Chapter 8

Ben caught his eye with a sharp glance. Perhaps his boss wasn’t aware of Mal’s carefully hidden feelings, but would he agree to this crazy switch? Please, say no!

Turning back to Dan, Ben shrugged. “I guess that’d work. You say this Hampton kid is reliable and has good skills? I won’t have anyone I can’t rely on.”

“I’m sure he’s good. I’ve known him since he was a kid. He’s about twenty-three or four now, and I think an E-5, which is getting up in the enlisted ranks. He can’t be a fuck-up to get that far. I’d trust his dad with my life and I have no reason not to trust him. It’s just that an outsider will serve my purpose best right now.”

“Well, I guess I can go along with that,” Ben said. He rubbed his jaw, as if pondering the notion. “Ifmy wife has this kid early, though, I might need to get Mal back for a few days to run things while I’m in and out. Your man wouldn’t be as familiar with the operation as Mal is.”

He turned to look at Mal. “You okay with this?”