Dark Harbor (Stone Barrington 12)

“But he did,” Caleb said. “His degree was in international relations, and he took the foreign service exam before graduation, then went to work at State shortly after that”

Stone shook his head. “That was a cover. Dick was a career CIA officer.”

Caleb appeared dumbfounded. “Are you certain about that?”

“Perfectly. Operations people at the Agency commonly have diplomatic cover.”

“But when he was still in this country and I called him at work, it was through the State Department switchboard.”

“It may have sounded that way, or State could have rerouted the call to Langley.”

“You’re saying that my brother was a spy?”

“He was a high-ranking officer in the Operations Division of the CIA. I don’t know how much actual spying he did. At the time of his death he had been promoted to Deputy Director, Operations, but he hadn’t started the job yet.”

“I knew he was coming back to Washington, but I thought it was as an Assistant Secretary of State.”

Stone shook his head. “That job is a key position at the Agency, one of the top three.”

“Well, I’m glad Dick did well at his work,” Caleb said.

“From what I know, he was highly regarded.” They had finished their burgers now, and Stone had most of what was needed. “Just one more thing, Caleb.”

“What’s that?”

“When did you last see Dick?”

“He came to the house for drinks after his return from London. He was on the way to Washington. That was a week or so before his death.”

“Did you spend any time alone with him?”

“A few minutes.” Ca

leb looked over Stone’s shoulder toward the water; he seemed to be remembering the occasion.

“What did you talk about?”

Caleb looked down at the table. “Family business.”

“Tell me about it, please.”

Caleb shook his head.

“This is important, Caleb. If you don’t tell me about it, then you’re going to have to tell the police.”

“It had nothing to do with his death, if that’s what you mean.”

“Caleb, immediately after you saw him, Dick changed his will, excluding you. I have to infer that his action was a result of your conversation with him on that occasion.”

“It was deeply personal and not relevant to the investigation,” Caleb said. “I won’t discuss it with you, and if you’re in touch with the state police, you can tell them that I won’t discuss it with them, either. Ever.” Caleb stood up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Stone. Lunch is paid for.” He left the table and walked out the door.

As Caleb left, the commodore of the yacht club entered the club, deep in conversation with another man. They spoke to other people, and whatever they were talking about seemed to spread around the room.

Stone got up, walked over to the commodore, shook his hand and asked what was going on.

“There’s been another murder,” the man replied.

Chapter 39