your friend on this one. And after tonight that probably includes me. I did this

out of respect for your father. But this is where my assistance ends. Just the

way it has to be. It’s going to be an uphill battle for you after this.” “But

what about my brother? Are you telling me I can’t trust him on this?” “Good

night, Puller. And good luck. I’m damn sure you’re going to need it.”

 

Chapter 33

 

THE TAHOE DROPPED Puller back at his apartment. His gun and phone were returned.

He went inside and slowly sat down in a chair, his thoughts like confetti.

 

Puller had seen combat. He had killed and nearly been killed. He carried scars

on his body earned in the defense of his country. He had worked hard to become a

good investigator.

 

None of that had prepared him for what he was now facing.

 

All his life it seemed that he had been searching for something akin to the

truth. And for the first time in his life it seemed that perhaps the truth

didn’t matter. It was an astonishing admission, and one he never thought he

would make. He had gone from sitting next to his failing father’s bedside to a

quagmire that seemed to have no bottom at all.

 

He took out his CID cred pack and stared down at the silver eagle shield and his

ID card.