The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

on, but when he lost his job, that seemed the end of him. Boone knew he had landed some kind of security gig. But was it possible he was still able to get past personnel on other floors after hours and nose around in OCD?
    It didn’t seem likely. But he had to still be upset with Boone for not appreciating that he was willing to lie for him. He had to be devastated at not getting the job that had gone to Boone. And he was humiliated—or should have been—by Haeley’s continual rejections.
    If there was a disgruntled former employee with more of a motive for screwing up a major case, Boone had no idea who it would be.

12
    Mrs. Lamonica
    Friday, February 5
    Boone finally drifted off in the wee hours of the morning and slept till noon, rising famished and in need of a shower. He had not thought to ask for a supply of the plastic coverings for his shoulder, so after lunch he fashioned his own. Working one-handed made it slow, and the drape turned into a mess, but he made it work.
    His entire routine took him twice as long as usual, and Boone wondered if he had been wise to dismiss his parents. It was way too soon in his relationship with Haeley to even consider involving her in his care. Post–shoulder surgery was bound to be even worse.
    Boone turned on his cell phone and found messages from virtually everyone in his life. Pastor Francisco Sosa had called. As had Pascual Candelario, Jack Keller, Fritz Zappolo, his parents, Haeley, and—most intriguing—Dr. Duffey’s office.
    Busted.
    He returned that call first. The doctor was in surgery, but the receptionist read Boone a strongly worded statement from him, scolding him for leaving the hospital without informing the doctor, listing things to do and not do, symptoms to watch for, and how to get in touch with Dr. Valdez in advance of his surgery. Boone asked the receptionist to pass on to the doctor his thanks and assurances that he would behave.
    And yet one of the instructions from the doctor was to not venture out into the weather. As Boone planned to accompany Haeley to Zappolo’s office, he would not be obeying that one.
    Sosa and Boone’s parents and PC had been just checking in on him, though the pastor had spent more than two minutes reading Bible verses into the phone. That made Boone feel guilty. As faithful as God had been to him in the lowest valley of his life, Boone felt he had regressed again spiritually. It was as if he hardly gave God a thought. Sosa added, “Remember the survival of the spiritual life. It needs to be fed. That means Bible reading and prayer.”
    Zappolo’s message confirmed his appointment with Haeley and Boone for late that afternoon, after Haeley reported that her mother would arrive from South Carolina to watch Max.
    Jack’s message was an invitation to a farewell party for Fletcher Galloway on Monday, the eighth. Boone immediately returned that call.
    â€œWouldn’t miss it,” he said. “I don’t suppose Haeley is invited.”
    â€œHilarious.”
    â€œJust sayin’.”
    â€œYeah, very funny.”
    â€œYou sure you want me there?” Boone said.
    â€œâ€™Course. Fletch loves you.”
    â€œHe might not when he finds out I’m all over this case.”
    â€œJust don’t spoil the party by talking about it, huh? There’ll be plenty of time to—”
    â€œYou think I’m not going to try to get a minute with Pete?”
    â€œThat’s not the time or place.”
    â€œThen when?”
    â€œBoones, I got to think Pete wants to talk to you too, to assure you it’s not personal and to advise you to stay out of it.”
    â€œFat chance.”
    â€œYou want me to arrange a meeting?”
    â€œI’ll let you know.”
    â€œJust promise you won’t complicate the party. That wouldn’t be fair to Fletch.”
    â€œThat’s going to be one weird party with one of our own conspicuously