“We didn’t see that,” Dad protested.
“You didn’t look,” Agent Walsh corrected. “Mr. and Mrs. Peton, we need you to come with us for questioning. We also need to speak with the buyer and their representatives. This is a federal investigation into the unauthorized sale of diplomatic property.”
“Federal investigation?” Natalie looked close to fainting.
“Ma’am, are you involved in this transaction?” Agent Walsh turned to her.
“No, I just—I’m just the sister.”
“Then you’re free to go. Mr. and Mrs. Peton, if you’ll come with us.”
“Wait,” Dad said. “We need to call our lawyer. We have rights.”
“You absolutely have rights, sir,” Agent Walsh said. “You have the right to legal representation. You have the right to remain silent. I suggest exercising the latter until you’ve secured the former. This is a serious matter, Mr. Peton. The sale of diplomatic property without authorization violates multiple federal statutes.”
“We’ll return the money,” Mom said quickly. “Just give us the buyer’s information and we’ll reverse the whole thing.”
“It’s not that simple, ma’am,” another agent said. “The property is under federal protection. The sale is automatically void, but the attempt to sell it, the execution of the transaction, and the receipt of funds all constitute separate violations.”
“Violations of what?” Dad demanded.
“The Foreign Missions Act, for one,” Agent Walsh said. “Potentially fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and misrepresentation of property status. We’ll know more after our investigation.”
Richard stood silently in the corner.
Then he spoke.
“I advised them on the sale,” he said suddenly. “I helped structure the LLC transaction. I didn’t know about the diplomatic status either.”
“Then we’ll need to speak with you as well, Mr.—”
“Richard Chin. I’m married to their daughter Natalie.”
“Mr. Chin, we’ll need a statement from you about your involvement in the transaction.”
Agent Walsh turned toward me.
“Deputy Chief Peton, we’ll need a statement from you as well about the property, your position, and why your family had access to diplomatic property.”
“They were listed as co-owners,” I said. “I added them when I first purchased the property because I was new to the diplomatic service and uncertain about the legalities. It was poor judgment on my part.”
“We’ll need that in writing,” Agent Walsh said. “But for now, Mr. and Mrs. Peton, please come with us.”
