Blood Testament by Don Pendleton

got seven different guys who might be 'Gino' in the local Family alone. That's seven guys we know about, and never mind the other Families from coast to coast."
    "You have some reason to believe it's national?"
    "I haven't got the faintest fucking notion
what
it is," Brognola said, disgusted with himself. He downed his whiskey and started for a refill, then thought better of it and pushed back the empty glass.
    The Executioner relaxed a bit. Despite his pain Brognola was maintaining self-control. A lesser man, with booze at hand, might have been verging on unconsciousness by now.
    "Let's call it local for the moment," Bolan said. "What's going on that might provoke this kind of action?"
    Leo glanced at Hal and answered for his boss.
    "I'm running down a drug connection that involves some congressmen. It's youngbloods, mostly, but we've locked in on a heavy name or two along the way."
    "How strong is the connection?"
    "That's the problem. We can prove possession based on what we have right now. I've got a junior senator set up to fall for dealing. As for the supplier..."
    "Is there any doubt?"
    He shook his head.
    "No doubt at all, except we haven't got a thing to hang indictments on. This time next month we might be ready for arrests."
    It was a tantalizing lead, but years of jungle warfare had conditioned Bolan to search for hidden traps before he forged ahead.
    "I understand that Gianelli's still in charge."
    "You called it."
    "And he has some difficulties at the moment?"
    Turrin smiled.
    "What Nicky has right now are multiple indictments charging tax evasion, a subpoena for the President's commission and the makings of a shooting war with Cuba's finest."
    "Plus your own investigation."
    Leo nodded.
    "Right."
    "So there's a motivation. With your witness list, he has the chance to plug some leaks and maybe win some points with other Families."
    "I know a dozen capos who would kiss his ass on Pennsylvania Avenue to get those names," Brognola growled.
    "And with the names of undercover officers..."
    "He cripples out continuing investigations," Leo finished for him.
    "So."
    "It fits."
    "All right, it fits," Brognola snapped. "But what about this other bullshit at the office?"
    Bolan spread his hands. "Somebody wants that information," he reiterated. "Call it Gianelli for the moment. But he also wants you out, discredited before you have a chance to blow the whistle. As it is, you'll be suspected of delivering the information for a price. Two birds with one stone, Hal. Case closed."
    "Okay, so what's the answer?"
    Bolan's smile was thin, devoid of warmth. "The shortest route is still a straight line," he replied. "Remember Boston?"
    Something dark and fearful flickered in Brognola's eyes. "It's not the kind of thing you're likely to forget."
    "I'm turning on the heat, beginning now. Let Gianelli simmer for a while and see what comes up to the top."
    "I may not have a while," Brognola told him earnestly. "They're calling me at six, remember?"
    Bolan checked his watch. "Go home and wait. Hang tough. No matter what they say, you need more time. If the snatch and frame-up are connected, then they have to know you're working with a handicap."
    "My family..."
    "Is safe until you make delivery."
    And even as he spoke, the soldier wondered if his words were true. There was no guarantee that someone on the firing line would not get hinky, blow it in an angry moment. Hal Brognola knew it too, but in the absence of alternatives he would be forced to follow Bolan's lead.
    "All right."
    "With any luck, I should have time to make a tag or two before you take that call."
    Brognola cleared his throat, his weathered face a study in anxiety. "You've got another stop to make," he told the soldier haltingly. "Somebody wants to see you."
    Bolan stiffened. "Come again?"
    "The Man is anxious for a face-to-face. He's waiting for my call."
    The soldier shook his head. "No good. We've played that scene before."
    It was as if Brognola's frown were etched