Read Online When Men Betray by Webb Hubbell - Free Book Online Page A

him, he said, “Jack, as a friend, I’m telling you to get out of there. From all I see on TV and read in the papers, there’s about to be a modern-day lynching of your friend, and the press would love to find someone else to hang with him. I know you’re acting out of friendship and loyalty, but those values have no meaning to the sharks. You’re fair game as long as you’re the one out front helping the Cole family. Don’t let them bring you down.” On that ominous note, we hung up.
    I was thinking about Mitch’s depressing advice when Beth emerged from her room, still drowsy and still in her pajamas. She wanted to order room service. I agreed, but couldn’t help adding, “It would help if you got dressed. And don’t forget to order hot water for Maggie’s tea. She should be here pretty soon.”
    Keeping Arcade Oil happy was next on my list, so while I waited for Maggie, I called Jerry Prince again. I figured he’d be on the golf course, but to my surprise, he answered the number Ron had given me almost immediately.
    â€œJack, I’m sure relieved to hear your voice.”
    â€œSorry—hope I didn’t call in the middle of your backswing.” Every Saturday morning from March to October, Jerry could be found playing golf at Burning Tree in Bethesda.
    â€œIt’s raining cats and dogs, and gin rummy doesn’t start until after lunch, so you’re in luck. When are you coming back? Do you need the jet? We can have you back before dark. “
    â€œMaggie will be here in a while. I’ll have her check plane schedules, or I may be able to hitch a ride with another client. If travel becomes a problem, I’ll get back to you—I promise. It’s a very generous offer”
    â€œGreat. I want you back here as soon as possible. Several members of the executive committee, including Don, saw you on TV and they’re pretty upset. You’re good at your job, but an assassin’s lawyer doesn’t fit the image they want for their outside counsel. I told them you were only acting out of loyalty to the mother and would never represent Woody Cole. That better be the case, Jack.”
    I felt the frustration building. “I don’t know how many times I have to say it. I’m not Woody’s lawyer.”
    Jerry had no real response to that, so we signed off, agreeing to stay in touch.
    I wondered what could be so important to Arcade, but I had learned from experience not to ask a client to confide in me over the phone.
    There was a quick rap on the door. “I’ll get it!” Beth, now dressed, came sailing out of her room, made a beeline to the door and let Maggie in.
    Maggie gave Beth a huge hug, looked at me, and said, “It’s good to see you both, but we have a lot to do. Let’s get started.”
    Immediately, there was another rap, and Beth opened the door again, happy to see the room service guy with her breakfast and Maggie’s hot water. Maggie carefully made herself a cup of tea, powered up her laptop, and looked up at me expectantly. I was relieved to see her, even if I had tried to talk her out of coming. We got down to business right away.
    First came the schedule. I told her I was set to see Sam Pagano at twelve thirty p.m. and Woody at one, followed by another visit with Helen.
    She added these to the Outlook calendar. “Okay, Jack. I’ve put two folders on the desktop. The first contains all the messages you received at the office. I’ll go over the ones you have here and update the folder by the time you return from seeing Woody. Now that I know your schedule, I’ll confirm our meeting with the hotel security people. Walter recommended an independent security person, so I’ve asked him to come as well.”
    My irritation was obvious, but before I could complain, she cut me off. “You can complain after you’ve met him, but not before.” She didn’t