Page 61 of The First Gentleman

CHAPTER 57

Outside Boston

T he meeting with O’Halloran was a bust. The former detective had done an about-face.

He’d previously been one of Garrett’s top sources, but now he seemed to be warning him off the investigation.

“This case is bigger than you, Garrett. It’s bigger than both you and your partner. Watch out.”

Garrett’s on the road when a black Suburban roars past, then pulls in front of him.

Garrett hits the brakes, then his horn.

“Asshole!”

He signals to move into the left lane, but when he checks his side-view mirror, he sees another Suburban moving up next to him.

He’s boxed in.

The Suburbans slow down gradually.

They’re working as a unit, forcing Garrett to ease onto the shoulder and stop his car.

Why the double-teaming?

His heart is pounding.

Is it Romero’s crew again?

Maybe he decided the last message wasn’t strong enough.

Maybe this time there won’t be a warning shot.

A rap comes at the window.

A professionally dressed woman signals for Garrett to lower it.

“Mr. Wilson, I’m Special Agent Leanne Keil, Secret Service.”

Secret Service?

Garrett places both hands on the wheel.

No sudden movements.

“Why are you stopping me? What did I do?”

“Hold on. Don’t move. Somebody wants to talk to you.”

Keil pulls a cell phone in a heavy-duty case from her inside breast pocket.

She taps a code, then puts the phone to her ear.

“Yes, sir. We have him.” She hands the phone to Garrett.

The screen is blank except for the time.

“Hello, this is Garrett Wilson.”

“Hi, Garrett. This is Cole Wright.”