Free High Country Nocturne by Jon Talton

think she was involved, too.”
    â€œShe was working for Homeland Security!”
    His voice was calm, the eyes sympathetic. “There’s so much you don’t know.”
    â€œYou’re accusing my wife of treason.” I couldn’t stop the heat from burning my cheeks. I tried to center myself by staring at the empty swimming pool, the water as flat as glass.
    Melton said, “You can help her…”
    â€œBy working for you? I’ve said too much already. You’re probably wearing a wire. What I need to do is get the best lawyer in town and go to the papers.”
    His shoulders hunched in tension.
    I said, “If Lindsey did these things, why isn’t she in prison already?”
    â€œBecause federal investigations take time. There are open questions. But the White House is putting on pressure to go after leakers and spies, especially involving China. Listen to me, David. I can help you if you’ll help me.”
    â€œMe, working an old DB case can somehow balance the scales of an active investigation of treason? Involving my wife?” I spat the words. It was not my best moment.
    â€œThis ‘dead body’ case, as you put it, is important to me. As for your wife, I can buy you some time. I know people, more than you realize, and they can work in her favor. That’s a guarantee. And maybe with that time and influence, Lindsey can…well, do whatever she needs to do.”
    What the hell did he mean? Clear her name? Leave the country? Meet up with Peralta to split the diamonds?
    â€œI want to know more about the accusations against Lindsey.”
    â€œI can’t do that, David. I’m already out on a limb for you. Washington could come in with a National Security Letter. Do you know what that is?”
    I nodded, not exactly sure but it wouldn’t be good. It would prevent us from discussing the case, perhaps even deny Lindsey counsel.
    â€œDon’t think it can’t happen. So you need to be very careful. The country changed after 9/11 and nothing got softer with the election and re-election of Obama. These are dangerous times and the government holds enormous power to protect us.”
    For a few moments it was silent enough to hear glasses clinking behind the bar.
    Melton shrugged. “Me, I tell my wife everything that happens in my day. You’d better not say a word of this to Lindsey.”
    â€œSo how can she help herself?”
    â€œShe can tell who she was working with inside the government…”
    â€œFlip,” I said. “Become a snitch.”
    â€œShe might be able to work for the government again.”
    I wondered if he was wearing a wire. “She did nothing wrong. But if a person did what you claim, I don’t think he’d get off so easy.”
    â€œProvide help and the charges could be reduced or dropped,” he said. “I’ve seen it happen. She might have to work at the Genius Bar at the Apple Store for awhile but it beats thirty years in prison for espionage.”
    â€œAnd the sheriff of Maricopa County knows all this, how?”
    He slapped the table. “I’ve said too much already. Are you in?”
    â€œGoddamnit, slow down! I need to talk to Lindsey first…”
    And then I was aware of the murmur twenty feet behind me. Turning, I saw dozens of people, young, beautiful, stylishly dressed, waiting to get into the bar.
    â€œNo time, David.” His eyes bore into me. “Are you in?”
    Thucydides, the father of historians, said that men are motivated by fear and then by honor and self-interest. And here I was.
    But I was not beyond churlishness.
    â€œI want my old office back.”
    He made an amused face. “The historic courthouse has been remodeled. I’m afraid your old space is now a courtroom.” He smiled. “But there’s another office on the fourth floor you’ll find to your liking.”
    He fished a key out of his pocket and