Brother Against Brother (12 page)

"I'd like to think so," Rita said, sadly shaking her head. "I'd enjoy getting to know you better. But I can't."

She took a long, deep breath. "I'm going back into the witness protection program." She clasped Joe's hand. "Not because I want to go. Because I have to go."

Joe nodded numbly. "So this is goodbye, then. I'll never see you again."

She kissed him, her eyes shining with tears. "Never say never, Joe."

As they drew apart, Joe could hear the clattering sound of a helicopter approaching. "Hey, Frank," he called inside. "I think our ride is coming."

"Great," said Frank, coming to the door. "Just promise me one thing."

Joe looked puzzled. "What?"

Frank grinned. "Whatever you do, don't hit your head climbing aboard. You can be a dangerous enemy—and I don't want you trying to push me out of that chopper at two thousand feet!"

The End.