Counterfeit Lies

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The front porch of the tiny cabin brought a measure of comfort but failed to erase the loneliness. An easy life is rarely meaningful and a meaningful life rarely easy. Jake’s life had been meaningful in ways he never anticipated. Slouching in his favorite chair, he drained the second beer with a final gulp, wishing he could reverse some of the “meaning” and find more of the “ease”… it had been a rough year.

The smoke from his Macanudo Hyde Park lingered as he stared at the bright stars in the clear Topanga Canyon sky. Katie hated the cigars, failing to appreciate the mild almond and fresh herb scents. She described the cigar’s fine aroma as “burning horse dung.”

A smile crossed his face as memories of his wife flooded his mind. She loved him through all his scars, visible and hidden. The heartache that seared his soul for so many months abated somewhat when he focused on the great times they shared.

His cell phone rang, interrupting the moment. Noting the caller ID, he answered on the second ring.

“This better be important.”

“We need to meet first thing in the morning,” said Trey Bennett.

“What’s up?”

“Can’t talk about it over the phone.”

Jake shook his head. “Don’t tell me you’re getting a case of the for-reals.”

“Maybe I am but we need to meet first thing.”

“Where?”

“The JTTF.”

“Who called the meeting?”

“The front office.”

“Is this because of Vegas?”

“This has nothing to do with your wasteful trek to Glitter Gulch. The meeting’s in the SCIF at eight.”

Jake screwed up his face trying to determine why the meeting had to be conducted in the top-secret portion of the building GSA leased for the Bureau and several other three-letter U.S. government agencies. “You want to give me a clue as to what this is all about?”

“No can do, big guy, but I think for once the brass wants to see you and you aren’t in trouble.”

“And some people don’t believe in miracles,” said Jake.

It was difficult to imagine why a lawyer’s solicitation to commit murder necessitated a top-secret summit. Mandatory morning meetings with an administrator usually resulted in a restless night’s sleep. Jake joked he committed a felony a day but with sufficient warning he could provide an alibi and defense for even his most egregious conduct. So far he was golden on this assignment. Maybe he could sleep soundly tonight.