“You should know that Mr. C. does not share your amusement, and it would be unwise to bring up the subject when you meet, and if he should bring it up, be humble and contrite. We don’t want him angry.”
“I understand, and I’ll try my best not to needle him.”
“If he needles you, remain calm.”
“Remaining calm is one of the things I do best,” Pablo replied.
“Mr. C. has asked about your whereabouts, and since I don’t know, I’ve given him a truthful answer. I don’t think there is anything to be gained by letting him know where you are residing during your stay in New York.”
“I entirely agree,” Pablo said, “and as soon as I feel free to travel, I may relocate elsewhere.”
“I guess that couldn’t hurt,” Stone said.
“Flexibility of travel has always been very important to me,” Pablo said. “Tell me, do you know if Mr. C. knows about my airplane?”
“I don’t know, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“I must give that some thought,” Pablo said.
“I’ll see you Monday morning,” Stone said. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Now that my shoes have been repaired by Mr. Jim, I need nothing,” Pablo replied. “Good day.” He hung up.
THIRTY-FIVE
Stone was at his desk when Mike Freeman called.
“Good morning, Mike.”
“Good morning, Stone. I spoke to Lance Cabot a few minutes ago, and he was hinting that Strategic Services should pay for the hard landing his Mercedes experienced. He and I had only a verbal agreement about the trip we made for them, except for the charter agreement, which is in writing.”
“Does the charter agreement say anything about responsibility for equipment belonging to the charter company?”
“No,” Mike replied.
“Good. The other thing to look at is the terms of your verbal agreement. Did anything in your conversation with Lance mention your being in charge of the extractee or any cargo aboard the aircraft?”
“No, there was no mention of it. He told me that two of his people would be aboard the aircraft and would take charge of Pablo.”
“Then it appears that you have no liability for Pablo’s actions. The cargo, including the Mercedes, was government property and was put aboard by government employees, so no liability there, unless you actually caused damage to it, which you did not. I think you’re in the clear, and that’s certainly the attitude you should adopt in dealing with Lance.”
“Good. I feel better already.”
“Nor should the gentleman in Rye who owns the pool have any claim against you.”
“Even better.”
“If Lance gives you a hard time, just refer him to me.”
“I’ll do that. Lance hinted that Pablo did not escape his clutches.”
“Pablo did escape his clutches, but he will be speaking to Lance and his colleagues soon.”
“Voluntarily?”
“Yes, and under mutually agreed-upon terms.”
“So we have an ultimately successful conclusion to our mission?”