“Listen, I get what you were doing with Humphrey,” Vaill said. “You wanted to save your friend’s life, no matter what you had to do, even if it meant being an accessory to grand larceny and setting up an illegal lab. Hell, I’d probably have done the same thing. But the truth is, like it or not, you’ve gotten yourself connected to the Neighbors. We can take a chance on putting you back in jail, but those people are heavily financed and very resourceful. If they want you, you’re not even safe behind bars.”

And I have something they may really want, Lou thought, picturing Humphrey’s book.

“Let’s see,” he said, “my hotel room or a return to jail … Tough choice. What are you going to do in the meantime?”

Vaill peered through the rearview and side mirrors and began a series of turns clearly designed to pick up a tail.

“Wish I knew this place better,” he muttered, swerving onto a freeway entrance at the last possible instant. “God bless GPS, that’s all I can say. After I drop you off, I’m going to pick up some stuff from my hotel and meet up with McCall at Miller’s place or headquarters—wherever he is. For the moment, he and my boss, Beth Snyder, think you’re with me. I’m going to tell them I dropped the charges against you and stashed you at a hotel until we can figure out how big a risk Burke is to you.”

“What about McCall?”

“I’m just going to tell him the truth—that I believe there might be a mole embedded in the agency, and that he’s on my list of possibilities. I’ve never been much at sparing people’s feelings if I thought it would help me get the job done.”

“Let me help you,” Lou said. “I need Humphrey to save Cap. Even with him, I’m afraid he may not make it. Without him…”

Lou’s voice trailed away.

“Give me two days to find the mole,” Vaill said. “At least I’ll feel you’re somewhat safe while I’m tracking him—or her—down.”

“I’ve got to get to the hospital. I’ve already missed time. Then I’ll tell you how long I’m willing to stay holed up in my hotel.”

Vaill made some more evasive turns and glanced over at him.

“I told you these bastards are resourceful. I don’t suppose I could talk you out of going to the hospital for like a day.”

“You don’t-suppose right.”

“They might be watching for you there.”

“If they’re that good, they deserve to have me.”

“Okay, okay,” Vaill relented. “I’ve got an extra FBI Windbreaker and hat in the trunk. We’ll both wear them and shades when we go inside Arbor.”

Lou regarded Vaill with gratitude and appreciation.

“So, does that mean we’re partners now?”