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“That man He broke into my apartment earlier today I didn’t think I should have called you right away” The dam broke Tears rolled down my cheeks “If I’d called sooner, maybe you’d be okay”

“Don’t be silly Don’t blame yourself” He squeezedis using et to you Don’t let him Do whatever it takes to help my sister’s boy”

“I will, Walt You can count on me”

“I know I can” He gave ht you onto this case? I only ith the best, you know”

I returned the smile “You’re the best, Walt”

“Sure,” he said “But you’re alood”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

I stopped at the office to retrievea sharp eye out for Diesel Don or his black car I set upan old laptop with a wireless Internet card from my friend, Jamila, I checked into a cheap motel on Route One and locked myself in my room, ready to do business on the run

If only I could repaint h the curtains Even at night,stood out like a purple beacon

Staying at a ave me some peace of mind Still, it seemed like the calm eye of a hurricane One step outside, and I felt certain I’d be bloay

I stayed in all day Sunday, organizing paperwork and ed on the bed, files fanned around me, and made another to-do list

My first thought was to find Tina and wrestle the truth out of her While turning her in would be unavoidable, I had to do it—to get the truth and protect her

Second, folloith the police about the child porn discs They could be relevant to two ations and evidence of a separate set of crimes

Third, call Hirschbeck about the status of the audit and bug hi