Page 18 of Jael

“There we go,” she said. “There is something.”

“I don’t like this.”

“You don’t have to like it. Since when has that ever been a consideration?”

“If I help you, we’re doing things my way.”

“Within reason. I have no intention of babysitting you. I know how you work. I trust you to get the job done.”

“But if you can’t get me what I want?—”

“I can.”

“We’ll see. One of my boys has been arrested.”

“Let me guess. He didn’t do it? You want to blame a corrupt police force? I’m sure I can find some dirt.”

“No. Hediddo it. But he was a different kid back then.”

“They all are, aren’t they? You want to help him because he’s a reflection of yourself?”

“Does it matter?”

“Not really. Okay. You want him exonerated? Consider it done. Now, would you like to hear the rest of my plan?”

“I’m not finished yet.”

She looked impressed. “I’m listening.”

“These boys need new uniforms. Sneakers, jerseys, everything.”

“Easy.”

“And my building.” He pointed to a tangle of metal and cement. “I want to make a place where the kids can study and learn. I’ve gotten it started, but the construction has been moving too slowly. I want it finished within a year. Also, I want books, desk, tables, chairs. The works.”

“Is that all?”

“I don’t have any money, so I’ll need my expenses covered while I’m back in the States. ”

“Done and done.”

“You must be really desperate.”

“Sisera is making a fool out of us,” she said. “He’s gotten stronger and more shrewd. But also more dangerous. We need to bring him down, and we’ve tried everything else. So, are you in?”

“I guess so.” He held out a hand, but neither one of them smiled as they shook.

“You ready to hear the rest?”

“May as well.”

“Fantastic. I’ve got your backstory lined up. You’ve been in prison. I have all the paperwork.”

“Already?”

“I had reason to be confident.”

“Makes me want to change my mind,” he said.

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