Body of Lies

Sarah Bayou, Louisiana
1:05 a.m. October 4

The flatboat glided slowly through the bayou.

Too slowly, Jules Hebert thought tensely. He had deliberately chosen a flatboat rather than a motorboat because it would be less obtrusive at this time of night, but he had not counted on this case of nerves.

Keep calm. The church was just up ahead.

' It will be fine, Jules, ' Etienne called softly as he wielded the oars. ' You worry too much. '

And his brother, Etienne, didn ' t worry enough, Jules thought in despair. Ever since childhood it had been Jules who was the serious one, the one who had to accept the responsibility while Etienne ambled along through life with endearing blitheness. ' You arranged for the men to be waiting at the church '

' Of course. '

' And you told them nothing '

' Only that they would be paid well for the work. And I parked the motorboat to bring them where you told me to. '

' Good. '

' It will all go very easily. ' Etienne smiled. ' I promise you, Jules. Would I let you down '

Not intentionally. The affection between them was too strong. They had been through too much together. ' No offense. Just asking, little brother. ' Jules stiffened as he saw the dark looming silhouette of the ancient stone church in the faint moonlight as they rounded the corner. It had been deserted for over ten years and exuded dampness and decay. His gaze flew to the sparsely scattered plantation houses on either side of the bayou.

No one. No sign of anyone stirring.

' I told you, ' Etienne said. ' Luck is with us. How could it be otherwise Fortune is always on the side of the right. '