The Whole Truth (A. Shaw 1)

“He said you promised not to visit me.”

“No, I promised not to visit you about this.” He tapped his right side.

“His men are all around here,” she added.

“I know that.”

“How?”

“I smelled them.”

“So you know I can’t do what you want me to do.”

“How do you know what I want you to do? I haven’t told you yet.”

She looked curious while Katie’s gaze darted back and forth between the two.

“Tell me, then.”

He rolled his sleeve up, exposing the metal staples in his wound.

“My God, how did that happen?”

“I guess Frank forgot to tell you about that.”

She looked at the wound more closely. “It looks like it’s healing nicely. The surgeon did a good job.”

“I’m grateful for your expert opinion. But that’s not why I’m here.”

“Why, then?”

He took a small metal cylinder from his pocket. “I want you to put this in there,” he said, pointing to the rip in his arm.

“You’re not serious.”

“Shaw!” Katie exclaimed.

“Dead serious.”

“What is it?” Leona said slowly.

“You don’t need to know that,” Shaw said. “It’s stainless steel, if that helps.”

“It doesn’t. There’s the risk of infection,” Leona began.

“Put it in a sterilized bandage. But there’s where I need it. Can you do it?”

“Of course I can do it. The question is, why in the world should I?”

“Because I’m asking you. Politely.”

“How far in?” she said nervously.

“Not too far. Because I may need to get it out in a hurry.”

“This is ridiculous,” Katie snapped.

“Not too far in, Leona,” Shaw said again. “And you owe me.”