Collateral Damage (Stone Barrington 25)

“Have you taken a vow of celibacy?”

She squeezed his thigh. “Not yet!”

“Listen to me carefully: I suspect you’re talking this way because you’re afraid you’re imposing on my good nature.”

“Well …”

“Nothing could be further from the truth. I haven’t felt so comfortable in my own house since Arrington died, and having you there has made me feel that way. Please stay with me for as long as you can stand it.”

Holly smiled. “Standing it is not the problem. I’ll stay.”

“Good.”

“I’ll need to go up to my apartment and get some clothes, though.”

“Plenty of room in your dressing room in Turtle Bay.”

“Thank you, Stone.”

“It’ll save the Agency money on security, too. They’ll have only one residence to guard.”

“I suppose that’s true. Do you mind if I admit to Kate Rule that I’m living with you? She assumes it anyway.”

“Go right ahead. We can take out an ad in the paper, if you like.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to advertise,” Holly said, laughing.

“Right. Jasmine might see the ad, and we don’t want that. May I make a suggestion?”

“Sure.”

“Why don’t you get an Agency driver and use my car to go to and from work every day?”

“Oh, thank you, but we have armored vehicles and drivers available at the station. I guess I’d better start using them, instead of taking cabs.”

“Please do,” Stone said. “I’d feel better.”

Their food came and they dug in. When they were on their last glass of wine, Holly cleared her throat. “I need your advice,” she said.

“Of course. Legal?”

“In a way. I’m trying to figure out a way not to commit murder.”

“I hope I can help. Who’s the putative victim?”

“Kelli Keane.”

“Oh?”

“She’s told Jim Rutledge about the device at The Arrington.”

Stone put down his glass. “H

ow do you know that?”

“Because I had Rutledge’s apartment wired for audio and video.”

“And you’ve been listening in and watching?”