tries to visit them or even asks about them.”

Jake leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Any success so far?”

“Windsor was very eager to give up Nelson,” Diana said, scorn in her gaze. “I had him questioned for a long time, and I’m pretty confident he doesn’t know who Nelson reports to.”

“And Nelson isn’t talking,” Jake murmured.

“No, he’s not. You have any suggestions?”

Jake debated how much to say, and finally thought,what the hell.What’s she going to do? Fire me? “I’d lean on Nelson hard. Tell him Windsor has already given him up. Confirmed that he’s working for the Russians. You’ve put Windsor in protective custody, but you’re not going to do that with Nelson unless he cooperates fully.”

Jake leaned toward Diana. “Tell him you have two people with direct knowledge that he’s working with the Russians. And several more you can offer plea deals to if they’ll name the person they’re working with. I’m pretty sure both of those statements will have Nelson soiling himself.”

Diana nodded slowly. “Would you do me the favor of watching me interrogate Nelson? Watch his tells? His reactions? Come up with some other things I can use against him?”

Jake nodded. “I’m happy to do that. Not sure it’s going to do any good, though.”

Diana smiled. “I still have several cards I’m holding back. And I’ll make sure Nelson knows it.”

“Then let’s take Nelson on. I want to nail that prick. God knows how many men and women we’ve lost because of him. How many sources died because of him.” He drew in a deep breath. “And if you get him talking, ask him why he targeted Olivia and I. What did we see or hear? Won’t change anything, but it’ll satisfy my curiosity.”

“And you’ll pass the information on to Livvy?”

Jake shrugged. “I have no plans to talk to Livvy again.”

Diana studied him for a long moment. “I’m sorry, Jake”, she finally said.

He looked away. “No one ever said life was perfect.”

* * *

That afternoon, Jake found himself in an observation room at a federal prison. It wasn’t identified as such on the building, but the very narrow windows made it look like a penitentiary. Nelson sat on a hard chair, his wrists in chains that attached to the table. He looked around the room, stared at the door. Swallowed several times. It was clear he had no idea why he was in the interrogation room.

Finally, after almost a half-hour, Diana walked into the room. She slid into the chair opposite Nelson and set a file folder down on the table.

“Mr. Nelson,” she began, speaking briskly. “I know you know why you’re in this prison. I’m going to give you a chance to improve your situation.” She leaned closer. “First of all, understand that you’re never getting out of prison,” she said, her voice hard. “You’ll die in here. But your life could be easier if you’re willing to talk to me.”

Nelson shrugged. “Say whatever you want. I’ll decide to respond. Or not.”

“Okay, Mr. Nelson. Mr. Windsor has already cooperated with us. He’s given us good information, and as a result, he’ll get better treatment than you. He’s never getting out, either, but he’ll be protected. He’ll have a few privileges. Time by himself in the yard. A few visitors every month.”

She leaned closer to Nelson. “He’s getting those privileges because he cooperated with us. Tell us who you report to. Who’s your contact in the FBI? You give me a name, credible proof, and you’ll get the same treatment. You’re never leaving this prison alive, but I can make your life a little more pleasant. It’s up to you.”

“Why do you need me if you’ve already flipped Windsor?” Nelson asked, scorn in his voice.

“Because I want to know everyone involved in this,” Diana said, her voice cold. “I want to root this traitor out of the FBI. So you tell me who you report to, or you’re going down hard. And you won’t be protected in prison. How long do you think it’s gonna take for your boss to make sure you can’t give him up?”

“You can’t do that,” Nelson whined. “It’s not fair.”

“You think this is sixth grade, Nelson?” Diana’s terrifying, expressionless eyes held Nelson’s. “It’s perfectly fair,” Diana said, leaning back and studying Nelson. “You did the crime, and we have plenty of proof. So you’re gonna do the time. In the general population. Unless you tell me what I need to know.”

“You might as well take a gun to me right now,” Nelson muttered as he flopped back in his seat.

“No. If you choosenotto talk to me, you’re putting the gun to your own head.” Diana shook her head. Sighed. “Talk to me now or live in fear for your life for however long you survive in prison. Your choice.”

Nelson slumped in his chair. “I have to think about that.”

“Don’t think too long.” Diana leaned closer to Nelson. “We’re finding more information all the time. Most of it is really pissing me off. So the longer you take, the less inclined I’ll be toward generosity.” She began to rise, and Jake saw Nelson’s relieved expression. Then she sat down again. “By the way, why did you order both Olivia Williams and Jake Dunbar to be killed by your Bratva buddies?”

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