Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

“That is certainly grounds for keeping your mouth shut,” Stone said. “Well, you have your reputation to think about. If I were you, I’d distance myself from David,” he advised.

“He’s already in the islands,” Herbie pointed out. “Isn’t that far enough?”

“I was speaking metaphorically, not geographically.”

“Huh?”

Stone looked at his watch. “Never mind. I have to go to a meeting. Was there something in particular you wanted to see me about?”

Herbie scratched his head. “Yeah, but I can’t remember what it was.”

Stone got into his coat. “It’ll have to wait.”

“Oh, I remember: the accountants said it wasn’t Peter Collins that stole the money.”

Stone stared at Herbie. “Already? Who did they say it was?”

“David.”

“How much did David steal?” Stone asked.

“A little over a million dollars,” Herbie replied.

“Well, that doesn’t sound so bad. I’m sure Jack Gunn can write a check for that.”

“No, I’m sorry, it was a little over a billion.”

Stone’s jaw dropped. “Well, those three little zeros make a difference, don’t they?”

“I guess.”

“Gotta run, Herbie,” Stone said, making for the door.

Stone had trouble getting a cab, and traffic was bad, so he was five minutes late arriving at Mike Freeman’s office. The secretary told him to go in, and when he did he found Mike talking with someone Stone knew.

“Come in, Stone,” Freeman said. “I’d like you to meet Lance Cabot.”

“We’ve met,” Lance said drily. Lance was the deputy director of intelligence for operations at the Central Intelligence Agency.

“How are you, Lance?” Stone asked, shaking his hand. He was tempted to check his wallet.

“Very well, Stone,” Lance replied, sitting back down. “I’m surprised to run into you at Strategic Services.”

“That makes two of us,” Stone said, taking a seat.

“How do you two know each other?” Freeman asked.

Stone started to reply, but Lance beat him to it. “We’ve had dealings in the past,” he said casually.

“Mike,” Stone said, “this is a business meeting, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, I’m afraid I have to declare an interest.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Lance said.

Stone ignored him. “Some time ago I signed a consultant’s agreement with Lance’s employer, and I’ve done some odd jobs for him.”