TIES THAT BIND: INTERVIEW

AUTHOR: Aesop

DISCLAIMER: The characters aren't mine, and I earn no profit by writing this.

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: Six people left Roswell, but they still have ties to that town. Ties they are unwilling to sever.

Oct. 2, 2002

TO: R. Culhein, head of Special Unit

FROM: T. Lewis

The following is a transcript of our interview with Special Agent Duff. The official investigation into her connection with Jim Valenti, the former Sheriff of Roswell, NM, and our own investigation into her connection with the subjects have been, per your orders, kept carefully separated. We believe the official investigation into her improper handling of the kidnapping in Roswell will be enough to neutralize her efforts to expose our activities. As yet, there is no sign that an investigation into the Unit's activities has been launched.

Certainly, as you are the one heading the probe into her activities, any accusation she makes against you will be suspect. We remain vigilant, however, keeping a watch for unusual interest directed toward any member of the Unit. Below is a transcript of the initial interview with agent Duff.

INTERVIEWER: Have you had any contact with James Valenti since leaving Roswell?

AGENT DUFF: Once or twice.

INTERVIEWER: What was the nature of your conversations

AGENT DUFF: That's a private matter, not related to Bureau business.

INTERVIEWER: Did you discuss the case, which caused Valenti's dismissal as sheriff of Roswell?

AGENT DUFF: Our conversation was unrelated to Bureau affairs. Private.

INTERVIEWER: Could you recount the events that led to the death of the suspected kidnapper, Grant Sorenson?

AGENT DUFF: Suspected? His victim identified him.

INTERVIEWER: Answer the question, please.

AGENT DUFF: He had a gun. He shot at me. I fired back, killing him. My report on the incident is complete and accurate.

INTERVIEWER: And this took place at the Dupree estate?

AGENT DUFF: Yes.

INTERVIEWER: What led you there?

AGENT DUFF: The belief that she might still be in danger from the person who kidnapped her.

INTERVIEWER: You believed this to be Sorenson?

AGENT DUFF: There was enough evidence to make him a suspect, but still plenty of doubt. I placed him in the vicinity of each theft. The equipment used to kidnap and imprison Laura Dupree was stolen from several cities. Sorenson was in the area each time and had no alibi for any of the thefts.

INTERVIEWER: So you had reason to suspect Sorenson. Why did you bring Mr. Valenti with you?

AGENT DUFF: I didn't, he came on his own, and arrived after the fact.

INTERVIEWER: There were no charges for interfering in a federal investigation. Why not?

AGENT DUFF: He didn't interfere. He arrived after it was over. All he did was drive miss Dupree to the hospital. She was in shock over the entire incident and had a few minor injuries.

INTERVIEWER: What about Michael Guerin? What was his part in all of this?

AGENT DUFF: Mr. Guerin was visiting his half-sister.

INTERVIEWER: There is no reference to them being related.

AGENT DUFF: It was a recent discovery. Apparently, her grandfather had an affair with a younger woman at some point. Michael was given up for adoption. Technically he's her uncle, but both thought that was… 'too weird'.

INTERVIEWER: Was he injured during the incident?

AGENT DUFF: He was, but the bullet just grazed him. He refused to go to the hospital for it.

INTERVIEWER: And Isabel Evans? What part did she play in this?

AGENT DUFF: Sorenson had been going out with her. He took her with him when he drove to the Dupree estate in Arizona, but forced her out along the way, in the Arizona desert.

INTERVIEWER: He forced her to come with him? Took a minor across state lines?

AGENT DUFF: She was 18, but he would have been charged with another count of kidnapping had he survived.

INTERVIEWER: I see nothing funny in this, Agent Duff.

AGENT DUFF: Nor do I. I'm wondering why this case has been reopened.

INTERVIEWER: I'm asking the questions, Agent Duff. When police arrived his body was found in the bomb shelter, yet the gun was upstairs.

AGENT DUFF: That's where I shot him. He made it to the shelter before succumbing to his wounds.

INTERVIEWER: Rather a long way to go with a chest wound. Are you certain that's what happened?

AGENT DUFF: Yes.

INTERVIEWER: There is nothing you wish to add to your report?

AGENT DUFF: No. It's complete and accurate.

INTERVIEWER: That will be all for now, Agent Duff.

END TRANSCRIPT

There are sufficient inconsistencies in the forensic evidence to cast doubt on her version of events. Even if she is not formally charged, the investigation should keep her from posing any significant threat to us. Any evidence she can give against the Special Unit will be suspect and her ability to help the subjects, if she continues to do so, will be severely limited by official scrutiny.