Strategic Moves (Stone Barrington 19)

“And—let me guess again—they’ve started a bank.”

“Sorry, I should have mentioned that; it was the first thing they did. It’s up and running and is a member in good standing of the world banking community.”

“And it offers numbered accounts and confidential services?”

“Exactly. It already has deposits of more than a billion dollars.”

“Does the IRS know about this?”

“Probably, but there’s nothing they can do about it. Attola has accepted no foreign aid from the United States, so we have no leverage there, short of invasion or blockade. I understand we would like to have a naval refueling station there for both aircraft and ships, so we’re being nice to them.”

“This sounds like a story on 60 Minutes,” Stone said.

“It probably will be soon. Why do you want to know about this?”

“It’s my turn to give you this answer,” Stone said. “I am not at liberty to say.”

“Gee, thanks. I spill my guts, and you tell me nothing?”

“Soon perhaps; be patient.”

“Go away.” Holly hung up.

Joan buzzed Stone. “Willa Crane on one.”

“Hey, Willa.”

“I can’t talk,” she said. “Dinner tonight at Elaine’s, eight-thirty?”

“Sure.”

She hung up without another word, and Stone was left staring at a dead phone.

At the end of the day Stone decided not to let Aaron Beck stew any longer. He called the Israeli Mission and asked for Beck.

“This is Aaron Beck,” a voice said.

“Good afternoon, Moishe,” Stone said. “It’s Stone Barrington.”

“Ah, Stone.”

“I have heard briefly from Pablo Estancia, and he has asked me to relay the following message to you. I quote: ‘Please tell Mr. Aarons that I have not, at any time, knowingly sold arms or ammunition to anyone representing any Palestinian organization, legal or otherwise, nor do I intend to do so. Any other questions Mr. Aarons has should be directed to Mr. Lance Cabot, of the Central Intelligence Agency, who has all the answers.’ ”

“And where is Pablo?” Aarons asked.

“He did not mention his location to me before he hung up. Good day, Moishe, and thank you again for an excellent lunch.”

Stone hung up feeling satisfied.

FIFTY-SIX

Stone walked into Elaine’s to find Dino not yet at their usual table. He sat down and a drink was brought to him.

“Dino called,” the waiter said. “He said not to wait dinner for him. He said you’d understand.”

“I don’t understand,” Stone replied. “Dino never misses dinner.”

“He said something about a double homicide.”