Kaiser’s eyes have gone wide. “You and I obviously need to have a long talk.”

I shake my head. “Not yet. I’ve got things to do. But if you do this for me, we’ll have our talk.”

He weighs my proposition in silence. Then he says, “There’s no evidence suggesting Brody Royal was ever a Double Eagle. How can I justify including him in the surveillance?”

“You said you’re operating under the Patriot Act. Don’t I count as a reliable informant? I just told you the son of a bitch was the real power behind the Double Eagles during the sixties. That’s probable cause, if you really need it. From what I understand, you guys have been playing pretty fast and loose with National Security Letters.”

The FBI agent’s face hardens.

“Come on, John. Just put the Big Ears on those two bastards. The end will justify the means, I guarantee it.”

Kaiser is a tough sell. “What are you really up to, Mayor? Are you trying to use the FBI to prove your father’s innocence?”

“If I’m right, that’ll be a by-product of your surveillance. But everything I told you is true. If you really want to bring peace to the families of all those dead boys, then turn the NSA loose on Royal and his attack dog.”

Kaiser takes a deep breath, then sighs. “What are you going to do while I do that?”

“Poke a stick in the rattlesnake hole. Just like you.”

“Why does that scare me?”

“It shouldn’t, if you’re being honest about your motives. I’ve told you mine. If my dad has really jumped bail, he could be killed at any moment by an overzealous cop. I’ve got to move fast to help him.”

Kaiser blows out a rush of air like a man getting ready to make a high dive. “If I found your father first, I could protect him as a federal witness.”

A tingle runs down my back.

“If you tell me who owns that silver van,” he adds, “I could find him pretty quick.”

Walt Garrity’s name is pushing its way up my throat, but I force it back down. I can’t afford to trust Kaiser until he proves himself. After a moment’s hesitation, I shake my head. “I’ll see what I can find out. Meanwhile, will you promise me one thing? If your people locate my dad, will you call me before anyone else? Especially the state police?”

Kaiser’s sudden squint tells me my last question hit a nerve, but he doesn’t offer any explanation. “So long as you warn me before you do anything that might disrupt my investigation. I’m no fan of local politicos who use their power to settle personal scores.”

“Thanks, John.”

The FBI agent stands and offers me his hand. “Let’s go get the girls.”