Shoot Him If He Runs (Stone Barrington 14)

“Hugh, I’m afraid that, in the circumstances, I can’t answer your questions, at least not yet. Lance is firmly in control of his very small operation there, and this afternoon, he’ll be talking with Jim Tiptree, Bill and Annie Pepper and the ambassador, just to get everybody on the same page.”

“Well, certainly everybody is not on the same page now.”

“I know, and I apologize for that being necessary in the circumstances. I know you felt left out of this business, but please be assured that that was not due to any lack of trust in you. It was necessary to compartmentalize, it was done on my authority, and I hope there will be no hard feelings for Lance on your part. If blame is to be assigned for anything, please assign it to me. Anything else?”

“No, Director, I think not.”

“Then I’ll ask Lance in,” she said, pressing a buzzer. “Please send Lance Cabot in.”

Lance knocked, then opened the door.

“Come in, Lance,” Kate said, “and have a seat.” She reached over, took the bottle of wine from the cooler and poured them each a glass. “I’d like to propose a toast,” she said, and they all stood. “To the Central Intelligence Agency’s new deputy director for operations.”

“Congratulations, Lance,” Hugh English said, mustering a trace of warmth. “I know you’ll do a great job.”

The director and English drank, while Lance looked stunned.

“I’m sorry if I’m speechless,” Lance said.

“Never happened before,” Kate said, and they all chuckled.

“Director, I want to thank you for your trust; Hugh, I want to thank you in advance for all the help I’ll need from you to get a grip on the job.” He raised his glass and drank.

They all sat down, and lunch was served.

39

They were eating dessert when a muffled ringing came from Holly’s handbag.

“That will be Lance,” Pepper said.

“It’s not our regular time,” Holly said, grabbing her handbag and coming up with the ringing satphone. She walked over to the window for better reception and punched on. “Hello?”

“Scramble,” Lance said.

Holly punched the button. “Scrambled.”

“Holly, first of all, I have news, then I have instructions.”

“I’m listening.”

“Less than an hour ago the director appointed me DDO, to succeed Hugh English, and with immediate effect.”

“I congratulate you, Lance.”

“Thank you. Where are you at the moment?”

“At Bill and Annie Pepper’s house.”

“Have you been discussing Agency business?”

“Yes, but Bill swept the house; it’s clean.”

“Can they hear you now?”

“Yes.”

“Go to another room.”