What authority. The FBI. There were specific rules and laws he had to follow. Like he told Chelsea, he had made vows. He was authorized and expected to arrest any one who violated any act intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States or transcend national boundaries in terms of the means by which they are accomplished. Those who don't commit crimes in the US are extradited.
Sean sat down in a pew and ran a hand over his face. "I'm obligated by my own oath to uphold the law. I keep my word so long as it's humanly possible. It isn't just my duty, or my sense of duty, it's an oath I took in the name of God."
It didn't matter what side of any political conflict. If terrorist threats or activities were involved, he had made a vow. Mae was right. The letters had meant something to him.
"I already had one confession involving killing yesterday. That person is also under house arrest. Personal feelings, good or bad cannot enter into it." These were the people he had planned on telling about Lisa/Karen.
Hypocrite. He'd beaten the kid who ruined Molly's life. He may not have killed him, but he was responsible. He answered assault charges. He honestly thought he'd deserved a harsher punishment. There were those who wanted things hushed. Career probation was not the same as legal probation, the least he should have gotten.
"You didn't explain, and I didn't give you a chance. With your admission and your martial training, have either of you taken a human life?" The initial shock and rage was ebbing, but it didn't change his duty.
"I had to explain myself last night, and I'll do it again here. I've seen criminals fall so deep into a role they're believable, they've done admirable things to maintain their ruses. I've also seen undercover cops do ugly things to maintain their covers. Actions while in hiding are related to motivation. Actions once out of hiding hold more weight. Your confessing does count. But it can't be a get out of jail free pass. That's for others to decide, not me. Besides, hose arrest on this boat is more formality than anything." He admitted. "Unless you plan on swimming, it isn't like you can leave the 'house' anyway."
It might all be moot in the end anyway. If no one survived, if they never got to a port, if he disappeared, if, if, if...