Free Ultimate Betrayal by Joseph Badal Page B

was a mistake. I mean, maybe someone got the wrong house. But that sonofabitch in the Camaro was after you. You must have done something bad to someone.”
    “It’s always my fault. Right, Dad? Tommy’s death. Mom losing it. All my fault.”
    “Ancient history, David. Just because you feel guilty, don’t blame me.”
    “You made me feel like I was nothing from the time I was twelve years old. If it hadn’t been for Gino Bartolucci, I wouldn’t have had anyone to talk to.”
    Peter’s mouth dropped open and his eyes misted. “I didn’t blame you for Tommy’s death. I blamed myself. A father’s supposed to be able to protect his children.”
    David glared at his father. “How the hell do you think I feel?”
    “I know exactly how you feel. I didn’t know how to get past Tommy’s murder. I never blamed you; you’ve got to believe me. I know I didn’t give you the support you needed. And I resented Gino for being there for you.” He paused a couple seconds. “I’ve always been proud of you, son. And I’ve always loved you. Perhaps I can’t make up for the past, but I’ll do my best to try.”
    “Let’s go inside,” David said.
    David didn’t think he could eat, but he followed his father into the diner. He watched Peter eat a hamburger while he sipped at a cup of bad coffee, which only aggravated his already-sour stomach. When the waitress cleared their plates, David looked at his father. “What you said in the car, about doing something awful to someone that would make him want to kill me. I can’t think of a damn thing I’ve ever done that would drive someone to want to commit murder. Even guys my company caught breaking cyber laws, and who went to prison, wouldn’t retaliate by committing murder. I’ve thought a lot about it. The whole thing makes no sense.”
    Peter appeared to think about that for a while. “Maybe the explosion and that maniac in the Camaro were payback for something Gino did.”
    David shook his head. “Then why not go after Gino? He’s not that well protected.”
    Peter rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes.
    “Are you okay, Dad?”
    “My body can’t do most of the things it could do years ago, but my mind’s intact, and I can still shoot a pistol or rifle. The Army taught me well.”
    “That was a long time ago,” David said.
    “It’s like riding a bicycle. You never forget.” Peter sighed. “Whatever you’ve gotten yourself into, I’m here for you. I’ll watch your back. Don’t treat me like some decrepit old codger. And don’t ever question my love.”
    David’s voice broke when he said, “Dad, I won’t rest until I find out who killed my family.” He then coughed to clear his throat. “I can come up with all sorts of reasons why you should stay out of this, but I know you won’t listen. So, I accept your help. And your love. But on one condition. I have final say on all decisions.”
     
     
    By the time Toney arrived at his D.C. apartment, his headache had become intense. He placed a call to Rolf Bishop as soon as he had the chance to grab a beer and sit down. He hoped Bishop wouldn’t answer, but after the third ring Bishop’s distinctive, commanding voice came over the line.
    “What?”
    Toney wasn’t about to tell Bishop he’d blown another chance to eliminate Hood. “I followed him from the cemetery to I-95. He and an older man seemed to be headed toward Pennsylvania. I lost them near the Pennsylvania border. Maybe you can get me information on whether Hood has family there.” Toney heard Bishop exhale.
    “I’ll call you back,” Bishop said, and hung up.

APRIL 16

CHAPTER 11
     
    Out of the blue, Chicago Detective Dennis Aloysius O’Neil succumbed to the nostalgia bug. One day, nine years after he left the Marine Corps, he wondered about the members of the Marine unit he’d served with in Afghanistan. He’d periodically thought about his old comrades, about getting together with them, but this time he was motivated to do