Collateral Damage (Stone Barrington 25)

“I’m glad you feel that way,” the director said. She opened a New York Times and read until they were over New York City. Moments later they were exiting the chopper and climbing into a black SUV.

“Have you been to the New York station before?”

“No, ma’am, I’ve only been to the city twice before.”

Kate Lee nodded and answered her cell phone.

—

Holly’s phone rang. “Holly Barker.”

“This is security. The director and your secretary are on the way up.”

“Thank you.” She hung up. “They’re here,” she said to Stone.

A moment later the two women bustled into the office. “Hey, I like this,” Kate Lee said. “Hi, Stone.”

“Hello, Director.”

“Did you enjoy this morning’s meeting?”

“It was enlightening,” Stone replied. “Are you staying overnight?”

“Maybe.”

“May we take you to dinner?”

“I’d like that. Let me check in with the White House and see what my schedule there is like.”

Holly showed Scotty her office and the kitchenette.

“I’ll make coffee,” Scotty said.

Kate flopped down in a chair in Holly’s comfortable sitting area. “I’ve been on the phone with the director of the FBI,” she said. “They’re terribly upset over there about the expansion of our charter.”

“I got that impression from the AIC,” Holly said.

“I know that man, and he’s an ignoranus,” Kate said.

“I beg your pardon?”

“He’s both stupid and an asshole.”

Holly and Stone erupted in laughter. “I couldn’t have characterized him better,” Holly said, when she had control of herself again.

“Appear to be cooperating with the Bureau,” Kate said, “but don’t let it get in your way. Any news?”

“Yes, the commissioner has turned out all the students at the police academy and has them papering the West Side with flyers.”

“What a great idea! I like that man.” Her cell phone rang, and she answered it. “Hello, darling,” she said. “I mean, hello, Mr. President. Yes, good flight. I’m with Holly and Stone. They’ve asked me to dinner. You need me this evening? Not for that, dummy, do we have a state dinner or anything? Good, then I’ll stay over. At the Carlyle. The Secret Service likes it. Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” She hung up. “I guess we’re on for dinner. I warn you, it’ll be a production—the Secret Service will be all over it.”

“It’ll be just the three of us,” Stone said, “so why don’t we dine at my house? I’ve got a wonderful cook, and there’s already Agency security on the place.”

“Sounds great. Nothing fancy, I hope.”

“We’ll dine in the kitchen. And I’ll invite Mike Freeman, if you like.”

“Wonderful! Scotty, will you let my Secret Service detail know that I’m dining at Mr. Barrington’s tonight?”