Body of Lies Read Free

And he knew he would do it, just as he did everything that needed doing. Drop everything and get to the airport. He had to get her to leave Atlanta immediately.
    But there was one thing he had to do before he left.
    “I’m going to Atlanta.”
    “I’m glad to see you’re taking action. This had better be solved soon. Remember, you don’t have much time to clear up your mess. Boca Raton is set for October twenty-ninth.”
    “You don’t have to remind me. I can take care of both matters.”
    “We’ve trusted you for a long time, but the Cabal isn’t too pleased with you after that blunder with Etienne.”
    And Melton was even less pleased. He was probably looking over his shoulder and thinking he’d be next. Lily-livered bastard.
    “I had to shoot him. It was self-defense.”
    “Was it?” Melton paused. “I admit I’ve been wondering if you’re playing a double game.”
    “You have no reason to accuse me of that.”
    “Well, then, you’d better make sure your mistake has no repercussions.”
    “That’s why I’m going to Atlanta. I’ll find a way.”
    “See that you do.” Melton hung up.
    The threat had been veiled, but Jules couldn’t mistake Melton’s intention to pressure him. He smothered the anger and tried to compose himself. It was the first time in years that any of the Cabal had been in the least critical of him. He had served them faithfully. Wasn’t he entitled to their trust?
    Well, they had trusted him with Etienne, and he must make amends for that.
    Boca Raton.
    It would be all right. Jules had made the advance preparations and the plan was proceeding nicely. He could leave the matter alone while he concentrated on the Duncan project.
    Eve Duncan. Hebert leaned back and closed his eyes. He would go soon, but another few moments wouldn’t hurt. You’d think after all these years that he’d become hardened, but it had never happened. Not with the innocents.
    Get a grip. He had killed Etienne; anything else would be easy in comparison.
    Joe Quinn, Jane MacGuire, and hadn’t Melton mentioned Eve Duncan’s mother?
    Which one would he have to choose?
    “Look at him.” Jane’s expression was glowing with pride as she gazed at her puppy. “I think he’s even smarter than his daddy, Monty, don’t you?”
    “Well . . . he’s very good. But rolling over isn’t exactly the same as saving lives after an earthquake.” Eve smiled as she packed Carmelita’s reconstructed skull in a box. “He’s got a way to go.”
    “Well, he’s only four months old. I have to train him.” Jane snapped her fingers and Toby bounced to his feet. “Maybe I should go out to California and let Sarah help me. I bet she could teach him in no time. She offered to do it when she gave him to me.”
    Providing Sarah had time to do it, Eve thought ruefully. Besides traveling all over the world with a canine rescue group, Sarah was trying to adjust to marriage and keep her golden retriever, Monty, and his mate, Maggie, content and peaceful. Peaceful wasn’t that easy when it came to dealing with an untamed wolf like Maggie. “That could be a good idea. We’ll ask her when she might have a chance to do it.” She addressed the label on the box ready for collection. “But not until your school breaks for the Thanksgiving holidays.”
    “I could make it up. I’m ahead anyway.”
    In more ways than in her studies. Jane’s background had ensured that in both experience and character she was twelve going on thirty. Eve was glad to see this wild enthusiasm over the puppy. Heaven knows the girl had been cheated out of most of the joys of childhood. “Maybe. We’ll talk about it.”
    “Are you going to the FedEx office? Can Toby and I go with you?”
    “Sure. Right after I go and put some fresh flowers on Bonnie’s grave. I haven’t been up there this week.”
    “The chrysanthemums by the side of the house? I’ll get them. Toby and I will go with you. He needs to stretch his legs.”
    “What are you