Free The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

you to meet with Pete when you’re up to it.”
    Boone yawned and looked out his window. He shook his head. “Believe me, I’d love to talk to him, but I wouldn’t trust myself just yet. I’d want to give him a piece of my mind, but that’s not going to help. I want to talk to him after I’ve persuaded myself that he’s really thought this through.”
    Traffic was light, but it was clear Keller was in no hurry. He cruised along under the speed limit. “I’ve always looked up to Wade,” he said.
    â€œWho hasn’t?”
    â€œNo, I mean he’s a model. Concrete investigative reasoning is a hallmark of his, just like we were all taught. I’d love to think he’s going off half-cocked on this deal—for Haeley’s sake and yours—but when a guy like him takes a stand, I’ve got to listen.”
    Warmth had spread from Boone’s chest. He could feel it all the way to his fingers and toes, and though a dull ache remained in his shoulder, it was tolerable. He was, however, fighting sleep. “You sound as if Pete’s convinced you of something.”
    When Jack didn’t respond immediately, Boone shot him a look. “What, he’s got something on her? Something real?”
    â€œThat’s not my call; you know that.”
    â€œIt’s not his call either, Jack, but you brought it up. What’s he got?”
    â€œYou know you’re the last person I should be talking to about this.”
    â€œSo you were just going to throw that out and leave it lying there? C’mon. You brought it up for a reason.”
    â€œYou can’t tell Zappolo, and you can’t act on it.”
    Boone wrenched in his seat to face Keller. “I’m making no promises, but you’d better tell me.”
    â€œCan’t do that.”
    â€œThen why’d you start?”
    â€œCan’t tell you without assurances, is what I’m saying. You know I’m on thin ice here.”
    â€œAnd I know you intend to tell me or you wouldn’t have brought it up.”
    â€œListen, Boones, I do want you to know, but I’m way off the reservation here. You’re a friend and the best partner I ever had. And we both know you’re not going to be allowed anywhere near a case that involves your girlfriend, not to mention you. I have to know this won’t get out, because if it does, everybody will know where it came from.”
    Boone settled back in his seat. “You’re worried I’ll rat you out? Really?”
    â€œThat’s how big this is.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t want it to get in the way of your shot at Galloway’s job.”
    â€œNow, see, Boones? You know better than to go there. You know me better’n that. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. Nothing I say or do is going to keep you from nosing around and trying to prove Haeley’s innocent. But you can’t let on you know anything.”
    They sat at a red light, the defroster trying to keep up with the cloud on the windshield. “You want to prick fingers and mingle our blood?” Boone said. “Want me to cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle—”
    â€œJust give me some hint you realize how dicey this is for me. And a little gratitude wouldn’t hurt.”
    Boone fell silent. This was a different side of Keller. Talk about a model. Pete Wade may have been an interesting veteran and dramatic looking, always natty in his dress blues, the sky of his shirt playing off the navy of his trousers and jacket, and the gold star and brass buttons setting off his tight snow-white Afro and ebony face. And though Pete’s diction and delivery were as crisp as the crease in his pants, Jack Keller had always been Boone’s ideal.
    Jack looked good in uniform too, but there was something earthy, something accessible about him. He looked the part, no question. Ruddy-faced with short, gray hair, he was